Blair says it was important to join AUBER and get a chance to network with existing centers, learn the best practices, and incorporate them into his center.
Blair says he appreciates the opportunity to get feedback on research projects and get into the “nitty-gritty” of it with his colleagues.
Collaborating with Centers & Improving Skills
For Brian Lewandowski, associate director at the University of Colorado’s Business Research Division, one of the major values of AUBER is that members come from all over the U.S., and he hears about the projects they’re working on that might be relevant in his community.
Lewandowski also enjoys attending conferences where he continues to improve his skills and collaborating throughout the year with other centers on projects.
Kellison says that a new colleague at BBR attended the 2017 conference and was struck by AUBER’s collegial, collaborative nature. “AUBER is a remarkable organization that way,” Kellison said. “It stands apart from many other professional organizations.”
Michael says the conference was invaluable. “I’ve been going back every year for a decade to learn lessons from colleagues and mentors that I really value.”
Finding Answers & Solving Problems
“What is best about AUBER is the fact that many centers are going through the same kinds of issues that you find in your own state,” says Kathy Deck, the director of Community and Economic Research Partnerships at the University of Alabama’s Culverhouse College of Commerce.
“When there is one seemingly unsolvable problem somewhere, chances are you can go to your AUBER colleagues and find out a great answer,” Deck says.
“Providing information to policymakers and business in the state we live is important,” Barkey says. “We learn how to do better through our relationship with AUBER.”
“We benefit from the connections and interactions we have with AUBER members throughout the country…from being able to tap into resources…of centers at much larger universities.”
Snaith says that the camaraderie, best practices, and willingness of members to assist in issues they’ve faced is “worth my time and money many times over.”