Client Comments

CESD programs have had a measurable impact in areas that are key to West Virginia's economic health. By working to nurture inventors, counsel entrepreneurs, develop new worker skills and offer related support services, CESD's staff and associates have helped many in our State to respond to changes in the world around them.

CESD's resources, without question, can be a powerful tool for our State as we continue in our efforts to build an economy that offers opportunities for all of our citizens.

Congressman Alan B. Mollohan

In an era where bigger too often equates to better, the Center for Entrepreneurial Studies and Development (CESD) shines as an example of an organization staying true to its mission. To be sure, they have grown in size over the years, but they have remained focused on providing personalized attention to each client organization. CESD's working philosophy is that the quality of the current project is more important than landing the next one.

We are proud that CESD is affiliated with West Virginia University. CESD does important work in our State. They support small businesses, government agencies, corporations, public schools, and educational institutions. Every organization and every person CESD works with are treated as important. In all of their projects, CESD has not lost sight that they have the ability to save jobs and create jobs.

David Hardesty
WVU President

I would like on this occasion to point to a characteristic of CESD which from my point of view is especially noteworthy not just in the sense of what it has contributed to West Virginia, but also, in the sense of what it stands for. First and foremost the Center for Entrepreneurial Studies and Development is, I think, a highly innovative, productive and in some ways a unique example of how higher education, particularly state higher education, with its wealth of knowledge and scholarship, can serve the state and its people beyond simply providing education to students and conducting research in a traditional setting.

The phenomenon which is CESD has not come about because Jack Byrd and his associates have sat in their Morgantown ivory tower waiting for people to come along to seek their counsel. Rather, from the beginning they have gone out and networked with people, sharing ideas and together confronting needs and resolving problems. Often they have been more innovative and entrepreneurial in spirit than those with whom they are working. And what is perhaps most exceptional, they have learned to apply the results of academic scholarship and research to the design and development of practical solutions to real issues and problems.

Paul R. Jenkins

We have had many opportunities to use the services of CESD in helping companies work through particular problems or realign their business processes and strategies. We have always found that CESD has met or exceeded our expectations.

The staff of CESD has continually changed to meet new challenges and opportunities in the business world. They are particularly skillful in helping managers and employees develop skills and techniques which take them to new levels of productivity and resourcefulness. CESD has had a significant positive impact on West Virginia. I trust that they will continue to provide services to our State and the nation for many years to come.

Thomas E. Loehr
Fourth Venture President

It is my sincere belief that the Center has been a valuable tool for bringing efficiency-without friction-to many work sites in West Virginia thereby salvaging many jobs and companies. In addition, CESD's many projects in cooperation with nonprofit and governmental operations has brought more "bang for the buck" in those areas. Also, of extreme importance, is the educational expertise that the organization has developed over the years of its existence which has and is being used to train employees in skills that are productive and efficient. In addition, I have watched many the staff of CESD use the knowledge obtained by working for CESD to move on to important positions with other companies.

During my tenure as President of West Virginia AFL-CIO, I did not hesitate to recommend CESD to unions as a source for improving workplace relationships that had gone awry. The diplomatic skills and sincerity of purpose which CESD brought to the work site in conducting their operations brought about a more harmonious relationship as an end result. This was not always fertile ground, but, the results were fruitful.

Finally, those who have been fortunate to be in contact with the staff of CESD have been infected with spirit and knowledge of entrepreneurialship that could not be matched by any other organization.

Joseph Powell
WV AFL-CIO President Emeritus