FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

DCC SETS ENTREPRENEUR CONFERENCE

FOR AREA HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS

James Amps, III

            DANVILLE, VA, October 13, 2003  – More than 250 high school students and teachers from Danville, Pittsylvania County, and Halifax County are set to attend an Entrepreneurship Conference, sponsored by Danville Community College, on Wednesday, October 29, 10:00 a.m. – 1:40 p.m., at the Danville Community Market, Craighead Street in Danville. The conference features James Amps, III, a nationally-recognized personal accountability speaker and author of the book, “Speaking to Excel.” The conference will also include “Elevator Presentations” with prizes and awards for first, second, and third places.

            “This is part of our continuing effort to make our area youth aware of the opportunities available to those who may one day wish to own a business,” says Vince Decker, Assistant Professor of Business Management, and the conference coordinator.

Amps is President/CEO of James Amps International and is one of the top motivational speakers in the country. He has spoken to over 500 corporate and professional audiences, representing in excess of 900,000 people around the world. His presentations are renowned for helping people shake off mediocrity and live up to their full potential. Drawing from his own experience of eighteen years of corporate and sales leadership, and building on his lifetime of adventure and entrepreneurship, Amps uses his unique life story to inspire individuals to take responsibility for their lives and replace blame and finger pointing with accountable thinking and action. He also hosts the syndicated talk radio show, "Motivational Moments," and is co-founder and National Chairman of the Young Speakers Association, Inc. and the National African American Speakers Association.

            Decker adds that the Elevator Awards competition is a new conference feature. Student groups and their sponsors will have up to three minutes to pitch a business idea to a banker or investor; a TV commercial; or a sales presentation to a potential client or customer. The presentations will be judged on feasibility of the project, style and ability to express key ideas within the allotted time frame. The first place winners will receive a $300 cash award; second place, $200; and third place, $100. Amps will guide the elevator competition presentations.

            The cost to attend the conference is $3.00 per student and includes lunch and all materials. The conference is made possible by a grant from the John and Jean Hughes Foundation. For more information, or to register, please contact Vince Decker, at (434) 797-8470, or 800-560-4291, ext. 8470.