Business Education Partnership
Rutherford County, Tennessee

History of BEP

The Business Education Partnership (BEP) Foundation was formed in 1988 with the help of the Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce. The purpose of establishing this foundation was to create outstanding schools by applying resources to bold ideas which would bring schools and businesses together in preparing our future workforce.

The BEP is a 501©3 organization that operates exclusively for non-profit scientific and education purposes by receiving grants, donations and contributions of real and personal property. Funding is used to create and promote programs which enhance and improve the schools of the City of Murfreesboro and Rutherford County by creating opportunities for business leaders, educators, and students to network and have hands-on interactions which will help to create a classroom environment which merges school curriculum with real life work experience. With your help, we can make education meaningful for students as they prepare to become the next generation of community and business leaders.

 

First Tennessee BankThe BEP Foundation web site is sponsored through the generosity of First Tennessee Bank in Rutherford County. As part of their corporate philanthropy, First Tennessee is committed to supporting a range of programs for individuals and for classrooms that encourage financial literacy and business entrepreneurship. Learn more about these programs through our links page.

First Tennessee is proud to join their vision with the BEP in preparing today’s students to be tomorrow’s leaders in Middle Tennessee.

 

2010-2011 Board of Directors

Charter Members
Dr. Mark ByrnesChair, Rutherford County Board of Education
Dr. Linda GilbertDirector of Schools, Murfreesboro City Schools
Mr. Harry GillDirector of Schools, Rutherford County Schools
Mr. Paul LatturePresident, Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce
Ms. Mary WadeChair, Murfreesboro County Board of Education

 

Elective Members
Judge Don Ash Circuit Court Judge- 16th Judicial District, Division III
Ms. Melissa Baker Owner, Ascendant HR
Ms. June Bilbo Community Relations Specialist, Publix
Dr. Gloria Bonner Assistant to the Presidents, Middle Tennessee State University
Dr. Jim Burton Dean, Jennings A. Jones College of Business, Middle Tennessee State University
Dr. Tom Cheatham Dean, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, Middle Tennessee State University
Mr. Don Clayton Ingram Book Group, Inc.
Mr. Gordon Ferguson CEO, Middle Tennessee Medical Center
Dr. Pat Geho State Director, Tennessee Small Business Development Center
Mr. Phil Holt Regional President, First Tennessee
Mr. Lee Moss CEO, MidSouth Bank
Ms. Cathi Rowlison Corporate Relocations Consultant, Crye-Leike Relocation Services
Dr. Lana Seviers Dean, College of Education - MTSU