FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 3, 2012
Ivy Tech Community College’s Bloomington campus and the National Association for Community College Entrepreneurship (NACCE) announced today that Ivy Tech-Bloomington Chancellor John Whikehart has joined NACCE’s new Presidents for Entrepreneurship Forum.
Through the new program, leaders of community colleges throughout the country commit to increase the focus on entrepreneurship at their institutions and the impact they have on the economic well-being of the communities they serve.
“Part of the strategic plan of the college is to support and respond to economic development needs of the community, and Ivy Tech-Bloomington developed the Gayle & Bill Cook Center for Entrepreneurship as a way to stimulate the local economy and support entrepreneurs within the college and communities we serve,” said Chancellor John Whikehart. “In fact, one of the programs at the Cook Center is our CEO Roundtables, created as a service to assist nearly 20 existing businesses in the area.”
Additionally, the Gayle & Bill Cook Center for Entrepreneurship has assisted more than 175 clients since it’s opening, and has sponsored Startup Weekend as part of its mission to foster entrepreneurship in the region. Startup Weekend is a 54-hour weekend event that brings entrepreneurs together to build products and launch companies.
More than 186 community colleges throughout the country have joined the Presidents for Entrepreneurship Forum, and have committed to playing a greater role in stimulating economic development in the communities they serve.
Leaders from three other Ivy Tech Community College regions have also joined the forum: Chancellor Andrew Bowne, Ivy Tech-East Central; David Bathe, Ivy Tech-Lafayette; and Jose Guadalupe Valtierra, Ivy Tech-Northwest.
NACCE is the nation’s leading organization focused on promoting entrepreneurship through community colleges.
For more information about services and programs of the Cook Center for Entrepreneurship, call (812) 330-6261 or log on www.ivytech.edu/entrepreneurship.
About Ivy Tech Community College
Ivy Tech Community College is Indiana's largest public postsecondary institution and the nation's largest singly accredited statewide community college system, accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Ivy Tech has campuses throughout Indiana and also serves thousands of students annually online. It serves as the state's engine of workforce development, offering associate degrees, long- and short-term certificate programs, industry certifications, and training that aligns with the needs of the community. The College provides a seamless transfer to other colleges and universities in Indiana, as well as out of state, for a more affordable route to a bachelor's degree.
