Harmon Museum

The Harmon Museum announces “Stories of the Bootstraps,” a series of lectures by local entrepreneurs who started business that have not only prospered but also survived through more than one generation. Bootstrapping is defined as starting a business without the aid of venture capital or angel investors and using only the profits from the business to invest in that business’s growth.

George Leasure and his family lead off the series with their story of GMI Inc., a business founded by George and his wife Mary Alice as Ghent Manufacturing and now expanding it through their children into GMI. Ghent began with six people in rented offices inside the old Peters Cartridge factory. The flagship brand of GMI companies, Ghent visual communication products help people communicate, collaborate and learn. Ghent’s products include glassboards, whiteboards, tack boards, easels, enclosed message centers and signage.

The event takes place Wednesday, Aug. 21, at the Lebanon Conference & Banquet Center, 121 S. Broadway, Lebanon. Tickets cost $15 each, must be purchased in advance and include the talk and a buffet lunch. Purchase tickets at www.wchsmuseum.org or by calling the Harmon Museum office at 513-932-1817.