BOISE STATE COLLEGE OF BUSINESS AND ECONOMICS ORGANIZES CENTER TO ASSIST BUSINESSES IN DIFFICULT ECONOMIC CLIMATE
Boise State University’s College of Business and Economics (COBE) has organized the Business Research and Economic Development Center, a one-stop-shop for the local business community to tap into the expertise of Boise State faculty members and other specialists.
The center will serve as a permanent coordinating entity for all COBE outreach efforts, including the Idaho Small Business Development Center, TechHelp, TECenter, Centre for Creativity and Innovation, Idaho Council on Economic Education, Center for Entrepreneurship, and The Economic Forecast Project. The center is a permanent incarnation of a COBE initiative announced in January to help 200 Treasure Valley businesses weather the down economy this spring. Businesses can call one number, (208) 426-4950, and be connected with the appropriate resources to address their needs.
“Boise State’s role as a resource and repository of expertise for the region is more vital than ever as we all work toward the recovery of the economy,” said Boise State President Bob Kustra. “We’re working very hard to ensure that businesses and organizations can benefit from the deep pool of knowledge our faculty can offer. This center is one of many ways Boise State is focusing on helping local business lead us out of this recession.”
The college plans to utilize internships, faculty consulting, graduate assistantships, semester-long class projects, Executive MBA capstone projects, in-class live problem solving, small business consulting, manufacturing consulting, high-tech business incubation, and more, to meet the needs of the local business community.
“The College of Business and Economics is a key driver of Idaho’s economic growth,” said COBE dean Pat Shannon. “With the creation of an umbrella center, the community will have a single contact within COBE to help find appropriate assistance on virtually any business issue. This center provides a clear entry point for civic leaders, businesses and economic development entities to access, utilize and gain from the college’s wealth of resources.”
Local businesses can turn to the college for assistance with employee manuals, marketing plans, business plans, economic forecasting, lean manufacturing expertise, employee training, information system development, compensation plans, training manuals, volunteer handbooks, CPA review and more.
Treasure Valley businesses or organizations interested in any form of economic development assistance are encouraged to contact the center now. Assistance will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information, call (208) 426-4950, or visit http://cobe.boisestate.edu.
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Contact: Sherry Squires, University Communications, (208) 426-1563, ssquires@boisestate.edu
