UM-Flint Finalist for Minority Business Award

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The University of Michigan-Flint has been selected as a finalist for the 2009 Michigan Minority Business Development Council (MMBDC) Corporation of the Year-Education and Government Entities Award.

The recognition is for the establishment of new program called Community One, a “business think tank” for the community.

The University of Michigan-Flint has been selected as a finalist for the 2009 Michigan Minority Business Development Council (MMBDC) Corporation of the Year-Education and Government Entities Award.

The recognition is for the establishment of new program called Community One, a "business think tank" for the community. Working in cooperation with MMBDC and the UM-Flint Purchasing Department, the School of Management (SOM) assisted a variety of businesses with the talents and expertise of faculty and students to provide information and research needed to make important business decisions. Thirty SOM students worked with 10 businesses and institutions in the area to get a better understanding of their needs and plans to expand into new product or new markets.

"We are pleased to be selected as a finalist for this award. The School of Management has the expertise to help move forward the economic development of the Flint area, and Community One is the perfect vehicle to launch that talent," said SOM Dean Jack Helmuth.

The accomplishments of Community One were showcased in a special video that highlighted the research of the students. The video can be viewed at: :http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NYovYDdXIwc

UM-Flint's Purchasing Director Greg Snyder noted, "Community One provides the perfect opportunity for students to get experience in the real world that will help prepare them for a business career."

UM-Flint is one of many firms nominated for special recognition. The winner will be announced at the 26th Annual MMBDC Awards Dinner on September 29 in Detroit.

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