Inside Iowa State

September 23, 2005

Alumna to give Reiman lecture

by Kevin Brown

An Iowa State alumna and Chicago area businesswoman will speak on how "Ordinary People Can Do Extraordinary Things" at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 28, in the Memorial Union Sun Room. The free event includes lunch and is open to the public.

Madolyn Johnson is the founder and owner of The Homemaker's Idea Co., Glendale Heights, Ill. She started the company in 1971 with $2,000. Today, the firm has more than 6,000 representatives nationwide. It markets an exclusive line of organizing and decorating products.

In May, Johnson was recognized by Fast Company magazine as one of the top 25 women business builders in the country. In 2004, Johnson was awarded the Woman of Achievement Award from the National Association of Female Executives. And in 2002, she was named Illinois Entrepreneur of the Year.

Her talk is part of a lecture series offered by the ISU Pappajohn Center for Entrepreneurship. Online pre-registration is required at http://www.isupjcenter.org/programs/reimanspeakers.

The Reiman Entrepreneurial Lecture Series, established by a gift from Roy and Bobbi Reiman, features an entrepreneurial speaker who spends several days at Iowa State meeting with students, faculty and business leaders.

Call (515) 296-6532