Nineteen individuals will graduate November 3, 2009, from the IUP Eberly College of Business and Information Technology's MBA Certificate Program for Small Businesses.
The group was organized by Ellen Ruddock, director of IUP's Center for Family Business. The MBA certificate program is coordinated for the college by the IUP Business Development and Training Services program, directed by Jane Gardner.
According to Ruddock, more than 66 percent of America's workforce is employed by family-owned businesses
“These businesses need support to grow and continue to provide jobs to our region,” she said. “This certificate program is an excellent resource for small business owners, family business members, managers, and the next generation of leadership preparing for succession in the company.
“This program is designed as an affordable opportunity for small business owners to educate their key people on best practices and management skills.”
Topics addressed in the sixty-hour program include economics, organizational analysis, strategic communication, strategic human resource management, legal environment update, financial management, operations and quality management, e-commerce, and strategic management.
The program is taught by IUP faculty members over ten weekly sessions.
“The program has been comprehensive and current,” Mark Zilner, vice president of Diamond Pharmacy Services, said. “It's tough to schedule with other responsibilities and travel, but very worthwhile.”
Several members of the Diamond Pharmacy Services management team are participating in the class, including Gib Zilner, vice president and co-owner.
For more information regarding the Center for Family Business, call 724-357-4818 or e-mail center-familybusiness@iup.edu.
Questions regarding the program should be directed to Gardner at (724) 357-4746.
IUP's Eberly College of Business and Information Technology has been included in The Princeton Review's “Best Colleges of Business” guidebook for six consecutive years.
Photo Information
Front row, from left: Ellen Ruddock, Lecia Patterson, Elizabeth Gregg, Jamie Chichy, Dr. Krish Krishnan. Second row, from left:
Rod Ruddock, Robin Maryai, Patricia Ireland, Jamie Pride, Gilbert Zilner, Sean Howard. Third row, from left: Clark Walter, Levent Akbay, Jennifer Ireland, Betsy Lauber, Cathleen Zilner, Dennis Schultz, Paula Cummings.