Milford – Milford’s Economic Development Commission (EDC) has teamed-up with Sacred Heart University students to create messaging, design, and media plans for an enhanced marketing campaign to attract even more businesses to the City. With an increase of businesses moving to Milford in recent years – 394 new businesses last year alone- the City sees huge opportunity.
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According to Mayor Ben Blake, “Milford has all the ingredients for startups and established firms looking to grow and be successful. With a harbor, train, and more highway entrances off I-95 and the Merritt Parkway than any other town in Connecticut, we are perfectly situated to meet all the transportation needs of businesses. For those companies looking for more reasonable taxes, Milford has exceptional City services and the lowest mil rate in the area. And, for those businesses looking to engage a highly trained, highly educated workforce, the Milford region has among the most sophisticated talent in the nation.”
The partnership with Sacred Heart will focus on two projects to be carried-out by students in both the MBA and the undergraduate business programs. MBA students will be working through the Center for Not-for-Profit Management’s Action Learning Program (ALP). For the past 15 years, Sacred Heart University’s Center for Not-For-Profit management has played an important and primary role in both identifying and leading not-for-profit consulting projects for the MBA program. To date, nearly 200 consulting engagements have been completed, exposing more than 700 students to the not-for-profit world.
Undergraduates will be conducting their project through the Jack F. Welch College of Business’ Problem-Based Learning (PBL) Lab. The PBL is an interdisciplinary, experiential learning program designed to expose students to real business problems. The program targets community organizations and businesses looking to address growth and marketing opportunities, enhance or influence public perception, develop new business models and implement innovative action plans.
As part of a plan to create and expand some of its academic programs, SHU recently purchased the Great River Golf Course in Milford. Programs in hospitality, golf course management and related areas are being considered.
“As SHU expands its campus into Milford, this collaboration will only strengthen our partnership,” said Blake. “This marketing project will help us showcase Milford while providing a chance for students to supplement academic concepts with real world experiences.”
The project will begin in early summer. MBA Students will work under the Professor Tom Coughlin for the duration of the ALP project and Prof. Josh Shuart and Prof. Kwamie Dunbar will lead the Undergraduate PBL team.