Jeffrey Vermeulen named director of York College of PA entrepreneurship center

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YORK, PA (10/22/2010)(readMedia)-- Jeffrey Vermeulen, former business development manager at the University of South Florida Polytechnic, arrived at York College of Pennsylvania Oct. 19 as the new director of the J.D. Brown Center for Entrepreneurship. He is responsible for overseeing the work of the Center, outreach to regional entrepreneurs and the development of the business incubator.

"I'm looking forward to working with the York College community to help grow businesses, which will in turn create high skill, high wage positions throughout the region," he said.

Vermeulen has 10 years of economic development and membership-based organizational management experience. Most recently, as the University of South Florida Polytechnic's business development manager, he was responsible for building and maintaining relationships with key partners in the launch of the Blue Sky Technology Business Incubator system.

"Institutions of higher learning are uniquely positioned to help grow businesses and employment opportunities by utilizing the many resources of the College including faculty expertise and students who will assist companies by applying (in real-world situations) what they're learning in the classroom," he said.

Vermeulen earned a bachelor's degree from Temple University in Philadelphia and a master's degree in strategic leadership from Neumann College in Aston, Pa. He also served as the director of government affairs and president of the Delaware County Chamber of Commerce, the fourth largest Chamber of Commerce in Pennsylvania.

"Jeff's background in business incubators in Florida, plus his extensive experience in economic development as a former executive with the Delaware County Chamber of Commerce, placed him at the top of our list," said Dan Helwig, dean of college advancement. "We are excited to have him on board as we begin a new chapter for the J.D. Brown Center for Entrepreneurship."

"I think this is a tremendous opportunity for me and my family to join the York College community," said Vermeulen. "In today's uncertain economic times, we are now more than ever looking to entrepreneurs to take chances and start businesses that will grow future employment opportunities. It's an honor to be able to work in an environment where I can help support them."

Located in southcentral Pennsylvania, York College offers more than 50 baccalaureate majors in professional programs, the sciences and humanities to its 4,600 undergraduate students. The College also offers master's programs in business, education and nursing, and a doctorate in nursing practice. A center of affordable academic excellence, York is dedicated to the intellectual, professional and social growth of its students. The College helps them develop a concrete plan to attain academic growth and career success; encourages them to try in the "real world" what they learn in the classroom; and prepares them to be professionals in whatever career they pursue.

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