Third Annual Business to Industry Event Launched in Partnership with Greenville Chamber of Commerce

In April, the Texas A&M University-Commerce College of Business hosted one of its most highly anticipated events of the year: the third-annual Business to Industry event.

This year, the event was held in partnership with the Greenville Chamber of Commerce and drew nearly one hundred attendees, including students, faculty, staff, community business partners and the leadership of participating companies.

Executives from L3 Harris, Syensqo, Hydro Aluminum, International Grain, Chelsea Building Products and National Disinfectant Company engaged attendees during the morning session, providing comprehensive business overviews, highlighting industry challenges, and discussing key performance indicators critical for effective business management. Following the presentations, attendees enjoyed a casual lunch before dispersing into six groups, each led by three faculty members, for tours of six distinct companies. These tours fostered meaningful interactions and knowledge exchange between students and industry professionals.

The afternoon portion of the event featured immersive tours of manufacturing facilities, offering participants invaluable firsthand insights into the practical applications of theoretical business concepts taught within the academic setting. Discussions covered a range of topics, from demand forecasting and sales strategies to inventory management, production optimization and quality control processes.

“The Business to Industry event underscores our commitment to bridging academia with industry,” remarked Dr. Robert Rankin, assistant professor of accounting and MBA for Veterans coordinator. “I am delighted to see the third annual installment of this event, which we have previously hosted in Paris and Sulphur Springs, Texas. It reaffirms our commitment to collaborating with community partners and leaders to make a positive impact not only on students’ lives but also on everyone we serve in our communities.”

Dr. Rankin also noted that since the launch of the Business to Industry event in 2022, participation has steadily grown, both in the number of students involved and in the employers eager to participate.

Looking ahead to 2025, the College of Business plans to further expand this impactful initiative in collaboration with economic development representatives across Northeast Texas, emphasizing the importance of regional partnerships in nurturing talent and fostering economic growth