Business Luminaries from three states -and new location for event- reflect Pipeline’s focus on geographic expansion
Kansas City, Kan. (November 27, 2012) ― Entrepreneurial high performers take center stage as the Region’s most promising high-growth entrepreneurs share the spotlight at Pipeline’s Innovator of the Year on Jan. 24 at The Midland in Kansas City.
Pipeline has aggressively executed on a new Regional plan this year to take its successful model for high-growth entrepreneurs across a much larger geographic footprint. The geographic expansion was made possible by a grant from the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation and matching funds from private sector supporters. Pipeline has now announced Innovator of the Year Regional Honorary Chairs who represent the Region Pipeline encompasses.
Leading the event are:
- Sandy and Christine Kemper, Kansas City, Mo.
- James and Karen Linder, Omaha, Neb.; and
- Brian and Tron Williamson, Wichita, Kan.
Sandy Kemper is Founder and CEO of PollenwareC2FO, as well as chairman of The Collectors Fund - a private equity fund focused on alternative asset classes. Christine Kemper is founder of Kemper & Company, co-founder of The Collectors Fund and serves as a leader in many area non-profits.
James Linder is president of the University of Nebraska Technology Development Corporation. Karen Linder is author of The Women of Berkshire Hathaway: Lessons from Warren Buffett's Female CEOs and Directors. Both are Regional founders of Pipeline and active angel investors.
Brian Williamson is president and CEO of JCB Laboratories in Wichita, and is a Pipeline member (2011 Class). His wife Tron Williamson serves as an educational leader in Wichita, including membership on the Site Council Board.
“There is palpable energy around Pipeline - and for good reason," said Christine Kemper. "The organization itself - and Pipeline’s many entrepreneurs - are making headlines as high performers in the business world. We are proud Pipeline is in our backyard and can't wait to share it with everyone who is working to make our Region an entrepreneurial powerhouse.”
This year, Pipeline will graduate Fellows from its first Regional class, with members from Nebraska, Kansas and Missouri. Upon graduation, each Fellow will become a full member of the organization and join a growing list of entrepreneurial performers. By Innovator of the Year, nearly 60 entrepreneurs will have completed the program and be full members of the organization.
“Karen and I are proud to be part of the first Regional Pipeline Innovator of the Year,” James Linder said. “Nebraska’s entire entrepreneurial community has embraced Pipeline’s vision of building a Midwest full of high performers. When you look at the roster of members there is no doubt Pipeline is having a tremendous impact already in our Region.”
A variety of awards will be given out at the Jan. 24 event, including Innovator of the Year (selected from current Fellow group), along with awards for leadership and growth from the ongoing members. An entrepreneurial leadership award also will be given to an individual or group that represents tremendous support of the mission and work of Pipeline.
“One of the many reasons entrepreneurs love Pipeline is that it really gets the value of elevating and telling the story of the entrepreneurial success - and what it takes to get there," said Brian Williamson. "I know I speak for all Pipeline entrepreneurs when I say IOTY is hands-down the best place for entrepreneurs to network and soak up amazing energy for the rest of the new year."
To celebrate the first regional class of Pipeline fellows, Innovator of the Year is being held outside of Kansas for the first time at the Midland Theatre in downtown Kansas City. The venue will reflect this year’s theme of “high performance.”
Tickets and sponsorships for the Innovator of the Year event are available through Pipeline. More information is at http://www.pipelineentrepreneurs.com/ioty2012/
About Pipeline Innovator of the Year
Now in its sixth year, Innovator of the Year is a typically sold out event, known for bringing together successful entrepreneurs, investors, advisors and thought leaders from near and far. This year will bring together new partners, new awards and a new venue, as the event changes location for the first time in its’ history.
About Pipeline
Pipeline is an elite organization of the Midwest’s most successful, high-performance entrepreneurs. Our members work as one to face business challenges, funnel opportunities to their peers and build market-leading technology and life-sciences business together. As keystones of the Regional business environment, Pipeline members are creating jobs, investing in their businesses and communities and mentoring the next-generation of business leaders.
For more information, visit www.pipelineentrepreneurs.com or follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/PIPELINEentrepreneurs.
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