Keystone Community Bank sponsors business series
Sept. 3, 2000
KALAMAZOO -- Western Michigan University and Keystone Community Bank have forged a new partnership to continue a business speakers series in 2000-01.
The Keystone Community Bank Breakfast Series at the Haworth College of Business will feature WMU faculty and alumni speaking about their research and teaching on a variety of timely business issues. All presentations are free and open to the public.
The partnership grew out of the University's ongoing business outreach efforts, according to Dr. James W. Schmotter, dean of the college.
"We're delighted that Keystone Community Bank is helping us share our faculty's expertise with the area's business leaders," Schmotter says. "Both of our organizations are committed to the region's economic and business development, and this series is an effective--and enjoyable--way to add some new ideas to the mix."
W. Ford Kieft III, Keystone's chairman, president and CEO, agrees that the partnership is a natural match. "Our bank is locally owned, so we have a vested interest in the health of the Southwest Michigan community; and we cater to small and medium-sized businesses and professionals -- precisely the audience most interested in learning about these important topics.
"Plus, we have a number of Western graduates on our staff and our board of directors. As an institution, we wanted to contribute something back to the University."
Presentations take place from 7:30 to 8:45 a.m. on the WMU campus in the Dean's Conference Room in Schneider Hall. Topics and speakers already scheduled include:
Friday, Sept. 29: "Microsoft and Antitrust Law in the 21st Century," Norman Hawker, associate professor of finance and commercial law.
Friday, Oct. 20: "E-Commerce Issues for West Michigan," Roberta Schultz, assistant professor of marketing.
Friday, Nov. 17: "Shopping for Food on the Internet," Frank Gambino, associate professor of marketing.
Friday, Dec. 15: "The Internet's Next Generation Protocol," Mike Tarn, assistant professor of business information systems.
To reserve a seat, contact the dean's office at (616) 387-5050.
Media contact: Jessica English, 616 387-8400, jessica.english@wmich.edu