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BIG Staff News

Staff at Georgia Southern’s Business Innovation Group (BIG) have been investing in professional development since being hired at City Campus. BIG is excited to congratulate a couple of staff members for completing courses in recent months.

BIG Business Advisor, Suzanne Hallman, joined the National Business Incubator Association (NBIA) almost immediately after being hired for the GENIE virtual incubator program. NBIA, the world’s leading organization advancing business incubation and entrepreneurship, offers an incubator management certificate program. The program includes content such as incubator and client funding, mission and strategic planning, facilities management, selecting and serving clients, encouraging entrepreneurial synergy and more. In order to complete this program, participants must take four full-day training workshops, completing 24 hours of total training.

Mrs. Hallman began this program in October 2013 and completed her last course requirement for certification at the National Business Incubator Association Training Institute in Portland in October 2014.

“The NBIA program provides a comprehensive overview of the top practices in incubator management,” said BIG Director, Dominique Halaby. “We are proud the Ms. Hallman has successfully acquired the skills to aid in the development and growth of the Georgia Southern Innovation Incubator.”

Andi Wilson, BIG Administrative Coordinator, graduated from the Georgia Academy of Economic Development (GAED) earlier this December. GAED’s mission is to assist community leaders in their economic development efforts by providing an understanding of the critical processes, strategies and components involved in improving their local and regional economies and achieving economic success in today’s global economy.

The Fall 2014 class at GAED featured 40 participants from eight counties in the coastal region. Andi was among seven students from Bulloch County. Other counties represented include Liberty, Chatham, Camden, Effingham, Bryan, Glynn, and Screven. Meeting once a month at the Richmond Hill City Center, the class studied topics such as tax digest, consensus building, tourism product development, and ethical decision making. Experts in each subject area presented to the class and were given discussion opportunities during breaks and meals.

“BIG is committed to the development of the Georgia economy,” said Director Halaby. “Through the GEDA Leadership Academy, Ms. Wilson has gained the insight, and understanding of key programs and practices throughout the state.”

The Business Innovation Group is proud of these recent accomplishments and will continue to help its staff grow as experts in their fields.

 

 

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