High School Students Learn Business Skills from Local Entrepreneurs

The BEST (Bringing Executives and Students Together) program is designed to bring together business owners, company executives, and community leaders in Cleveland County - with local high school students during a week long educational event. Students will have the opportunity to hear real life stories from entrepreneurs and learn hands on skills, such as budgeting, banking, computer proficiency, marketing, and study techniques by experts in these fields.
It is hosted by the Gardner-Webb University School of Business.

The concept started following discussions among faculty members within the Gardner-Webb University School of Business. From there, the school of business received support from then-Cleveland County Commissioner, Willie McIntosh, who got the ball rolling and helped to gather support from the county commissioners board.

McIntosh believes the current partnership between Cleveland County and Gardner-Webb will benefit the business leaders of tomorrow, our students. “The relationship with Gardner-Webb is important, as we focus on what’s in the best interest of our county students. Governmental, university, and business leaders will partner to groom area students for future leadership roles through this program.”

Another key player in the program is BB&T of Shelby. Senior Vice President, Bill Flaherty is pleased to be contributing to the event. Flaherty says, “It’s a great way to give back to the community and provide students with sound business advice, such as managing money. Who knows? The county might be able to retain many of these students once their education is complete.”

Dean of the Gardner-Webb School of Business, Dr. Anthony Negbenebor looks forward to the potential of the program that goes beyond just an interest in business. “Contributors to this partnership have the chance to help our youth understand the importance of not only becoming a future business leader after college, but a good leader within their community.”

The members of the partnership also acknowledged the contributions to Bringing Executives and Students Together by the late David Boan, who served as vice president for development at Gardner-Webb. According to Matt Williams, major gifts officer for Gardner-Webb, “David worked hard over the last few months to make sure this program was supported by a diverse and generous group of sponsors. He was focused on making sure the BEST program was well equipped to provide a wonderful educational opportunity to Cleveland County students.”