When people tell the Art Van Furniture story, they often begin with this line, “In 1959 a young business man named Art Van Elsander opened the doors to his first furniture showroom on Gratiot Avenue in Eastpointe, Michigan.” Thanks to our founder’s perseverance and business savvy, we’ve been proud to be a part of Michigan communities for more than 50 years now. Mr. Van Elslander says, “If you’re fortunate enough to be as successful … as our company has been, then it’s your responsibility to give back. I just believe that.”
He also believes in supporting other young, motivated people who show interest in following in his footsteps by creating something of their own in our community. When we heard Huntington National Bank was bringing Lemonade Day to Detroit, we knew we wanted to support such a fantastic event in any way possible. We are thrilled to announce that as the official prize sponsor, we’re adding a little friendly competition to an already great recipe for encouraging entrepreneurship in our young people.
Win a Trip to Disney World!
All Lemonade Day participants who submit their completed forms before June 24, 2011 will be entered for a chance to win a trip for four to Disney World! The Winner will be announced in July.
Be the Top Seller!
The top seller with the most profitable lemonade stand who turns in their completed forms before June 24, 2011 will receive a special award in July.
Best Lemonade Stand!
The three most creative, appealing lemonade stands will receive special prizes. Participants must upload a picture of their stand to Art Van’s Facebook page (live link to Art Van FB page) by June 13 to be eligible for this contest. Winners will be announced in July.
We at Art Van would like to thank the community for more than 50 years of support and for helping make this event possible for business owners of tomorrow. Fifty years from now, we hope to read a story that begins with, “In 2011 a young entrepreneur . . .”
If you have any business-savvy tips that may give some of our young entrepreneurs an edge, please feel free to share them below!
Kim Yost is CEO of Art Van and proud to be the contest sponsor of the first Lemonade Day Detroit. He can’t verify if Mr. Van Elsander ever had a lemonade stand in his youth, but thinks he might’ve been selling sofas on the side of the road.
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