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Prominent business leaders, elected officials, and motivational speakers team

with Education Equal Opportunity Group, Inc. (EEOG)

to provide education and inspiration to underprivileged, talented students

Nashville-- “I did it and you can, too,” is the message that Felecia Hatcher, leader of Feverish Ice Cream and Gourmet Popsicles, will deliver to approximately 500 underprivileged and talented high school students from across Tennessee who will participate in the 11th Annual Project Save-A-Student Leadership and Training Conference on Wednesday, February 15, through Friday, February 17, in Nashville. The conference at the War Memorial Auditorium is presented by Education Equal Opportunity Group, Inc. (EEOG).

Hatcher is one of the many prominent business leaders, elected officials, and motivational speakers who will participate in the EEOG conference that provides students with the opportunity to network and acquire valuable knowledge and insights about how to succeed. Speakers at the three-day conference will include Robert A. McCabe, Jr., Chairman of Pinnacle Financial Partners; Arthur Keith, former Senior Vice President and General Manager of Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center; Vicki Smith, Senior Manager of Corporate and Social Responsibility at Nissan North America; Richard (Rick) W. Dreiling, Chairman of the Board and CEO of Dollar General Corporation; The Honorable John J. DeBerry Jr., former Chairman, Tennessee Black Caucus of State Legislators; Sheila Jones Calloway, Juvenile Court Magistrate, Juvenile Court of Davidson County; Joseph White, president, Novacopy, Inc.; Craig Halliday, sales manager, Hewlett Packard; and Tea Hoffmann, Chief Marketing and Business Officer at Parker Poe, Charlotte NC.

“Our goal for each of the students attending the Conference is to rethink their own futures. We hope this experience will give them the confidence to aim high, explore new possibilities, and secure success through education,” said George Thomas, founder and president of non-profit organization EEOG. “The event offers students the amazing opportunity to hear our outstanding speakers share their personal stories about conquering challenges, perseverance and celebrating personal talents.”

Thomas noted, “For example, Felecia Hatcher was a C student in high school, but she managed to win over $100,000 for her college education. She will share her story and insights with students on Friday, February 17, at 1:30 p.m. on the topic, Go to College for Free! – How to Use Social Media to Find Money for College.

The February 15 – 17 EEOG Conference will also include exhibits presenting job shadowing and internship opportunities. Scholarship opportunities from the George Thomas Scholarship Foundation will be distributed.

In addition, the students will also be introduced to the college experience during a tour and luncheon at Fisk University with President Hazel O’Leary and during a dinner at Tennessee State University with President Dr. Portia Holmes Shields. Activities will also include a tour of the State Capitol and the opportunity to enjoy some of the cultural and sports attractions available in Nashville.

The Annual Project Save-A-Student Leadership and Training Conference is one of many educational programs conducted throughout the year by EEOG to low-income, at-risk and underserved students throughout Tennessee. Since February 2001, EEOG has provided leadership training to over 6,500 low-income and underserved students in public education.

“We are very grateful for the service of our Board Members who believe in our mission and believe that every student in Tennessee deserves a bright future,” said Thomas.

EEOG Board Members are Board Chair Hannibal Myers, Shoney’s Management Corporation, Nashville, Tennessee; Mark Blaze, DEX Imaging & Mailing, Nashville, Tennessee; Robert F. Boone, RFB LLC Management and Human Resources Consulting, Biloxi, Mississippi; Rep. Dr. Tommie F. Brown, Tennessee General Assembly, Chattanooga; Ginger Byrn, American Airlines, Nashville, Tennessee; Sheila Gibson MBA/PMP, Hospital Corporation of America (HCA), Nashville, Tennessee; Carolyn A. Harris, AT&T Southeast, Brentwood, Tennessee; Eric M. Harvey, Allstate Insurance Company, Nashville, Tennessee; Michael A. Lewis, Chief Operating Officer, Transfare LLC, Nashville, Tennessee, Armando Lopez, O’ Charley’s Inc.; Nashville, Tennessee; F. Cory Mason, Morton’s The Steakhouse, Nashville, Tennessee; and Mae Perry, Tennessee Technology Center at Hartsville, Hartsville, Tennessee.

Education Equal Opportunity Group, Inc. (EEOG) prepares underserved students to become the best leaders in the world by providing leadership and personal development training to add value to the student life. EEOG coaches and inspires students to develop leadership skills, set goals, make decisions, share in group dynamics, complete essay exercises, and experience diversity. Students have direct access to top business leaders, entrepreneurs, and political leaders to be coached and inspired. Students are encouraged, empowered and engaged to become change agents of their schools and in the community.

The EEOG has continually progressed in the development and implementation of innovative educational initiatives. These initiatives have not only reduced the educational disparities plaguing at-risk, underserved and low-income student populations, but also resulted in focusing on rebuilding the fabric of our community. For more information, visit www.eeog.org

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