How to Think Like an Entrepreneur
Football legend Floyd D. Little at Oxford Academy HS
Pro Football Hall of Fame Inductee Floyd Little will be speaking in Oxford, NY about entrepreneurship, joined by Pivotel President Mary Branham, and Dr. David Rogers, President of Morrisville State College
FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
How to Think Like an Entrepreneur
Please, no autographs by Mr. Little, although photographs with him may be possible if time allows.
The Oxford Academy High School is accessible for persons with disabilities, and has hearing-assist devices in the auditorium for your use.
This event is made possible through sponsorship by Morrisville State College, NBT Bank, and Commerce Chenango.
Questions? Contact Kathryn Rutz at rutzk@dcmoboces.com, or 607-725-2488 (texts okay).
Thursday, Jan 21, 2016, 07:00 PM
Oxford Academy and Central School, South Washington Avenue, Oxford, NY, United States
About this event
Mr. Little is a compelling speaker whose personal history has included many who told him he couldn't achieve, course corrections as his life provided new challenges and opportunities, and a deep belief in the pursuit of excellence.
His visit to Oxford will include a presentation written especially for us.
Mr. Little will be joined by Mary Branham, local businesswoman and President of Pivotel, LLC, and Dr. David Rogers, President of Morrisville State College.
This event is part of an entrepreneurship initiative offered by a working group of leaders and networkers from all sectors of greater Chenango County, including the Oxford Academy Central School District, Morrisville State College, Town of Oxford, Commerce Chenango, NBT Bank, local businesspersons, and other local foundations and community organizations.
From Oxford Academy and Central School Superintendent Shawn Bissetta:
Agenda
Otis Jennings: Master of Ceremony
Amy Branham, Oxford Academy HS Senior: the National Anthem
Mary Branham, Pivotel, LLC: "Building Values and Roots of an Entrepreneur"
Dr. David Rogers, President, Morrisville State College: "Connections to Entrepreneurism and Applied Learning"
Tim O'Brien, Voice of the Blackhawks: Introduction
Floyd D. Little, Pro Football Hall of Fame: "How to Think Like an Entrepreneur"
About Floyd D. Little
Background and football achievement
Floyd D. Little comes from New Haven, Connecticut where he was never content to be second best. He set out on a path less traveled armed with sincerity, honesty, and the 5 basic ingredients for success: Drive, Determination, Dedication, Commitment, and Sacrifice.
Initially a man of small means and few resources, Mr. LIttle began his climb through education at the Bordentown Military Academy in New Jersey. As an outstanding athlete, he was recruited by several universities but finally marched on field at Syracuse University in 1963. He excelled at every turn, earning "All-American Honors" every year in Varsity. Little was the only 3-time run All-American running back to play for SU.
In 1967 he was drafted to the Denver Broncos where he played for 9 rugged years. He led as the team's career rusher with 6,323 yards in 1,641 attempts, and scored 43 touchdowns. Little was recognized as a 3-time All American player and twice won the AFC rushing title. It was an extreme honor to have his number, the legendary "44," retired at both Syracuse University and the Denver Broncos.
Little was recognized by the NFL league-wide, and was inducted into 7 "Hall of Fames," including the National League College Hall of Fame, the Colorado Sports Hall of Fame, Professional Athlete of the Year, the Denver Broncos Ring of Fame in 1984, the Gator Bowl Hall of Fame in 1989, the Syracuse Letterman of Distinction in 1989, and the NCC Silver Anniversary Award in 1992. He received over 18 professional athlete achivement awards during his career. On October 24, 1972, the Denver community proclaimed it "Floyd Little Day," and for 3 consecutive years he was awarded the "Third Down Award" by the vote of his teammates for outstanding contributions to the team.
Law school and community service
Little's pursuit of excellence continued, and in 1975 he graduated from the University of Denver College of Law. He also continued his lifetime commitment to service to the comunity. From 1968 to 1982, LIttle received over 30 distinguished service awards, including the YMCA Brian Piccolo Award, the Distinguished American Award for Community Service presented by the Connecticut Hall of Fame, and the American Jewish Community Appeal for Human Relations Citation in recognition of Little's outstanding contributions to mankind and the community.
After retirement from the Denver Broncos in 1976, Little could be seen on NBC Sports as a commentator. He also made time to assist the Honorable John A. Love, Colorado Governor, in Urban and State Affairs.
Business
Little made the difficult transition from star athlete to successful businessman. From 1977 to 1979 he received formal training from the Ford Motor Corporation Executive Management Training Program where he studied sales, marketing, accounting, finance, and purchasing.
He purchased a dealership in Federal Way, a Seattle suburb, and became President and owner of Pacific Coast Ford, eventually becoming a private capital dealership in 1996. Ford frequently sought Little's assistance as a consultant and instructor for its Minority Dealers Development Program. He has assisted numerous dealers nationwide, including training and installing the first African American female dealer in Taft, Colorado. He retired as a proud Ford dealer in 2009, and at the time was the longest tenured minority dealer in the Ford Portfolio.
Recent recognition
In 2010, Little was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame. On April 6, 2010, Federal Way, WA honored Little by proclaiming it "Floyd Little Day." Also in 2010, Floyd was inducted into the African American Ethnic Sports Hall of Fame during a ceremony in Seattle, WA.
Little accepted an invitation in 2011 to return to his Alma Mater, Syracuse University, as a Special Assistant to the Athletic Director. In November 2015, SU unveiled Plaza 44, which includes 12-foot statues of the 3 who wore that number, Little, Jim Brown, and Ernie Davis, and of their Coach, Ben Schwartzwalder.
Little is a family man. Married in 2003 to Syracuse native DeBorah A. Green, he has 2 daughters, a son, and 5 grandchildren.
Floyd Little strives to make a difference in everything he does. This athlete/businessman is committed to self-improvement and improving the lives of others, and his record shows it.
About Mary Branham
About David E. Rogers, PhD
During his tenure at Morrisville, he served in numerous roles including Provost, Chief Information Officer, Dean of the College's School of Business (1999-2010), and Interim Dean of the Norwich Campus and the School of Agriculture and Natural Resources. He currently serves on numerous community boards representing agricultural agencies, medical partnerships, and economic development stakeholders.
Prior to joining Morrisville, Dr. Rogers was the Director of Institutional Research and Planning at Onondaga Community College. He has also held faculty positions at Ithaca College, the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, and Le Moyne College.
Dr. Rogers earned his PhD in labor economics, collective bargaining, and econometrics from the SUNY College of Industrial Labor Relations at Cornell University.