It provides a venue for learning about and discussing issues of mutual concern, such as creating a business plan, getting venture capital and protecting intellectual assets. The main long-term benefit is the linkage between the Athens business community and the Terry College. Terry is a tremendous source of knowledge and experience on which the local business community could draw, but it is a very untapped resource. We have faculty who are on boards of directors and advisers for start-ups, who write books on electronic commerce, and consult to companies throughout the world. Both parties can benefit from a closer relationship.
Businesses can gain access to leading-edge knowledge, and students can complete realistic projects.
Everyone can gain from greater interaction. No, the forum is for those who want to learn how to create a successful Internet-based business. Of course, this often requires sound knowledge of technology, because technology is the bedrock of all of these businesses. Dean George Benson of the Terry College was the first speaker. He was followed by Ben Dyer, the chairman of Intellimedia Commerce in Atlanta.