The Clemson University Master Panel of Entrepreneurs
October 4, 2009GREENVILLE, SC – October 8, 2009
Please join us for a special evening with finalists and award recipients of the prestigious Ernst & Young Carolinas Entrepreneur of the Year® competition for 2009. These dynamic entrepreneurs will share their stories with the Upstate entrepreneurial community.
This year’s awardees are:
Michelle Tunno Buelow, Founder and CEO
Bella Tunno, Charlotte, NC
Finalist, Retail & Consumer Products
BELLA TUNNO has, in 4 short years, gone from a hobby to a global phenomenon that is now carried in Nordstrom, Target, Baby Gap and over 4000 International and Domestic Boutiques. Michelle Tunno Buelow was having trouble finding baby accessories (smocks, bibs, burp cloths, etc.) that was reflective of her style so she began making her own designs. Much to her surprise, everyone loved them. Her innovative, fashionable and practical line of baby accessories was launched on just $6000 of savings.
Tom Coble
Coble Trench Safety, Inc, Greensboro, NC
Finalist, Business & Financial Services
Tom Coble began his career as a personal pilot for Jerry Falwell. During his spare time at the airport he became a crane broker, a business that grew and became Coble Cranes & Equipment/ Coble Rents. After selling that company, his latest quest is to build Coble Trench Safety. This is a very unique company because it specializes in the trench shore equipment that prevents trench cave-ins. Tom noticed this specific need in the market as there are still approximately 200 deaths in the United States resulting from trench cave-ins.
Vipin K. Garg, PhD
Tranzyme Pharma, Durham, NC
Award Recipient, Health Sciences
Vipin Garg is a serial entrepreneur. He has been creating biotechnology companies and maneuvering their compounds through the maze of regulatory requirements for the FDA for over 20 years. He has been involved with the creation of five companies, four of which have been sold or taken public in successful exits for their investors. The fifth is Tranzyme Pharma, and Vipin has it on the verge of another success. Tranzyme’s most promising compounds are a drug in Phase II clinical trials and another poised to begin Phase III.
Philip Maung. Founder and CEO
Hissho Sushi, Charlotte, NC
Award Recipient, Retail/Consumer Products
Philip Maung came to the U.S. with less than $20 in his pocket and was determined to create a thriving business. In 1998, Philip and his wife started Hissho Sushi on their dining room table. Hissho, which translated means Certain Victory, is exactly what Hissho Sushi achieved. Today, the company’s headquarters is a 46,000 square foot facility from which fresh sushi product is shipped on a daily basis to over 300 sushi bars and hot food formats for retail partners in 20 states.
Event Details:
Thursday, October 8th
Westin Poinsett Hotel (downtown Greenville)
5:30 Reception (open – mezzanine level)
6:00 Master Panel of Entrepreneurs (Gold Ball Room)
Cost: No charge, but registration is required
Registration Details:
RSVP by clicking HERE
For further information please contact: Kathy Glenn 864-656-2433 or [email protected].