CONTACT:  Catherine Taylor
202-463-3133 or ctaylor@uschamber.com

Monday, January 9, 2006

Business Civic Leadership Center Hires Lydia Miles Logan
To Manage Business Education Network

Washington — The Business Civic Leadership Center (BCLC), a non-profit affiliate of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, hired Lydia Miles Logan to manage its Business Education Network (BEN).  Logan began on January 4. 

BEN is a business-led coalition of private-sector, education and nonprofit representatives that strives to increase the competitiveness of the U.S. education system.  Logan works with BEN’s member companies and partners to plan and implement the coalition’s program of work, including setting issue priorities, managing forums and conferences and developing outreach and communication strategies.

“The U.S. Chamber and its members have demonstrated a strong commitment to improving the competitiveness of the U.S. education system,” said Logan.  “The business community spends $2.5 billion a year on education.  Now is the time for businesses, school districts, policymakers and the nonprofit community to work together to make our schools stronger so that American children can compete on a global level.”

Before joining BCLC, Logan was the vice president of programs for Kimsey Foundation.  During her six-year tenure, she designed the foundation’s grantmaking program, supervised its $10-million arts and education grant portfolio and led its education efforts in Washington, D.C. 

Logan also has held positions in program and event management at the National Urban Technology Center, Emcee International and the Kingsbury Center, and has consulted for various nonprofit organizations. 

“The Business Education Network was founded to identify best practices and help local, state and national leaders communicate and coordinate with each other more effectively,” said Stephen Jordan, BCLC vice president and executive director.  “Lydia Miles Logan has a proven track record and will play a key role in moving this initiative forward.”

In 2006, BEN will focus on advancing U.S. competitiveness in math and science, student achievement, educator development and community-based programs.  BEN is also committed to promoting education-data quality and metrics.

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The Business Education Network launched in October 2005 and is staffed by the Business Civic Leadership Center.  It is dedicated to helping businesses and their education partners work together to promote the global competitiveness of the U.S. education system.  Visit www.businesseducationnetwork.net.

The Business Civic Leadership Center (formerly the Center for Corporate Citizenship) is a 501(c)(3) affiliate of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.  Its mission is to advance the positive role of business in society.  Visit www.uschamber.com/bclc.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world's largest business federation representing more than three million businesses and organizations of every size, sector, and region. Visit www.uschamber.com.