ClassE is where we grow entrepreneurs and nurture success. Read about what we have been learning.

A big thanks goes to Lifetime Eye Care, Gilbert, Metzger, Madigan CPA's and Wells Fargo Advisors for sponsoring students to attend the Our Town Community Update Breakfast. The students learned so much about what is happening in Coles County.

Monday, March 13th - Workday

Tuesday, March 14th  - Tour of Mars Petcare
with James Warman
6565 E. CR 1000, Mattoon

Madeline Babcock and Ridge Boyer speak at Charleston Rotary, noon@ Charleston Carnegie Library

Wednesday, March 15th - Social Media Workday, Class Review

Thursday, March 16th -  Tour of Justrite Manufacturing
with Tim Lodes
3921 Dewitt Ave., Mattoon
Happy St. Patrick's Day

Friday, March 17th - Bringing a Product to Market
with Aaron Gilbertie of Aptimmune and resident of U of I Incubator 

Location: Lifespan Center (unless noted below), 11021 E. Cty. Rd. 800 N. Charleston (Loxa Rd just northeast of SBLHS).  Class is open and everyone is welcome. 
Growing by Leaps & Bounds

Did you know that, by acquiring Fairpoint Communications, Consolidated Communications will be doing business in 24 states and double their size? This high dividend corporation also grows organically in their video, data and voice services. 

That is just a brief summary of what we learned from Michael Smith, T om White, John Woodruff and Sarah Greider on our tour. Michael shared the history and vision of the company. Tom shared new technology information and a tip to always update phones when a new update is released to minimize cybersecurity. John toured us through the super secure Network Operations Center where they monitor most of their expanding system from Mattoon, Illinois.



Using the Law to Protect Your Business

Jason Hortenstine of Holmes, Heller and Associates spoke to the class about liabilities in running a business and how to use the legal tools structures available to protect assets and to prepare for succession. He also discussed writing everything down and send emails to confirm what was discussed.  
Networking at the Our Town Community Breakfast

Students practiced their networking skills at the joint Chamber event, Our Town Community Breakfast. They heard the latest news in economic development and the state of Coles County from both mayors, representatives from Eastern Illinois University, Lake Land University and Coles Together.
Promoting ClassE

Julia Griffin spoke to the Charleston Kiwanis at What's Cookin'. She invited everyone to the trade show at Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Education Center on Friday, April 28th and shared information about what she has learned in the class.
Understanding the 2008 Economic Recession 

The movie, the Big Short, based on Michael Lewis's book by the same name, illustrated how greed and unethical practices led to the downfall of the economy. 
We are so thankful for the generosity of the Coles County businesses that sponsor ClassE. For a complete listing and more information about these businesses, please click below.  We also appreciate the that the Lifespan Center serves as our home base throughout the year. We hope you support them as they support us!


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Investors 
ClassE | 217-549-2564 | j[email protected] | www.keepitclasse.org
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