Entrepreneurship in the Current Economy

Jan. 23, 2009 -- Build-A-Bear Workshop founder and CEO, Maxine Clark, will respond to questions about entrepreneurship in today's economy at the 5 p.m. Assembly Series talk on Thursday, February 5 in Graham Chapel. The event is co-sponsored by the Skandalaris Center for Entrepreneurial Studies and the Olin School of Business, as well as several organizations outside the University. Following the discussion at 6:15 p.m., Clark and Ken Harrington, the center's managing director, will present the Olin Cup and a cash prize to the winning student team.

The goal of the center and the Olin Cup competition is to harness the entrepreneurial potential of the University and the St. Louis region by using three tools: collaboration, learning and funding.

Clark will answer questions from colleagues on stage as well as the audience. Questions may be submitted in advance to entrepreneurship@wustl.edu.

Clark's entrepreneurial enterprise was founded in 1997 in St. Louis and is the only company, with more than 400 locations worldwide, to offer an interactive "make your own stuffed animal" retail entertainment experience. Build-A-Bear also operates "make-your-own Major League Baseball mascot" in stadium locations as well as Build-A-Dino stores.

Clark's extensive retail career has included the role of President and Chief Merchandising Officer of Payless Shoesource, key management and merchandising positions throughout May Department Stores in areas including merchandise development, merchandise planning, merchandise research, and marketing. Currently, she serves on the boards of a number of organizations including the J.C. Penney Co., Sara Lee Bakery, the International Council of Shopping Centers, Teach for America St. Louis Chapter, and BJC Healthcare. Furthermore, she is a member of the Washington University Board of Trustees, a member of the Olin Business School's National Council and a member of the Barnes-Jewish Hospital board. Clark is a graduate of the University of Georgia with a bachelor's degree in journalism.

Assembly Series talks are free and open to the public. For additional information visit our Web site http://assemblyseries.wustl.edu or call 314-935-4620.