Daymond John Launches Inaugural "Generation E" Tour to Promote Youth Entrepreneurship in Partnership with the Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship

NEW YORK, Sept. 8, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- World-renowned business mogul Daymond John and his marketing company Shark Branding has partnered with The Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE) and Visionary Marketing Group, Inc. (VMG) to host the first ever "Generation E" Tour, an event poised to start a movement and create passion among the next generation of leaders and influencers.  The tour will host rallies at schools with NFTE programs, where John will speak to students about essential business values, as well as host an evening event with local business executives, politicians, celebrities and influencers to raise awareness for the power of entrepreneurship education to show disadvantaged youth a new and successful path for their lives.  

"It is critical that we mobilize and inspire our next generation of entrepreneurs by educating students on our 'Generation E' core values of education, entrepreneurship, empowerment and elevated commitment to service," said John.  "This tour will allow us to reach established leaders and influencers with our message, and encourage all young people to pursue the entrepreneurial path that NFTE students are pursuing all over America."  

"Working with an entrepreneur as talented as Daymond John is an incredible opportunity for NFTE," said Amy Rosen, NFTE's President and CEO.  "Daymond's story mirrors that of many of our students, so having him deliver this message is vital to our ability to motivate NFTE youth and to bring our message of the value of entrepreneurship education to thousands upon thousands of young people and educators."

An event concept brought to life by VMG, the "Generation E" Tour will include John's announcement of "Generation E" Entrepreneurial Challenge winners at each tour stop.  The winning NFTE students will be recognized for their innovative ideas, product developments and concepts across a full range of issues pertinent to community development.  Winners will have the opportunity to shadow top CEOs for a day to learn and observe critical traits and strategies of a successful entrepreneur.  

"We are thrilled that NFTE and Daymond John see the value and sustainability of 'Generation E,' and agreed to partner with Visionary Marketing Group to support the goals of such a bright group of students," said LaRian Finney, President and CEO, VMG.  "As we kick off our first ever 'Generation E Tour,' we look forward to growing in our partnership and supporting these events for years to come."

Stops on the "Generation E" Tour include:

• New York, N.Y. – Oct. 5, 2011
• Washington, D.C. – Oct. 11, 2011
• Baltimore, Md. – Oct. 27, 2011
• Miami, Fla. – Nov. 2, 2011
• Chicago, Ill. – Nov. 15, 2011

For more information on the "Generation E" Tour, visit http://generationetour.com.

About the Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship

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 18 states and 10 countries around the world. Entrepreneurs are a powerful driver of economic growth and NFTE sows the seeds of innovation in students worldwide. For more information, visit www.nfte.com.

About Daymond John

Daymond John is a world-renowned marketing and branding expert, most famously known as the CEO and Founder of the iconic fashion brand FUBU. He is currently co-starring on ABC's hit business reality show Shark Tank from acclaimed television producer Mark Burnett.  From humble beginnings to a self-made multimillionaire with over $6 billion to date in global product sales, Daymond John is the personification of the American Entrepreneur.  With over 35 awards to his credit including Brandweek Marketer of the Year and Ernst & Young's New York Entrepreneur of the Year, Mr. John continues to set standards of excellence while expanding his interests in fashion, branding, marketing, consulting, entertainment, and beyond. This industry leader, and ground breaking entrepreneurial expert has evolved into a highly sought after business and motivational speaker.  Mr. John continues to share his keen insight on marketing, branding and business with his two highly successful books, Display of Power and The Brand Within. For more information, visit www.daymondjohn.com.

About Shark Branding

A vertically integrated marketing consulting firm that offers branding solutions for its world-class clients of top brands and celebrities. Shark Branding has perfected the methods to ingrain companies, brands, and products into the social consciousness. Using product integration, sponsorships, and unique events, it organically promotes products in the hottest music videos, on the most popular television shows, and with the most influential celebrities. For more information, visit www.sharkbranding.com.

About VMG

Visionary Marketing Group (VMG) is a recognized leader in marketing, branding, and event management in the space of diversity and inclusion. It positions growing, middle-market, and Fortune 500 organizations and businesses through strategic events, web development, advertising, branding, and film/audio/video production. VMG has received numerous awards and recognition throughout the country which include: The 40th Fastest Growing Inner City Based Company by Inc. Magazine and Maryland's Top 100 MBE Corporations. VMG has worked with a diverse list of clients which include: General Electric, Lifebridge Health System, Morgan State University, NAACP, National Urban League, State of Maryland and Aerotek. For more information, visit www.vmginc.net.

SOURCE Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship