Members of the Creating Entrepreneurial Opportunities or CEO program have spent the weeks since school started visiting area businesses and learning what it takes to become an entrepreneur. Next semester, the 19 students in the program will shift their focus creating a business plan of their own and marketing those businesses at the annual showcase.

"We've been meeting at different businesses around Daviess County since school started," said Elizabeth Stallman, a senior at Washington High School. "On those visits we've been able to hear the stories of businesses we go by every day but maybe didn't know what they did."

Hannah Ashby, a senior at Washington Catholic, said the class has also been able to learn about several Amish businesses they never knew existed. 

"There are so many Amish businesses in our county I never knew about," said Ashby, adding the class is under the direction of Bill Turner.

For now though, the students are busy planning for their biggest fundraiser of the year, a dinner and auction event called An Evening with Young Entrepreneurs.

"Our annual dinner is going to be on Jan. 16 at Westgate Academy," said Stallman who said tickets for the dinner that will feature comfort foods catered by the Gasthof are now available for purchase.

In addition to the dinner, a silent auction featuring several gift baskets and other items will begin at 6 p.m.

"We have a hotel package and an autographed Colts football that will be part of a live auction," said Ashby adding the class is still collecting silent auction items and sponsors are still needed.

Tickets are $35 per person in advance and tables of six run $200. Advanced tickets can be purchased until Jan. 1.

"We will also have tickets available at the door for $40 each," said Stallman. 

Once dinner is complete, mentalist Daniel Cullen will provide entertainment.

All proceeds from the dinner Stallman and Ashby said will go to help cover costs associated with the CEO program.

"Proceeds go to help cover business visits, transportation, scholarships and other expenses," said Stallman.

For more information on An Evening with Young Entrepreneurs, call 812-254-1500 or email daviessceo@gmail.com.