Clarence E. Harris Entrepreneurial Forum
2011 Entrepreneurial Forum - Thursday November 3, 2011
Welcome from the Dean of the College of Business, Robert Dooley
Breakfast Kick-off Speaker: Jim Kennedy III, Kenco Group
8:30-9:45 a.m. Breakfast Session, Tennessee Room of University Center
9:45-11:30 a.m. Panel Discussions
- Lamp Post: A Unique Incubator, UC Auditorium of University Center
- Growing Our Own: UTC Entrepreneurs, Chattanooga Room of University Center
- Taylor Monen, a UTC graduate and co-owner of Taco Mamacita and Urban Stack, talks about "What if?"
Guest Speaker: Jim Kennedy III, Kenco Group
Jim Kennedy III attended Baylor School and graduated from the University of the South with a BA in 1973. His first job outside of working in a warehouse, which he did almost every summer from the age of fourteen, was at SunTrust Bank (formerly American National Bank) in their Trust Department. He began work at Cherokee Warehouses, Inc, the family business, in 1975. Over the years he was involved in all aspects of the company from warehouse operations, managing a Toyota lift truck franchise, building, buying, selling commercial real estate, finance, sales and marketing, strategic planning, HR, transportation, etc.
As time passed the company changed its name to Kenco Group and grew from around 250 employees to the present day workforce of some 4000. Kenco now operates in over 28 states and in Canada.
Jim was active in the warehouse industry (now called third party logistics) for many years having been Chairman of both The Southeast Warehouse Association and The International Warehouse Association. He has been a member of several professional logistics associations and presented at many seminars and classes around the United States and abroad. Jim left his position as CEO and Chairman in December of 2011.
Over the years Jim has served as Founding Chairman of the Chattanooga Food Bank, Chairman of the Chattanooga Boys Club, Campaign Chairman of Chattanooga Allied Arts and The Chattanooga United Way. He was the Chairman of the UTC Chancellor’s Roundtable and is a member of the UC Foundation Board. Following with that theme, he is incoming Chairman of Allied Arts and newly elected Chairman of the reconstituted Chattanooga Library. He is also on the board of The Chattanooga History Center. Jim has three children, all 24, all who are living out of town and employed!
About The Clarence E. Harris Entrepreneurial Forum
The Clarence E. Harris Entrepreneurial Forum is conducted every year by the Harris Chair to promote dialogue and interaction between students, faculty and entrepreneurs. Each year since 1996, a group of 9-12 entrepreneurs is invited to campus for a half-day program. Participants both interact informally with students and faculty, and conduct a panel discussion.
This event is scheduled in the Fall semester and draws nearly 500 students annually.
The breakfast kick-off session is designed to provide one-on-one interaction with the entrepreneur at breakfast. After the breakfast, entrepreneurs participate in panel discussions with varying themes. This aspect of the program promotes a comparison in entrepreneurial perspectives and some lively discussion among the panelists. Students and faculty are welcome to ask questions and participate in the debate.
This year’s panel discussions will focus on “Lamp Post: A Unique Incubator” featuring Ted Alling (Lamp Post, Access America Transport), Jack Studer (Lamp Post), Weston Wamp (Lamp Post, Wamp Strategy), Isaiah Smallman (Fancy Rhino), and Travis Truett (retickr) and “Growing Our Own: UTC Entrepreneurs” featuring Betsy Dougherty (Ellie's Fine Lingerie), Tony Kuka (National Credential and Solutions), Taylor Monen (Taco Mamacita, Urban Stack), and Libby Santin (Dynamic Displays & Graphics).
Students should RSVP through their classes using the sign-in sheet provided to your teachers. Non-students should RSVP to Megan-Dale@mocs.utc.edu by Monday Oct. 31st.
--------------------------------------
Entrepreneurial Forum Archives
