CBI Hosts 26th Annual Regional Business After Hours
02/23/2026
Jacksonville State University’s College of Business & Industry (CBI) hosted its 26th Annual Business After Hours on February 17, in conjunction with the Calhoun County Area Chamber & Visitors Center, bringing together business and civic leaders from Calhoun, Cherokee, Cleburne, Etowah, St. Clair, and Talladega counties.
John-Bauer Graham, Interim Dean of the College of Business & Industry, opened the evening by welcoming attendees and introducing Mike Rogers, U.S. Representative for Alabama’s 3rd Congressional District. Congressman Rogers reaffirmed his continued support of Jacksonville State University and emphasized the importance of strong partnerships between industry and higher education in strengthening workforce development and advancing economic growth across Northeast Alabama. We sincerely appreciate Congressman Rogers’ longstanding support of the University and his continued commitment to growth and success across East Alabama.
Dr. Carol Lucy, Assistant Professor of Entrepreneurship, provided an overview of the Bachelor of Science in Management with a concentration in Entrepreneurship. The concentration offers applied experience in business planning, financial analysis, talent management, capital sourcing, operational strategy, and the strategic use of emerging technologies to support the development and sustainability of new ventures.
She also discussed the JSU Small Business Development Center (SBDC), a regional resource housed within CBI that provides business development services to support business growth, operational improvement, and long-term competitiveness.
This year’s event marked the largest attendance in the history of CBI’s hosting of Business After Hours, reflecting the continued strength of the partnership between the University and the business community. We extend special thanks to Linda Hearn, Executive Director of the Calhoun County Area Chamber & Visitors Center, and the Chamber staff for their collaboration and support in making this annual event possible. We also thank all attendees, corporate partners, and CBI faculty and staff for their time, effort, and dedication in making the evening a great success.
(Photos courtesy of Michael Walker and Lou Strickland)