Winner of NBC's "The Apprentice" to speak at UB on Sept. 17

BUFFALO, N.Y. -- The Center for the Arts at the University at Buffalo will present Bill Rancic at 8 p.m. on Sept. 17 in the Mainstage theater located at the Center for the Arts on the UB North (Amherst) Campus.

Thirty-two year old Bill Rancic is the triumphant "Apprentice" of the first season of NBC's hit reality-show starring Donald Trump. Rancic persevered through a series of Survivor-like competitions of the corporate jungle, and was "hired" by the legendary business tycoon. Already a multi-million dollar business entrepreneur, Rancic credits hard work and determination for his success both on the show and in living the American dream.

Called a "lecturer with a passionate vision," Rancic will speak about success in business, in life and on "The Apprentice." Outside of the show, Rancic is the founder and president of CigarsAroundtheWorld.com, a highly profitable online business. He started Cigars Around the World in a small apartment eight years ago, and today it is a mult-million-dollar national operation, and a subsidiary of Synergy Brands' Gran Reserve. He also has penned a new inspirational business book, "You're Hired: How to Succeed in Business and Life," scheduled for release on Sept. 14.

The son of educators, he is a true entrepreneur, paying his way through college by starting a boat wash and wax business in the Chicago area. He is also an adventure junkie. When he is not making business deals he enjoys skydiving and scuba diving. In addition to his cigar company, Rancic also develops real estate and speaks at universities and businesses around the country.

Tickets for Bill Rancic are $20, and are available from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday in the Center for the Arts Box Office and all Ticketmaster locations, including Kaufmann's. To charge tickets, call 852-5000; in Canada, call 1-416-870-8000. For group sales, call 645-6771. For more information call 645-ARTS. The Center for the Arts is a TicketFast location.