Valdosta State University’s IDEA Center seeks to ignite the community during a half-day symposium designed to address current community trends and issues and form partnerships that foster economic growth and development. The IGNITE! the Community Symposium will take place from 8 a.m. to noon Thursday, Jan. 8, 2015 in the University Center Magnolia Room.

“Many of the faculty and staff members here at the university possess knowledge and skills that can be used as a resource for those in our community,” said Dr. Raymond Elson, professor of accounting at VSU and coordinator of the symposium. “This event will provide members with the opportunity to share their expertise and open the floor for challenges and opportunities to be explored.”

The event begins with a plenary session titled “The State of the Lowndes County Economy” led by Dr. Cindy Tori, professor of economics at VSU. The symposium will continue with concurrent sessions that include discussions on the Affordable Care Act, leadership challenges, business start-ups, grant writing, the rights of business owners, accounting for small business owners, and the economic impact of Moody Air Force Base.

To register for the event, visit  http://www.valdosta.edu/academics/idea-center/ignite-the-community-symposium.php

For more information, contact Ray Elson at (229) 219-1214 or [email protected].