COBE launches ‘Turnaround’ Initiative

GLENN LANDBERG /THE ARBITER

After last year’s success, the College of Business and Economics has begun its spring 2010 Economic Turnaround Initiative, according to the Center for Business Research and Economic Development.

The initiative allows local businesses and organizations to utilize the skills of the COBE’s students and faculty via internships, faculty consulting, graduate assistantships, among other services. These services cover a broad array of disciplines including human resources, economics, accounting and finance.

According to Brian Greber, director of the Center for Business Research and Economic Development, the initiative is about building connections.

“The basic goal of the Economic Turnaround Initiative is to improve the business climate by connecting Idaho’s businesses and organizations with the resources of Boise State’s College of Business and Economics to solve problems and complete initiatives,” Greber said.

Business challenges presented to the Center of Business Research and Economic Development are incorporated into learning objectives by becoming semester long projects, student internships, faculty consulting activities and in-class discussions.

Businesses that have benefitted from the initiative include the Boise City/Ada County Housing Authority. Boise State students assisted the agency in acquiring a new document imaging system, used to convert paperwork into electronic files, by conducting in-depth research to find the proper system to suit the agency.

“We didn’t have the manpower or the resources to even explore it,” Lisa Steele, administrative services manager for the Boise City/Ada County Housing Authority, said.  “I was completely blown away by the quality of their work, their professionalism and the thoroughness of their research.”

According to Greber, who was recently recruited by the COBE to direct the Center for Business Research and Economic Development, a wide range of businesses have already expressed interest in the  2010 Initiative, including non-profits, social service centers, small family-owned businesses and franchise owners.

“This is a remarkable win-win opportunity for Idaho’s business community and Boise State’s students and faculty,” Greber said. “This program can provide a foundation for business success, create a more robust climate for hiring and hone students’ skills under the mentorship of faculty and business partners.”

The Center for Business Research and Economic Development is housed within the COBE and acts as the access point for local businesses and organizations to gain access to the college’s resources. Also under the Center’s umbrella are the Center for Entrepreneurship, the Center for Creativity and Innovation, The Economic Forecasting Project and several other outreach programs.

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