Marshall University’s Lewis College of Business and BB&T will host the inaugural Business and Economics Research Symposium 5 p.m., Thursday, April 19, at the Clay Center for the Arts and Sciences of West Virginia in Charleston.
The purpose of the symposium is to enhance student learning, improve business practices and to promote economic development in West Virginia, according to Bob Simpson, director of the college’s BB&T Center for the Advancement of American Capitalism.
“The focus is to cultivate ideas to advance American capitalism and policies that support best business practices and entrepreneurship,” Simpson said. “Student groups submitted projects earlier this month in hopes of being invited to attend our inaugural symposium. We will have 20 student teams presenting these projects during our event and later that night, we will recognize three teams who demonstrated innovation and ability to make a positive impact on our region.”
Student presentations will take place from 5 to 6:20 p.m., with judging conducted by local and regional business leaders. After the ballots are gathered and judging is complete, dinner and special remarks will be given by Dr. Avinandan Mukherjee, dean of the college; Dr. Jerome Gilbert, president of the university; Bobby Blakely, West Virginia Regional President of BB&T; and the symposium keynote speaker, John B. Jung Jr., who serves as senior managing director and head of BB&T Capital Markets.
Three student teams will have the chance to win $1,000 in the following categories:
- Consulting Project Award
- Ecosystem Project Award
- Economic Impact Award
Simpson said the building blocks for a vibrant economy include a talented labor force, robust networking and a generous supply of creative ideas. He said each of these elements will be represented during Thursday’s inaugural Business and Economics Research Symposium.
To learn more about the event, contact Simpson by e-mail at simpsonr@marshall.edu or by calling 304-989-1942. For more information on events sponsored by the Lewis College of Business and its BB&T Center for the Advancement of American Capitalism, visit www.marshall.edu/cob.
