LOCK HAVEN – If you’ve ever thought about starting a wine business – or any business – don’t miss business owners Karen and Jeff Fontanella, who will be in Lock Haven on Thursday April 15 at 6 p.m. in room 118 of the LHU Health Professions Building. This is a free lecture, co-sponsored by Lock Haven University’s Entrepreneurial Leadership Center (ELC) and the Small Business Development Center (SBDC).
Napa Valley, California, business owners, Karen and Jeff Fontanella began their successful Fontanella Family Winery in 2005 and will share this story with the Lock Haven community. Starting a business in a capital-intensive field such as the winery business provides many challenges to an entrepreneur. The Fontanellas’ talk will cover such topics as entrepreneurship, business strategy and positioning, industry conditions, marketing and key stakeholders, operations and financing, and global expansion and competition.
“While entrepreneurship usually involves some risk-taking, the Fontanellas’ story will inspire those considering such endeavors,” explains Cori Myers, assistant professor of business administration and co-director of the ELC. “Fortunately, LHU secured a grant to fund the ELC which offers students and local businesses such educational opportunities as this lecture for learning more about entrepreneurship.”
Mike Flanagan, president of the Clinton County Economic Partnership, urges local businesses to attend. He explains, “It is always advantageous to hear how entrepreneurs started their businesses and what steps they took to make it a reality. I would encourage all business people and potential entrepreneurs to attend the lecture by the Fontanellas to hear their successful story.”
Tim Keohane, director of the SBDC, notes that, “The Lock Haven University SBDC looks forward to co-sponsoring this unique educational opportunity for local small businesses. Existing business owners, as well as pre-venture entrepreneurs, should take advantage of the chance to hear about this exciting Napa Valley winery business.”
More information about the Fontanella Family Winery is available at their web site, http://www.fontanellawinery.com.
The lecture is free and open to the public. A reception will follow the lecture at Clinton Country Club (upstairs), providing the opportunity to talk one-on-one with Jeff and Karen Fontanella. The reception will offer free tastings, hors d’oeuvres, and a cash bar. To attend the reception, please RSVP to Dr. Cori Myers, 570-484-2274 or cmyers@lhup.edu by April 8.
Lock Haven University is a member of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE), the largest provider of higher education in the commonwealth. Its 14 universities offer more than 250 degree and certificate programs in more than 120 areas of study. Nearly 405,000 system alumni live and work in Pennsylvania.