Bingham Entrepreneurship

This is Fred Ball for Zions Bank, speaking on business.

I recently told you about the exciting plans for Utah State University's new Vernal campus.

One of the major components of the campus is the futuristic Bingham Entrepreneurship and Energy Research Center. Dr. Robert T. Behunin, USU's assistant to the president for special projects, could hardly contain his excitement as he told me about the Bingham Center. The new research center will provide space for faculty and students to work in laboratories and facilities not found in the traditional classroom. Faculty and students will be able to do more than examine static business models. The faculty will provide opportunities for students to create, incubate and commercialize new business.

Along with the great learning opportunities the Bingham Center brings will come the benefit of job creation for the area. The research center will also have the added bonus of being eligible for government and industry funding to further enhance the local economy.

All of this is possible because of the generosity of Marc and Debbie Bingham. They have donated $15 million to fund construction of the Bingham Entrepreneurship and Energy Research Center. The gift is one of the largest private gifts in USU's history.

Marc Bingham is a Utah State University graduate with a degree in wildlife management. In 1971, he founded PDC (Phone Directories Company), one of the most successful independent publishers in the telephone directory industry. Debbie is the former vice president of sales and business development officer for PDC.

The Binghams live in Vernal and are passionate about the area. They hope the center will attract new professors, new students and new opportunities for graduate education, professional enhancement and collaboration between various entities.

Isn't it wonderful that people are so generous and giving? And isn't it wonderful how Vernal, the Uintah Basin and the entire state will benefit?

For Zions Bank, I'm Fred Ball. I'm speaking on business.