Ticket Prices:

1 for $100,   2 for $150

Dressy casual attire.  For more information or to purchase tickets, please contact Melissa Binder at (504) 569-8658.

Reception Honoring Our Rising Stars

In conjunction with the 2010 Soiree, JA will present Rising Star awards to five young entrepreneurs in the Greater New Orleans community.  A Rising Star is an individual, 40 and under, who has demonstrated strong entrepreneurial skills with high moral and ethical standards and who are taking full advantage of the American Free Enterprise System.

2009 Rising Star Honorees

Kyle Berner, CEO and Founder, Feelgoodz, LLC

David Blossman, President, Abita Brewing Co.

Michael Hecht, President and CEO, GNO, Inc.

Peter Menge and Aaron Wolfson, Co-Founders, The Savvy Gourmet

Chris Schultz, Founder, Voodoo Ventures, LLC

.	KYLE BERNER CEO and Founder, Feelgoodz Flip Flops, LLC Although Kyle Berner’s professional résumé includes  hot dog cart vendor and record producer, the New Orleans native, who attended Jesuit High School and Loyola University, found his calling as the creator and CEO of Feelgoodz LLC, a company that sells eco-friendly flip-flops. “I am, in total essence, a flip-flops, T-shirt and cargo shorts kinda guy,” says Berner, who was inspired by a backpacking trip he took across Thailand when he was 25. Proceeds from the [biodegradable and recyclable] flip-flops benefit social entrepreneurs in developing countries across the world. Feelgoodz flip-flops are sold in 48 retail stores across the country, 17 of which are Whole Foods. The business is poised to penetrate the fair-trade, eco-conscious consumer market. “We are trying to build a global lifestyle brand based in New Orleans on the social ethos of ‘comfortable, green and ethical,’” says Berner. He advises other young entrepreneurs to use passion, vision, energy and tenacity in their ventures.
.	DAVID BLOSSMAN President, Abita Brewing Co. Prior to his job as president of Abita Brewing Company, David Blossman worked as a CFO of another local company, but he jumped at the chance to combine his management experience with his love of brewing, which began at an early age. “It’s the perfect blend of creativity and business,” he says of his career. “It’s the best of both worlds.” Abita has humble beginnings: In 1986 it was a two-man operation, and in its first full year of operation, “we sold just 1,500 barrels of beer,” says Blossman. “Twenty-three years later we are the 18th-largest craft brewery in the country,” employing more than 50 employees and producing 90,000 barrels of beer (and root beer!) a year.  “Every single day I think how lucky I am that I get paid to do what I love.” He praises not only his line of work, but also the region in which it takes place: “Our culture is so unique and rich. No matter the event or the occasion you can count on great music, fantastic food and good times.” For young entrepreneurs, Blossman offers this advice: “Find a career that you are passionate about, work hard and enjoy the important things in life.”
	MICHAEL HECHT President and CEO, GNO, Inc. The Yale- and Stanford-educated Michael Hecht of GNO, Inc. says his company’s mission is to catalyze wealth creation in the region. Over the last century, the nonprofit organization has morphed into a full service regional economic development agency whose mission falls broadly into two categories: business development (marketing the region) and product development (improving regional business conditions through policy, workforce and communications initiatives). “Our vision is for the region to fulfill its potential as one of the best places in the country to grow a company and raise a family. The ultimate indication of success for GNO, Inc. will be the presence of a robust and growing middle class in southeast Louisiana,” he says. His sentiment is no doubt shared by many: “It’s the only place in the country where you actually know where you are.
	PETER MENGE, JR. & DR. AARON WOLFSON Co-Founders, The Savvy Gourmet Peter Menge Jr. and Aaron Wolfson are founders of the Savvy Gourmet, which has undergone changes and expanded its offerings over the last four years. “The original business model was to use the cooking classes to drive retail cookware sales. When Katrina hit, it was difficult to find a place to eat,” says Wolfson, who’s also a licensed psychologist in Metairie. While Savvy Gourmet opened as a restaurant in October 2005, it now offers lunch, catering, cooking classes, private parties, kids camp, kids cooking birthday parties and will be offering dinner in the near future. And, says Wolfson, “we serve the best Cuban sandwich in the city!” “Every day is different, and I love introducing people to the pleasures of good food,” says Wolfson. “Coming together over meals is what New Orleanians do, and helping that happen is a real treat.” The pair’s business seems to fit in perfectly with the city. “I love how New Orleans is like a small town, but without the small town boredom,” says Menge. “We have a lot of culture here – food and music especially – but you can’t walk into the grocery store or the coffee shop without seeing a bunch of people you know. And I like that.”
	CHRIS SCHULTZ Founder, Voodoo Ventures Voodoo Ventures, an Internet consultancy that works with start-ups in New Orleans, offers strategic consulting and product development, says founder Chris Schultz, who came to New Orleans in 2002 after receiving his MBA from the University of Southern California. “We have launched several products out of Voodoo Ventures,” says Schultz, who also has a background in mechanical engineering.“Our community-building focus over the last two years has led to Launch Pad and also has shifted our focus somewhat from internal product development to working more with clients.” Launch Pad, which is a community work environment, takes the risk out of launching a company by providing a collaborative workspace where entrepreneurs of startups, as well as freelancers, can rent desks and offices on a monthly basis. Schultz says his days often begin at 5 a.m. when he checks e-mail; for the next several hours he mentors, shares advice and collaborates with other business-minded individuals. “We are passionate about building the entrepreneurial community in New Orleans and enabling the growth of companies,” he says. “I love the rich culture and engagement of the community in New Orleans. People are here by choice and are passionate about it.” He adds that his job fits his personality because he loves being around these very people.

View past Rising Stars

Please click here to nominate an individual for consideration in 2011

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