Harry and David President Announced as April IDEA Talk Speaker

The Klamath IDEA (Inspire Development, Energize Acceleration) will host an IDEA Talk on Wednesday, April 18 from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at MC’s on Main.

This month’s Big IDEA featured speaker will be Steven Lightman, president of Harry and David. Lightman’s experience spans success in industries including multi-channel marketing, private equity, apparel, and specialty food and gifts. In addition to the South Oregon favorite, Harry and David, Lightman’s fingerprints have been on companies such as Chadwicks, Casual Living, The Sharper Image, Crosstown Traders and Fingerhut Companies, Inc.

Lightman will share experiences from his own entrepreneurial journey both at Harry and David and throughout his vast business ventures.

“Entrepreneurs and business people alike won’t want to miss hearing Steve’s story. What an incredible depth of experience we get to learn from,” said Kat Rutledge, leader of the Klamath IDEA.

Klamath IDEA is a community initiative, supported by both entrepreneurs and economic development partners and is dedicated to the development of a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem in the south central region of Oregon.

The 2017-2018 season has been generously sponsored by Klamath Community College and the KCC Small Business Development Center.

IDEA Talks are gatherings designed as a networking opportunity for those with an entrepreneurial mindset, and who are interested in learning, networking, and being inspired. Each gathering features one or more guest speakers discussing an inspirational or educational entrepreneurial-related topic. IDEA Talks bring together entrepreneurs of all ages, founders, business owners, innovators and support organizations under one roof to hear about and discuss opportunities, needs, and great ideas for starting a business, expanding a business, or getting support in the process.

“We believe entrepreneurship and innovation are the keys to reshaping the economic foundation of our region and IDEA Talks are about getting people out to participate in that change,” Rutledge said.

MC’s on Main is located at 617 Main St. in downtown Klamath Falls. Light refreshments, prepared by MC’s on Main, will be available, as well as a no-host bar. Networking begins at 5:30 p.m. and the presentation starts at 6 p.m.  Admission is $5 (cash only) at the door. The admission fee helps sustain the Klamath IDEA initiative.

Press release provided from Klamath Coummunity College and Klamath IDEA.