CFE Honors Local Entrepreneurs
The Center for Entrepreneurship in the Craig School at Missouri Western State University honored two local entrepreneurs during the capstone luncheon of the fourth annual Entrepreneurship Week today. Additionally, business leader and former baseball commissioner Peter Ueberroth spoke at the luncheon.
The Emerging Entrepreneur Award is given to an entrepreneur who has been in business for less than five years. The award recognizes their risk taking, economic impact, and community involvement. The 2019 Emerging Entrepreneur Award recipient was Alyson Fisher, who owns three local businesses: Fantastic Fido’s, a pet resort facility; Garden Gate Flowers & Gifts; and AT Productions, where she works with businesses in a concierge and consultant capacity to help them succeed. She bought her first business in 2017.
The Entrepreneur of the Year Award is given to an entrepreneur who has been in business for more than five years, honors an entrepreneur for their professional achievements, mentoring of other entrepreneurs and contributions to the community. The 2019 Entrepreneur of the Year was Mike Dragoo, who founded Dragoo Metal Works with his wife, Lori, in 1991. Today, the company operates out of a 30,000 sq. ft. building with 20 employees. Mike also owns Ultra Clean, and was one of two who helped save the Hoof & Horn Steak House, a Southside staple since 1896.
Dragoo is currently serving as president of the Southside Sertoma Club and volunteers for several other local organizations. He serves on the Sheet Metal Workers Local #2 Apprentice Board, and was Chair of the Board for four years for Hillcrest Transitional Housing (now Pivotal Point).
Entrepreurship Week, March 25-29, included workshops such as “Adobe InDesign,” “Business Legal,” “Protecting Your Business” and “Creating a Marketing Plan.” Missouri Western also hosted area high school students on Wednesday at a MECA Challenge. Steven L. Craig, Missouri Western benefactor, and Ueberroth spoke to Missouri Western students Friday morning and answered their questions. The week was sponsored by Don Tolly American Family Insurance Agency and Sumner, Carter, Hardy & Schwichtenberg, P.C.
For more information on the Center for Entrepreneurship, visit their website at csb-cfe.missouriwestern.edu or call (816) 271-4283.
Missouri Western State University is a comprehensive regional university providing a blend of traditional liberal arts and professional degree programs. The university offers student-centered, high quality instruction that focuses on experience-based learning, community service, and state-of-the-art technology. Missouri Western is located in St. Joseph, Mo., and is committed to the educational, economic, cultural and social development of the region it serves. Visit www.missouriwestern.edu.
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