2011 Econonic Development Summit

The 2011 Economic Development Summit – “Technology for Business and Economic Growth” is scheduled for March 16th from 8:00 am until 5:00pm. It will be held on the North Georgia College & State University campus on the top floor of the Library Technology Center. Key features of this exciting and very important event include:

1) Presenters from Intel, Microsoft, Apple, NSPI and infinera who will talk and demonstrate the technology that is driving growth.
2) Governor Nathan Deal will talk at lunch about technology and the state.
3) Representatives from other areas of the nation that have experienced the addition of high-speed broadband in their area will discuss how they prepared for the growth and the success they have enjoyed.
4) Professionals from the economic development field will present opportunities to leverage technology to recruit and grow technology-based businesses.
5) Technology demonstrations will be presented at a networking event later in the day.
6) Participants will have opportunities to meet and talk with others in the field that share their interests and learn what is happening in the region and state.

The summit is designed to inform and enlighten all who have an interest in growing their businesses and the economic base of north Georgia including:

1) Economic development professionals
2) Small and large businesses
3) Chambers of Commerce members and staff
4) Policy makers and government officials
5) Information technology professionals
6) Educational professionals
7) Others interested in growing the economy and jobs locally, regionally and within the state.

Attached is a more detailed schedule and description of the event. Register today at
www.northgeorgia.edu/summit.

North Georgia, Gainesville State to open instructional facility in Cumming

2/9/2011 2:42:53 PM
by University Relations
(Feb. 9, 2011) Today, the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia approved a request by North Georgia College & State University and Gainesville State College to develop an instructional site in Forsyth County.

The Regents also approved a new major in Chinese Language and Literature at North Georgia and changes to the master's-level physical education degree.

North Georgia and Gainesville State plan to jointly open an instructional site on property near Ga. 400 at Pilgrim Mill Road in Cumming by 2012, eventually offering a range of two- and four-year undergraduate programs and graduate programs.

While the Forsyth site won't be residential, it is expected to alleviate some of the capacity pressure at both schools. With nearly 6,000 students, North Georgia is nearing capacity at its Dahlonega campus and Gainesville State's capacity has exceeded 100 percent on the Oakwood campus since 2000. In fall 2010, more than 1,400 students from Forsyth County were enrolled at both schools -- 654 at North Georgia and 801 at Gainesville State.

"As outlined in the university’s strategic plan, enrollment at North Georgia’s Dahlonega campus is based on the capacity of the local infrastructure and a desire to emphasize a traditional residential college experience there," said Dr. David Potter, president. "We are very pleased that we are able to move forward with this partnership to develop a satellite campus in Forsyth County to meet the region’s growing needs for higher education opportunities."

The University System of Georgia has identified the Cumming and Forsyth County area as an "underserved region" of the state for higher education.

"We know that the demand for higher education is in place in Forsyth County. We look forward to the opportunity to serve the students in a location that will be both convenient and will allow us to offer both day and evening classes," said Dr. Martha T. Nesbitt, president of Gainesville State College.

The project builds on the 27-year partnership between North Georgia and Gainesville State and the presence each has in the region.

Cumming officials have been seeking to expand higher education for years and H. Ford Gravitt, mayor of Cumming since 1970, said the community and businesses welcome the project with open arms.

"A community is not complete without higher education and it's something very much needed here," Gravitt said.

Gravitt said boosting higher education in the area also will help recruiting efforts to bring more industries -- and more jobs -- to Forsyth County.

The Regents also approved a new major in Chinese Language and Literature at North Georgia, reflective of the increased interest in the language since undergraduate Chinese courses were added in 2006. North Georgia began offering a Chinese minor in 2008 and by fall 2010, more than 100 students had enrolled in the courses. The change is effective immediately.

Ryan Cooke of Duluth, who earned a Gilman scholarship to study overseas in China this semester, is considering a dual major in International Affairs and Chinese. The freshman student currently is pursuing a minor in Chinese and took Chinese during the Strategic Language Intensive Program in 2010." I know I want to travel, and I know want to help people," Cooke said. "I figured Chinese was the best bet. It's an up and coming country and a difficult language, but I know I can do it."

The addition means North Georgia's Department of Modern Languages now offers both majors and minors in French, Spanish and Chinese and a minor in German.

In addition to Chinese, in recent years North Georgia has added courses in the strategic languages of Arabic, Korean and Russian. This past fall, the first students started in the university's new Strategic Language Intensive Program, studying either Arabic or Chinese. In the program, students take two semesters of only intensive foreign language courses and have spend one semester in a study abroad experience.

North Georgia recently has been awarded federal funds totaling nearly $2 million to support its foreign language programs, including a $1.2 million federal contract to establish a strategic languages training center on the university's Dahlonega campus.

The Regents also approved changes to North Georgia's master's degree in physical education. Moving from a Master of Education to a Master of Science will provide opportunities for graduates from North Georgia's exercise science, athletic training and non-certification physical education programs to continue their educational pursuits. The Master of Science also extends the knowledge of physical education for school-based educators seeking an advanced degree. The change is effective May 2011.

Mike Cottrell School of Business Newsletter

Check out the lastest e-Newsletter!

Your ROI from TeamMBA

Making the commitment to going back to school is a big decision. When deciding, consider your return on investment. What would be your ROI for attending North Georgia College & State University TeamMBA program?



1. Earning an MBA will allow you to think through complex business issues in a more disciplined and confident way. Having a better understanding of basic business skills can be a great asset.



2. A recent survey completed by GMAT states that 39% of students received a new job or promotion during the program.



3. MBAs earn more money



So as you caluate the time commitment, consider your ROI. For more information about our program, please contact John Douglas at 770-205-5446

Post 911 GI Bill

Earn your MBA using the post 911 GI Bill benefit. Please visit www.gibill.va.gov for more information on receiving this benefit. Please note that you can use this benefit a post-graduate program. In Georgia you will be awarded $433.58 per credit hour for tuition. North Georgia College & State University is participating in the Yellow Ribbon Program.
Please visit the school's financial aid website for more information.

April 15th is Here Again

April 15th is here again! Tax day. Did you know that your college tuition can be tax deductible? If you are looking at going back to school to earn your MBA but are worried about how you are going to pay for it, consider these options.

1. Ask your HR manager if your current employer has a tuition reimbursement program. Most companies do and I will tell you why. Companies can deduct up to $5250 per year for tuition on their corporate taxes they reimbursed their employee.

2. Look into financial aid and scholarships. North Georgia's financial aid department can steer you in the right direction.

3. Early withdrawal, with no penalty, of SEP, IRA and 401K's can be possible if used for higher education. Before doing this please check with your accountant before accessing these funds.

10 Benefits of Earning an MBA

1. Advance Your Career
An MBA not only can create current job security, it also can provide networking opportunities that can open a new door for you in a different career.

2. Increase Your Business Knowledge
At North Georgia’s TeamMBA you will enhance your knowledge of marketing, finance, strategic management in a global environment, operations management and law. Our TeamMBA program will enhance your teamwork and leadership abilities while providing you a global perspective.

3. Competitive Edge In Downward Markets
Create a competitive edge in the job marketplace. Investing in your future now will pay off in a downward market making you sustainable in tough times.

4. Leadership Abilities
At TeamMBA, you will be working in a cohort setting. This will allow you to present, create and report in teams. As a team you will bring your unique set of abilities to the table allowing you to lead your team in what you are an expert on.

5. Passport to a Successful Career
Top executives say that they look for MBA’s to recruit for top executive positions within their organizations.

6. Provides One the Opportunity for a Career Change
Looking for a career change but you lack the training? An MBA can open doors for you in a career that you will love and enjoy.

7. Earn a Higher Salary
A Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAT) study indicated that graduates of part-time MBA programs at AACSB accredited schools obtain positions with an average salary increase of 37%.

8.Networking
The 20 to 24 months you will spend with your classmates on group projects will form long term bonds that can be valuable resources for you in the future.

9. Professional Development
Investing in yourself and your education strengthens your overall knowledge. This will allow you to mentor, coach and consult with the knowledge and expertise that one should have.

10. Become a Team Player
Working as a team in today’s global society is a must. Attending North Georgia’s TeamMBA program enhances one’s ability to work as a team.

A World of Opportunity....Close to Home

You're bright. Successful. Determined. Attaining goals you've worked hard to reach. But now you wonder: Could I do more?

There is an MBA program near you that says you can. North Georgia College & State University's Mike Cottrell School of Business, open a world of opportunity for your professional and personal growth. This Master of Business Administration degree will help you optimize the education, skills and experience you already have and parlay them into exciting new levels of success. North Georgia TeamMBA experience may be the life-changing opportunity you need to reach your potential.

The best part about our program is classes are offered two nights a week for 20 to 24 months at our Cumming, GA campus, located on the top floor of Cumming City Hall. For more information please contact John Douglas, Director, MBA Marketing & Development at 770-205-5446 or jdouglas@northgeorgia.edu