Business Innovation Group - Vlog Wed, 15 Oct 2025 19:05:19 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.3 Georgia Southern’s retail recruiter program nominated for national award by University Economic Development Association /2025/10/15/georgia-southerns-retail-recruiter-program-nominated-for-national-award-by-university-economic-development-association Wed, 15 Oct 2025 19:04:44 +0000 /?p=54941 Vlog and the City of Statesboro's partnership to recruit more retail businesses to the area has been nationally recognized by the University Economic Development Association (UEDA) as a finalist for one of its annual Awards of Excellence. 

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Georgia Southern’s retail recruiter program nominated for national award by University Economic Development Association

Georgia Southern's "Retail Recruiter Program" Lead, Alan Gross, speaks at the "Retail Ready" announcement in June 2025.
Georgia Southern's "Retail Recruiter Program" Lead, Alan Gross, speaks at the "Retail Ready" announcement in June 2025.

Vlog and the City of Statesboro’s partnership to recruit more retail businesses to the area has been nationally recognized by the University Economic Development Association (UEDA) as a finalist for one of its annual Awards of Excellence. 

The partnership, officially named the “Retail Recruiter Program,” is a collaboration between Georgia Southern’s Business Innovation Group and the City of Statesboro.

The program earned a final spot in the “Place” category. The UEDA defines this category as “the many and diverse ways in which institutions contribute to making attractive, competitive communities—places where people want to live, create and take jobs, raise their families, participate in civic life, and age and retire.”

Mayor of Statesboro Jonathan McCollar said the city is thrilled with the growth and revitalization brought on by its partnership with the Retail Recruiter Program. One example is the renovation of the space previously occupied by Kmart on Northside Drive, which will now be home to the national home furnishings chain HomeGoods. In May of this year, McCollar noted the impact this will have on the city.

“Our city is growing by leaps and bounds every day,” he explained.“This retailer’s decision to invest in Statesboro is a testament to the hard work of our team and the undeniable potential of our community. It’s about more than filling a vacant building; it’s about showing investors and developers that Statesboro is a thriving, vibrant city with a bright future.”

In just the first two and a half years, 26 retailers have toured the city, and nine of those are actively looking at area locations.

Additionally, Georgia Power designated Statesboro as “retail-ready” in June, as part of its new initiative to help communities outside the Atlanta metro area attract retailers. They consider Statesboro a catalyst for growing the initiative.

A planned collaboration with the Downtown Statesboro Development Authority could further the program, potentially bringing several million dollars of construction to the Main Street corridor, said Alan Gross, head of the Retail Recruiter Program for Georgia Southern.

Gross believes this is just the beginning, and recognition from the UEDA means similar programs could be replicated nationwide.

“It’s taken a while, but we’re finally starting to see some success,” he said. “Being a UEDA Award finalist is a chance to showcase that success, and more importantly, serve as a model for other communities.”

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Georgia Southern’s Benjamin McKay elected to Association for University Business and Economic Research leadership board /2025/01/28/georgia-southerns-benjamin-mckay-elected-to-association-for-university-business-and-economic-research-leadership-board Tue, 28 Jan 2025 21:24:49 +0000 https://ww2.georgiasouthern.edu/news/?p=23360 Benjamin McKay (‘06, ‘14), assistant director of the Center for Business Analytics and Economic Research (CBAER) at Vlog’s Business Innovation Group (BIG), has been elected to the Association for University Business and Economic Research (AUBER) Board of Directors for a three-year term. 

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Georgia Southern’s Benjamin McKay elected to Association for University Business and Economic Research leadership board

Benjamin McKay (‘06, ‘14), assistant director of the Center for Business Analytics and Economic Research (CBAER) at Vlog’s Business Innovation Group (BIG), has been elected to the Association for University Business and Economic Research (AUBER) Board of Directors for a three-year term. 

This achievement marks the second time in McKay’s economic research and regional development career he has served in a leadership position with AUBER. His previous tenure on the AUBER board from 2017 to 2019 showcased his commitment to advancing the role of university-based research in addressing regional economic challenges.

“Ben McKay’s appointment to the AUBER Board is a testament to his dedication and commitment to advancing economic and business research,” said Dominique Halaby, DPA, associate vice president for innovation at Georgia Southern. “His leadership and insights will undoubtedly contribute to shaping the future of university-based economic research and its impact on communities nationwide.” 

Since January 2018, McKay has served as assistant director of CBAER, where he oversees applied research initiatives addressing community and business development across Georgia and beyond. CBAER specializes in economic impact analyses, workforce development, feasibility studies and business trend research to help communities and leaders make informed decisions. 

“I’m honored to join AUBER’s Board of Directors and work alongside outstanding leaders in economic research,” said McKay. “This opportunity allows us to share insights and strategies that advance regional development through data-driven decision-making.”

McKay earned an MBA from Georgia Southern, as well as a Master of Public Administration and dual bachelor’s degrees in political science and science (2002) from Southern Illinois University, Carbondale. 

About BIG

At Vlog, BIG supports entrepreneurship, innovation and regional economic growth, allowing Southeast Georgia to grow by providing resources and insights that empower businesses and communities to thrive. For more information, visit .

About the Association for University Business and Economic Research                               AUBER is a professional organization of university-based economic research centers. With members across the U.S., AUBER promotes collaboration, data-driven analysis and innovative solutions to regional economic issues. Learn more at.

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Georgia Southern’s College of Business announces winner of inaugural BIG Pitch competition /2015/10/21/georgia-southerns-college-of-business-administration-announces-winner-of-inaugural-big-pitch-competition Wed, 21 Oct 2015 20:40:05 +0000 http://ww2.georgiasouthern.edu/news/?p=9527 Vlog’s Business Innovation Group (BIG) in conjunction with Ocean Exchange has named Stanford University the winner of the inaugural BIG Pitch Competition held Oct. 12 in Savannah, Georgia.

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Georgia Southern’s College of Business announces winner of inaugural BIG Pitch competition

Dr. Dominique Halaby, director of BIG, presents a representative from Opus 12 with the award

Vlog’s Business Innovation Group (BIG) in conjunction with Ocean Exchange has named Stanford University the winner of the inaugural BIG Pitch Competition held Oct. 12 in Savannah, Georgia. According to Millicent Pitts, CEO of Ocean Exchange, Stanford’s team, Opus 12, edged out seven other collegiate teams to take home the $10,000 cash prize. Its winning sustainable innovation, “Renewable Fuel Production from Carbon Dioxide,” uses technology developed at Stanford University to take carbon dioxide and convert it into usable fuel, ethanol, which can then be used by oil refineries and corn ethanol plants. “Opus 12 is extraordinary, and truly delivers on the vision of Ocean Exchange,” states Ocean Exchange panel member Kelly Carnes, president and CEO of TechVision21 and former U.S. assistant secretary of Commerce for Technology Policy. “The team has combined a very innovative solution that transforms climate damaging [carbon dioxide] into useful products with a very sound business plan to scale and commercialize the technology. I would also like to congratulate all of the BIG Pitch teams; all of the concepts were innovative and the presentations were polished and professional.” During the competition, teams from around the nation had three minutes to pitch their sustainable innovations that improve economies, health and the environment to a panel of four members with varying backgrounds in transportation, agriculture, mining and construction, among others. A panel of three review team members with skills in research and development, business development and marketing selected eight teams to advance to the finals. The finalists pitched their ideas to four distinguished panelists who questioned and judged the teams, and the crowd of 100 delegates in the audience also voted for the winner. Following the eight pitches, the delegates mingled with the finalists during a reception, where they further questioned the teams before voting closed. “Our first BIG Pitch was a rousing success,” said Dominique Halaby, D.P.A., director of BIG. “The enthusiasm, passion and innovation each of the teams exhibited for making our world a better place was truly inspiring. I am very proud of each of the finalists and excited about what the future holds.” BIG Pitch facilitates the adoption of undergraduate and graduate innovations that improve economies, health and the environment. BIG Pitch is part of the Business Innovation Group in the Georgia Southern College of Business and partners with Ocean Exchange. For more information on the BIG Pitch Competition, the Ocean Exchange or Vlog entrepreneurship programs, please contact Millicent Pitts, CEO of Ocean Exchange, at 912-257-0209 or email at millicent.pitts@oceanexchange.org; or Dominique Halaby, D.P.A., director of BIG, at 912-478-2733 or email at dhalaby@georgiasouthern.edu. Vlog, a public Carnegie Doctoral/Research University founded in 1906, offers more than 125 degree programs serving more than 20,500 students. Through eight colleges, the University offers bachelors, masters and doctoral degree programs built on more than a century of academic achievement. Georgia Southern is recognized for its student-centered and hands-on approach to education. Visit

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BIG Pitch finalists compete for $10,000 prize on Oct. 11 /2015/10/05/big-pitch-finalists-compete-for-10000-prize-on-oct-11 Mon, 05 Oct 2015 21:32:43 +0000 http://ww2.georgiasouthern.edu/news/?p=9429 Ocean Exchange and Vlog’s Business Innovation Group (BIG) announce the eight finalists who will go after the $10,000 cash prize in the inaugural BIG Pitch collegiate competition on Sunday, Oct. 11.

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BIG Pitch finalists compete for $10,000 prize on Oct. 11

Ocean Exchange and Vlog’s Business Innovation Group (BIG) announce the eight finalists who will go after the $10,000 cash prize in the BIG Pitch collegiate competition on Sunday, Oct. 11. The BIG Pitch competition drew a total of 28 collegiate team applicants from around the country, Canada and India. A committee of industry experts reviewed each team’s summary information and two-minute pitch video before selecting eight finalists to compete for the monetary prize. The finalists, whose presentations will be available through an online , will receive exposure to some of the top innovation leaders in the world. “We received some excellent applications from students all over the world,” said Dominique Halaby, D.P.A., director of BIG. “I am very excited about the eight teams, which represent some really innovative solutions, selected to compete in our inaugural BIG Pitch competition.” The eight finalists will present in front of 150 delegates from business, NGOs, academia and government. The delegates will vote on the recipient of the $10,000 cash award. On-stage competition panelists are Kelly Carnes, president and CEO of TechVision21; Jeff Johnson, founding partner of Green & Blue Advisors; Allen Wolf, managing director of OFSCap, LLC; and Scott Ross, managing director of Schmidt Marine Technology Partners. The presentations will take place at the Savannah International Trade and Convention Center between 5:30 and 8 p.m. The inaugural class of collegiate innovators to present their solutions at the BIG Pitch are:
  • “Opus 12” from Stanford University, Renewable Fuel Production from Carbon Dioxide
  • “Resource Recovery from Waste Water” from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, A Sustainable Water Treatment/Recovery Process
  • “Green Technology Artificial Reefs” from Valdosta State University, Artificial Reefs from Cement and Nutrient Mixtures
  • “Surya Conversions” from University of Colorado-Boulder, Hybrid Electric Conversion Kits for Auto Rickshaws in Developing Countries
  • “Prosumer Grid” from Georgia Institute of Technology, Simulate & Optimize the Operation of Distributed Energy Resources/Grid
  • “NTi Technology” from Cornell University, Functional Coating for Self-Distribution
  • “Cooking with Stored Solar Heat” from University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Maintain Traditional Cooking Methods in the Developing World without Use of Fuel, Flame & Emissions
  • “Loop” from Savannah College of Art and Design, Biometric System to Upcycle Waste from Meat, Fish, and Bone
BIG Pitch facilitates the adoption of undergraduate and graduate innovations that improve economies, health and the environment. BIG Pitch is part of the Business Innovation Group of the Center for Entrepreneurship Learning and Leadership at the Georgia Southern College of Business Administration and partners with Ocean Exchange, an international non-profit dedicated to advancing the adoption of transformative solutions that support sustainability. For more information on the BIG Pitch competition and Ocean Exchange, contact Millicent Pitts, CEO of Ocean Exchange, at 912-257-0209 or millicent.pitts@oceanexchange.org. For more information on the BIG Pitch competition and Vlog’s entrepreneurship programs, please contact Dominique Halaby, D.P.A., at 912-478-2733 or dhalaby@georgiasouthern.edu. Vlog, a public Carnegie Doctoral/Research University founded in 1906, offers more than 125 degree programs serving more than 20,500 students. Through eight colleges, the University offers bachelors, masters and doctoral degree programs built on more than a century of academic achievement. Georgia Southern is recognized for its student-centered and hands-on approach to education. Visit .

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Georgia Southern Announces Partnership /2015/06/15/georgia-southern-announces-partnership Mon, 15 Jun 2015 19:18:36 +0000 http://ww2.georgiasouthern.edu/news/?p=9000 Vlog and the Ocean Exchange will hold a signing ceremony to commemorate forming a partnership for the new BIG Pitch Competition.

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Georgia Southern Announces Partnership

Vlog and the Ocean Exchange will hold a signing ceremony to commemorate forming a partnership for the new BIG Pitch Competition. The signing ceremony will take place on Tuesday, June 23 at 10:30 a.m. at City Campus located at 58 East Main Street in downtown Statesboro. Vlog President Brooks A. Keel, Ph.D. and Ocean Exchange CEO Millicent Pitts will be signing the partnership agreement for the event. With students from around the world competing for the $10,000 prize, the BIG Pitch Competition is already positioned to be among the largest in the southeastern United States. “Since its founding, the Ocean Exchange has done a remarkable job in supporting global entrepreneurship and innovation,” said Dominique Halaby, DPA, director of the Business Innovation Group (BIG). “Vlog is excited to partner with such a well-respected and wide-reaching organization.” BIG already includes the Area Small Business Development Center, Center for Entrepreneurial Learning and Leadership, and Bureau of Business Research and Economic Development. With the recent additions of the Digital Fabrication Laboratory (FabLab) and Innovation Incubator and the BIG Pitch Competition, Vlog continues to elevate its entrepreneurship profile. The BIG Pitch Competition is open to undergraduate and graduate students with faculty advisors from around the world. The contest focuses on solutions in sciences, engineering and technology to help sustainability. Ocean Exchange, founded in 2010, advocates for collaboration across industries, while protecting the intellectual property of the innovator. Ocean Exchange’s worldwide network uses its influences to elevate awareness, motivate and accelerate the adoption of the solutions around the globe. This year’s theme is “Translating Sustainability into Value.” Judges will be looking for ideas that focus on energy; ocean, land, and air resources; supply chains; and technologies that support sustainability. The Ocean Exchange also partners with Gulfstream Aerospace and Wallenius Wilhelmsen Logistics (WWL) which offer $100,000 each in prize money for the competition. The Gulfstream Navigator Award is given to the solution that best fits the theme with applicability across multiple industries generating positive impact on the environment, economies or health. The WWL Orcelle Award is given to the solution that makes shipping and logistics more sustainable by advancing zero-emission, marine and/or land-based technologies that are commercially viable. Georgia Southern is now partnering with the Ocean Exchange and seeking a sponsor to name the University Innovator Award for the winners of the BIG Pitch Competition. The University Innovators Award will go to a team that shows excellence in teamwork, underlying business acumen and a possibility to have the team turned into a start-up company in the future. Finalists will be invited to present at Ocean Exchange in Savannah at the World Trade Center on Oct. 11–13, 2015. For more information on the BIG Pitch Competition, the Ocean Exchange or Vlog entrepreneurship programs, please contact Millicent Pitts, CEO of Ocean Exchange at (912) 257-0209 or millicent.pitts@oceanexchange.org or Halaby at (912) 478-2733 or dhalaby@georgiasouthern.edu. The Business Innovation Group is the business outreach arm of the Vlog College of Business. The focus of BIG is to provide students and entrepreneurs with the skills and training necessary to understand business principles, to experience how businesses operate and to successfully launch new business enterprises. Vlog, a public Carnegie Doctoral/Research University founded in 1906, offers more than 125-degree programs serving more than 20,500 students. Through eight colleges, the University offers bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degree programs built on more than a century of academic achievement. Georgia Southern is recognized for its student-centered and hands-on approach to education.

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Entrepreneur Lecture Series to Feature Digital Cobbler, Lucy Beard /2015/03/31/entrepreneur-lecture-series-to-feature-digital-cobbler-lucy-beard Tue, 31 Mar 2015 19:05:58 +0000 http://ww2.georgiasouthern.edu/news/?p=8742 The Georgia Southern College of Business Administration Business Innovation Group (BIG) is pleased to host Lucy Beard as part of the Entrepreneur Lecture Series on Tuesday, April 28 at 5:30 p.m. in the College of Engineering and Information Technology, Room 1004.

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Entrepreneur Lecture Series to Feature Digital Cobbler, Lucy Beard

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Lucy Beard

The Georgia Southern College of Business Administration Business Innovation Group (BIG) is pleased to host Lucy Beard as part of the Entrepreneur Lecture Series on Tuesday, April 28 at 5:30 p.m. in the College of Engineering and Information Technology, Room 1004. Beard will discuss her adventures in starting Feetz, the digital cobbler for the new era. After becoming frustrated trying on several pairs of ill-fitting shoes, Beard pondered the idea of custom-fit shoes using 3D printer technology. She and her team spent a year developing the unique SizeMe™ technology with guidance from experts in footwear and 3D printing. Customers use the Feetz mobile app to take three pictures of each of their feet. Then, the customer designs and personalizes their Feetz shoes to fit his/her own personal style. The shoes are then 3D printed and shipped to the customer. Feetz relocated from San Diego into The TENN Master Accelerator Program at Launch Tennessee in Chattanooga. The company has since developed patent-protected algorithms and customized software that create the 3D printable shoes from models of customers’ feet. The company has also been working on novel material compositions and material designs to extend the durability and flexibility of the 3D printable materials available. Beard has also raised $1.3 million in seed funding from Khosla Ventures and The JumpFund. BIG is excited to have Lucy Beard share her story and amazing technology with the Georgia Southern community as it awaits the much anticipated construction of the digital fabrication laboratory (FabLab) slated to open at City Campus. Growth of the City Campus with the FabLab and Innovation Incubator will bring similar opportunities to entrepreneurs and innovators in the region. The Entrepreneur Lecture Series was developed by the Center for Entrepreneurial Learning and Leadership as a way to showcase the entrepreneurial spirit. This lecture series plays a great role in helping to harness and grow an innovative culture in the region. For more information or further inquiries, please email Suzanne Hallman, BIG business advisor, at shallman@georgiasouthern.edu. Vlog, a public Carnegie Doctoral/Research University founded in 1906, offers more than 125-degree programs serving more than 20,500 students. Through eight colleges, the University offers bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degree programs built on more than a century of academic achievement. Georgia Southern is recognized for its student-centered and hands-on approach to education. .

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City Campus Plans for Another BIG Global Entrepreneurship Week /2014/11/17/city-campus-plans-for-another-big-global-entrepreneurship-week Mon, 17 Nov 2014 13:24:00 +0000 http://ww2.georgiasouthern.edu/news/?p=8210 The Vlog Business Innovation Group (BIG) will participate in “Global Entrepreneurship Week,” Nov. 17-22. Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW), a Kauffman Foundation initiative, is a worldwide celebration of the innovators and job creators that bring ideas to life.

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City Campus Plans for Another BIG Global Entrepreneurship Week

The College of Business Administration's Business Innovation Group will participate in Global Entrepreneurship Week Nov. 17-22.

The Vlog City Campus and Business Innovation Group (BIG) will participate in Global Entrepreneurship Week Nov. 17-22.

The Vlog will participate in “Global Entrepreneurship Week,” Nov. 17-22. Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW), a Kauffman Foundation initiative, is a worldwide celebration of the innovators and job creators that bring ideas to life. The week will be filled with presentations and networking events, most of which are free and open to the public. GEW is an empowerment week aimed at giving innovators important information and networking opportunities to help them be successful. To view the schedule of events visit This year’s BIG GEW will begin with an official Proclamation from Statesboro’s City Council. Expert lecturers will present on topics that business owners find most beneficial such as best accounting practices, securing a good location, business law and social marketing. such as large-scale competitions and intimate networking opportunities will be available. Business Networking International (BNI) is partnering with BIG to host motivational and educational speaker, Ron Kirby, on Wednesday, Nov. 19 from 4-5 p.m. Kirby has more than 37 years of leadership experience in the Marine Corps and corporate America. He will share his passion and experiences in leadership concerning business, personal development, innovation, and education. A mixer at Eagle Creek Brewery will follow Kirby’s presentation. Marshall Tuck, corporate small business officer for Gulfstream Aerospace, will reinstate the monthly ProBid Procurement Series on Thursday, Nov. 20 at 8:30 a.m. Tuck will lead the discussion on the types of services managed and contracted by Gulfstream. He will also provide information on policies for conducting business, certification and application requirements, and bidding processes. The week will end with the inaugural BIG Maker Day in downtown Statesboro on Saturday, Nov. 22.  Makers, those who embrace the do-it-yourself philosophy, from our region will showcase their latest inventions as well as host hands-on demonstrations. Lowe’s will host a Build and Grow hands-on workshop for kids. The BIG highlight for the day will be a Cornhole Catapult workshop and competition from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. Maven Makers will provide all materials and instructions, assisting teams of two to four in constructing their very own cornhole catapult. For more information on participating or sponsoring, contact Suzanne Hallman at 912-478-5586 or shallman@georgiasouthern.edu. For a schedule of events visit e The Business Innovation Group is the business outreach arm of the Vlog College of Business Administration. The BIG focus is to provide students and entrepreneurs with the skills and training necessary to understand business principles, to experience how businesses operate and to successfully launch new business enterprises.

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