THE HARPUR FORUM HAS INCREASED AWARENESS OF AND INTEREST IN Binghamton University through its many activities involving the local community. The relationship is mutually beneficial, creating a talent pool from which both Binghamton University and the community can draw resources. Chairman & CEO of Dick's Sporting goods Edward W. Stack was the keynote speaker at the Harpur Forum June 2007 Annual Dinner. The Binghamton University Foundation established the Harpur Forum to promote community relations and encourage private support of the University. As state funding has decreased, it has become important to develop stronger links between the University and community leaders. The first membership drive began in May 1977 with a goal of enrolling 100 members from the ranks of area business leaders. Today, membership is by invitation only, and each prospective member must be recommended by a member in good standing. Annual dues support program expenses. The Harpur Forum has developed a remarkably helpful exchange of resources between Binghamton University and the surrounding community. This ranges from fostering new University programs aimed at stimulating the Southern Tier economy to sponsoring arts programs to enrich this part of the state. The Harpur Forum’s dynamic partnership between Binghamton University and the community has had a dramatic impact in the Southern Tier region. A most important Harpur Forum service to business, professional and community leaders is its Speakers’ Program, whereby members are brought into personal contact with well-known public figures. Campus visits are also encouraged through special events in collaboration with the Anderson Center and Music and Theater Departments. The Harpur Forum has increased awareness of and interest in Binghamton University through its many activities involving the local community. The relationship is mutually beneficial, creating a talent pool from which both Binghamton University and the community can draw resources. Harpur Forum members have been involved in, or directly responsible for, much program development at Binghamton University. They have been instrumental in the achievement of such milestones as the establishment of the Thomas J. Watson School of Engineering and Applied Science and the Floyd E. Anderson Center for the Performing Arts. Harpur Forum members participate in the School of Management’s “Management Games,” a program that enables local business leaders to give Binghamton University students a first-hand encounter with real-world management problems and solutions. Several local businesses, spearheaded by Harpur Forum members, now sponsor internships for Binghamton students. Another Harpur Forum member initiative was the establishment of the Small Business Institute, a management consulting program at Binghamton University offered free of charge to area small business clients. These programs, products of mutually beneficial cooperation between Harpur Forum members and University faculty and administrators, have created a successful working relationship between the Southern Tier community and its University.