Wednesday, Jun 27, 2018
Six seniors will mingle with top U.S. businesses
Six Rider seniors will be surrounded by some of the nation's top businesses at this year's Inc. 5000 Conference courtesy of acclaimed entrepreneur and proud Rider alumnus Norm Brodsky ’64. He is funding the cost of the conference, transportation and lodging for the College of Business Administration (CBA) students. He and his wife, Elaine, will serve as their hosts for the conference.
The Inc. 5000 Conference brings the top 5000 fastest-growing, privately held companies together for three days of networking, engaging speakers and celebration. This year's conference will be held in San Antonio, Texas, from Oct. 17-19.
"This is a huge opportunity for our students to interact with some of the most prosperous companies in the U.S. They will be able to see the rich diversity of business opportunities that exist as there will be representatives from a variety of industries," says Dr. Ron Cook, associate dean of graduate programs in CBA and director of entrepreneurial studies.
Brodsky, who founded eight successful businesses, including CitiStorage, the largest privately owned archive business in the country, will impart his entrepreneurial knowledge at four events throughout the conference. He is also a senior contributing writer for Inc. magazine's "Street Smarts" section.
Senior accounting major Selena Denko is looking forward to the inspirational presentations and the ability to network with some of the best entrepreneurs and professionals.
Senior marketing major Rachael Samonski agrees and anticipates that the conference will expand her industry knowledge.
"I want to learn about modern marketing and social media practices that are being applied in businesses now and bring that back to my studies, as well as apply that to my current jobs, internships and future opportunities," she says.
Cook hopes the students absorb as much as they can from the conference because for most it can be a once in a lifetime opportunity. Individually, conference-related costs can be in excess of $3,000.
"I hope the students take the time to network, potentially find job opportunities and learn more about what types of industries interest them," he says.