PHILADELPHIA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Successful entrepreneur and founder of GSI Commerce Inc. (Nasdaq: GSIC), Michael G. Rubin, will be honored at the Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE) Philadelphia Visionary Gala on Thursday, November 17, 2011. The event will be held from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Vie, Cescaphé Group’s new venue, 600 North Broad Street in Philadelphia.
NFTE’s mission is to provide programs that inspire young people from low-income communities to stay in school, to recognize business opportunities and to plan for successful futures. NFTE has already reached more than 1,500 students in the Greater Philadelphia region from more than 20 different schools. NFTE’s Philadelphia chapter is made possible through initial donor support and seed funding from Safeguard Scientifics, Inc. (NYSE: SFE) and Internet Capital Group (Nasdaq: ICGE).
“Michael Rubin represents the true spirit and determination of an entrepreneur,” said NFTE Philadelphia Executive Director, Sylvia McKinney. “Making his first business deal at the age of 12, Michael is a true inspiration to our students. He leads by example and is committed to innovation and entrepreneurship in all that he does, both personally and professionally. It is an honor that Michael is accepting this award and we look forward to hosting a tremendous event in November.”
Rubin began his entrepreneurial career as a teenager running a ski-tuning shop from the basement of his parents’ home. The effort earned $25,000, and it was enough to rent space in a suburban Philadelphia strip mall and open “Mike’s Ski Shop.” Within a year, his operation had racked up sales of $125,000. By the time he graduated high school, Rubin would establish several retail ski shops in Pennsylvania and New York. It would mark the beginning of an entrepreneurial career that would lead him to build and become founder and CEO of GSI Commerce Inc. With 2010 revenues of more than $1.3 billion, GSI’s products and services enable more than 500 of the world’s leading consumer brands and retailers to capture the full potential of the online channel.
Recently, eBay announced that it agreed to buy GSI Commerce for approximately $2.4 billion.
“I’ve been my own boss and CEO my entire life,” said Rubin. “Starting a ski shop in my parents’ basement would not have been possible without their love and support. I know what it’s like to be a young entrepreneur with a passion and a vision. NFTE Philadelphia is offering young visionaries from underserved areas, who may or may not have the same support network, an opportunity to realize their dreams. I am honored to receive the Visionary Award this year and look forward to continuing to support and promote the great work that this organization is doing for our community.”
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About The Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE)
Too many young people today drop out of school and struggle to break the cycle of poverty. Since 1987, the Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE) has been inspiring young people to pursue educational opportunities, start their own businesses, and succeed in life. By providing entrepreneurship education programs relevant to the real world, NFTE empowers students to own their educations in and out of the classroom and to find their own path to success. Hundreds of thousands of students have discovered opportunity all around them through entrepreneurship via thousands of certified educators worldwide. NFTE supports active programs in 21 states and 10 other countries through our network of program offices and licensed partners. Entrepreneurs are a powerful driver of economic growth and NFTE sows the seeds of innovation in students worldwide. To learn how you can help students realize their potential, visit www.nfte.com.
About NFTE Philadelphia
NFTE Philadelphia chapter was established in 2007 through initial donor support and seed funding from Safeguard Scientifics, Inc. (NYSE: SFE) and Internet Capital Group (Nasdaq: ICGE). Specifically in the Greater Philadelphia area, NFTE has reached more than 1,500 students from more than 20 different schools. For more information about NFTE Philadelphia, please visit www.nfte.com/philadelphia or follow us on Twitter and Facebook.
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