Arguably, one of the best community partnerships, business and education, has come together, yet again. Cal State University San Marcos (CSUSM) has joined the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce, one of eight chamber memberships, as part of their new program designed to reach out to the business community of North County.
The program, entitled The Chamber/University Partnership Project, is co-coordinated by Dennis Guseman, Dean of the College of Business Administration and Jan Jackson, Dean of Extended Studies. The program aims to satisfy one of the major goals of the University, as stated in their Campus Strategic Plan, which is strengthening existing community partnerships and the relationship between itself and the business community of North County as well as increasing new partnerships.
While exploring partnerships with local chambers, Guseman and Jackson looked for viable partners, given their size, location and scope of activities that aligned with the University's goals. These eight include: Carlsbad, Escondido, Oceanside, Poway, Rancho Bernardo, San Marcos, Temecula and Vista.
In speaking with the chamber CEO's, it became evident that the collaboration was a win-win situation for both parties. University benefits such as promotion of specific courses, programs, activities and events; referral of members to the University for specific business needs; legislative advocacy as appropriate; business connections and networking opportunities are but a few of the many they will receive. In turn, the chambers are reaping many benefits as well: Non-financial support and assistance for small business initiatives, issues, challenges; involvement of University faculty or staff on chamber committees and boards; assistance with community based assessments, surveys and studies, the list goes on.
Each of the eight chambers will have a team of CSUSM faculty and administrators assigned to it. The responsibility of this team will be to represent the campus, attend Chamber events and participate in various activities including joining certain Chamber committees as appropriate. The Carlsbad team is made up of six members who are certain they can "learn how to serve the region better," says Guseman. "Cal State San Marcos is a regional resource. We think we have something to contribute."
The program, entitled The Chamber/University Partnership Project, is co-coordinated by Dennis Guseman, Dean of the College of Business Administration and Jan Jackson, Dean of Extended Studies. The program aims to satisfy one of the major goals of the University, as stated in their Campus Strategic Plan, which is strengthening existing community partnerships and the relationship between itself and the business community of North County as well as increasing new partnerships.
While exploring partnerships with local chambers, Guseman and Jackson looked for viable partners, given their size, location and scope of activities that aligned with the University's goals. These eight include: Carlsbad, Escondido, Oceanside, Poway, Rancho Bernardo, San Marcos, Temecula and Vista.
In speaking with the chamber CEO's, it became evident that the collaboration was a win-win situation for both parties. University benefits such as promotion of specific courses, programs, activities and events; referral of members to the University for specific business needs; legislative advocacy as appropriate; business connections and networking opportunities are but a few of the many they will receive. In turn, the chambers are reaping many benefits as well: Non-financial support and assistance for small business initiatives, issues, challenges; involvement of University faculty or staff on chamber committees and boards; assistance with community based assessments, surveys and studies, the list goes on.
Each of the eight chambers will have a team of CSUSM faculty and administrators assigned to it. The responsibility of this team will be to represent the campus, attend Chamber events and participate in various activities including joining certain Chamber committees as appropriate. The Carlsbad team is made up of six members who are certain they can "learn how to serve the region better," says Guseman. "Cal State San Marcos is a regional resource. We think we have something to contribute."