Former Washington Redskins football stars Mark Moseley and Ken Harvey, now both successful businessmen and motivational speakers, will headline “Go Pro: Turn Your Passion into Action and Success in 2014,” a one-day business conference to be held Fri., April 18, 2014, at American Public University System’s (APUS) Administration Building. The program is designed to teach and motivate small business owners to grow their business and increase profitability and exposure in the marketplace.

Moseley and Harvey have donated their time to participate in this first-ever event organized by the Jefferson County Development Authority (JCDA) and Melanie Miller, CEO of Sonic Promotions in Ranson, with meeting space donated by APUS. The program will run from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and the cost to attend is $10 to cover lunch. Seating is limited and advanced registration and payment are required. For complete details or to register visit jcda.net or call 304-728-3255.

“Small businesses are a vital part of the economy,” said John Reisenweber, executive director of the JCDA. “We are always looking for ways to support area entrepreneurs and small business owners and we are tremendously grateful that Mark Moseley and Ken Harvey have agreed to share their success stories with us. Participants will come away with practical, hands-on ideas they can implement immediately.”

Moseley, who in 1982 was voted the National Football League’s Most Valuable Player, is Director of Franchise Development of Five Guys Famous Burgers and Fries. He owns several Five Guys franchises, including one in Ranson, and will inspire participants to succeed in business by applying the same rules that served him so well on the playing field hard work, commitment, team work and perseverance.

“Of the many franchises I own, the one in Ranson is my top performer,” said Moseley. “Jefferson County is an awesome playing field for business and I’m proud that I have the opportunity to share my business experience with others in the region.”

Harvey, business development manager for ETS Credit and Debit Card Processing and the author of several children’s books will tackle the three things every business owner needs to know to succeed. He became the first Redskin to lead the National Football Conference (NFC) in “sacks” and only the fourth linebacker in NFC history to lead the conference in sacks.

Melanie Miller, CEO of Sonic Promotions, will discuss practical, cost-effective marketing and publicity strategies for small business owners. Miller currently serves as promotional manager to Harvey, Moseley and NFL Hall of Famer and Former Washington Redskin, Darrell Green.

Other conference sessions will examine financial concerns and solutions of interest to small business owners and introduce the business coaching process. The JCDA’s new business coach will be on hand to discuss the free consulting services that will be available to small businesses in the area through a partnership with the Small Business Development Center and several private sector partners.

Sponsorship and display table opportunities are available. Please contact Amy Ruth Allen for information, 304-728-3255, amy@jcda.net.

Located in the Burr Business Park in Kearneysville, the JCDA provides an increased and diverse tax base for Jefferson County. The organization advances economic development, supports existing businesses and stimulates and promotes industrial, commercial and agricultural expansion.