Haworth College of Business News

Haworth College of Business to honor alumni and friends in college awards program

2011-10-05T08:58:00.000-07:00

WMU’s Haworth College of Business will honor 10 alumni and friends for their outstanding career and service accomplishments during the first-ever college-wide awards recognition program and reception on Friday, October 7 at 4 p.m. in the Dean’s Conference Room, in Schneider Hall on the campus of WMU.

Awards will be presented from the academic departments within the college as well as the presentation of three special college awards.

“The awards are given to alumni who have distinguished themselves in their careers and who have been engaged with the department and/or college in significant ways,” says Dr. Kay Palan, dean, Haworth College of Business. “These individuals provide innovative, ethical and visionary leadership in business every day. They are remarkable leaders representing the very best of the Haworth College of Business and are examples for our students to aspire to in their own lives and careers.”

The awards will be presented by Dean Palan and department chairs. Steve Parker, BBA’67, MBA ’07, Haworth College of Business Advisory Council president, will serve as master of ceremonies for the event. Ken Miller, BBA ’69, MBA ’70, CEO/principal partner, Millenium Restaurant Group LLC, will give closing remarks. The list of recipients is as follows:

COLLEGE AWARDS

Haworth College of Business Outstanding Alumni Achievement Award
Michael Gulino, BA ’65, MBA ’66

Haworth College of Business Outstanding Service Award
Angela Davis Robinson, BS ’74

Haworth College of Business Outstanding Young Alumni Award

Tyler Colton, BBA ’06

DEPARTMENT AWARDS
Dept. of Business Information Systems Outstanding Alumni Award - Matthew Mace, BBA ’98
Dept. of Finance & Commercial Law - Todd Sanford, BBA ’83
Dept. of Management Outstanding Alumni Award - Christopher Flum, BBA ’86

Marketing Hall of Fame Award
Patricia Daugherty - BBA ’80, MBA ’81
John Dillworth, BBA ’79*

Food & Consumer Package Goods Marketing Outstanding Alumni Award*
Sawan Kapoor, BBA ’01
Brian Haaraoja, BS ’84
Christopher Burns, BS ’86
Donald Baker, BS ’85

Food & Consumer Package Goods Marketing Adrian Trimpe Distinguished Service Award
Phil McGrath

WMU ROTC Wall of Fame
Colonel Rodney Faulk, BBA ’87*

* Awards were presented in spring 2011.

Conference to focus on relationships, health care and information technology

2011-10-03T10:29:00.000-07:00

Repositioning Health Care through Relationships and Health Information Technology -- Let’s Make a Difference!

Health care professionals, consumers, educators, researchers, IT professionals and students will gather for the first International Conference on Health Information Technology Advancement on Friday, Oct. 28 at the Fetzer Center on the campus of Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo.

ICHITA–2011 is co-hosted by the WMU Center for Health Information Technology Advancement—established in 2010 to address health care reform, identified as a top priority by state and federal governments—and the Relationship-Centered Care Network at Southwest Michigan. The event is intended to inform the community about the critical issues and opportunities in health care and how they can be tackled and capitalized through relationships and the infusion of health information technologies.

The day-long conference will feature internationally known scholars and practitioners. Three Keynote speakers and topics will include:

· 8:15 a.m. - “Technology and the Transformation of Health Care” - Dr. Nancy Ridenour, dean and professor, University of New Mexico College of Nursing

· 9 a.m. - “Strategic Impacts of HIT on Relationship-Based Care” - Dr. Joseph Tan, Wayne C. Fox Chair in eBusiness Innovation, professor of eHealth informatics, DeGroote School of Business, McMaster University

· 11:10 – “Repositioning Health Care through Relationships and HIT” - Pamela Hash, director, clinical education and professional development, Bon Secours Health System, Inc.

“We’re excited that this event will help us build the strong relationships needed to tackle the issues and opportunities that exist today in health care.” says CHITA Director Dr. Bernard Han. “The conference will identify new, multifaceted roles for the consumer, health care provider and information technology professional in the health care space augmented by health information technology.”

For information about ICHITA 2011 and to register, visit: www.wmich.edu/chita/ichita.

For conference information, contact:

· CHITA Director Dr. Bernard Han, professor of business information systems, (269) 598-2284; bernard.han@wmich.edu

· CHITA Associate Director Dr. Sharie Falan, assistant professor of nursing, (269) 760-0955; sharie.falan @wmich.edu

About CHITA
The Center for Health Information Technology Advancement was created in 2010 to facilitate better health care and provide solutions to today’s health care information technology needs.

About RCCSWMI
The mission of the Relationship-Centered Care Network of Southwest Michigan, located in Kalamazoo, is to promote caring relationships within the healthcare community.

Beta Alpha Psi to host conference to address proposed adoption of International Financial Reporting Standards

2011-09-19T22:29:00.000-07:00

James Leisenring

Accountants in the region will gather to learn about a proposal to adopt the International Financial Reporting Standards from accounting experts who are setting those standards. The day-long conference will take place on the campus of Western Michigan University in late October.

James Leisenring, MBA’64, senior advisor, Financial Accounting Standards Board, will discuss the proposal that would integrate the IFRS and generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) standards into a single-set of high quality standards.

James Kroeker, chief accountant, Securities and Exchange Commission, will share insight on the potential convergence from the perspective of the SEC.

James Kroeker

Hosted by the WMU Gamma Rho Chapter of Beta Alpha Psi, in conjunction with WMU’s Haworth College of Business, the IFRS conference, titled “What you need to know now!” will take place on Thursday, Oct. 27 from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Fetzer Center. Participants can receive eight credit hours of continuing professional education recognized by the State of Michigan for attendance at the event.

Key speakers, topics and highlights include:

· 8:10 a.m. - James Leisenring, Senior Advisor, Financial Accounting Standards Board, “History and Update of Convergence”

· 8:50 a.m. – Ron Edmonds, Vice-President and Controller, The Dow Chemical Company, “SEC Registrant Perspective”

· 10:10 a.m. – James Kroeker, Chief Accountant, Securities and Exchange Commission, “SEC Discussion on IFRS”

· 10:55 a.m. – Dr. Roger Tang, WMU Professor of Accountancy and Upjohn Chair of Business Administration, “Major Differences between IFRS and GAAP”

· 12:40 a.m. – James Leisenring, “Technical Project Updates”

· 1:25 p.m. – David Schmid, Partner, Transaction Services – Accounting and Financial Reporting, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, “Preparing Within the Core Practice of Assurance”

· 2:45 p.m. - Dr. Ola Smith, WMU associate professor of accountancy, will moderate a question and answer session.

Mike Eubanks, conference coordinator and president of BAP, says the goal of the conference is “for participants to gain insight and get familiar with some of proposed changes as it pertains to potentially adopting the international standards. The program will provide practical information to all levels of participants.

“In addition to professional accountants, we are inviting students from area business schools to participate in the day’s events,” says Eubanks. “We are targeting students at the senior and master level at WMU and surrounding universities.”

“The Beta Alpha Psi officers have spent much time and effort planning the conference,” says Dr. Don Gribbin, chair, Department of Accountancy. “The organization has demonstrated great initiative in this undertaking.”

Registration for the event is required by Wednesday, Oct. 12. For further information or to register, visit: www.wmich.edu/business/ifrs . The registration fee is $299 for professional accountants and the event is free for students.

About Beta Alpha Psi
Beta Alpha Psi is an international honorary organization for financial information professionals. The WMU Gamma Rho Chapter is a vital campus organization of men and women accounting majors. While membership implies past academic achievements, emphasis in the organization is on professional development of members and the advancement of the profession. Active involvement is required and helps prepare accounting students for the leadership roles they will assume during their careers. Social activities provide a “lighter” side to campus life.

About the IFRS
The IFRS Foundation is an independent, not-for-profit private sector organization working in the public interest. Its principal objectives are:

· To develop a single set of high quality, understandable, enforceable and globally accepted international financial reporting standards (IFRSs) through its standard-setting body, the IASB;

· To promote the use and rigorous application of those standards.

· To take account of the financial reporting needs of emerging economies and small and medium-sized entities, and

· To bring about convergence of national accounting standards and IFRS to high quality solutions.

To learn more about the IFRS, visit: www.ifrs.org .

Key Speaker Bios

James Leisenring, MBA '64
Senior Advisor
Financial Accounting Standards Board

James Leisenring has spent his professional life literally “setting the standard.” He began doing so as partner and director of accounting and auditing for Bristol, Leisenring, Herker & Co., in his hometown of Battle Creek, Mich; the firm is now a part of Plante & Moran. During his tenure at Bristol, Leisenring, Herker & Co., he was active in the American Institute of CPAs and served as the chair of its Auditing Standards Board as well as a member of many other institute committees. He became known for not only his knowledge of the field, but also for his sound judgment and business acumen.

In 1982 he joined the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB), a private, not-for-profit organization that develops generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) that are in the best interest of the public. His first post was as director of research and technical activities, and he later became chair of the Emerging Issues Task Force when it was developed in 1984. In 1987 he became a member of the FASB Board and was appointed vice chair in 1988. He also served as chair of the FASB Derivatives Implementation Group and the FASB Financial Instruments Task Force.

Leisenring was appointed to the International Accounting Standards Board to be its liaison member to the FASB in 2001. At that time, he was serving as the director of international activities at FASB.

Recognition of Leisenring's contributions to the field of accounting has come in numerous forms. He has been named a Distinguished Alumni Award winner at both Albion College and Western Michigan University. In 2003, he was inducted into the Accounting Hall of Fame in recognition of his contributions to the advancement of accounting. He serves frequently as an expert in the area of accounting standards for conferences and for the media.

James Kroeker
Chief Accountant
Securities and Exchange Commission

James Kroeker is the chief accountant at the Securities and Exchange Commission, where he oversees accounting interpretations, professional practice issues, and international accounting matters.

Previously, Kroeker served as Acting Chief Accountant and guided the day-to-day operations of the SEC's Office of Accountant. He served as staff director of the SEC's Congressionally mandated study of fair value accounting standards, and led the efforts of the Office of the Chief Accountant to address the economic turmoil, including steps to improve off-balance sheet accounting standards.

Prior to joining the SEC as deputy chief accountant in 2007, Kroeker was a partner in the Deloitte and Touche LLP, National Office Accounting Services Group. At Deloitte, he was responsible for providing consultation and support regarding the implementation, application, communication and development of accounting standards, including disclosure and reporting matters.

Kroeker also served as a Practice Fellow at the Financial Accounting Standards Board, where he assisted in the development of accounting guidance related to evolving accounting issues.

Prior to joining Deloitte's national office, Kroeker was responsible for the audits of financial statements of several large national and multinational public companies and consulted with clients on technical accounting issues, coordinated the firm's work related to clients' mergers and acquisitions, and conducted special projects for the firm.

Kroeker received a Bachelor of Science degree with an emphasis in accounting from the University of Nebraska.

Students to network and explore possibilities on Business Career Day, Oct. 27

2011-09-19T21:39:00.000-07:00

More than 100 organizations will arrive on the campus of Western Michigan University on Thursday, Oct. 27 for Business Career Day. The event runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the East Ballroom of the Bernhard Center and is open to all students, alumni and the public.

Hosted by Alpha Kappa Psi and the Career Center, Haworth College of Business, Business Career Day is designed for students to network with employer representatives to discuss internship and professional career opportunities.

Some employers will arrive on Wednesday, Oct. 26 for the Food Marketing Career Night, to deliver informative presentations and network with students at the Fetzer Center. In addition, many employers will be conducting on-campus interviews on Friday, Oct. 28 as well as in the weeks following the event. “Students are encouraged to attend Career Day to meet hundreds of recruiters and WMU alumni representing a variety of diverse organizations and learn about opportunities in accounting, IT, marketing, sales, management, supply chain and finance," says Ade Weir, Business Career Day intern.

"We are thankful for the commitment employers make to WMU by recruiting our talented students,” says Linda Ickes, director of the Career Center. “The 2011-12 Career Center premier partners are C.H. Robinson, Coyote Logistics Enterprise Rent-a-Car, Kraft, Meijer, Stryker and Walmart. Additional employers sponsoring the event include American Transport Group, Borg Warner, New York Life and Northwestern Mutual Financial Network.

Candidates are asked to dress professionally and bring copies of their resumes. A list of participating employers is available from The Career Center website at http://www.wmich.edu/business/thecareercenter/events.html . Students may also use their smart phones to read the QR code from the Business Career Day promotional materials for the most current listing of employers attending the event. Employers may also visit the Career Center website site until Oct. 20 to register to attend the Business Career Day.

Two programs designed to help students prepare to network and interview with employers are scheduled. They are Resume Critique Night on Monday, Oct. 3 and Practice Interview Day on Friday, Oct 7. Students may sign up through Broncojobs or by visiting the Career Center, 3020 Schneider Hall.

Beginning Oct. 7, students are invited to pick up a “Business Career Day Booklet” from the Career Center at the Haworth College of Business.

Learn the Secrets of Networking with SKIRT

2011-09-19T10:16:00.000-07:00

Co-author of ‘SKIRTWorking’ to share strategies
for making powerful professional connections at West Michigan events

Women professionals: Is networking really working for you? Western Michigan University graduate Michelle Alberda, BBA ’89, says that if they aren’t, it could be time to shed your old ideas about how to do it.

At two upcoming events to be held Oct. 12 in Kalamazoo and Grand Rapids, Alberda, a senior financial advisor and co-author of “SKIRTWorking” (Sharing Knowledge Information and Resources Together), will discuss how to make the most of networking by using techniques developed for women, for use by women.

Details of the events are as follows:

Inforum Luncheon Event at Fetzer Center
WMU’s Haworth College of Business is hosting Alberda, who will speak from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at a luncheon at the WMU Fetzer Center on Wednesday, Oct. 12. The event is being held in conjunction with Inforum, Michigan’s leading network of professional women, dedicated to providing opportunities for women to lead and succeed.

The Fetzer Center is located on the campus of Western Michigan University at 2350 Business Court. Cost for the luncheon event is $30 for Inforum members and $45 for non-members or $350 per table of eight. Reservations are required by Oct. 5 and can be made through Inforum at: www.inforummichigan.org/events/skirtworking-michelle-alberda.

Reception in Grand Rapids
Also on Oct. 12, Alberda will speak at 6 p.m. at Noto’s Old World Dining, 6600 28^th St. in Grand Rapids, Mich., at an event sponsored by the WMUFAMILY of Grand Rapids.

Reservations are also required for the evening event in Grand Rapids. Cost is $20 per person, which includes hor d’ouvres and keynote speaker. RSVP by Oct. 5 by calling 269.387.8746. Further information is available at: www.mywmu.com/events/women/index.html.

_________

At each event, Alberda will describe the idea of “SKIRTWorking,” a concept created by the book’s co-authors that takes people and businesses to the next level through new ideas and connections with others. The book grew to be a No. 1 Bestseller in the Women and Business category on Amazon.com, and remains among the top-rated books on the bestseller list today.

Alberda teamed up with co-authors Michelle Balog and Stacey Fleece over seven years ago after they recognized a shared and unified interest in the desire to capitalize on the power of networking. The idea of SKIRTWorking, (Sharing Knowledge Information and Resources Together) evolved from their collective insight.

Autographed copies of the book will be available for sale following both events.

About Michelle Alberda

An entrepreneur who earned her CFP© certification in 2004, Alberda established her solo financial advisory practice, Ameriprise Financial Services in San Francisco, Calif. in 2007. Previously, Alberda worked in Southeast Asia where she co-founded a consulting firm that specialized in government infrastructure projects. She has a degree in marketing and Asian studies from WMU and is a Chartered Life Underwriter. Learn more about “SKIRTWorking,” and the authors at: www.skirtworking.com .

About Inforum
Inforum is Michigan’s leading business forum for women, with more than 1,800 members from a cross-section of Michigan's business community. The mission of the organization is to strengthen the business environment by creating opportunities for women to lead and succeed. Founded as the Women's Economic Club in 1962 in Detroit, Inforum has affiliates in Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo and Lansing, Mich. For more information, visit www.inforummichigan.org or call 877.633.3500.

About Haworth College of Business
Haworth College of Business, one of the largest schools of business in the United States, is the academic home to nearly 4, 000 undergraduate students majoring in 15 specialized areas of business. An additional 500 graduate students study business administration (MBA) and accountancy (MSA).The Haworth College of Business is among an elite group of fewer than five percent of business schools worldwide that are accredited at both the undergraduate and graduate levels by the American Association of Collegiate Schools of Business. It is among a select two percent of business schools worldwide that have additional specialized accreditation for their accountancy programs.

Events acquaint students with business programs

2011-09-06T13:47:00.000-07:00

Western Michigan University invites new and returning students to attend two Haworth College of Business successive events to learn more about programs and organizations offered through the Haworth College of Business.

Major Info Night will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 21. A brief presentation from each of the business college's academic departments will acquaint students with all five departments and 15 business majors. Activities will be held in Room 1120 of Schneider Hall. Immediately after the presentations, students, faculty and staff are invited for pizza and refreshments in the Schneider Hall Lobby.

Business Bash, will be held from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 22, in the Schneider Hall Courtyard. This is an opportunity for students to drop in at any time to learn about business-related professional student organizations, majors, study-abroad opportunities and career services.

Event organizers say this is an excellent opportunity for new students to become acquainted with business majors and meet faculty and student organization leaders.

"Deciding on a major is an important decision in a student's career development," says Linda Ickes, Career Center director and co-advisor of the Student Leadership Advisory Board. "Employers want to hire students for internships who are confident in discussing their interests and motivators, are self-directed and work well with others. Business Bash provides a fun, interactive environment to do just that with representatives from student organizations, academic majors, study abroad and the Career Center!"

The premier partners of the Career Center support Business Bash by sponsoring the T-shirts. Thanks to CH Robinson, Kraft Foods, Coyote Logistics, Stryker, Meijer, Walmart and Enterprise Rent-a-Car.

For more information on Major Info Night or Business Bash, contact the Haworth College of Business Career Center at (269) 387-2711.

East Campus restoration is topic of business breakfast

2011-08-26T06:54:00.000-07:00

Bob Miller, Western Michigan University associate vice president for community outreach, will discuss East Campus restoration during the kickoff of the 2011-12 Keystone Community Bank Breakfast series on Friday, September 30.

Miller's talk, titled "Update on East Campus," begins at 8 a.m. in the Dean's Conference Room in Schneider Hall, home of the WMU Haworth College of Business. The event begins with breakfast at 7:30 a.m. and is free and open to the public. Reservations are required and can be made by calling the College dean's office at (269) 387-6059. Parking is available in the nearby Fetzer Center parking lot.

Miller came to WMU in 1999 as associate vice president for community outreach. In that capacity, he focuses on developing WMU's Business Technology and Research Park on the Parkview Campus in Kalamazoo and on facilitating numerous services and outreach efforts in the local area and beyond. His duties include overseeing WMU's participation in various community-based projects, serving as the University's point person with Kalamazoo city and county officials, and providing staff support for the WMU Foundation.

Prior to coming to WMU, Miller held management positions with several local companies and was involved in the broadcasting industry for more than 20 years. He is a university alumnus who has worked with the WMU Alumni Association since graduating in 1972 and served as association president in 1996-97 and 1997-98.

Miller also is active in community affairs serving on the City of Kalamazoo’s Economic Development Corp., Brownfield Redevelopment Authority, and Local Development Finance Authority. He is a director for the Kalamazoo Regional Chamber of Commerce, Communities in Schools, Downtown Development Association, Downtown Tomorrow, Inc., Local Initiatives Support Corp., the Vine Neighborhood Association and MRC Industries. In addition, Miller is a member of the advisory council for the United States Tennis Association Boy's National Championships.

The Keystone Community Bank Breakfast Speaker Series is underwritten by Keystone Community Bank. The series provides an opportunity for the local community to hear top business leaders and WMU faculty, alumni and friends of the Haworth College of Business discuss current business related topics.

Haworth College of Business welcomes new MBA outreach and recruitment directors

2011-08-22T08:02:00.000-07:00

Roxanne Buhl

Alex Manga

The Haworth College of Business now has two new directors working to spur on recruitment and outreach efforts in the region for the MBA program.

Roxanne Buhl will serve as director of the MBA program for Grand Rapids, and Alex Manga will serve as director of the MBA program for Kalamazoo and Battle Creek. In the newly created positions, the directors will develop and implement strategies to increase outreach efforts in the recruitment of MBA students in both Grand Rapids and Battle Creek regional sites as well as on main campus in Kalamazoo.

Buhl will manage the outreach efforts of the Grand Rapids MBA program and will be physically located in the Grand Rapids regional site. She has over 17 years of business development, marketing and project management experience with non-profit, private, and publicly-traded organizations. Her background includes talent acquisition, job development and job resource consulting. She has developed and managed programs and services for organizations such as Steelcase Inc., the global leader in the office furniture industry; Whirlpool Corporation, the world's leading manufacturer and marketer of major home appliances, and the State of Michigan.

Prior to joining WMU, Buhl was project coordinator for Davenport University’s Institute for Professional Excellence. She also held progressively responsible positions with Right Management, the world's largest talent and career management consulting firm. In previous positions, she consulted with and advised organizations on strategic business issues. She managed the marketing needs of 50 internal customers, in four regional locations, serving more than 700 client companies in addition to facilitating the introduction of Michigan's Talent Bank in West Michigan.

Buhl has a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management from the University of Phoenix and Master of Business Administration with a marketing concentration from WMU. She is a member of Phi Kappa Phi, the national scholastic honor society and Beta Gamma Sigma, the national business honor society.

Buhl is a Leadership Grand Rapids graduate. She is a mid-Michigan InForum council member, an active volunteer for WMU’s Grand Rapids MBA alumni and a member of the Society for Human Resource Management and the Association of Human Resource Managers.

Alex Manga will manage the outreach efforts of the Battle Creek and Kalamazoo MBA programs and he will have offices at both the Battle Creek regional site and in Kalamazoo on the main campus at WMU.

Manga spent 20 years in the automotive and medical plastics industries for Milacron Inc. and its subsidiaries where he held positions in research and design, sales, business development and operations.

While there he received several sales and sales management awards for exceeding goals, new product development, patents and process improvement.

Manga has owned four businesses since 1999 including an e-commerce parts distribution company serving the motorcycle industry, a medical device manufacturing company, an athletic training academy and an Italian restaurant.

He has taught management courses at WMU since 2009. He earned his bachelor’s degree in student planned curriculum from WMU, his Master’s of Business Administration from WMU and is currently working on his doctorate in interdisciplinary evaluation also at WMU.

WMU's undergraduate HR Management program is one of top 15 percent of AACSB schools certified by SHRM

2011-07-15T10:23:00.000-07:00

WMU Human Resource students participated in an internal HR Games this past spring. From left are Abbee Miller and Ashley Heckman, first place team members, Dr. Dan Farrell, HR program director, Andrea Foster, Target representative, and Ashlee Elder and Nicole Drew, second place team members.

WMU’s undergraduate Human Resource Management program has the distinction of being one of the top 15 percent of AACSB accredited programs recognized by the Society of Human Resource Management for alignment to the SHRM curriculum standards.

“We try to stay on the cutting edge of HR curriculum as we continuously work to make the HR program the “Program of Choice” in the region,” says Dr. Dan Farrell, professor of management and human resource program coordinator. “The alignment signifies that the WMU curriculum lines up with established guides relative to topics, courses, business context and delivery methods.”

“Out of 487 AACSB schools, our program is in a group of only 74 schools that have had its HR major certified by SHRM,” says Farrell, “We are one of 4 of 14 schools in the state of Michigan that are SHRM certified.” In all, there were 165 programs that have obtained the certification.

SHRM provides colleges and universities with resources for tracking HR curricula against common skills needed by employers filling professional human resource positions. SHRM developed a curriculum template based on extensive research analysis that is designed to set the agenda on what the educational requirements for a career in HR; raise the bar for HR degree content and delivery of HR degree content, and support HR as a profession, with specific educational requirements. The review period is effective for three calendar years.

SHRM’s focus on HR education is an important and critical component to securing the future success and recognition of the profession. The SHRM HR curriculum guides are based on extensive research analysis.

SHRM is the largest human resource management association in the world, with over 250,000 members. The WMU student chapter of the Society for Excellence in Human Resources has over 25 members and recently received a Superior Merit Award from SHRM for the fourth year in a row for an exceptional job in providing opportunities for growth and development of its student chapter members.

For more about SHRM and the HR Curriculum Guidebook visit: www.shrm.org .

WMU accountancy chapter receives Superior Status

2011-07-07T11:57:00.000-07:00

Beta Alpha Psi Executive Board

The Western Michigan University Gamma Rho chapter of Beta Alpha Psi, an international honorary accountancy organization, has earned Superior Status for the 2010-11 year.

The organization encourages and provides recognition to scholastic and professional excellence in the business information field including the promotion of the study and practice of accounting, finance and information systems; providing opportunities for self-development, service and association among members and practicing professionals, and encouraging a sense of ethical, social and public responsibility. The WMU chapter has earned the Superior Status 28 of the last 33 years.

“This level of recognition reflects the Beta Alpha Psi, Gamma Rho chapter’s commitment to ensure educational and professional experiences that are relevant for a career in accounting,” says Mike Eubanks, student chapter president. “Our membership is committed to academic and professional growth while engaging in various service opportunities.”

“In order to achieve the Superior Status, we were required to complete at least 12 professional hours and 12 service hours per member,” says Jared Lindberg, reporter for the chapter. “We had an average active membership of 58 students over the year which translates into completing 696 hours for professional, of which we completed 988, and 696 hours for service, of which we completed 1761."

"Our members are hard-working, ambitious and very giving of themselves to others," says Dawn Mason, instructor of accountancy and advisor to the group. “I am proud to be associated with them. The chapter participated in service activities for organizations including Strides, Kalamazoo Gospel Mission, Veteran’s Hospital, Salvation Army, Business Bash, Habitat for Humanity and Relay for Life in addition to tutoring students."

The Gamma Rho Chapter will be co-hosting the regional meeting in Chicago for spring, 2012.

Assistance to small business in southwest Michigan expands

2011-07-07T07:17:00.000-07:00

Finance and strategy specialists are available through the SBTDC

Carolyn Rourke, along with eight other finance and strategy specialists, has joined the Michigan Small Business & Technology Development team to assist second stage small businesses in improving their financial management and access to capital.

Second stage companies are those that have $1 million or more in annual revenues and have nine or more employees. The specialists have extensive experience in accounting and banking and are focused on working with companies to further their success through sound financial management.

“I love working with small businesses,” said Rourke. “It has been the focus of my consulting business for over 10 years, with most of my experience in assisting with the financial aspect of the business.” The position at the MI-SBTDC allows Rourke to leverage her background, which will help rebuild Michigan and create jobs. With the ever-changing lending environment, Rourke, as well as the other specialists, are able to engage with clients to find the right lending solution for their company.

“My favorite part about working for the Southwest region thus far is helping clients to grow their businesses,” says Rourke. While being on the job only a short time, she has already been able to assist 10 businesses by restructuring their debt to free up cash flow which will allow them to confidently take the next step in growing their business venture. Clients have come from a variety of places, including referrals from economic development agencies, commercial loan officers, other counselors, as well as directly from small business owners.

“The finance and strategy specialists are available to help companies ensure their financial records are accurate and ready for preparing loan packages for submissions to financial institutions, compare their financials to industry benchmarks to identify areas of improvement, use their financials as a tool to manage their business and develop “what-if” scenarios for financial impact on the business for new initiatives,” states Tamara Davis, Southwest Michigan SBTDC regional director.

The services provided through the MI-SBTDC, including those provided by Rourke, are underwritten by the Small Business Administration (SBA) and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) and are provided at no cost to small businesses. For more information on services offered MI-SBTDC, call (269) 387-6004 or visit www.misbtdc.org/southwestmichigan.

WMU sales and business marketing program noted as top program

2011-07-06T10:41:00.000-07:00

Dr. Stephen Newell

Dr. Jim Eckert

WMU’s Haworth College of Business Sales and Business Marketing program has been noted as a Top University Sales Program for 2011 by the Sales Education Foundation.

Each year, the Sales Education Foundation selects top university sales programs with an overall vision and dedication to sales education that demonstrate a strong sales curriculum, university recognition and support, and the opportunity for experiential learning such as internships.

“The leadership and commitment to the program is critical to its success,” says Dr. Kay Palan, dean, Haworth College of Business. The dedication and hard work on the part of both the students and faculty have made the program what it is.”

Dr. Stephen Newell and Dr. Jim Eckert, professor and associate professor of the program, spearhead the Sales and Business Marketing program. “The faculty and students who are part of the Sales & Business Marketing program are excited to be honored as one of the top sales programs in the country,” says Newell,. “We are constantly analyzing the program in order to make it better. Based on faculty, student and employer feedback, we have recently added another sales-focused class to the curriculum in order to help our students to be more prepared to succeed in their careers,” added Newell.

The faculty works closely with SBM alumni and professionals to ensure that the knowledge and skills of graduates match the needs of the industry," says Eckert. "We are very proud of the quality and the success of our SBM program as measured by the excellent placement rate of our job ready graduates and their professional accomplishments over time."

“The in-depth, interactive and real-life training I received as a student in the Sales and Business Marketing program in the Haworth College of Business allowed me to quickly adapt to an ever-changing sales environment,” says Nathan Falk, alumnus who is an account manager for Medtronic Inc. “It creates a passion for sales and providing solutions for customers. I owe much of my sales success to the techniques and processes I learned from the program.”

WMU’s Haworth College of Business was one of three schools in Michigan and 48 schools nationally meeting the requirements for educating students in the sales profession.

The Sales Education Foundation was established as a non-profit foundation in 2006, to promote the profession of sales through colleges and universities with verified sales education curriculums. The USEF works with a variety of industry professionals and academic trailblazers to establish and support effective university sales programs throughout the globe.

Stamper named associate dean for undergraduate programs

2011-07-05T10:19:00.000-07:00

Dr. Christina Stamper, professor of management, has been named associate dean for undergraduate programs in the Haworth College of Business. The appointment is effective July 1, 2011.

In the newly-created position, Stamper will assume responsibility and oversight of all undergraduate programs, the Academic Advising Office, and the Career Center for the College. In addition, she will oversee assurance of learning activities in the College and be responsible for undergraduate enrollment management, including recruitment, retention and community college partnerships.

Stamper has been with the College for ten years. She teaches both graduate and undergraduate courses in organizational behavior and human resource management and topical courses related to these disciplines. Her research interests include explaining relational factors between employees and their organizations, and how these factors impact both work attitudes and behaviors. Her work has been presented at regional, national and international conferences as well as published in numerous management journals, including the Journal of Organizational Behavior and Personnel Psychology.

Stamper was recently invited to be a research affiliate of the Institute of Inclusiveness and Diversity in Organizations at San Diego State University, an organization committed to conducting innovative research to enhance understanding of diversity and inclusion in organizations. She will also serve on the Diversity and Inclusion Theme Committee of the Academy of Management.

Stamper received a master’s and PhD from Michigan State University, and a bachelor’s degree from the University of Miami in Coral Gables, Fla. Prior to pursuing her PhD, she worked as a restaurant manager for the Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company.

Michigan SBTDC Recognizes Davis as Outstanding Regional Director

2011-06-22T08:57:00.000-07:00

The Michigan Small Business and Technology Development Center has selected Tamara Davis as the 2011 Outstanding Regional Director of the Michigan SBTDC network.

Davis, regional director of the MI-SBTDC for Southwest Michigan, was chosen by the MI-SBTDC for being an outstanding performer, making major strides in developing the program in the region and showing a strong commitment to small business in Michigan.

"I am honored to have the opportunity to recognize Tamara Davis for her extraordinary work in serving Michigan's entrepreneurs and small business owners,” says Carol Lopucki, MI-SBTDC state director. “Tamara possesses tremendous business acumen, leadership skills and peer respect. She contributes in a dynamic way to the SBTDC network at large.”

Davis brings an extensive academic background to the MI-SBTDC as well as practical business experience from both the private and public sectors. As regional director, she has increased the visibility and awareness of the center throughout Southwest Michigan.

She has served on committees, engaged with regional partners and spoke at regional events to promote the awareness of the MI-SBTDC services. The Southwest Michigan region served over 350 clients in 2010 with a satisfaction rate of 96.8 percent. Its regional clients created 153 new jobs in 2010 and increased capital formation 14 percent to over $16 million.

Davis accepted the award at a special reception during the 2011 MI-SBTDC network conference in Traverse City.

About MI-SBTDC
The Michigan Small Business & Technology Development Center is the “Feet on the Street” providing counseling, training and market research for Michigan’s new business ventures, existing small businesses, expanding new businesses, new technology companies and innovators.

The Southwest Michigan MI-SBTDC regional office is located at Western Michigan University in the Haworth College of Business, in Kalamazoo. Entrepreneurs and small business owners may access the services of the Southwest Michigan MI-SBTDC office by calling 269.387.6004 or visiting www.misbtdc.org.

Tamara Davis – Bio
Davis earned her bachelor's degree from the Haworth College of Business in 1988 with a concentration in advertising and marketing. She earned her MBA from WMU in 1999. After many years in advertising, she joined the Vermont Secretary of Administration's office under then-Gov. Howard Dean.

Upon returning to Michigan, Davis joined Kalamazoo College, serving in various capacities including director of operations of the L. Lee Stryker Center. She served as project manager of the economic development group regional EDGE and as a MI-SBTDC business consultant. In 2003, she joined Davenport University as the department coordinator of the Management, Marketing and Legal departments for the Battle Creek, Holland and Kalamazoo Davenport University locations.

Davis became the regional director of the MI-SBTDC at WMU in 2009.

WMU’s Integrated Supply Management program earns spot among top supply chain programs.

2011-06-22T04:56:00.000-07:00

Earning its first ranking, WMU’s Integrated Supply Management program is named 12^th among undergraduate supply chain programs, tied with the University of Maryland and Stanford University. (See complete list, below.) The ranking, by Gartner (AMR), is an important step in the development of this program, which celebrates its 20^th anniversary in 2012. In the last Gartner ranking, WMU’s ISM program received an “honorable mention.”

Dr. Bret Wagner, director,
integrated supply management program

“It's encouraging to see that the Gartner rankings recognize the quality of the ISM program,” says Dr. Bret Wagner, director of the WMU program. “During its 20 year history, the ISM program has used the input from our executive council (the ISM program's industry advisory board) to drive changes in the program and curriculum so that it stays relevant. This continuous improvement philosophy will be the key for the ISM program to move up the rankings.”

Gartner’s ranking relied on evaluation of numerous factors, including Industry partnerships, additional training required of graduates, curriculum and integration of IT.

Chris Flum, BBA '86, is president of the
ISM Executive Council

"I have been part of the ISM Executive Council for over 10 years. The reason I and the other council members participate is we can see that our input is valued and results in changes in the program and the curriculum that produce graduates who are well prepared for careers in supply management,” says Chris Flum, BBA ’86, vice president, Global Indirect Supply & Procurement at Harman International.

“As an alum, it’s good to see that the hard work of the faculty and executive council members in producing a world-class supply management program is being recognized by organizations like Gartner."

In addition to industry input and continuous improvement, Wagner says that the program’s innovative curriculum and distinctive elements provide students with skills to begin supply management careers “Ready, Day One.”

· Joins coursework in business and engineering

· Incorporates extensive use of SAP ERP business software in courses

· Requires project courses where students apply process improvement tools to real company problems

In the last ranking by Gartner, WMU received an honorable mention for its extensive use of SAP ERP system in two classes, including a dedicated class.

Gartner (AMR), the definitive organization dealing with industry supply chains, announced the latest rankings in early June at its annual conference.

Fast Facts about ISM

The List:

1. Penn State

3. Georgia Tech, Arizona State, Rutgers

5. Michigan State

6. University of Texas-Austin

7. Ohio State and University of Wisconsin-Madison

9. Texas A & M and University of Tennessee

12. WMU, Maryland, Stanford

14. Lehigh University, University of Marquette

16. Syracuse University

20. University of Indiana, University South Carolina, Auburn University, Texas Christian University, University of Kansas and University of Nevada-Reno

23. North Texas

25. Iowa State and Rider

Advertising student snags one of four statewide scholarships

2011-06-14T08:42:00.000-07:00

An advertising student at Western Michigan University's Haworth College of Business was among four students statewide to win 2011-12 scholarships from the Adcraft Club of Detroit's Adcraft Foundation.

Rachel Plaster of Deerfield, Illi., a senior majoring in advertising and promotion, received a $2,500 scholarship. She is a member of the Lee Honors College, the WMU AdClub, Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society and Alpha Omicron Pi International Women’s Fraternity and was recently honored by Who’s Who Among Students in American Colleges & Universities. She studied abroad at the Swinburne University of Technology in Melbourne, Australia in fall, 2010.

"Rachel has a clear focus on her goals and is doing everything right to get to where she wants to go," says Dr. Karen Lancendorfer, associate professor of marketing, who has had Plaster as a student for two years and nominated her for the scholarship. "She is always looking for opportunities and her enthusiasm and energy set her apart from the crowd."

The Adcraft Club of Detroit is the nation's largest advertising club. Its foundation annually awards cash grants to advertising and marketing students from Michigan universities. Students are nominated by faculty members and must submit an application and transcript, along with an essay demonstrating their knowledge and understanding of the advertising business. Winners and their faculty advisors were honored at a luncheon reception in Troy, Mich. in May.

Professor is accounting expert for new book investigating financials of the Catholic Church

2011-06-08T05:06:00.000-07:00

Dr. Jack Ruhl, associate dean and professor of accountancy in the Haworth College of Business, served as the accounting expert for a newly released book, “Render Unto Rome: The Secret Life of Money in the Catholic Church.”

Written by novelist and documentary filmmaker Jason Berry, who also wrote “Lead Us Not Into Temptation: Catholic Priests and the Sexual Abuse of Children,” the book provides insight into “the secrecy and deceit that run counter to the values of the Catholic Church,” says Berry.

The author examines the church’s financial practices and lack of accountability for billions of dollars channeled through the Catholic Church annually.

“I think the book is going to receive a lot of attention,” says Ruhl. “New York Times’ columnist Maureen Dowd mentioned it in her column a few weeks ago. When ‘Lead us Not Into Temptation’ was released, Berry appeared on television talk shows such as “Oprah”, “Phil Donahue” and “Geraldo Rivera”.

Ruhl was mentioned in the acknowledgements and identified several times in the book. He is scheduled to appear with the author at the American Catholic Conference in Detroit on June 10-11.

Students and businesses benefit from Monroe-Brown Internship Program

2011-06-07T10:12:00.000-07:00

A program that provides career experience is benefitting both students and southwest Michigan businesses.

As part of the Monroe-Brown Foundation Internship Program, 29 WMU students are gaining valuable work experiences while Southwest Michigan businesses reap the benefits of the students’ work.

The Monroe-Brown Foundation Internship Program provides paid internships for full-time college students, while offering them scholarships in the fall to help defray the cost of schooling.

“We are pleased to learn that 83 percent of the internship/scholarship recipients are students from WMU,” says Linda Ickes, director, Career Center, Haworth College of Business. “We worked strategically to alert our students of this valuable opportunity.

The Monroe-Brown Foundation Internship Program is a result of the collaboration between Southwest Michigan First in partnership with the Monroe-Brown Foundation. The program was launched in 2007 as a way of helping to keep the region’s most talented students in Kalamazoo after graduation. The internships are offered by local companies to currently enrolled college students and are paid for and supported by the southwest Michigan business community. Positions encompass such areas as engineering, business, marketing, information technology, management, sales and graphic design.

The program requires that applicants are limited to incoming juniors, seniors or graduate students at WMU, Kalamazoo College, Michigan State University or the University of Michigan. Second-year students a Kalamazoo Valley Community College are also eligible. Student attending MSU and UM must have attended high school in the greater Kalamazoo area.

Once hired, interns typically work full time for 10 weeks and receive hourly wages, valuable networking opportunities and applied career experiences.

Upon successful completion of the program, as decided by the employing company and the Monroe-Brown Foundation, interns also may receive scholarships from the Monroe-Brown Foundation worth up to $5,500.

Congratulations to the following Western Michigan students who have accepted internships with one of the Monroe-Brown Internship Program employer participants.

First Name	Last Name	Major
Albert	Allison	MBA - Masters of Business Administration
Derek	Bahri	Computer Information Systems
Kenny	Befus	Mechanical Engineering
Zachary	Bohley	Electrical and Computer Engineering
Case	Bonebrake	Mechanical Engineering
Westin	Brake	Finance
Michael	Bruny-Groth	Graphic Design
Michael	Caskey	Accountancy
Andrew	Dobbs	Construction Engineering
Geoffrey	Doctor	Accountancy
Kelsey	Ford	Advertising & Promotion
Daryn	Forrest	Civil Engineering
Matthew	Fraser	Mechanical Engineering
Andrew	Machacek	Engineering Graphics & Design Technology
Nicholas	Mikesell	Biology
Matthew	Moran	Civil Engineering
Adam	Mueller	Civil Engineering
Elizabeth	Myers	Sales & Business Marketing
Jason	Norman	Human Resource Management
Kevin	Peabody	Engineering Graphics & Design Technology
Brittany	Saddler	Mechanical Engineering
Samantha	Sanford	Sales & Business Marketing
Eric	Schwabauer	Marketing
Patricia	Smith	Human Resource Management
Alexander	Thelen	Computer Science
Courtney	Ward	Human Resource Management
Brandon	Weeda	Mechanical Engineering
Kyle	Wheeler	Aeronautical Engineering

Participating employers

· American Village builders, Inc.

· Access Medical

BASIC

· Borgess Health

· Bronson Healthcare Group

· Consumers Credit Union

· CSM Group

· Eaton Corporation

· Fabri-Kal

· Harold Zeigler Automotive Group

· Humphrey Products Company

· Jasper Clinical Research & Development, Inc.

· Kalamazoo Gazette

· Knight Watch, Inc.

· Landscape Forms

· Miller-Davis Company

· Mol-Son LLC

· Northwestern Mutual Financial Network

· Parker Hannifin-Fluid System Connectors Division

· Proteos, Inc.

· Schupan & Sons, Inc.

· Skanska USA Building, Inc.

· Southwest Michigan First

· Southwest Michigan Innovation Center

· Tekna, Inc.

· Treystar Holdings, Inc.

· Wolverine Pipe Line Company

· Workforce Strategies, Inc.

. For more information about the program, visit http://www.southwestmichiganfirst.com/monroe_brown_internship_program.cfm

WMU HR society chapter is recipient of national award

2011-06-03T12:21:00.000-07:00

The Western Michigan University chapter of the Society for Excellence in Human Resources has won a Superior Merit Award from the Society for Human Resource Management in Alexandria, Va.

The award recognizes the local chapter for an exceptional job in providing opportunities for growth and development of its student chapter members. This is the fourth year in a row that SEHR has received the award.

“As a group, we are thrilled and absolutely honored to be recognized by SHRM in receiving this prestigious award,” said Ashley Heckman, president of SEHR, and a senior majoring in human resource management at the Haworth College of Business. “Our team truly came together and members showed unsurpassed levels of dedication and commitment throughout the entire year which contributed to the betterment of our student organization.”

The society's student chapter merit award program, which began in 1972, develops more effective student chapters and promotes outstanding activities and projects in four areas: basic student chapter requirements, chapter programming and professional development of members, support of the human resource profession and partnership with the society.

“SEHR is clearly one of the most active and distinguished SHRM student chapters in the United States.,” said Dr. Satish Deshpande, professor of management and faculty advisor to the WMU chapter.

“SHRM is pleased to announce our 2010-11 Superior Merit and Merit Student Chapters,” said Chuck Salvetti, SHRM’s student and young professional programs manager. “These chapters worked extremely hard this year. Their efforts to provide networking and educational programming to human resources students and to increase their exposure to the field of HR are evidence of their desire to achieve.”

Representing more than 250,000 professional and student members in more than 140 countries, SHRM is the world's largest association devoted to human resource management. Founded in 1948, the society has more than 575 affiliated professional chapters and more than 450 student chapters within the United States as well as subsidiary offices in China and India.

The student chapter received a commemorative plaque to display at the University and will be recognized in SHRM's publications and at society conferences.

International conference to focus on relations between North America and Asia

2011-05-23T11:14:00.000-07:00

Faculty from universities in North America and Asia will join WMU faculty and staff and Michigan business leaders for the Fifth Facing East Facing West Conference. This two-day multidisciplinary, multicultural conference provides a forum to discuss business, social, cultural, legal, economic, political and environmental issues concerning North America’s relations with Asian countries.

The conference will be held from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Fri., June 10, and from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., Sat., June 11, at the Fetzer Center on the campus of Western Michigan University.

Highlights include the following events:

A keynote address on Friday, at 9 a.m., will feature Kenneth F. Davis, president, Vehicle Group for Eaton. Since joining Eaton in 1986, Davis has held management positions of increasing responsibility including president of the company’s Light and Medium-Duty Transmission business and vice president and general manager for its Clutch business. He has also held managerial, sales and marketing positions in the corporation.
The Friday luncheon address at 12:10 p.m. will feature Kuninori Matsuda, consul general of the Consulate General of Japan in Detroit. After graduating from Tokyo University, Matsuda joined Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs where he has held positions in the Bureau of Intelligence and Research, the Defense Policy Division at the Ministry of Defense, and the Division of General Management of the Foreign Minister’s office. He served as deputy director of the Russian Division in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and as first secretary to the Embassy of Japan in Washington D.C. He has held several positions with the Embassy of Japan including his previous position of minister at the Embassy of Japan in Israel.
Over 40 concurrent sessions throughout the conference will focus on a wide variety of multidisciplinary topics and issues concerning North America’s relations with Asian countries, including the ASIAN region. The speakers represent the likes of North American universities such as Hofstra University, Indiana University, University of Michigan, University of Minnesota and the University of North Florida,

International faculty and administrators presenting at the conference include those representing universities such as Lahore University of Management Sciences, (Pakistan); Sun Yat-Sen University, (China); University of Warsaw, (Poland); Universidad de Burgos, (Spain); and the International Islamic University, (Malaysia).

Sponsored in part by the Department of Education, the conference is a major event in Project EDGE (Enhancing and Developing Global Expertise), a project designed to support initiatives to internationalize the curriculum, the faculty, and students and to develop an understanding of international business as it relates to the Association of South East Asian Nations region.

Directing the program and the conference are Dr. Mushtaq Luqmani, chair, Department of Marketing, Dr. Zahir Quraeshi, G.W. Haworth Chair of Global Business and director, Global Business Center, and Dr. Roger Tang, Upjohn Chair in Business Administration.

In addition to the U.S. Department of Education and WMU's Haworth College of Business Global Business Center, other sponsors are WMU's Haenicke Institute for Global Education, and Georgia State University Center for International Business Education and Research.

For more information, visit the conference website or contact Dr. Roger Tang (269) 387-5247.

May Keystone Breakfast to feature Southwest Michigan First CEO

2011-05-12T11:53:00.000-07:00

A local audience will have the chance to learn about the current state of the economy in Southwest Michigan at the May presentation of the Keystone Community Bank Breakfast Speaker Series at Western Michigan University.

Ron Kitchens, chief executive officer of Southwest Michigan First, will speak at 8 a.m. Friday, May 27, in the Dean’s Conference Room of Schneider Hall, home of the Haworth College of Business. Kitchens will provide an update on the local and state economy in his talk, which is free and open to the public.

The event begins with a continental breakfast at 7:30 a.m. Reservations are required and may be made by calling (269) 387-6059. Free parking is available in the Fetzer Center parking lot.

Kitchens is a graduate of Missouri State University and the University of Oklahoma Economic Development Institute. He completed the Harvard Business School's Negotiation and Managerial Decision-Making program; and holds the designation of Certified Economic Developer.

Throughout his career in economic development in Michigan, Texas and Missouri, Kitchens has worked with more than 200 Fortune 500, international or regional corporations as diverse as GE Capital, Aker, Celanese, Scholastic, Kiewit Offshore Services, Boeing, Exxon Mobil and Ryan Sanders Baseball.

Kitchens has been extensively featured in over 100 national and international media outlets, and he speaks to business and professional groups throughout the nation. He is the author of “Community Capitalism: Lessons from Kalamazoo and Beyond,” and is a regular contributor to economic development and leadership columns in local and national publications.

In addition to his position at Southwest Michigan First, Kitchens is the general partner of the Southwest Michigan First Life Science Fund.

The speaker series is underwritten by Keystone Community Bank.

Southwest Michigan First
Southwest Michigan First is the catalyst stimulating growth across the Kalamazoo Region. Nationally recognized for its groundbreaking "Community Capitalism" approach to economic development, Southwest Michigan First is a private, nonprofit corporation fully committed to its mission of jobs and wealth creation.

WMU students place fourth in national marketing competition

2011-05-04T23:00:00.000-07:00

The WMU team members pictured from left are River Karaba, Adam Parz, John Hebert, Kristina Kelly and Kara Hensley.

A team of five Western Michigan University students placed fourth overall in a national marketing competition.

Team members Kara Hensley of Woodhaven, Mich; John Hebert of Portage, Mich; River Karaba of Dewitt, Mich.; Kristina Kelly of Portage, Mich.; and Adam Parz of Lakeside, Mich., competed against 26 student teams from universities across the nation in the EdVenture Partners American Petroleum Institute National Case Study Competition in late April.

As part of the competition, the teams were challenged to consider and answer a number of analytical questions regarding a client’s brand positioning, a communication strategy or any other current strategic situation as identified by the sponsoring client. The team achieved 91 out of a possible 100 points, placing higher than teams from Wayne State University, Northwood University, University of Illinois at Chicago, University of Texas at Arlington and San Diego State University.

WMU has participated in the EdVenture Partners National Case Study Competitions for the past eight years, placing in the top 10 nationally each year. The team, “Radio Adtive,” developed an integrated marketing communication campaign for the American Petroleum Institute with the goal of educating 18-25 year olds about national energy issues. The team developed a campaign using a variety of non-traditional consumer touch points and carried the tagline “It’s o.k. to be crude.”

Dr. JoAnn Atkin, associate professor of marketing and advisor to the team, uses the competition as the capstone project in the MKTG 4810 Integrated Marketing Communications Campaigns class for students majoring in advertising and promotion. The students won the “right” to represent WMU in the competition by beating out five other student teams in the class.

“This year, the competition was much more challenging than in previous years due to the nature of the client,” says Atkin. “I’m very proud of what the students accomplished. The team’s hard work was rewarded with another WMU top five placement.”

For more information on EdVenture Parters, visit edventurepartners.com .

Photo Caption
The WMU team members from left are River Karaba, Adam Parz, John Hebert, Kristina Kelly and Kara Hensley.

Deshpande named associate dean

2011-04-27T07:50:00.000-07:00

Download a high res image.

Dr. Satish P. Deshpande, professor of management, has been named associate dean for operations and graduate programs in the Haworth College of Business. The appointment is effective July 1, 2011.

Deshpande will assume responsibility and oversight of all graduate programs and several operational activities in the College including faculty and staff development, research support (technology, research assistants, grants, etc.), computing technologies, AACSB accreditation, space, and global programs. In addition, he will provide oversight for the centers within the College (Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, Center for Sustainable Business Practices, the Global Business Center and the Center for Health Information Technology Advancement).

Deshpande teaches graduate and undergraduate courses in human resources management. His research includes managerial decision making, healthcare management, and applied psychology in human resource issues. He has had over 80 refereed articles published in various journals and books including the Academy of Management Journal, Organizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes, Journal of Business Ethics, Journal of Labor Research, Human Relations, Journal of Small Business Management, Compensation and Benefits Review, Health Care Management Review, and Journal of Psychology. He has been quoted on television, radio, and in various newspapers including the Wall Street Journal and USA Today. He has received the Haworth College of Business Dean’s Teaching Award, and most recently, he received the newly established College Research Award. He serves as the faculty advisor of the Society for Excellence in Human Resources, a student chapter of SHRM.

Deshpande received a PhD from The University of Iowa, a post graduate degree in Personnel Management and Industrial Relations from Xavier Labor Relations Institute in Jamshedpur, India, and has a Bachelor’s degree in Commerce from the Sydenham College of Commerce and Economics from The University of Bombay, in India. Prior to his academic work at the University of Iowa, Deshpande was a personnel officer for Sandoz Limited in Bombay, India, where he had responsibilities for recruitment, training and development, labor law and industrial relations at a factory that employed over 800 employees.

Students win national ITERA competition, TIM receives Best Program Award

2011-04-19T14:41:00.000-07:00

Pictured from left are Tharyn Taylor, George Sesi, Hugo Martinez Rodriguez and Travis Ross

Three Western Michigan University students won a national case study competition for the second consecutive year and WMU received the 2011 Program Excellence award for its Telecommunications and Information Management (TIM) Program.

Competing against teams of graduate students, the students competed in the International Telecommunications Education and Research Association National Case Study Competition. The final round of the competition and public presentations were held during ITERA’s Ninth Annual Conference on Telecommunications and Information Technology on April 8-10, in Indianapolis, Ind.

This is the second year in a row that WMU has won the case study award. In the final round of the 2011 competition, WMU faced teams from Ball State University, James Madison University and Murray State University. There were 22 teams participating in the competition.

Cheers to our champion team members George Sesi, TIM major, of Croswell, Mich., Travis Ross, CIS major, of Kalamazoo, Mich., Hugo Martinez Rodriguez, TIM major, of Santiago, Dominican Republic and the team advisor Dr. Pairin Katerattanakul, associate professor of business information systems. Tharyn Taylor, TIM major, of Mason, Mich., presented a research paper at the conference.

Each year the 22 schools that make up ITERA are invited to participate in developing a proposal to solve a business / technical IT problem. This year, the problem was to design a solution for providing communications and IT services for a retirement community in Arizona.

The final round involved a 25-minute student presentation in front of a group of judges from both industry and academics. The presentation consisted of three parts: Business plan, technical solution and financial analysis. In addition to the presentation, the students answered tough business and technical questions while still completing their presentation in the allotted time frame.

“We are so honored to receive this year’s Program Excellence Award. It is very encouraging and meaningful for our relatively young undergraduate TIM program compared with those traditionally strong programs in some well-known universities, which shows evidence of the quality, creativity and versatility of Western’s excellent and unique interdisciplinary telecommunications and information technology management education.” says Dr. Mike Tarn, chair, Department of Business Information Systems.

WMU's telecommunications and information management major is designed to train students in a variety of telecommunication and data communication sub-disciplines. Its mission is to give students a well-balanced education in a variety of business- and technology-management issues.

The program is offered through the Department of Business Information Systems in the Haworth College of Business and the School of Communication in the College of Arts and Sciences. It is co-directed by Dr. Pairin Katerattanakul, associate professor of business information systems, and Dr. Richard Gershon, professor of communication.

Two WMU students are recipients of national Richter Scholarship

2011-04-19T14:36:00.001-07:00

Two WMU students are recipients of national Richter Scholarship

Two Western Michigan University students have been selected to receive a prestigious nationwide business scholarship.

Christopher Mulcahy of Livonia, Mich., and Cameron Tew of Rochester, Mich., are two of ten recipients of the 2011 Richter Scholarship awarded by the R. Gene and Nancy D. Richter Foundation and the Institute for Supply Management’s Richter Scholarship Fund.

In its eighth year, the Richter Scholarship Program is the largest nationally recognized scholarship program in the field of supply chain management. Winners will be recognized May 15 at an awards dinner during the Institute for Supply Management's 96th Annual International Supply Management Conference and Educational Exhibit in Orlando, Fla.

Mulcahy is entering his last semester at WMU, where he is majoring in integrated supply management. In addition to being a full-time student in the Haworth College of Business, he also works 20 to 25 hours a week on his second internship assignment with Kellogg Company in Battle Creek, Mich. From February to December 2010, he was a business reporting and analytics intern. In January 2011, he transitioned to the customer service logistics innovation team, where he is an innovation project assistant.

As the leader of the Kellogg’s Intern Committee, Mulcahy is responsible for planning and organizing meetings, networking events and other activities that help interns advance their professional abilities and gain exposure for full-time employment upon graduation. Mulcahy also shares his leadership talents as a member of a professional business fraternity. He was elected to the board of Delta Sigma Pi and serves as vice president of alumni relations and is an active member of the APICS student organization.

“I take a lot of pride in leading by example,” Mulcahy says. “I would never ask anyone to do anything I’m not willing to do, or have not done. My experience has taught me that by working together and using individual skills or interests, the group becomes more effective than any one individual could.”

Tew is entering his last semester at WMU where he is majoring in integrated supply management, with a minor in general business. He was awarded the General Motors/EEOC Scholarship through WMU’s Haworth College of Business. Tew is a member of the Golden Key International Honour Society, a member of Phi Kappa Phi Honors Society and a member of Sigma Alpha Lambda National Leadership and Honors Organization. After graduation, Tew plans to begin a position with IBM as a junior supply chain consultant for the U.S. federal government.

Tew is currently engaged in a purchasing internship with American Axle & Manufacturing in Three Rivers, Mich. As part of his co-op employment with American Axle, he leads a team of employees from various departments in establishing a more efficient and greener filing system for the company’s sensitive documents. Tew led an innovative solution that eliminated manual search and retrieval of thousands of
documents. Packing slips, purchase orders and invoices are now scanned into American Axle’s existing Oracle ERP system and virtually “attached” to a corresponding electronic receipt.

“For me personally, the most exciting feature about supply chain management is that it requires my work to be results-driven,” Tew says. “I take pride in pointing to an implemented system or accomplished cost savings as an example of my team’s ability to create a positive outcome.”

Scholarships are awarded through ISM’s R. Gene Richter Scholarship Fund and through the R. Gene and Nancy D. Richter Foundation. The 2011 Richter Scholars receive tuition assistance of up to US$5,000 and the benefits of an executive mentor, which pairs the student with an established executive, and a junior mentor, which pairs the student with a former Richter scholar.

There were 65 applications from candidates representing 26 different universities. Other 2011 Richter Scholars represent Arizona State University, Pennsylvania State University, and Michigan State University, among others. Since the scholarship was created in 2004, WMU has had five Richter Scholars, with Andrea Brown winning first in 2005, Elizabeth Aven in 2006 and Jamie Loeks in 2009.

R. Gene Richter Scholarship Program
The R. Gene Richter Scholarship Program was established and named in memory of R. Gene Richter, who was a galvanizing force in the field of procurement. Richter is admired for elevating the profession to world-class stature. He led the supply organizations at The Black & Decker Corporation, Hewlett-Packard and International Business Machines (IBM). For information on the R. Gene Richter Scholarship
Program, visit www.richterfoundation.org.

Institute for Supply Management
Institute for Supply Management™ (ISM) is the first supply management institute in the world. Founded in 1915, ISM exists to lead and serve the supply management profession and is a highly influential
and respected association in the global marketplace. By executing and extending its mission through education, research, standards of excellence and information dissemination — including the renowned monthly ISM Report On Business® — ISM maintains a strong global influence among individuals and organizations. ISM is a not-for-profit educational association that serves professionals and organizations with an interest in supply management in more than 80 countries. ISM offers the Certified Professional in Supply Management® and Certified Professional in Supplier Diversity™ qualifications and is a member of the International Federation of Purchasing and Supply Management.

Promoting Kalamazoo is topic of Keystone breakfast

2011-04-14T13:11:00.001-07:00

Greg Ayers, president, Kalamazoo County Convention and Visitors Bureau Inc., will talk about promoting Kalamazoo at the April presentation of the Keystone Community Bank Breakfast Speaker Series.

Ayers will speak at 8 a.m., Friday, April 29, in the Dean's Conference Room of Schneider Hall, home of the Haworth College of Business. His talk, titled “Promoting Kalamazoo as a Visitor Destination," is free and open to the public.

The event begins with a continental breakfast at 7:30 a.m. Reservations are required by calling (269) 387-6059. Free parking is available in the Fetzer Center parking lot.

Ayers came to Kalamazoo in 2007 to become the president of the Kalamazoo County Convention and Visitor’s Bureau, doing business as DiscoverKalamazoo. Since his arrival, the organization has been active in positioning the destination for many future successes. The implementation of a three-year strategic plan, development of several partnerships throughout the community, creation of a new destination brand and the launch of a new website are some of the significant accomplishments of his team.

Ayers has been involved locally with the Kalamazoo/Battle Creek International Airport’s Business Retention and Recruitment Committee, the Greater Kalamazoo United Way Campaign Cabinet, the United States Tennis Association’s Boys’ 18 & 16 National Championships Advisory Committee and the Downtown Kalamazoo Inc. Board of Directors. He is also serving a second, three-year term on the Board of Directors for the National Association of Sports Commissions.

Ayers has a bachelor’s degree in economics and minors in business administration and speech communication from Illinois State University, where he serves on the Alumni Association Board of Directors. His first full-time position after college was with the Peoria (Illinois) Chiefs minor league baseball team where he had a variety of positions in sales, marketing and promotions.

He began his career in the destination marketing organization industry in June of 1995 when he was named director of the Bloomington-Normal (Illinois) Area Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Prior to arriving in southwest Michigan, Ayers served as the executive director of the South Bend/Mishawaka (Indiana) Convention and Visitors Bureau for 8 ½ years.

The speaker series is underwritten by Keystone Community Bank and provides an opportunity for members of the local community to hear top business leaders, WMU faculty, alumni and friends of the Haworth College of Business.