Spark opening named one of Williamson County's top 2012 business stories
Kim Chaudoin |
The opening of Spark - Lipscomb’s Idea Center in Franklin, Tenn., has been named one of Williamson County’s top business stories of 2012 by Franklin Home Page.
The opening of Spark, along with the consolidation of the Brentwood/Cool Springs, Cool Spring and Williamson County/Franklin chambers of commerce, Tractor Supply Company’s announcement to expand its Brentwood headquarters and Mars Petcare’s decision to keep its Global Research Center in Williamson County, were among the top business stories cited by the publication.
“We set out to become Williamson County’s university,” said Dr. John Lowry, executive director of Spark. “Our success is the result of Lipscomb’s spirit of innovation and collaboration that is reinventing higher education. This recognition affirms the Spark concept and is a tribute to the many, many people at Lipscomb who worked very hard to pull it off.”
Spark, located at 3252 Aspen Grove Drive in Frankin, officially opened its 6,400-square-foot-facility on Nov. 8. It is Lipscomb University’s first university-operated off-campus facility. Rep. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Williamson County Schools Director Mike Looney, Williamson County Chamber of Commerce Board Chair Brad Dunn and Lipscomb University President L. Randolph Lowry participated in the opening of this unique facility in Williamson County.
Spark is an in-demand destination for corporate meetings because of the flexibility of its meeting space, the technology, custom-branding capability and customer service, among other features. Recently, the Williamson County Chamber opted to move its monthly board meetings to Spark and other partnerships are in the works.
The facility is designed to create an environment for innovative ideas in learning, business, faith and the community. A technology-rich facility, Spark offers flexible space and innovative delivery systems for corporations and community organizations in the area who are looking for resources that encourage fresh thinking as well as for Lipscomb graduate, executive education and certificate students. This past fall over 1,500 people experienced Spark through a meeting or event.
In just its first few months of operation, Spark is nearly at capacity for its academic programming. This spring, more than 105 students are enrolled across seven academic programs, including graduate programs in business, technology, education, and counseling.
For more information visit spark.lipscomb.edu.