Jerry Greenfield, co-founder of Ben & Jerry's Homemade Ice Cream Inc., succeeded as an entrepreneur with an alternative business model based on socially responsible practices and fun management styles. He'll speak on his business philosophy at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 14, at the University of Rochester's Strong Auditorium.
Tickets are $3 for University of Rochester undergraduates with ID; $7 for others in the University community with ID; and $10 for the general public. A free ice cream party will be held in Hirst Lounge after the lecture for all those with ticket stubs.
Greenfield and partner Ben Cohen were high school friends who years later began researching the ice cream industry. They set up their first Ben & Jerry's ice cream parlor in Burlington, Vt., in May 1978. Now their Vermont corporation is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Unilever with products sold internationally.
Ben & Jerry's three-part mission statement emphasizes product quality, economic reward, and a commitment to the community. The company contributes more than $1.1 million annually through corporate philanthropy.
Tickets for the general public are available after Sept. 1 at the Common Market in Wilson Commons on the University's River Campus; online at www.choiceticketing.com/rochester; and at the door, if not sold out in advance.
The event is sponsored by the Campus Activities Board, UR Grassroots, Dining Services, UR Entrepreneurs Club, University of Rochester Center for Entrepreneurship, and Simon Entrepreneurs Club. For more information, contact (585) 275-5911.
Note to editors: A jpg image of Jerry Greenfield is available by calling (585) 275-4128 or e-mailing sdickman@rochester.edu.