40 Below Assists in Launching the New and Improved Project-ION
For Immediate Release:
Contact: Kevin E. Schwab
May 6th, 2010 (315) 422-8284
kschwab@mda-cny.com
Major Sponsorship Propels Enhanced Site for Finding College Internships in the Region
The new Project-ION website will connect more students with local internship opportunities, strengthening the link between businesses and universities throughout the region.
SYRACUSE, NY - The Central Upstate Regional Alliance (CURA), in partnership with the Metropolitan Development Association of Syracuse and Central New York (MDA) and with support from the KeyBank Foundation, today announced the launch of the new and improved internship opportunity website, www.Project-ION.com.
At the announcement KeyBank District President Stephen Fournier presented the Project-ION program with a check for $50,000. "Project-ION connects regional talent with local opportunities and is a great resource for students and employers alike throughout Central Upstate New York," he said. "We're proud to support such a worthwhile initiative".
For five years Project-ION has been the primary broker of paid internship opportunities in the Central Upstate New York region. On average ION has listed 450 regional opportunities each year, supporting 200 participating companies and an average of 2,500 registered student users. With support from the KeyBank Foundation, the ION program is slated to grow into an even greater regional resource.
"Project-ION plays a key role in strengthening the link between education and employment in Central Upstate New York," said Robert Simpson, president and CEO of the MDA. "Internships are an effective way to attract and keep talented young professionals in the region. We're grateful that KeyBank has made this effort a high priority and is leading the way as more companies see value in offering meaningful internship opportunities and nurturing a skilled and creative workforce".
The new and improved Project-ION website can be viewed at www.project-ion.com. Site upgrades include a brand new site design, connectivity with various social media outlets and an expanded regional footprint reaching 21 counties, 48 colleges and universities and 210,000 regional college students.
Project-ION is made possible thanks to the collaborative efforts of Key Bank, Pipeline 4 Progress, 40 Below and the Central Upstate Regional Alliance. Project-ION plays a key role in demonstrating the internship and employment opportunities throughout the state funded in part by Empire State Development Corporation and the Governor's Small Business Task Force in association with the Young Leaders Congress.
About the Central Upstate Regional Alliance:
The Central Upstate Regional Alliance was launched in September of 2004 to serve as a vehicle for collaborative regional development. The 42-member, twelve-county public-private economic development consortium is building a coalition of regional leaders from businesses, academia, and the public sector, willing to work together on a common agenda. The Alliance includes Cayuga, Cortland, Herkimer, Jefferson, Lewis, Madison, Oneida, Onondaga, Oswego, Seneca, St. Lawrence and Tompkins counties. For more information, visit www.creativecoreny.com.
About the Metropolitan Development Association:
The MDA is a not-for-profit planning and economic development organization representing the chief executives of approximately 200 prominent businesses and institutions in the twelve-county Central Upstate Region. The results-driven organization serves as a vehicle for business leaders to become involved in shaping the face of the region for the benefit of all who live here. For more information, visit www.mda-cny.com.
This item was published on 05/07/2010
