Chocolate Blues Wrap

[Mike Seidle]

I just wanted to say thanks to all the people here on Smaller Indiana and the people from the Linking Indiana LinkedIn Group for going to yesterday's Chocolate, Blues and Business Festival. First off, I met some great people in. Over 2,300 people came, and it is absolutely breathtaking how many people I knew from profile pictures, and how many people knew me. Second, as one of the owners of the main sponsor (Indiana Business Network), I really want to take my hat off to Shelly Rice who put on a first class event. In fact, we decided the event was so good, we are doing it again on September 9, 2009 - and hopefully we will see you there.

As a sponsor, I have to ask, if you came to the event, how was it?

[Gus Pearcy]

My schedule prohibited me from attending, but I'm contemplating the fall installment.

[Shawn Quick-Raflik]

Mike & Jake - it was good to meet both of you. I enjoyed the event.

[Jake Roesler]

Mike,
Honestly, going into this event was like a shot in the dark. No idea what to expect. I knew I would be the odd man out representing a statewide nonprofit, but the chance to connect with businesses small and large was invaluable.

My theory is this, entrepreneurs and small business owners are do-ers. These are people who have a passion for what they do and a passion for success. Not only do they want to grow their business, but being so close to the struggle of getting something off the ground, they want to see others succeed as well. And its that sense of community that I find inspring.

I was happy to bring to light the social kid-focused mission of my organization yesterday to these movers/shakers/leaders of tomorrow. I'll look forward to the second installment this fall.