First Commerce Credit Union this morning announced a partnership with the Florida State University College of Business to launch the Power Forward Speaker Series, with Barbara Corcoran of “Shark Tank” fame set to be the inaugural speaker. The announcement was made in front of a record crowd attending the Greater Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Community Conference in Amelia Island, as part of First Commerce’s remarks as the conference’s presenting sponsor.
“As a local strong credit union in this community for more than 70 years, we know recent years have been difficult for our local businesses – but we are leaner, stronger, and ready to Power Forward,” said Cecilia Homison, CEO of First Commerce Credit Union. “As part of our commitment to our community, we wanted to find a way to celebrate the resilience of our businesses and keep our leaders inspired. After discussions with the FSU College of Business about their similar hopes for Entrepreneurship Month, the Power Forward speaker series was born.”
“The Power Forward Speaker Series perfectly aligns with our mission as a college that works hard every day to teach and inspire students to become our entrepreneurs and business leaders of the future,” said Caryn L. Beck-Dudley, dean of FSU’s College of Business. “Barbara Corcoran embodies the true entrepreneurial spirit and hearing her talk will set the stage for a full calendar of Entrepreneurship Month activities.”
Barbara Corcoran parlayed a $1,000 loan to start The Corcoran Group into a $5-billion real estate business, which she sold in 2001 for $66 million. She is a star on ABC’s entrepreneurial reality hit, “Shark Tank,” and the real estate contributor for NBC’s “TODAY” Show. In the first and second season of “Shark Tank,” Barbara invested in 13 young businesses that she’s shepherding to success. In Seasons 3 and 4, she invested in 18 entrepreneurs. She has also written several national best-selling books including “Shark Tales,” and “If You Don’t Have Big Breasts, Put Ribbons on Your Pigtails.”
The first annual Power Forward event will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 6, at 3:30 p.m. at the University Center Club. Corcoran’s inspiring talk will be followed by a networking reception. Tickets are priced to be affordable for businesses of all sizes at $30 in advance for general admission ($45 at the door). Limited seating is available, so purchase your tickets today via First Commerce’s website at www.FirstCommerceCU.org .
Other sponsors of the event include The Jim Moran Institute for Global Entrepreneurship, Proctor University, Summit East, Dale Earnhardt Jr. GMC/Buick/Cadillac/Chevrolet, the Economic Development Council of Tallahassee/Leon County, Mainline Information Systems, 850 Business Magazine, the Tallahassee Democrat, ABC 27 WTXL, and 100.7 WFLA. Limited sponsorship opportunities are available; for more information, please contact First Commerce Credit Union Business Services at (850) 410-3559.
For more information about the Power Forward with Barbara Corcoran event or to purchase tickets, visit www.FirstCommerceCU.org.
