With the historic Jumpstart Our Business Startups (JOBS) Act signed into law on April 5th, a legal framework for equity-based “crowdfund investing” is now established and the potential for a much larger global crowdfunding community is unleashed.

“We are pleased to bring to Utah a group of innovators that have ignited crowdfunding both as an Internet-based platform and an equity-based investment model,” said Dr. Richard Swart, co-founder of CrowdFunding Made Simple, Director of Strategic Programs at Grow America Insights and Executive Committee member of the Crowdfunding Professional Association (www.crowdfundingprofessionals.org). “While much has been achieved in crowdfunding to date, surprisingly, most entrepreneurs and investors across the country are not yet familiar with it. We look forward to providing a summit for education and interaction on this vital new capital creation concept right here in one of the entrepreneurship capitals of America.”

Utah’s Alan E. Hall, a founding sponsor of the Crowdfunding Professional Association and founder of the $1,000,000 Grow America SpringBoard Competition for entrepreneurs and a principal at Mercato Partners and Island Park Ventures is the keynote speaker at the upcoming event.

“Starting a business is never easy, which is why I feel strongly about participating in and sponsoring this cutting-edge conference on crowdfund investing,” said Hall. “Entrepreneurs, investors, private equity firms, lawyers, accountants, marketing professionals – all of them will benefit and be interested in accessing the latest developments in this historic and timely new business model. I also firmly believe crowdfunding has the potential to bring hundreds of thousands of additional entrepreneurs and investors into the vital process of creating companies and jobs that our economy so desperately needs.”

Additional speakers include Brian Meece, founder and CEO of RocketHub.com, one of the world’s top three crowdfunding platforms; Jason Best, co-author of the CrowdFund Investing Framework in the JOBS Act and founder of Startup Exemption; Carl Esposti, founder of Crowdsourcing.org and leader of the CAPS Accreditation Program for crowdfunding platforms; and Douglas S. Ellenhoff, one of America’s top securities law experts from Ellenhoff, Grossman & Schole.

“Understanding the implications and applications of crowdfunding is critical for entrepreneurs and investors because of the ability to vet ideas, create new markets, and gain access to new investors,” said Bryan Ritchie, Director of the Technology Commercialization Office at the University of Utah. “We look forward to hosting and sponsoring the first crowdfunding conference in Utah and believe it will provide significant insights for our vibrant entrepreneurial community. Participants will interact with the early adopters and innovators leading this groundbreaking legislation and fund raising platform.”

Attendees can register at www.CrowdFundingMadeSimple.com. Participants will also receive discounted access to a copy of Carl Esposti’s “Crowdfunding Industry Report”, the most comprehensive report to date, based on data from more than 170 crowdfunding platforms (CFPs) and other sources.

About CrowdFunding Made Simple

CrowdFunding Made Simple is a crowdfunding educational and events platform designed to educate entrepreneurs, small business owners and the American public about this new, groundbreaking industry platform that fuels the creation of new ideas, new businesses and jobs. For more information, visit www.CrowdFundingMadeSimple.com .

About The Soho Loft Capital Creation Events

Rapidly becoming known as the definitive event platform for the rising private company marketplace (PCM), The Soho Loft (TSL) Capital Creation Event Series is the only global event platform where accredited investors, accomplished angels, micro-financing groups, CIOs of investors, select merchant and investment bankers, VC funds, family offices, incubators, private equity firms, pre-IPO mutual funds, secondary stock specialists, equity analysts, seasoned entrepreneurs, tax and legal experts, and legislators from across the globe assemble to exchange ideas, discuss trends, and analyze opportunities that will help reshape the capital markets and stimulate economic growth. Their mission is to help develop the infrastructure of the rising private markets so that it can mature into a viable and functional marketplace that facilitates capital formation, innovation, expansion, and job creation. For additional information please visit them at http://thesoholoft.com and http://www.facebook.com/TheSohoLoftevents.

Media Contact: Cheryl Snapp Conner, Cheryl@snappconner.com, (801) 994-9625 www.snappconner.com

SOURCE: CrowdFunding Made Simple

– Free Event to be Held May 23 at Salt Lake Community College From 6:30-8:30 pm –

 Social Commerce Exchange, an educational and networking initiative driven by local companies interested in helping the business community improve their revenue, brand, and customer relations through social media, is holding their next event Wednesday, May 23 at the Salt Lake Community College from 6:30 to 8:30 pm. (Networking beginning at 5:30 p.m.)

This month’s event will focus on how local companies are using social media monitoring to grow their business. Presenters include:

• Cory Edwards, Director of Social Media & Corporate Reputation – DELL
• Jeff Jordan, Senior Product Manager, Social Media – ADOBE
• Jason Bangerter, Founder – STRUCK
• Jodi Mardesich, Social Media Manager – FUSION-IO
• Mario Colosimo, Social Media Manager – ZIONS BANK
• Collin Searle, Social Media Manager – INTERMOUNTAIN HEALTHCARE

The Social Commerce Exchange is a combined voluntary effort of 32 sponsors & hosts exemplifying the value of social media in business. Their objective is to help local companies learn and implement social media into their business in a fast and efficient manner. The Social Commerce Exchange was initiated by Whitehall Ventures, and is supported by companies such as Skullcandy, doba, ZAGG,  Cafe Rio Mexican Grill, Chase, and KSL.

“Since the online world is moving so much faster than businesses can measure, gaining insightful and strategic social trends and tools is crucial,” said Nate Hirst, Blendtec Global Marketing Analyst. “We’re excited for this event to hear and share ways that help monitor and discover significant online conversations and engagement.”

To register for the event, go to http://socialcommerceexchange-6437.eventbrite.com/

About Social Commerce Exchange

Social Commerce Exchange is organized and run by companies wanting to increase their social commerce capabilities. Social Commerce Exchange’s unique event format provides participants with exposure to real social case studies, expert-led sessions, as well as networking opportunities with other forward-thinking individuals and businesses. For more information, or to attend an event, visit www.socialcommerceexchange.org

“Yahoo confirmed in a Sunday afternoon press release that CEO Scott Thompson will step down, effective immediately,” writes Catherine Smith for the Huffington Post.

Dwight D. Eisenhower, the 34th President of the United States and supreme commander of the Allied forces during World War II, said, “The supreme quality of leadership is unquestionable integrity. Without it, no real success is possible.”

About a week ago I wrote about Thompson and how he falsified his background on his resume. Although I’m convinced that we have a flawed system for hiring talent by relying too heavily on resume scrapers to search for keywords (which might have contributed to why Mr. Thompson opted for lying on his resume) the fact that he did calls into question what Eisenhower describes as the “supreme quality of leadership”. It’s no surprise to me that Thompson has stepped down.

Over the years, those leaders I have responded to the best have been those I felt I could trust. I could trust what they said. I could trust the motives of what they did. And, I never had to second guess them.

Some time ago I wrote about honest project communication and was surprised that the reaction wasn’t a unanimous, “Yeah, honesty is the best policy.” I have to admit, I’ve probably spent more time thinking about those who suggested that it was OK to lie to colleagues, co-workers and team members than I should have. I have even recalled some of the poor leaders I’ve experienced over my career and recognized that many of them were liars. They lied to me. They lied to the rest of the team. They even lied to our boss.

It was Mahatma Gandhi who said, “A man is but the product of his thoughts. What he thinks, he becomes.” I have observed that the great leaders I have worked with, regardless of their position, were men of unquestionable integrity.

I recognize that for many this isn’t black and white, but maybe it should be.

Featured speakers include Carly Fiorina, Max Boot, Stephen Moore, and David Neeleman.

Registration is required. Contact your Zions Bank banker, or visit http://www.zionsbank.com/conference

Here is the flyer:

Grow America Springboard, launched by Alan E. Hall with the help of regional partners, is providing $1,000,000 in cash awards and resources over the course of three events in 2012 and a Utah state championship in January 2013.  The competitions are designed to support, encourage, and strengthen entrepreneurship wherever and whenever it is found.

The Spring 2012 Live Pitch and Final Pitch events will take place at the Salt Palace Convention Center on May 21, 2012. The Live and Final Pitch events are a cross between the Shark Tank ™ and American ™ Idol. The community is welcome to network and participate in the Live Pitch beginning at 1:30. The Final Pitch event, in which the top twelve companies will make their presentations before a live audience and celebrity judges begins at 4:00 p.m. After voting by both the audience and judges, Grow America will name winners in three categories, idea, startup and growth.

Attendance to both the Live Pitch and Final Pitch are free and open to the public.  To RSVP for either May 21 event visit http://www.growam.com/rsvp_live_event/.

When:

Monday, May 21, 2012

1:30 pm – 6:00 pm

Where:

Salt Palace Convention Center

100 South West Temple

Salt Lake City, Utah 84101

Who:

Alan E. Hall, Founder of Grow America

Scott Anderson, President & CEO of Zions Bank

Steve Lindsley, Regional Vice President, Comcast Spotlight

Contact:

Jeremy Kartchner

Snapp Conner PR

(801) 703-4092

Jeremy@snappconner.com

-Smart25 Awards show CFO support for Fishbowl Inventory- 

Fishbowl® (http://www.fishbowlinventory.com) today announced its placement on the 2012 B2B CFO® Smart 25 Awards™ list in two categories: working capital and emerging growth. B2B CFO annually presents the Smart 25 Awards to fast-growing and successful U.S. companies. Fishbowl was honored for managing its finances responsibly and building the new Fishbowl Enterprise, a business automation solution for growth companies.

“We don’t waste time with features that SMBs won’t use or don’t need,” said Fishbowl CEO David K. Williams. “When inventory management software has too many features it becomes unnecessarily expensive. B2B CFO recognizes the importance of our software to SMBs, and we believe it is a large reason why we were selected as a Smart 25 Award winner.”

In addition to B2B CFO, the following organizations have recognized Fishbowl in 2012:

• Best of State: (Best Software Development/Publishers in Utah) Selected by a panel of judges based on achievement in the field of endeavor, innovation and creativity in methods and processes, and contribution to improving quality of life in Utah.
• Signal Peak Ventures v100: (CEO David K. Williams and President Mary Michelle Scott) Given to the top 100 venture entrepreneurs in Utah and voted upon by other nominees for the award.
• Utah Business SAMY Awards: (CMO Kirk Tanner) Awarded to the top sales and marketing executives in the state. Utah Business magazine selected each winner based on their direct, measurable impact on their company’s success.

“We are honored to receive recognition from various local and national organizations,” said Fishbowl President Mary Michelle Scott. “Fishbowl is continually working on new products and features to provide better small business inventory management solutions based on customer needs. Helping SMBs become more efficient with multiple location tracking, or pick, pack and ship processes can make these businesses more competitive and improve their bottom lines.”

About Fishbowl

Fishbowl and its cornerstone product, Fishbowl Inventory, make it possible for every business to have the level of flexible and mobile inventory management solutions large organizations enjoy. Fishbowl Enterprise is an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) solution for SMBs with a robust feature set that allows Fishbowl to provide organizations with all the components required to meet their inventory and business management needs.

PR Contact:

Ryan Oaks

Snapp Conner PR

(801) 994-9625

ryan@snappconner.com

CrowdFunding Made Simple, a crowdfunding educational and events platform, today announced plans for the first national conference endorsed by the Crowdfunding Professional Association (CfPA). Held at the University of Utah Guest House and Conference Center on May 31^st and June 1^st from 9 am to 5 pm MDST, and in partnership with the The Soho Loft (TSL), the CrowdFunding Made Simple conference will allow entrepreneurs, business owners, professional service providers and investors to obtain a deeper understanding of crowdfunding directly from some of the industry leaders behind this groundbreaking business platform. With the historic Jumpstart Our Business Startups (JOBS) Act signed into law on April 5th, a legal framework for equity-based “crowdfund investing” has been established and the potential for a much larger and expanded global crowdfunding community has been unleashed.

“We are pleased to bring to Utah a group of innovators that have ignited crowdfunding both as an Internet-based platform and now potentially as an equity-based investment model,” said Richard Swart, co-founder of CrowdFunding Made Simple, director of strategic programs at Grow America Insights and executive committee member of the Crowdfunding Professional Association. “While much has been achieved in crowdfunding to date, most entrepreneurs and investors across the country are not yet familiar with it. We look forward to providing a summit for education and interaction on this vital new capital creation concept right here in one of the entrepreneurship capitals of America.”

Speakers include Brian Meece, founder and CEO of RocketHub.com, one of the world’s top three crowdfunding platforms; Jason Best, co-author of the CrowdFund Investing Framework in the JOBS Act and founder of Startup Exemption; Carl Esposti, founder of Crowdsourcing.org and leader of the CAPS Accreditation Program for crowdfunding platforms; Douglas S. Ellenhoff, one of America’s top securities law experts from Ellenhoff, Grossman & Schole, amongst others; Alan E. Hall, a founding sponsor of the Crowdfunding Professional Association and founder of Grow America SpringBoard and Mercato Partners.

“Understanding the implications and applications of crowdfunding is critical for entrepreneurs and investors because of the ability to vet ideas, create new markets and gain access to new investors,” said Bryan Ritchie, Director of the Technology Commercialization Office at the University of Utah. “We look forward to hosting and sponsoring the first crowdfunding conference in Utah and believe it will provide significant insights for our vibrant entrepreneurial community. Participants will interact with the early adopters and innovators leading this groundbreaking legislation and fund raising platform.”

“Starting a business is never easy, which is why I feel strongly about participating in and sponsoring this cutting-edge conference on crowdfund investing,” said Alan Hall, a founding sponsor of the Crowdfunding Professional Association and founder of Grow America SpringBoard and Mercato Partners. “Entrepreneurs, investors, private equity, lawyers, accountants, marketing professionals – all of them will benefit and be interested in accessing the latest developments on this historic and timely new business model. I also firmly believe crowdfunding has the potential to bring hundreds of thousands of additional entrepreneurs and investors into the vital process of creating the companies and jobs that our economy so desperately needs.”

Registration for the conference begins today at www.CrowdFundingMadeSimple.com. Participants will also receive discounted access to a complete copy of the most comprehensive Crowdfunding Industry Report based on data from more than 170 crowdfunding platforms (CFPs) and other sources.

Robert Half recently asked executives about the biggest roadblocks to organizational breakthroughs. 35 percent of chief financial officers said “a lack of new ideas” is the most difficult barrier to innovation. 24 percent cited bureaucracy as the top killer of creativity with 20 percent blaming being bogged down with daily tasks or putting out fires.

Responses from 1,400 some odd CFOs from a random sample of U.S. companies all answered the following question: “What is the greatest barrier to your company being more innovative?” Here are the responses:

1.Lack of new ideas—35%

2.Too much bureaucracy—24%

3.Being bogged down in daily tasks or putting out fires—20%

4.Ineffective leadership—9%

5.Other—1%

6.Don’t know/no answer—11%

I don’t think anyone would disagree that innovation is what helps keep companies growing and profitable. Environments that foster innovation also keep employees engaged and excited about coming to work every day. Robert Half suggests six tips for creating an environment that inspires innovation among teams. I like the list:

1.Engage the entire team: If we can’t engage the team in what we’re doing, we’ve lost before we’ve even begun. This should be no surprise to anyone who leads a project team—particularly those who work with matrixed teams cobbled together throughout the organization. Although I’m fortunate enough to work with the same team on almost every project, many project managers aren’t so lucky. Facilitating an environment where team members feel engaged isn’t brain surgery, but it does require some effort. Is your team engaged? Here’s a brief quiz that should give you an idea.

2.Remove the red tape: This often manifests itself in lengthy approval processes that force work to a standstill. I once heard a colleague lament, “I want to produce. I don’t want to sit around all day thinking about producing.” Sometimes it’s a matter of empowering people to make decisions about their specific role. A few years back I learned of three keys to smart decision making, I’ve tried to embrace them because nobody wants to be forced into asking “Mother, may I?” every time they need to make a decision.

3.Keep it collaborative: Collaboration is more important than competition. It’s critical to create environments where people can effectively collaborate and work together. I don’t think there’s anyone who wouldn’t agree that a collaborative work environment is more productive, yet far too many organizations don’t create environments that encourage collaboration. Not long ago I wrote about four key elements that should be part of a collaborative environment, collaboration can sometimes be messy because we all have divergent opinions, but it’s well worth the efforts.

4.Build a better brainstorm: We’ve all been in brainstorming sessions that felt like a waste of time bouncing ideas around that all sounded stupid—until we landed on that one really great idea. I’ve discovered that you’ve got to go through a lot of really bad ideas before you identify the good ones. I’ve also noticed that this gets easier the more you do it.

5.Give ‘em a break: I’ve discovered that mistakes increase for every hour over nine or ten hours people work in a day. Burnout is a serious problem and in reality, when teams are putting in a lot of overtime, it’s an indication of a project in trouble—not a successful initiative. I grew up in an era when the amount of time you spent on the job was a badge of honor. I’m not sure I feel that way anymore. Sheryl Sandberg, Facebook’s COO leaves the office at 5:30 pm every evening, “Are you putting in the hours?” might not be the right question anymore.

6.Seek inspiration: As the project leader, its important that you have the skills you’ll need to inspire the team. That also implies that you are inspired yourself. Make sure you set aside time to do whatever it is you do to unwind and clear your head. For me, there’s nothing like sitting on the saddle of my motorcycle or in a comfortable chair with a good book. I recently discovered that reading a novel is actually considered a great way to help master interpersonal relationships (as well as unwind). Whatever it is, make sure you spend time recharging your own batteries.

What are the barriers to innovation within your organization? Among your project team members? What are you doing about it?

Grow America, Inc. (www.growam.com), a national company with a mission to support, encourage and strengthen entrepreneurs in local economies, today announced the appointment of two of its leaders, Berkeley Geddes, CEO of Grow America Insight, and Richard Swart, Director of Strategic Programs, to key roles in the professional and regulatory associations focused on facilitating a vibrant, credible and growing global crowdfunding community.

Berkeley Geddes has been elected chair of the Crowdfunding Professional Association (CfPA) Executive Committee and Governance Board, which represents the voice of the crowdfunding industry and will provide advocacy, research and education for investors and entrepreneurs. Grow America’s Richard Swart has been named to the organizing committee of CfPA and also will serve as a member of the Crowdfund Intermediary Regulatory Advocates (CfIRA) leadership group, which is focused exclusively on channeling industry expertise to support the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), and other affected governmental and quasi-governmental entities, including state regulators, in the establishment of crowdfunding regulation, standards and best practices.

CfPA will bring education and resources to entrepreneurs interested in using crowdfunding to grow their businesses when equity-based crowdfunding becomes legal in 2013 as a result of the recently signed Jumpstart Our Business Startups (JOBS) Act.

Grow America is provider of the Grow America Springboard™ program launched by Founder Alan E. Hall with the help of regional Utah partners. Springboard is providing $1,000,000 in cash awards and resources over the course of three Utah events in 2012 and a state championship in January 2013.

“The issue of crowdfunding is essential as it pertains to the creation of early-stage ventures,” said Hall. “We welcome this exciting development, but we also see the need to be actively involved in ensuring the new funding mechanisms operate properly and safely for all involved.”

About Grow America

Grow America aligns the partners, mentors and capital that entrepreneurs need to create and grow tomorrow’s successful companies. As an organization, Grow America has five components: competitions, e-commerce tools, curriculum and educational tools, community support, and charitable giving. For additional resources, connect to @GrowAmerica and @AskAlanEHall.

PR Contacts:

Snapp Conner PR

Jeremy Kartchner

(801) 703-4092

Jeremy@snappconner.com

-100 Finalists to Prepare for Live Pitch Events at the Salt Palace-

Grow America Springboard™ has announced the top 100 finalists of its Spring 2012 business competition today. To see the full list, which now comprises the top entrants in each category including Idea (Concept), Start-up (Emerging Business), and Growth (Ramp-up), visit http://www.growam.com/round-2-winners-utah-spring-2012/.

Grow America is holding a Live Pitch prep session for all interested participants on Tuesday, May 8, at 7:00 p.m., at the Zions Bank Founder’s Room, One S. Main, 18^th Floor. This event will be streamed live at http://www.growam.com/livestream and will also be recorded for future access by entrants and community members who are preparing or considering entry in any future Springboard event.

Grow America Springboard, launched by Alan E. Hall with the help of regional partners, is providing $1,000,000 in cash awards and resources over the course of three events in 2012 and a Utah state championship in January 2013.

The Spring 2012 Live Pitch and Final Pitch events will take place at Utah’s Salt Palace on May 21, 2012. The community is welcome to network and participate in the Live Pitch beginning at 1:30. The Final Pitch event, in which the top twelve companies will make their presentations before a live audience and celebrity judges begins at 4:00 p.m. After voting by both the audience and judges, Grow America will name winners in all three categories.

The Final Pitch event is being produced by KUTV Channel 2 and Comcast Spotlight for later broadcast and on demand viewing.

Attendance to both the Live Pitch and Final Pitch are free and open to the public.  To RSVP for either May 21 event visit www.growam.com.

“We applaud our Round 2 finalists, who were up against extremely strong competition,” said Alan E. Hall, Grow America’s Founder. “The program has received overwhelming response from entrepreneurs and from our community partners. We look forward to an exciting televised program and to an equally strong response for our Summer and Fall competitions, as we continue to expand the program to additional communities nationwide.”

To date the founding partners of Grow America Springboard include: Zions Bank, Comcast Business Class, Comcast Spotlight, KUTV2, Utah Jazz and KJZZ-TV.

 About Grow America

Grow America is a national company emerging from Utah with a mission to create jobs and lift local economies. Grow America aligns the partners, mentors and capital that entrepreneurs need to create and grow tomorrow’s successful companies. As an organization, Grow America has five components: competitions, e-commerce tools, curriculum and educational tools, community support, and charitable giving. (For more information, visit www.GrowAm.com.)

For additional resources, connect to @GrowAmerica and @AskAlanEHall.

###

PR Contacts:

Snapp Conner PR

Jeremy Kartchner or Kenny Caldwell

(801) 703-4092 or 801 505-8171

Jeremy@snappconner.com or Kenny@snappconner.com