Cultivating Entrepreneurship on the Palouse

Cultivating Entrepreneurship on the Palouse

Program:

The Pullman League of Women Voters as we explored entrepreneurship in Whitman County on Tuesday, March 10,2026, at Paradise Creek Brewery in Pullman! The speakers were well versed in this topic. Marie Mayes, Director of the Center for Entrepreneurship at WSU, discussed what makes a successful founder, current startup trends, and recent successful startups she has witnessed. Kara Riebold, the Executive Director at the Port of Whitman County, discussed the Port of Whitman County and the work they do to foster innovation and entrepreneurship in the county. This event was also available over Zoom and it was recorded - unfortunately the sound on the recording is not great due to lots of background noise.

Speakers:

• Kara Riebold - Executive Director of the Port of Whitman County

Kara Riebold first joined the Port 13 years ago as a grant writer. She held the roles of Broadband Director and Finance Director before being named Executive Director in 2022. Kara is a proud Cougar alum receiving both her undergraduate and master’s degrees from Washington State University. She makes her home near Almota with her husband and two children. 

• Marie Mayes - Interim Director, Center For Entrepreneurship, Associate Professor (Career Track), Management, Information Systems, and Entrepreneurship, Carson College of Business, WSU

Marie Mayes is the Interim Director of the Center for Entrepreneurship and an Associate Professor (Career Track) at the Carson College of Business at Washington State University. In her role as Director, she fosters entrepreneurial engagement, scholarship, and dialogue across the university. In May of 2026, Marie will transition into the role of Chair of the Management, Information Systems, and Entrepreneurship Department. Marie teaches courses in Launching New Ventures, New Venture Planning, and Innovation. Beyond her work at WSU, she maintains a consulting business and participates as an angel investor.

Coordinator: Lennis Boyer

Date: March 10, 2026

Time: 7:00-8:30 pm

Location: Paradise Creek Brewery, 245 SE Paradise St, Pullman

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