Howell Liberatore & Associates Blog YEA! and Mansfield University Students Form Partnership

Body: (Elmira, NY) - Young Entrepreneurs Academy (YEA!) students will partner with Mansfield University graphic design students to create logos for their business propositions beginning January 15. Howell Liberatore and Associates, Inc., a full-service marketing and communications agency based in Elmira, NY, will usher the partnership through to completion along with the Corning Area Chamber of Commerce and assist both groups of students with their research, design and brand positioning needs. Through this experience YEA! students and Mansfield University graphic design students will learn the fundamentals and importance of branding in growing a successful business. Graphic design is an involved process including market research, ideation, design negotiations, implementation and standardization, and even trademarking. While YEA! students are receiving logo design and branding assistance, Mansfield University students gain valuable real-world experience as part of their branding and identity course. "With the YEA program in its second year this cooperative partnership is a welcome addition and one we believe is destined for mutual success," said Corning Area Chamber of Commerce President, Denise Ackley. "We hope to continue this program into the future, providing a vital link between business and education." There are a total of nine students participating in the YEA! program, including students from Alternative School for Math & Science, Corning East, Corning West and Horseheads High School. Though this is the second year for Corning Chamber's YEA! program, this is the first year for Mansfield University's involvement. "This year we have a similar number of students participating in the YEA! program and my branding and identity class," stated Michelle Schlegel, Associate Professor of Graphic Design at Mansfield University. "The students on both sides will come away with such great experience. I'm just thrilled that Denise, Brett and I could find a way to orchestrate it for them." There are currently three Mansfield University graduates working at HLA Marketing, and the agency encourages College students to research their professional internship program. Young Entrepreneurs Academy (YEA!)The Young Entrepreneurs Academy, or YEA!, is a groundbreaking educational program that takes students in grades six through twelve through the process of starting and running real businesses over the course of a full academic year. Students work in close cooperation with local leaders of industry, community members, and educators to develop ideas and objectives, write business plans, pitch potential investors, obtain funding, register with governmental agencies, and develop their brand identity and much more! By the end of the class series, many students own and operate fully functioning businesses that can be carried on after graduation. Students learn to make a job--not just take a job! YEA!'s direct mission is to help students embrace their passion, energy, creativity and talents, launch a venture, and view entrepreneurship as synonymous with success and freedom. Visit http://www.corningny.com/pages/YEA1/ for more information. Corning Area Chamber of CommerceSince 1914, the Chamber staff and Board of Directors have dedicated themselves to serving the needs of our Members and the communities we serve. Consistently listening and responding to our Members and the business climate, the Corning Area Chamber of Commerce provides business resources, contacts and government advocacy on behalf of all our Members. Empowering our Members through a united voice, access and as a leading business organization, the Chamber strives to strengthen and contribute to economic growth and development through vital community partnerships. Visit us at http://www.corningny.com. Mansfield University Graphic Design The Graphic Design major at Mansfield University is a comprehensive program within a small, liberal arts university. A tremendous amount of individual attention is given to students, from professors and advisors, providing guidance for the major's two distinct tracks in print and motion graphics. The program, which is rooted in the Mansfield Creed of character, scholarship, culture, and service, is positioned in the Art Department. Students studying in this program will complete an internship or a community-based practicum project, as well as a senior capstone exhibition or presentation, before receiving their degree. More information can be found at the Art Department website. Howell Liberatore and Associates, Inc.In its 71st year, Howell Liberatore and Associates, Inc. (HLA) is a full-service advertising and marketing communications agency. The Agency provides clients with advertising, public relations, print, broadcast, and digital media services. They serve Business-to-Business (B2B) clients in economic development, manufacturing, professional services, and technology sectors; and Business-to-Consumer (B2C) clients in travel, tourism, fine arts, financial services, health care, events, consumer goods, and numerous non-profits. More information can be found atwww.HLAmarketing.com, on LinkedIn, Facebook or Twitter at @HLA_Marketing.