"Champions of the American Dream" is a program started at Cal State-Stanislaus in the Fall of 1998 through a grant from Prime Shine Express. The purpose is to educate students and the public alike as to the rewards of being an entrepreneur and present a role model in which to emulate. But equally so, it’s a program to honor and show case a local entrepreneur who has made an impact on his/her industry while at the same time has a philosophy of and can demonstrate that “giving back to the community is good business”. We attempt to introduce good character and the positive side of enterprise which is so often excluded in today’s media. It is a rare opportunity to see into the minds of ordinary people who have achieved extraordinary success. The basic requirements for the recipient are only four:

1. Usually first or second generation entrepreneur
2. Has distinguished themselves in their field of endeavor
   • Achieving a high level of personal and professional success.
   • Expanded markets through new products
   • Expanded market share through growth
   • Is an acknowledged industry leader
   • Provides a superior product/service than the industry standard
3. Has distinguished themselves in the community
   • Actively participating in or contributing to local organizations providing community good will
   • Succeeding in encouraging employees to participate in community goodwill activities
   • Promotes and fosters the ideals of "business giving back to the community is good business"
   • Providing civic leadership
4. Lives and/or employs people within the greater Central Valley.

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In partnership with

In association with

The Alliance
The Modesto Bee

Modesto City Schools
Modesto Junior College
CSU, Stanislaus
Stanislaus County Office of Education