Outreach
LOWDER CENTER FOR FAMILY BUSINESS AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP Joshua Sahib, Director This year, the Lowder Center earned certification to teach the nationally recognized curriculum of the Kauffman FastTrac Bootcamp. This program helps aspiring and early-stage business owners develop the core skills to start and grow sustainable ventures. Over 50 participants from 10 cities took part in the 8-week course. Attendees included first- time founders and active small business owners from industries such as wellness, art, education and professional services. The virtual bootcamp featured live online sessions, flexible office hours, and a structured digital learning platform. Key topics included marketing, operations and business planning, helping participants take meaningful steps in their entrepreneurial journeys. Aiming to meet entrepreneurs where they are, FastTrac expands the Center’s reach beyond campus and complements the Center’s in-person Jumpstart Bootcamp. With these offerings, the Lowder Center is building the strong, connected ecosystem to support Alabama’s next generation of business leaders.
MEDIA PRODUCTION GROUP Bruce Kuerten, Director MPG continued its 11 th year producing the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over and Click it or Ticket campaigns for Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The team started a partnership with Harbert Analytics scholars, including Pei Xu, to create the metrics to enhance the impact of the campaigns. MPG concurrently produces 3 different podcasts ( The Harbert Podcast , We Spoke , and Secrets of My Playbook with Harbert alum, entrepreneur, Mark Forchette). In support of the college’s MBA team, MPG created a “hype” video for the Auburn team to be shown at the opening ceremony of the SEC CASE
Raymond J. Harbert delivers his acceptance speech at the Lifetime Achievement Awards, June 2025
competition. Media Production also produced and directed a promotional video for the University’s EAGLES program, which helps students with special needs at Auburn. The Group supported the Harrison School of Pharmacy on 2 grant projects: one building a prescription database and a second on substance use awareness. Team members also taught an Acting for the Camera practicum for BFA students in the Department of Theatre. And in collaboration with the Alumni Association, the group produced, directed and edited videos for the 2025 Lifetime Achievement Awards as well as designed graphics, sets and wrote, staged and supervised the June ceremony at the Gogue Performing Arts Center. The Group also produces the Dean’s Report which is distributed to AACSB Deans and Harbert stakeholders and the award winning Harbert Magazine.
From left to right, Lowder Center for Family Business and Entrepreneurship, Joshua Sahib (left) pictured along with along with the NVA team of Lou Bifano, Ward Swift, Lakami Baker and Franz Lohrke
Harbert Magazine 21
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