SV SBDC Connects Experts on Targeted Topics to Valley Agencies

The Shenandoah Valley SBDC was pleased to connect the Greater Augusta Regional Chamber of Commerce with experts from James Madison University to present “Effectively Using Artificial Intelligence (AI)” for participants at the Virginia Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives Spring Conference held on Thursday, March 21 at Hotel 24 South in Staunton.

Dr. Benjamin Selznick, Associate Professor and Advisor of Postsecondary Analysis and Leadership and Tatjana Titareva, PhD Student at the School of Strategic Leadership Studies shared their insights on practical uses of artificial intelligence (AI). Topics covered were a discussion of AI platforms (e.g., ChatGPT, Dall-E), possible uses, ethical considerations, and effective strategy. The session also included remarks from the presenters as well as a Q & A.

Selznick was recently featured in a Virginia Business article showcasing the ways business schools at Virginia universities are integrating AI while still maintaining academic standards, integrity, and ethics. Titareva was named a Stanford University Innovation Fellow in 2022 and is writing her dissertation on the use of artificial intelligence in higher education administration. You can read more about her work in this JMU News feature.

One of the SV SBDC’s goals in 2024 is to help other business agencies in the region connect to state and federal resources around key topics such as artificial intelligence, human resources, international trade, manufacturing, and government contracting. By leveraging connections within the JMU College of Business and the extensive SBDC network, the SV SBDC is able to arrange targeted training, advising, and program development to suit the specific needs of regional small businesses.