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Midland Institute Program Developer Ryan Follis.
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WIU College of Business and Technology Partners With McDonough County CEO

October 19, 2022

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MACOMB, IL – The Western Illinois University College of Business and Technology is partnering with the McDonough County Creating Entrepreneurial Opportunities (CEO) program to bring Midland Institute Program Developer Ryan Follis to campus Tuesday, Oct. 25.

"McDonough County CEO and WIU have a strong relationship," said WIU Instructor of Business Communication and McDonough County CEO Board Member Michelle Howe. "Many WIU faculty and staff members serve as presenters, mentors and board members for the CEO program. We are thrilled to host these students and show them Leatherneck hospitality."

In addition to the McDonough County CEO group, there will be students from Hancock County CEO and Brown/Schuyler CEO attending. Fifty high school students from the area will be on campus for this event.

"CEO is the standard for entrepreneurial education. Students meet in host businesses, never in a classroom," said Follis. "The CEO experience includes over 40 speakers and 40 business visits and the experience of their first professional mentoring relationship."

The CEO program is a year-long course for high school students that teaches them entrepreneurial concepts, partners them with area businesses and provides an opportunity to start their own businesses.

"Students also lead the development and implementation of a shared business and their own personal businesses, which launch at the annual trade show. CEO students are regularly sought after by universities and employers who take notice of their professional development as learners, owners, creators, communicators and connectors," said Follis.

For more information on the CEO program, visit midlandinstitute.com. For more information on the College of Business and Technology, visit wiu.edu/cbt.

Posted By: Lexi Yoggerst (AJ-Yoggerst@wiu.edu)
Office of University Communications & Marketing