Odon — The Daviess County Creating Entrepreneurial Opportunities program has chosen the entrepreneurial hub, WestGate Academy, to host its annual dinner on Feb. 5. CEO is a nationwide program geared toward developing entrepreneurs in local communities. Midland Institute of Entrepreneurship administers more than 40 CEO programs in Illinois, Indiana, Minnesota, Missouri and Colorado. “An Evening with Young Entrepreneurs” will feature a dinner, silent auction, and entertainment by mind reader Daniel Cullen.

“We’ve spent the year learning about entrepreneurship and what it takes to build a business,” said Hannah Ashby, a senior at Washington Catholic High School. “I’m excited to celebrate our success at WestGate Academy!”

The CEO year-long course is designed for junior and senior high school students to learn about business development and process in their area.

“As part of the class, these students visit businesses across Daviess County,” says Bill Turner, the CEO facilitator for Daviess County. “When our 19 students visited WestGate Academy earlier in the fall, they were able to learn about the diverse events, programs, opportunities taking place at WestGate.”

With Purdue@WestGate in WestGate@Crane Technology Park, programs were brought to the region that did not previously exist.

“Not only does WestGate Academy feature premium event space,” said Alexandria Hancock, event manager for Purdue@WestGate, “but the programs such as the Firestarter and Spirited Entrepreneur are a great resource for these students now and when they graduate.”

This semester, students will be creating business plans to market and sell their products or services at the annual Spring Trade Show.

All proceeds from the dinner and auction will fund the spring trade show and continuation of the class. Tickets are available for purchase at the door for $40.