Media Contacts:

Myron White, City of Winona, (507)457-8250,

Kim Wallace, Kauffman Foundation — (816) 932-1254,

Winona Million Cups

December Agenda Set

7:30 to 8:30 AM, Wednesday, January 10, 2018

The Outpost: 119 East Third Street

Public is welcome: Join us for morning coffee

(Winona, MN)WinonaMillion Cups has finalized its January 10th Agenda. The Million Cup initiative has been formed in an effort to engage, educate and connect local entrepreneurs. Founded by the Kauffman Foundation, Million Cups[Office1] is based on the notion that entrepreneurs network and discover solutions over a million cups of coffee. The free,monthly gathering helps build startup communities on a grassroots level.

The January Million Cups in Winona will feature a skateboard/longboard theme. Our host, The Outpost, is featuring a display from Anthem Skatepark and Board Shop:

Our first presenter will be Calvin Johnson and student athlete at Winona State University. Calvin has designed a rack system for skateboards/longboards. A local Winona company is currently doing the fabrication work on the racks. Mr. Johnson is an active member in with Winona State University Entrepreneur Club.

The details with regard to our second presenter have yet to be finalized. The Million Cups leadership group promises a pleasant surprise.

In each 1 Million Cups city, local entrepreneurs drive the program as community organizers. Volunteering for the leadership roles in Winonaare:

  • Brian Voerding, Engage Winona
  • Christine Beech, Director, Kabara Institute for Entrepreneurial Studies, St. Mary’s University
  • Eric Mullen, President, Entrepreneur Club, Winona State University
  • Olivia Osterbauer, President, Entrepreneur Club, St. Mary’s University
  • Hamid Akbari, Dean, College of Business, Winona State University
  • Lucy McMartin, Community Development Director, City of Winona
  • Della Schmidt, President, Winona Area Chamber of Commerce
  • Emily Kurash, Coordinator, Winona Main Street Program
  • Myron White, Development Coordinator, City of Winona

“Million Cups provides communities like Winona with a proven format designed to provide entrepreneurs in the early stages of business development an opportunity to discuss their ideas and collaborate with like-minded people from the community.” White said. “Entrepreneurs are encouraged to be open and honest about their business and the challenges they face. Everyone in attendance will be there in support.”

View the national website at and access the Winona microsite at

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The Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation is a private, nonpartisan foundation that works together with communities in education and entrepreneurship to create uncommon solutions and empower people to shape their futures and be successful. The Kauffman Foundation is based in Kansas City, Missouri, and uses its $2 billion in assets to collaboratively help people be self-sufficient, productive citizens. For more information, visit and connect with us at and

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