Rose Hernandez, Greene County Public Library Branch Manager

The Neuse Regional Libraries  committed to opening the door to opportunities for residents in Lenoir, Jones, and Greene Counties by making informational resources and programming freely accessible to them. We accomplish this by providing pathways to learning that focus on digital literacy and workforce development skills, which in turn foster economic growth and improved quality of life in our communities. Over 70% of the 24 counties comprising Eastern NC are designated as economically distressed based on employment, household income, or population, making this an even more critical part of our mission. The growing community of entrepreneurs in our region is supported by a collaborative network of partners encouraging economic activity and catalyzing job creation through innovative services, and the Library plays an essential role in facilitating this community.

One of the ways we provide these pathways is through offering entrepreneurial programming such as the upcoming ICE HOUSE Entrepreneurship Mindset Workshop, a free three-night course designed to inspire and engage participants with the determination and perseverance of an entrepreneurial mindset. Our next workshops will take place at the Greene County Public Library on Tuesday-Thursday, January 23, 24, and 25 from 6-8 p.m. and the Pink Hill Public Library on Monday - Wednesday, February 26 - 28 from 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

The program is centered around the “Eight Life Lessons” from the book Who Owns the Ice House? Eight Life Lessons from an Unlikely Entrepreneur by Clifton Taulbert and Gary Schoeniger. Taulbert was an African-American resident of Glen Allan, Mississippi, a poor cotton community at the height of segregation, who went on to be recognized by Time magazine as “one of our nation’s most outstanding emerging entrepreneurs.” 

Day one of the program will focus on the lessons of choice, opportunity, action and knowledge in the context of entrepreneurial activities, focus, and mindset. The major topics covered during day two include how to create wealth as an entrepreneur and branding - what it is and how to develop it for your business. The final day of the program will cover the last two of the eight lessons, which are community and persistence, two elements that are essential for a thriving business. The program will also briefly focus on marketing tips such as creating marketing materials and crafting social media posts.

Seating for this workshop is limited; to enroll for the Greene County Workshop please call 252-747-3437. For questions regarding the event contact Rose Hernandez at rhernandez@neuselibrary.org or by phone at 252-747-3437. To enroll at the Pink Hill Public Library please call 252-568-3631. For questions regarding the Pink Hill event contact Lori Bradord at lbradford@neuselibrary.org or by phone at 252-568-3631. We are looking forward to this opportunity to put more of our library users into the entrepreneurial mindset and continue to build our local business community.