The S.D. Ireland Family Center for Global Business and Technology

Champlain’s new S.D. Ireland Family Center for Global Business and Technology is a $10 million facility that enhances the College’s ability to put students to work on real business challenges for Vermont companies and non-profits. Students and Champlain faculty interact with these clients in new high-tech classrooms and multimedia suites, a market research and strategy room, focus group room, international trade resource center and video conference rooms.

In the new center, student teams will earn hands-on experience as they complete business and technology projects for clients. In the market research and strategy room -- a nerve center of entrepreneurial activity -- students from interrelated majors will come together in teams to recommend new strategies for businesses, including how to use technology for competitive advantage.

For example, students meet with a client to learn about their business opportunity or challenge, work together to create a research and project plan, plan focus groups or implement a call center, or set up a product or Web testing area. Typically, the teams work all semester to research, develop and implement their solutions. They then invite the clients back in to deliver the group’s recommendations and the finished work.

The Center’s Global Business Pavilion houses the best international trade data and information the State has to offer. The facility will connect businesses seeking to enter or expand global markets with International Business students who can mine information from trade-related databases and provide very practical help with import/export.

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