About Greg Main
As his children were growing up, Greg Main would often ask them around the dinner table, “What have you done you to distinguish yourself today?” An excellent role model, Greg distinguished himself throughout his life.
He grew up in Lansing, Michigan, married Barbara in 1963, graduated summa cum laude from Michigan State University in 1970 with a degree in urban planning and received an honorary doctoral degree from St. Gregory’s University. He and Barbara raised 5 children.
His 40 years of economic development experience included tenures at the Michigan Department of Commerce; Secretary of the Oklahoma Department of Commerce where he created the nationally recognized Quality Jobs Program; and Partner in both Intersouth Partners and Chisholm Private Capital Partners of Oklahoma City. His strategic leadership skills would be tapped once again to serve as CEO of i2E, later as President and CEO of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and finally as President of St. Gregory’s University.
Greg’s expertise has been recognized in both Oklahoma and Michigan for spurring high impact economic and employment growth. Throughout his career, colleagues, employees, three governors and community, business and political leaders considered him a man of integrity who earned their high regard. Extensive community involvements included board and leadership roles with Oklahoma Academy for State Goals, Oklahoma Venture Forum, Science Museum of Oklahoma, Creative Oklahoma and St. Eugene Catholic Church.
During his tenure at i2E, Greg established the Governor’s Cup Collegiate Business Plan competition, now the Love’s Entrepreneur’s Cup Competition. Beginning its 15th year, this competition has grown to be one of the premier collegiate competitions of its kind across the nation and has awarded nearly $2 million in cash, $150,000 in scholarships and $240,000 in fellowships to over 2,200 students, representing 36 campuses across Oklahoma. This competition was special to Greg and is part of his rich legacy to Oklahoma.
This $5,000 award was established by the family of Greg Main as a tribute to him and his lifelong passion for education, leadership and entrepreneurship. It pays homage to Greg and his timeless question “What have you done to distinguish yourself today?”
Award Eligibility
- Must be an undergraduate full or part-time student participating in the Love’s Entrepreneur’s Cup Small Business Division and admitted and enrolled at current small college or university, as outlined in the Love’s Cup competition, for the following school year.
- Demonstrate innovative, motivational leadership impacting academic, work, or community environments.
- Leadership and other abilities demonstrated through school or community activity that support the student’s overall potential to succeed.
- Available for Scholarship Interview on February 7, 2020 in the i2E, OKC location. Interview times will be based around Love’s Cup Interview times.
Timeline
Application Period Open December 18, 2019
Application Deadline January 30, 2020, 3:00 p.m.
Scholarship Finalists Announced February 3, 2020
Scholarship Finalist Interviews February 7, 2020
Scholarship Winner Notified February 15, 2020
Awards Dinner April 23, 2020 (Mandatory attendance)
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