#MadeInMuscatine -- 4th Annual Muscatine Entrepreneurship Exposition (E-Day)

#MadeInMuscatine is the theme for the 4^th Annual Muscatine Entrepreneurship Exposition (E-Day) which expands to two days this year featuring local and regional entrepreneurs as keynote speakers.  The event is set for May 5 and 6, 2015.

Douglas Buster, President of Fabricators Plus, will kick off the 4^th Annual Muscatine Entrepreneurship Exposition on Tuesday May 5^th in the Founder’s Forum – a student, invitation-only event to be held at the Muscatine History and Industry Center. 

Fabricators Plus is a single source, full service provider of custom metal fabricated products and a contract manufacturer serving customers in Iowa and the Midwest for over 10 years.

Daniel Nietzel, Founder/Inventor/President of Fighting Chance Solutions is also scheduled to tell students his company’s startup story.

Fighting Chance Solutions (FCS) was formed when educator Nietzel conceived an idea to help protect students and teachers in an active shooter or violent intruder scenario in a school by securing the door closer arm found on most classroom doors. Often in schools, classrooms only lock from the outside, forcing a teacher into the line of fire to secure the room. Nietzel and his co-founders created The Sleeve and began marketing it to schools and companies throughout the world in June 2014.

Both Fabricators Plus and Fighting Chance Solutions are Muscatine companies.

Nate Kaeding, former University of Iowa & National Football League star and Serial Entrepreneur is the scheduled capstone speaker for the event on Wednesday, May 6^th.  Kaeding will share his insights on how leadership, the creative mindset and a ‘can-do’ attitude are key ingredients to entrepreneurial success. He is a Founding Partner in Shorts Burger & Shine Restaurant, Tailgate (brick & mortar retail store), and Pullman Bar & Diner.  

In addition to keynote addresses, student e-speed networking activities and conversations with entrepreneurs, the event features on Wednesday, May 6th the Startup Challenge Reception & Starup Challenge Exhibits to be held in Strahan Hall at Muscatine Community College.

Following his keynote address, Kaeding will help announce the winner of the 4^th Annual Startup Challenge Business Pitch Competition to end the 2-day Entrepreneurship Exposition.