Knox County Teen Entrepreneurs to Showcase Work
VINCENNES – After a year of research, product development and real-world business experience, seven Knox County high school entrepreneurs will display – and offer for sale – products and services they created through the Knox County CEO program at the annual CEO Trade Show on Sunday, April 12. The event is open to the public from noon to 3 p.m. in the Green Auditorium on the Vincennes University campus.
Showcasing their work from the 2025-2026 program year, the students will offer a variety of products and services, including candles, body butters, bracelets, all-natural car detailing supplies, 3D-printed license plates, photography and professionally produced sourdough bread.
“This is several of the students’ first time selling their business products, and they are very excited to share their ideas with the public,” said Kristi Morron, owner of Attic Salt Boutique in Vincennes. Morron serves alongside educator (and former business professional) Ross D. Martin as co-facilitator for the Knox County program.
Direct business connections
The Knox County CEO program – Creating Entrepreneurial Opportunities – was established in 2017 to connect motivated local students directly with area business leaders and help them develop critical workforce skills, including problem solving, teamwork, self-motivation, responsibility and professionalism. Throughout the year, students visit local businesses and meet with executives to learn firsthand how to create, manage and grow a business.
More than 40 Knox County businesses and organizations – ranging from banks and utility companies to nonprofits and more – support the program as investors. An eleven-member board of local executives helps oversee the program by providing mentors, building relationships with school administrators and supporting key events such as the upcoming Trade Show.
Young entrepreneurial showcase
Audrey Stringer, a member of the current CEO class, expressed her enthusiasm for the showcase. “I am excited for the trade show because it gives me the opportunity to show off my products and lets people see what I’ve worked hard for,” she said. Stringer created “Light of Mine,” a business specializing in bead candle creation that invites customers to choose their own preferred scent and color combinations.
Fellow CEO student Kourtney Chesser will showcase “Korrt’s Kollection,” offering crafted, all-natural whipped body butters made with high-quality ingredients suitable for all skin types.
“The next generation of local teen entrepreneurs are forging an exciting future through the Knox County CEO program,” said Chris Pfaff, CEO of Knox County Indiana Economic Development and a Knox County CEO board member. “Ross Martin and Kristi Morron do an excellent job facilitating real-world business experiences, and their work building critical networks in collaboration with area schools is helping to shape our future leaders in Knox County.”
Free event
The Knox County CEO Trade Show is free and open to the public. It will take place from noon to 3 p.m. Sunday, April 12, in the Green Auditorium at Vincennes University. Parents and students interested in learning more about the Knox County CEO program are encouraged to attend.
Profiles of all seven student entrepreneurs and their businesses can be found on the organization’s Facebook page at facebook.com/knoxcountyinceo. An online application for the 2026-2027 program is available at knoxcountyceo.com.
Media inquiries – Michael Snyder, MEK Group