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Staunton author to launch book with conversation on Valley entrepreneurs

Chris Graham
Anika Horn
Anika Horn. Photo: Chris Lassiter

Anika Horn, the former director of ecosystem building at the Shenandoah Community Capital Fund, will present the launch of a new book, It Takes a Valley: How to Build Thriving Entrepreneurial Ecosystems That Transform Our Communities, with an event being held on Tuesday, Sept. 15, at the Staunton Innovation Hub.

The launch will break the bounds of the traditional, with the focus being on initiating a live community conversation about what Shenandoah Valley entrepreneurs are wrestling with right now.

“My book is written for people ready to roll up their sleeves to help the dreamers and doers in their community thrive,” said Horn, who has spent more than a decade documenting the work of entrepreneurial ecosystem builders through her podcast, “Ecosystems for Change.”

The roll up the sleeves and get the work motif is why Horn “didn’t want a quiet room listening to me read from my book.”

“I want to get people arguing, laughing, and figuring out together what the Valley’s entrepreneurship scene needs next. That’s the whole point of this book,” Horn said.

Horn, leaning on her podcasting skills, will lead a panel discission that features Chris Lassiter, a Staunton-based nonprofit and business leader; a local entrepreneur, Aili Huber of Silk Moth Stage; and Amy Lessley, who manages the Staunton Innovation Hub.

The evening includes catered food, non-alcoholic drinks, and hands-on activities to connect readers to the book’s central ideas.

The event is organized in partnership with Staunton Books & Tea. Tickets range from $5 to $25.

Details


What: A book launch of It Takes a Valley

When: Tuesday, Sept. 15, 6:30 p.m.

Where: Staunton Innovation Hub, 26 N Augusta St, Staunton

RSVP: stauntonbooks.com/event-details/book-launch-it-takes-a-valley-with-anika-horn

 

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Chris Graham

Chris Graham

Chris Graham is the founder and editor of Augusta Free Press. A 1994 alum of the University of Virginia, Chris is the author and co-author of seven books, including Poverty of Imagination, a memoir published in 2019. For his commentaries on news, sports and politics, go to his YouTube page, TikTok, BlueSky, or subscribe to his Street Knowledge podcast. Email Chris at [email protected]. Support AFP by signing up for our newsletter and/or powering our work with a one-time or monthly contribution.