Lehigh Valley

Penn State Lehigh Valley to celebrate Global Entrepreneurship Week

GEW is celebrated Nov. 8-16 at the Lehigh Valley campus

CENTER VALLEY, Pa. — Penn State Lehigh Valley aims to inspire an entrepreneurial spirit in its students. For the week of Nov. 8-16, the Lehigh Valley campus is celebrating Global Entrepreneurship Week with the following events:

R. Stanley Allen, co-founder and executive chairman of SolAmerica Energy, will speak at the Lehigh Valley campus as part of Global Entrepreneurship Week. Credit: R. Stanley AllenAll Rights Reserved.

A Solar Entrepreneur

12:15 to 1:15 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 8, Room 302, Penn State Lehigh Valley

R. Stanley Allen, co-founder and executive chairman of SolAmerica Energy, an Atlanta-based solar developer and engineering, procurements and construction firm, will describe his firm, discuss the solar and renewable energy industries and his background as an entrepreneur. The focus of his presentation, which is also part of the Penn State Lehigh Valley Faculty Invitational Lecture Series, will discuss general trends, federal and state policy initiatives as well as where the industries fit within the broader context of the energy and power sectors. Allen will discuss the pros and cons of being an entrepreneur and his assessment of what it takes to be a successful entrepreneur.

So, You Want to be a Consultant?

Noon to 1 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 13, Room 135, Penn State Lehigh Valley

The International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) is partnering with Lehigh Valley LaunchBox during GEW for engaging roundtable discussions on freelancing, consulting and entrepreneurship in the communications field. Interactive discussion topics will be led by successful marketing and communications consultants, entrepreneurs and Penn State academics. Topics include getting started, building a client base, working with consultants and much more. Registration is required for this event. To register, visit www.facebook.com/IABCLV.

LaunchBox Ladies: From Passion to Profit

4:30 to 6 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 14, Room 135, Penn State Lehigh Valley

The Business of Art

Join us to hear from our esteemed entrepreneurs who contribute to the business of art in the Lehigh Valley and beyond. Light fare included; $10 donation requested at door (cash or check). To register, visit launchbox.lv.psu.edu/ladies.

Sharon Glassman will be part of LaunchBox Ladies on Nov. 14 at the Lehigh Valley campus. Credit: Sharon GlassmanAll Rights Reserved.

Sharon Glassman, Civic Theatre of Allentown, president

Glassman, a writer and producer, served as president of the Civic Theatre of Allentown for more than 35 years. She currently saw them through their $5.5 million capital campaign and restoration. She is a founding member of the Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival of the Arts, taught at Muhlenberg College and Emmaus High School, and was president of the Allentown Arts Commission for 15 years. 

 Ann Elizabeth Schlegel will be part of LaunchBox Ladies on Nov. 14 at the Lehigh Valley campus. Credit: Ann Elizabeth SchlegelAll Rights Reserved.

Ann Elizabeth Schlegel, visual artist/painter

Schlegel, a native of Allentown, is primarily an oil and acrylic painter who has received numerous accolades including the Arts Ovation Award for outstanding achievement in the visual arts with special recognition by the Pennsylvania State Senate and House of Representatives. She has received the 'Addy' award for her 2003 Musikfest poster and also earned the distinction of 'Artiste d'Honneur' of Antibes, France.

 Diane Wittry will be part of LaunchBox Ladies on Nov. 14 at the Lehigh Valley campus. Credit: Diane WittryAll Rights Reserved.

Diane Wittry, Allentown Symphony Orchestra

Wittry is an internationally acclaimed conductor, author, and speaker who leads the Allentown Symphony Orchestra and specializes in conducing American music abroad. She is known in the United States for her innovative and creative programming and was recently named one of the "Top 30 Professional Musicians" by Musical America. Wittry brings a proven track record of inspiring musicians and building an orchestra artistically and organizationally.

Tracy Heil Damiani, interviewer

Damiani runs Lehigh Valley SCORE, one of 350 national chapters that provides free mentoring services and education for small-business owners.  She joined the Carbon WIB group in support of female-owned businesses. She has performed in more than 500 shows. She has served on many boards for local theatre groups and presently serves on the board of the Pennsylvania Playhouse where she has performed, written musical revues, directed and served as the advertising chairperson.

Meet ParaPer4mance

Noon to 1 p.m., Friday, Nov. 16, Room 135, Penn State Lehigh Valley

Kenny Keitt is the founder and CEO of ParaPer4mance, a health and wellness fitness company dedicated to wheelchair users, and a two-time Lehigh Valley LaunchBox grant recipient. He will be holding a soft launch of his first company and offering fitness demonstrations.

For more information, contact Andrea Tessier at 610-285-5026 or att3@psu.edu

About Global Entrepreneurship Week at Penn State

GEW Penn State, presented by the Penn State Small Business Development Center, will celebrate its 10th year of bringing entrepreneurs and businesses together Nov. 7-15 on Penn State Commonwealth campuses and surrounding communities. The week-long celebration is part of an international initiative with 15,000 partners in 170 countries. The goal is to connect entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers and startup champions around the world. For a full calendar of events, visit GEW Penn State online.

Last Updated November 6, 2018

Contact