EntreCon Keynote Speaker, Eric Schurenberg, President and Editor-in-Chief, Inc.

Just like winter, EntreCon is coming.

The first event of its kind in Pensacola, the two-day entrepreneurial conference is set for Nov. 5-6 and will cover tactics and strategies for those looking to start a business, those looking to grow and those looking for a chance to mentor the next generation of entrepreneurs.

Most importantly, it’s a chance to learn from people who’ve been there. The speakers, some national business leaders and some home-grown successes, will share their stories – stories that will bring the tactics, tips and strategies they will offer to life.

And while they may not have a secret identity, these speakers are truly business superheroes.

We’ve already announced that Eric Schurenberg will deliver a keynote address at the conference.

Schurenberg is the Editor-in-Chief of Inc., the venerable magazine and website that has reported on emerging businesses since 1979. The Inc. 500 is the magazine’s influential list of the 500 fastest-growing private companies in the U.S.

Schurenberg has also served as Editor-in-Chief of BNET.com and CBSMoneywatch.com for CBS Interactive. Before his time at CBS, he was managing editor of MONEY Magazine He has won both a Loeb Award and a National Magazine award as a writer and is a regular commentator on Nightly Business Report on PBS and has been featured on CNBC, CNN, Public Radio International, The Today Show and Good Morning America.

But what Schurenberg loves most is stories.

“My goal is to work with writers, editors and designers who want to help entrepreneurs make better decisions about their business, cope with uncertainty, and leave the world a better place than they found it.” he said. “And like all journos, I like great writing and well-told stories.”

We have many other nationally recognized business leaders that we will be sharing soon, but there’s also local talent who will share success stories.

One of those people is Emily Cowan Ley.

Ley is the founder and creative director of Emily Ley Paper & Gifts. Raised in Pensacola, Ley graduated from the University of West Florida with degrees in English and public administration.

She became the executive director of Ballet Pensacola. From there, she worked in nonprofit management and public relations before launching her company, Emily Ley in 2008.

After a success launch online, Ley’s company grew to be carried in more than 300 retail outlets across the United States and around the world.

Her story is one of empowerment for all entrepreneurs — especially women.

“The entire mission of our Emily Ley collection of products is to connect, empower and inspire women to choose simplicity, to live a unique, intentional life and to wholeheartedly commit themselves to a standard of grace not perfection,” Ley said. “It is possible to do it all. It’s almost never easy, but it’s always worth it.”

Schurenberg and Ley both have compelling stories. In the coming weeks, I’ll be writing a series of stories, focusing not only on the speakers at EntreCon, but also on those entrepreneurs making a difference — right here, right now — in the Pensacola area.

I can’t wait to share their stories.