Center Advisory Council Meeting 2011
Students start businesses. The current performance of the Center was discussed and it was noted that there was currently four undergraduate courses and one postgraduate course. This was significant in that it showed a 55% increase in student enrolment from the previous year. The topic of conversation then turned to the next Georgia Bowl competition and the need for more technology based ideas from outside companies who could link together with MBA students.
Entrepreneur Zone
It was reported that the Entrepreneurial Zone (part of the City Campus) in Downtown Statesboro is nearing completion and will soon be available to the University. Ron Shiffler reported that resources like new computers and furniture have been ordered and would be delivered soon.
Allen Muldrew from the Statesboro Downtown Development Authority talked about the value of this public-private partnership. He explained that in the City Campus there is a University bookstore, offices for BBRED and the Entrepreneurial Zone with a classroom, a conference room and open plan office space for entrepreneurs. In the future many of the entrepreneurship and small business classes will be held in the Entrepreneurial Zone.
The Entrepreneur Zone will be ready for use in Fall 2011:
Most universities also have incubators but the Zone is unique because it includes entrepreneurship education and assistance for entrepreneurs under the same roof. Lori Grice a Georgia Southern graduate with a marketing degree who has a downtown studio said she is, “so excited there will be a partnership with downtown Statesboro.” She shared the sentiment of many on the Advisory Council who are excited about this new development.
Other Topics Discussed at the Meeting:
The Center is trying to build a concentration in entrepreneurship on the MBA program and it is likely that the Executive MBA in Entrepreneurial Leadership will be available in Fall 2011.
Following Luke’s review of the C.E.L.L. strategic plan and progress, the Council joined in a full discussion of the next 12 months.
In particular, Center Chair Jim Williams expressed his gratitude to the following council members for offering to serve on action committees. He said: “we plan to have our first round of virtual committee meetings or conference calls starting in May.”
Strategic Planning: Carl Gooding and Jimmy Childre with Director, Dr. Luke Pittaway.
Financial Resources Planning: Stuart Wiggings and DeWayne Grice with Chair, Clint Nessmith.
Marketing Planning for Center: Clint Nessmith, D’Jaris Moore and Allen Muldrew with Director, Dr. Luke Pittaway.
Entrepreneur Fellows/Mentoring: Lori Grice, Darren Burnette and Mark Anderson with Chair, Ron Medinger.
Collaboration (with regional entities GA/SC): Ray Wenig and Allen Muldrew.
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