Chobani CEO Hamdi Ulukaya Touts Entrepreneurialism in New York State

NEW BERLIN, N.Y., April 9, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Hamdi Ulukaya, Founder and CEO of Chobani, America's No. 1–selling Greek Yogurt brand, met with students at Ithaca College Tuesday and delivered a keynote address focused on start-ups in America, kicking off his commitment to fostering entrepreneurialism as an appointee of President Obama's Presidential Ambassadors for Global Entrepreneurship (PAGE).

Working with the Upstate Venture Capital Association of New York (UVANY) and nine colleges based in the Central New York State region, Mr. Ulukaya delivered the keynote address at the "Tomorrow's Leaders: Student Entrepreneurship in CNY" event at Ithaca College, and heard from student startup teams who pitched their ventures to a panel of judges:

"My journey with Chobani began right here in upstate New York in a community of good, hardworking people who helped fuel my entrepreneurial spirit and realize my dreams," said Mr. Ulukaya. "If my journey does one thing, I hope it encourages others to pursue their passions, take risks and create something and, eventually, to give back to the communities and people that first inspired and supported them."

On April 7, Mr. Ulukaya was appointed to PAGE by President Obama along with a group of successful business leaders who have committed to sharing their time, energy, ideas, and experience to help develop the next generation of entrepreneurs. As an appointee of PAGE, Mr. Ulukaya has committed to continuing to engage business leaders in ongoing conversations with policy makers globally to discuss how to create an environment where creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurship can grow and thrive in the coming year. He will also participate in outreach and mentorship activities to help promote the start-up culture, and energize personal and professional networks to challenge and inspire entrepreneurs and raise awareness of the many resources available to them.

Student startup teams from the following schools pitched their ventures: Binghamton University, Clarkson University, Colgate University, Cornell University, Cortland State University, Ithaca College, LeMoyne College, Syracuse University and Tompkins Cortland Community College (TC3). 

About Chobani
Maker of America's No. 1–selling Greek Yogurt brand, Chobani was founded on the belief that people have great taste — they just need great options. Chobani produces high-quality authentic strained Greek Yogurt products made with only natural ingredients from its New Berlin, N.Y., and Twin Falls, Idaho, plants. Chobani is committed to using milk from regional-area farms and strengthening its surrounding local economies. Chobani gives 10 percent of its annual profits to charities worldwide through the company's charitable foundation. All Chobani products — including Chobani® Greek Yogurt, Chobani Flip™ and Chobani Simply 100™ — are kosher certified, contain five live and active cultures, and are made with milk from cows not treated with rBST*, with most of its products offering two times more protein than regular yogurt[1]. Chobani products are available nationwide in the U.S. and in Australia. For more information, please visit www.chobani.com and www.facebook.com/chobani.

* According to the FDA, no significant difference has been found between milk derived from rBST-treated and non-rBST treated cows.

[1] Protein content of regular nonfat yogurt is 10g-13g protein per 8 oz. serving; nonfat Chobani Greek Yogurt contains 11g-14g protein per 5.3 oz. serving.

Media Contacts:

Michael Gonda
Weber Shandwick
[email protected]
212-546-7861

Laura Herbert
Chobani
[email protected]
212-364-6450

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Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140409/NY01491-b

SOURCE Chobani, Inc.