MarketPlace for Ideas 2010 in Fargo, North Dakota

NEW RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE



Contact: Marilyn K. Kipp (888-384-8410)



Marketplace of Ideas Announces Plans for 2010

“Connecting Great IDEAS and Great PEOPLE”



Fargo, ND (November 24, 2009) – Shirley Dykshoorn, President of Marketplace of Ideas/ Marketplace for Kids, Inc. announced today that Marketplace of Ideas will be held in Fargo in 2010. Marketplace of Ideas is North Dakota’s largest and longest-running entrepreneurial and economic development showcase and forum.



“We are very excited to be invited to Fargo. The City of Fargo and the FargoDome have extended an invitation, and we have accepted,” Shirley Dykshoorn said.



The name has changed from Marketplace for Entrepreneurs to Marketplace of Ideas, however the mission remains the same -- working to cultivate and grow entrepreneurs and entrepreneur-ial communities by providing education, support, mentorship, solutions, and networking.



“Planning is already underway for Marketplace 2010. The Showcase and Forum will be held on September 27-28 at the FargoDome. Marketplace will offer an array of training workshops and exhibits designed to help people develop and grow their business. Opportunities for networking, hands-on learning, and one-on-one consultations with assistance providers will be available,” Dykshoorn said.



Marketplace of Ideas will also be hosting two contest opportunities – the Marketplace Invention Showcase and Contest, and the Marketplace FoodWorks Showcase and Contest.



For the sixth year, the Marketplace Invention Showcase and Contest will offer inventors an opportunity to showcase their invention, conduct market research, and compete for prize money. There will be an adult category, as well as categories for youth age 14-18; and youth age 13 and under. Winners of the 2009 Invention Contest include: Robert Lee Heitkamp, Mantador, ND; Colleen J. Reinke, Bismarck, ND; Doug C. Mickelson, Horace, ND; Adam P. Schreiner, Hunter, ND; Johan B. Eslinger, Bismarck, ND; Benjamin J. Longlet, Arthur, ND; and MacKenzie Melby, Watford City, ND.



The Marketplace FoodWorks Showcase and Contest will be a new feature, offering contestants an opportunity to showcase new food and beverage products, compete for prize money, and conduct market research.



Earlier this year Marketplace of Ideas was held in Bismarck, ND, and was a tremendous success drawing visitors from across North Dakota, Minnesota, and the region.



As programming is developed, updated information will be available online at www.MarketplaceOfIdeas.org. Marketplace values the ideas of past participants and others that are interested in entrepreneurship and starting their own business. Individuals with ideas, or other questions, are encouraged to contact Marilyn K. Kipp, the Executive Director of Marketplace of Ideas at marketplace@btinet.net or 888-384-8410.

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