The following press release was sent to the Bloomingtonian:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 4, 2023
Contact: Amanda J. Billings
Executive Director, Marketing & Communications
Ivy Tech Community College Bloomington
812-330-6222 | [email protected]
Steve Ferguson, Pete Yonkman to speak at Ivy Tech Cook Institute for Entrepreneurship
BLOOMINGTON – Ivy Tech Community College Bloomington will welcome Stephen L. Ferguson, Chairman of the Board of Cook Group and President of French Lick Resort, and Pete Yonkman, President of Cook Group and Cook Medical, as the keynote speakers for the 12th Annual Cook Institute for Entrepreneurship luncheon on April 19.
“We are truly honored that Steve Ferguson and Pete Yonkman, who run world-class business organizations, will join us to share their invaluable insights on the Cook journey,” said Steve Bryant, Executive Director of the Ivy Tech Gayle & Bill Cook Center for Entrepreneurship.
In addition to his role as Chairman of the Board of Cook Group, Ferguson has led the redevelopment and preservation of Downtown Bloomington and the historic French Lick Resort, bringing economic vitality to the region.
As President of Cook Group and Cook Medical, Yonkman is dedicated to adult education and workforce development. He also fosters start-ups, creating a culture of support for entrepreneurs.
The Cook Institute was launched in 2010 to bring students and the community together in a forum to hear from entrepreneurial leaders about the value of supporting innovation and free enterprise. Event funds support entrepreneurship education at Ivy Tech with scholarships for students and programing to serve clients at the Cook Center for Entrepreneurship.
For more information about the sold out event and a list of sponsors, visit ivytech.edu/cookinstitute. For more information about Cook Center for Entrepreneurship services, visit ivytech.edu/entrepreneurship.
About Ivy Tech Community College
Ivy Tech Community College (ivytech.edu) is Indiana’s largest public postsecondary institution and the nation’s largest singly accredited statewide community college system, accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Ivy Tech has campuses throughout Indiana and also serves thousands of students annually online. It serves as the state’s engine of workforce development, offering associate degrees, short-term certificate programs, industry certifications, and training that aligns to the needs of the community. The College provides seamless transfer to other colleges and universities in Indiana, as well as out of state, for a more affordable route to a Bachelor’s degree. Follow Ivy Tech on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
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Bios
Steve Ferguson Chairman of the Board, Cook Group and President, French Lick Resort
As Chairman of the Board of Cook Group and President of French Lick Resort, Ferguson has been actively involved in redevelopment and historic preservation including rebirth of Downtown Bloomington. Ferguson led the renovation and operation of the historic French Lick Resort. He has also played a key role in the growth of Cook Medical, a global leader in the medical devices industry. Full bio
Pete Yonkman President, Cook Group and Cook Medical
Pete Yonkman is president of Cook Group and Cook Medical in Bloomington, Indiana. He has been with the company for 20 years, starting in 2001 as in-house counsel. Pete has served in a variety of roles for Cook, including leading one of the local manufacturing sites and as executive vice president for 10 business units. Pete was named president of Cook Medical in 2014 and in 2015 added the role of president of Cook Group. Full bio
