19th Annual John Ruffatto Montana Business Plan Competition, 5/8, University Of Montana - Missoula

May 1, 2008

On behalf of The University of Montana School of Business, we would like to extend to you a personal invitation for the John Ruffatto Montana Business Plan Competition. As an audience member, you will have the opportunity to challenge student entrepreneurs and help provide a memorable learning experience. With the assistance of the Montana Academy of Distinguished Entrepreneurs (MADE, please visit: http://www.business.umt.edu/made), we continue to make significant strides in terms of increasing the prize purse, the number of plans submitted, and the educational experience for all competitors. For the second consecutive year, the total prize purse will be $35,000.

The competition invites students from across Montana to present their business plans to a group of outstanding business and community leaders. This exciting event will allow you to witness firsthand how students from Montana institutions of higher education are applying their knowledge, skills, and abilities to create viable business opportunities. Since the competition’s inception, over 500 Montana students have participated in the program, and about 35 teams have started their businesses (see http://www.business.umt.edu/made/programs/bizplan/history.asp).

The Nineteenth Annual Montana Business Plan Competition will take place on May 8th in the Gallagher Business Building at The University of Montana. The schedule for the evening will be as follows: We will begin with a reception at 5:00 p.m. during which you will have the opportunity to interact with the semi-finalist teams, judges and other attendees. The competition and presentations will begin at 5:30 p.m., with a buffet including wine and beer served to all guests at 8:00 p.m., and winners announced at 8:45 p.m. e-mail your RSVP to us at catherine.claro@business.umt.edu, or call us at (406) 243-4309. Please RSVP by May 2, 2008.

If you are traveling from out of town and need a place to stay, we recommend either the Broadway Inn (406) 543-7231 or the Campus Inn (406) 549-5134.

We hope to see you on May 8th. Your attendance will result in a successful and inspiring evening!

Sincerely,

Jeff Shay