Robert Pittman, Executive Director and Founder of the Janus Institute, moderated an economic development forum at Piedmont College earlier this month. The 12-member group included economic development officials from Rabun, Habersham, Union, and Stephens counties.
The half-day forum explored public-private partnerships, student mentoring, internships, and ways the college can shape academic programs to meet the region’s economic needs and foster innovation.
The Janis Institute helps economic development professionals and the communities they serve through peer learning and educational opportunities.
Forum participants (left to right) included John Roberts, Associate Vice President of Marketing and Communication for Piedmont College; Mitchell Griggs, Executive Director of the Union County Development Authority; Tim Evans, Vice President of Executive Development of the Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce; Jessie Owensby, Community Development Manager for City of Cornelia; Melissa Jackson, Mass Communications Fellow for Piedmont College; Stephanie Almagno, Associate Vice President of Academic Affairs for Piedmont College; Natalie Crawford, District 4 County Commissioner for Habersham County; Rick Story, Director of Development for Rabun County; Robert Pitman, Executive Director and Founder of the Janis Institute; Margaret Ryder, Director of Athens Walker School of Business Operations for Piedmont College; Amanda Sutt, President of Rock, Rock, Paper, Scissors; Anita Pittman, Financial Director and Co-Founder of the Janis Institute; and Rope Roberts, Community Development Manager for Georgia Power Co. (photo Piedmont College)
