Progress Energy First Lead Partner with UNCW Center for Business and Economic Services
8/6/2007 3:46:28 PM
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Wilmington, N.C. - Progress Energy and the University of North Carolina Wilmington Cameron School of Business have teamed up to enhance research conducted by the Center for Business and Economic Services (CBES).
Progress Energy is the first lead partner for the CBES, providing $35,000 in support for the center's programs and services. The CBES compiles and analyzes economic data about New Hanover, Pender, Brunswick and other counties in southeastern North Carolina. Progress Energy's support will help the center expand the area it serves.
"The Center for Business and Economics Services is very pleased to name Progress Energy as its first lead partner," said director William "Bill" Sackley. "The company's commitment to improving the economic vitality of our region reflects the university's mission to conduct, and share, research that will significantly benefit the area we serve."
The center, located in a spacious, high-tech suite within the university's new Computer Information Systems Building, provides economic forecasts to the Wilmington Industrial Development (WID) organization to assist corporations considering relocation to the region. In addition, the CBES offers custom economic impact studies for regional developers, companies and organizations. The center hosts the annual UNCW Economic Outlook Conference and issues quarterly updates about the local economy.
"The success of the communities we serve is a top priority for Progress Energy," said Jackie Joyner, VP Eastern Region, Progress Energy Carolinas. "The Center for Business and Economic Services at UNCW plays a significant role in fostering economic development in this region by providing information that business and industry leaders rely on when evaluating expansions and relocations."
According to Sackley, who also serves as associate dean and professor of finance in the Cameron School of Business, the Progress Energy gift will help the CBES continue producing economic impact studies at no cost to its clients. In addition, the funds will be used to expand the center's economic database beyond the region to cover 34 counties in eastern North Carolina and, eventually, to contain information about all 100 counties in the state.
Other uses include supporting faculty and student research for the Economic Outlook Conference, employing graduate research assistants and expanding the professional and managerial programs the center offers.
"The Center for Business and Economic Services researches and maintains invaluable economic analyses about our region of the state, and, as the center's first lead partner, Progress Energy has made a generous commitment to helping UNCW significantly enhance its outreach to our business community. We are grateful for the company's support," said Larry Clark, dean of the Cameron School of Business.
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Media Contacts:
Dr. Bill Sackley, director, CBES, 910/962-3720
Andrea Weaver, UNCW Marketing and Communications, 910/962-7631
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