The Hub for Productivity
THE SMART CENTER 2020-21
A hub for productivity and learning even in “the year of the pandemic”
The newly renovated SMART Center on Greenville’s historic square served students, community groups, and businesses well in 2020-21. Though challenged, the Center’s commitment to nurture startups, grow professional networks, and inspire innovation never wavered.
Soon after the three-story SMART Center opened in February 2020, demand for its amenities grew. These included esport and podcast studios, a demonstration kitchen, a restaurant, conference facilities, and offices. Then, in just one month, state mandates surrounding a full-blown pandemic forced cancellations.
BUT THAT’S NOT THE END OF THE STORY
Over time, groups representing various interests ensured the return of productivity to the Center. Here’s a sampling:
Tenants in the Center’s office space—GU alumni among them—who say the amenities favorably impress visiting clients.
University Students, including GU’s student government association, its esport team, chemistry students, improvisational comedy troupe Joyous Chaos, Panther basketball and football teams, GU’s Entrepreneur Club, and students and guest speakers associated with the University’s Professional Business Leaders Class.
Podcasters recording from the SMART Center’s podcast studio. Listeners can select from more than 50 SMART Center Podcast episodes and student podcasts as well.
GU faculty, coaches, departments and office staff who used the Center’s conference facilities for meetings and retreats. Groups included GU’s President’s Council; the Offices of Advancement, Admissions, and Marketing; GU’s Board of Trustees; its Campaign Steering Committee, and others.
Nonprofits hosting events sponsored by local businesses can now use the SMART Center at no charge. This SMART Reach program benefits local nonprofits like:
• Eden’s Glory in its fight against human trafficking;
• Restore Network, in its support of foster care;
• CORE Community, as it lifts community members out of poverty;
• FAYCO, in its push to help young adults with disabilities transition into independence; and,
• Project Parenting, as it comes alongside families with young children.
Community groups and businesses who have used the SMART Center for meetings, dinners, training seminars, job interviews, and more. These include:
• The Bond County CEO class, high school students learning about entrepreneurship
• Oakaw Valley Ham Radio Club
• Kaskaskia College, GED preparation
• HSHS Holy Family Hospital
• The Greenville Chamber of Commerce
ONGOING PROGRAMS FILL NEEDS
Collaborations throughout 2020-21 included the development of these ongoing SMART Center programs:
SMART Talks: Tap an expert! Informational discussions open to all occur the first Wednesday of the month at no charge. Prior speakers have included experts on Illinois’ “Fair Tax” Amendment, consumer fraud, COVID-19 vaccines, filing 2020 taxes, PPP loans, and other grant programs, and the Southwestern Illinois Broadband Initiative.
The Bond County Business Network: Converse and connect over lunch. Open to all, this lunch on the second Tuesday of each month gives community members a chance to network and introduce themselves and their businesses to each other. Cost: $12.
SMART Works Job Seekers: This group supports folks hunting for jobs or seeking a career changes. SMART Works Job Seekers meets every Tuesday evening to discuss topics like self-marketing and interview skills. A Saturday workshop is available for those who have difficulty attending during the week.
SMART Works Business Books: Participants in this monthly book club discuss a new book each month. Selected books focus on leadership, entrepreneurship, and/or team building. This group meets on the third Thursday of each month.
COMING SOON
• Toastiez restaurant expands hours and menu
• Cooking classes
• Family Fun Fridays hosted by the City of Greenville and taking place in front of the SMART Center
• “SMART Marts”
• Live music
TO LEARN MORE
Contact:
Elaine McNamara
Director of Operations, SMART Center
Executive Director, Greenville Chamber of Commerce
elaine.mcnamara@greenville.edu