Overview

The award winning Hardin Institute was established through an endowment from the estate of David K. Hardin. As a leader in the marketing research field, Mr. Hardin was chairman for many years of Market Facts - an international market research firm headquartered in the Chicago area. The union of the Hardin Institute with Elmhurst College is a natural one since many of the same enlightened values, strong ethics and progressive spirit that are the essence of Elmhurst College were shared by Mr. Hardin in the way he conducted his life and work.

The goal of the Institute is two-fold: to establish a marketing research institute of excellence that would honor Mr. Hardin's memory, while providing a valuable resource serving the needs of academic, small business and non-profit organizations that are affiliated with the college and community.

The marketing research opportunities provided to students, faculty, small business and community service organizations through the Institute are listed below:

• Hardin Institute Financial Support: Internships and scholarships are available for both undergraduates and graduates through the Office of Business and Economics.

• Hands-on Research Opportunities: Unique marketing research studies are undertaken by the Institute to provide invaluable learning experiences for students. By working with actual "clients" with research needs, students learn how to address client issues, capture appropriate data, analyze that data, and then make recommendations for next steps.

• Strengthen Research Skills Beyond Marketing Courses: Participation in research projects undertaken by the Institute allows students the ability to work with a variety of departments within Elmhurst College. Working with departments such as economics, mathematics, sociology, psychology, philosophy (ethics), and geography enables students to draw from the interdisciplinary strengths here at Elmhurst College while learning more from these disciplines.

• Workshops and Speaker Series: Workshops and speaker series aimed at small businesses, community organizations, faculty and students are planned several times throughout the year. Workshops and speaker series will take the form of lecture and/or round table discussions. These workshops are provided to students, faculty and businesses in the community at a reduced fee however availability is limited.

• A Win-Win for Students and the Community: Small businesses and community service organizations that may have powerful research needs may not have the resources in place to complete them. The Hardin Institute provides an economical resource to them through our qualified marketing faculty and staff. Businesses and organizations will find a collaborative approach to problem solving, analysis and recommendations provided to them when the Institute undertakes their research projects.

• The Hardin Institute is the recent recipient of the AABE, award for Business Excellence, in the educational programs category sponsored by The Business Ledger.