Local Non-Profit Firm Focuses On College Effectiveness

Dr. John Gardner and Dr. Betsy Barefoot, his professional partner (and spouse), have taken a unique leadership role in providing hundreds of colleges and universities with tools and processes to strengthen student learning, retention and success at the undergraduate level.  

Upon retirement from the University of South Carolina, Gardner and Barefoot established the Policy Center for the First Year of College which has evolved into the John N. Gardner Institute for Excellence in Undergraduate Education. This involved moving their work from Columbia to Brevard.

“Because geographic location was not a limiting factor, we chose Brevard for its overall quality of life,” Gardner says. “Education is a vital element here, with excellent facilities such as The Music Center, the Paul Porter Center, Brevard College and Blue Ridge Community College. Brevard is an ideal location for doing creative work in the knowledge economy.”  complete article 

Upcoming Conferences

PROSPERING IN 2011 - January 25

A one-day conference with presentations and workshops designed to help small businesses meet the challenges of the coming year will be held on Tuesday, January 25 from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM at Blue Ridge Community College’s Flat Rock Campus.

The morning session will feature:

Introduction of Business North Carolina Magazine’s 2010 Small Business Person of the Year,  Doug Salkewicz, president of Advanced Technical Welding of Etowah, NC

“How to Grow Your Business in a Slow Recovering Economy,” by Robert Papes, small business consultant and author of Management During an Economic Crisis

“Update on the New Tax Laws and Their Impact on Business and Their Owners,” by Carl E. Shaw, Certified Public Accountant

“Where Are We Now? – 2011 Economic Forecast,” by Dr. James Smith, chief economist and member of the forecasting panels of Bloomberg, Business Week and the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia complete article.

WORK FROM HOME - February 2

The growth of home-based businesses has prompted a group of business development organizations in the region to offer a special “Work From Home” Conference on Wednesday, February 2 from 8:30 AM to 12 noon at the Porter Center on the Brevard College campus.

The conference will have two tracks: (1) “Owning a Home-based Business” and (2) “Working for a Company from Your Home”. Admission is free of charge and open to the public.

Conference participants will learn how to start and grow a home-based business and will receive a Home-based Business Guide with information on the latest trends and best practices. They also will have the opportunity to set up consulting appointments with business development organizations to work on specific projects and problems. complete article 

Upcoming Events

January 7 - February 4
Open Show – Gallery Exhibit: Winter Wonderland

Any artist in the Carolinas can enter their artwork if it fits the theme. Email: tcarts@comporium.net to get an application. The public is invited to view this show at the TC Arts Council gallery Mondays – Fridays from 10 am – 4 pm. A reception will be held on January 14 from 5-7 pm. For more information call 828-884-2787.

Fly Fishing Clinics at Headwater Outfitters: January 9, 16, 23 and 30 from 11am to 1pm.  Each clinic costs $30.  Reservations are required.  Call 828-877-3106.

Click on the following links to view more upcoming events.

For information on other events happening in our area visit www.artsofbrevard.org, www.visitwaterfalls.com, www.brevardnc.org and www.brevardncchamber.org.