Congrats to Epic Tech, a Launch Pad student business that is part of Community One

University of Michigan-Flint finalist for minority business award
Posted by Beata Mostafavi August 27, 2009 10:39AM
Categories: Flint - News

FLINT, Michigan -- Nearly 30 University of Michigan-Flint business students recently got a real dose of their future careers while helping local businesses.

And now, UM-Flint is being recognized for establishing new program Community One, a "business think tank" for the community that allowed the students to work with 10 area businesses and institutions to help them expand into new products or new markets.

The program has earned UM-Flint a finalist spot for the 2009 Michigan Minority Business Development Council Corporation of the Year-Education and Government Entities Award.

"We are pleased to be selected as a finalist for this award," said Jack Helmuth, dean of UM-Flint's school of management, in a prepared statement.

"The school of management has the expertise to help move forward the economic development of the Flint area, and Community One is the perfect vehicle to launch that talent,"

The accomplishments of Community One were showcased in a special video that highlighted the research of the students. The video can be viewed on YouTube.

UM-Flint is among more than 20 firms nominated for special recognition. The winner will be announced at the annual Michigan Minority Business Development Council Awards dinner on Sept. 29 in Detroit.

"Community One provides the perfect opportunity for students to get experience in the real world that will help prepare them for a business career," UM-Flint purchasing director Greg Snyder said.