Summit Economic Leadership Breakfast Successful Premier
An enthusiastic group gathered on Friday, January 22, at 鶹ý Geauga's Regional Academic Center in Twinsburg for the first Summit Economic Leadership Breakfast. The event kicked off at 7:30 a.m. with a continental breakfast and networking opportunities for business leaders gathered to embrace a program that has been a long-standing tradition at the Geauga Campus in Burton. Among those who attended were Twinsburg's new mayor, Ted Yates along with business owners and supportive members of the Joint Economic Development District.
It couldn't have been a timelier event with the announcement of Dr. Jarrod Tudor's permanent appointment as dean of the Geauga Campus and Regional Academic Center. "This was a great event to begin merging the interests of Kent State Twinsburg and with the surrounding business community" said Tudor. Beginning new programs and partnerships that connect the campus to the community is a perfect fit to his vision of outreach. Twenty months ago when he first stepped in as interim dean, he began by strengthening community partnerships at both locations.
One of those connections, and largely responsible for the success of this first breakfast, is the partnership with Twinsburg’s Chamber of Commerce led by Director, Abby Fechter. "The Twinsburg Chamber of Commerce is very excited to start this new partnership and S.E.L. program with the Kent State Regional Academic Center” Fechter stated. “These informative sessions will allow our members and the Twinsburg business community to be more aware of the different benefits and programs this wonderful community has to offer. This partnership will also help us establish a strong workforce development throughout the region."
The SEL program showcased all the ways the Regional Academic Center connects education to the community. Dean Tudor presented with Jennifer Sayre, Director of Enrollment Management, and Judith Paternite, Associate Lecturer in Computer Technology. Some of the topics included the growth of the campus, available degrees, student internships and the outreach of a growing workforce development program. Tabitha Martin, from LaunchNet, also spoke about how they support future entrepreneurs. Abby Fechter spoke to the group about the Chamber and its value to the community.
In the conversations that followed the presentation, community leaders and business owners were interested in helping to shape future topics. One point of interest that was mentioned will be the topic for the next breakfast on February 19. LuAnn Coldwell, Career Counselor will present “Creating an Internship Program” which will open the opportunity to connect skilled students to the workforce.
The Economic Leadership Breakfast is a gathering that couples networking with education, while showcasing area businesses and community groups. It’s scheduled the third Friday of each month during the academic semester and is free and open to the public. For more information about the breakfast, please contact the Regional Academic Center, www.kent.edu/geauga, 330-888-6400 or to register go to the Twinsburg Chamber of Commerce website at . The Regional Academic Center is located at 2745 Creekside Drive, off route 91 near I-480.