The Business Innovation Group (BIG) at Georgia Southern University is pleased to announce that Cecilia Russo Turner will be the keynote speaker for the upcoming BIG Café event on Wednesday, November 15 at 8:30 a.m. coffee and networking followed by a program from 9:00 - 10:00 a.m. at Georgia Southern University's Liberty Campus, 175 West Memorial Drive, Hinesville, Ga. 31313.

The BIG Café is a monthly event that brings together entrepreneurs, business leaders, and community members to learn, network, and collaborate. The keynote speaker for each event is a successful entrepreneur or business leader who shares their insights and advice with the audience

"Cecilia Russo Turner embodies the character qualities of a great leader. She runs her business with a heartfelt mission, contributes to her community, raises up other leaders and represents clients that align with her values," said Catherine Blake, Georgia Southern University's Hinesville Business Incubator Manager. "Ms. Russo Turner has an inspiring personal story that reminds us that investing our time, talent and treasure in others builds a lasting legacy. We just love her!"

Cecilia Russo Turner made a bold choice in 2008 when she left a secure job to pursue publicity and event planning for Tour de Georgia. This decision turned out to be the catalyst for her success over the past 15 years. Today, Cecilia Russo Marketing (CRM) is a highly reputable agency offering comprehensive PR and marketing services. 

To commemorate 15 years in business, CRM has launched the Cecilia Russo Marketing Entrepreneurship Grants, a program supported by Georgia Governor Brian Kemp. This initiative will provide three deserving entrepreneurs with $5,000 each to support their small businesses.

In 2018, Russo Turner was honored as the Entrepreneur of the Year by the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce. She also served as the 2021-2022 Campaign Chair for the United Way of the Coastal Empire, successfully raising a record-breaking $13.1 million in and through the organization and positively impacting the lives of over 206,000 individuals.

At the BIG Café event on November 15, Russo Turner will discuss her journey as a small business owner and offer her advice for fellow entrepreneurs. This is a must-attend event for anyone who is interested in learning from a successful entrepreneur and gaining insights into leadership styles.

The BIG Café is free and open to the public. For more information, please contact Catherine Blake at 770-883-1117 or [email protected].