Delta State University’s College of Business and the chair of Entrepreneurship in Business Technology will present “Conversations with Entrepreneurs,” Wednesday, October 5th, at 2:00 p.m. in the Baioni Conference Center of Broom Hall on the campus.
The guest speaker for the event will be award-winning songwriter and performer Steve Azar. A Greenville native, Azar graduated from Delta State University in 1987 with a degree in business administration and went on to develop a successful career in the music industry as a singer, songwriter, producer, and publisher. As a writer, his hits include, “Waitin’ On Joe,” “Sunshine,” and “Big Blue Sky.” His biggest hit, “I Don’t Have To Be Me ‘Til Monday,” was honored by BMI with the “Million- Air” Award. It has received almost 3 million spins on the radio since release, and has a total audience of almost two billion. His "Waitin’ On Joe" video, featuring Morgan Freeman, was filmed in the Delta and nominated for CMA Video of the Year.
Azar was personally chosen by Bob Seger to open his 2007 U.S. tour, which was ranked by Pollstar Magazine the #1 tour in America that year. Steve also narrated and provided soundtrack music for Second Crossing: Mississippi’s Landmark Bridge, a Mississippi PBS documentary about a key rebuilding effort for the Mississippi Delta region following Hurricane Katrina.
Azar and his family have resettled in the Mississippi Delta where he is an artist-in-residence at Delta State University. He is working with the Entrepreneurship in Business Technology center in the College of Business as well as with the Delta Music Institute’s music industry studies program.
The “Conversations with Entrepreneurs” lecture series focuses on the stories of successful entrepreneurs from a firsthand perspective. Speakers share their knowledge and experiences in starting their own businesses. From the good to the bad of the entrepreneurial process to the lessons and advice for future business owners, these presenters provide a unique look into the challenges and rewards of business ownership.
Delta State’s College of Business has extensive experience educating and assisting Delta business owners with their companies. Whether starting a new business venture or expanding an existing business, this lecture series will allow participants the opportunity to obtain expert information, network with experienced and successful business owners, and get the answers they need to move forward.
The lecture is free and open to the public. Those interested in pursuing a business venture, owning their own business, or are eager to learn more about entrepreneurship are invited and encouraged to attend.
For more information, please contact Dr. Cooper Johnson, chair of Entrepreneurship in Business Technology at (662) 846-4192 or e-mail bcjohnsn@deltastate.edu.
