What: The Kent Entrepreneurial Association in association with the Center for Entrepreneurship and Business Innovation are hosting John P. McConnell, chairman and CEO of Worthington Industries for a "Fireside Chat on Entrepreneurship." The event is free and open to the public, and light refreshments and appetizers will be served following the event.

Where: First Floor Lounge, Eastway Center, Kent State University

When: 6:15 p.m., Wednesday, April 25

Background: Employing more than 8,000 people and operating 63 facilities in ten countries, Worthington Industries is the country's leading intermediate steel processor and a leading manufacturer of metals-related products.

McConnell began his career at Worthington in 1975 as a general laborer, and by 1993, he was named chief executive officer. In 1996, he was named chairman of the board. McConnell also is active in numerous community organizations and currently serves on the board of directors for Alltel Corporation and The Wilds.

The event is funded by the Undergraduate Student Senate with additional support from the Michael D. Solomon Lecture Series in Entrepreneurship. For more information or to register, visit http://business.kent.edu/cebi/fce/.