0 Page 8-Friday, February 19, 1982-The Michigan Daily New 'U' institute to By LISA CRUMRINE The University is attempting to aid the state in its desperate search for jobs by creating a new research institute in the University's Graduate School of Business Administration. The Independent Business Research Institute of Michigan began functioning last week as a University-wide resear- ch facility primarily interested in helping the state develop new jobs for the independent business sector. IBRIM, FUNDED by both private, donations and University funds, will not lobby directly in the state's political arena, but will instead present issues to Michigan legislators when small businesses are concerned. It is hoped that the creation of the center will help change the trend whereby large corporate in- terests-suchaas those of theauto in- dustry-are the only ones heard in the state legislature. "The problems with Michigan's economy stem from nationwide, as well as statewide, considerations," said Alfred Edwards, professor of business administration, and newly appointed director 'of IBRIM. "But in Michigan, we have to rely on small entrepreneurs to build up the economy," he added. THE PROBLEMS of establishing small businesses in Michigan and the problems of setting up a new steel in- dustry in the state are possible primary topics to be researched by IBRIM, Ed- wards said. The center will also attempt to deal with issues such as unemployment in- surance and health care policies, which have traditionally been problems that plague larger industries in the state. Now, some sources claim, these same problems are hindering the efficiency of Michigan's smaller businesses. Spurred on by a proposal presented last spring by a group of Michigan businessmen to1 Harold Shapiro, t to create the ins asked for the cr center geared to consultation to businesses. THOUGH hea business school, I be conducted by f the economics de stitute for Social F "We want to pu academic com problems of sm wards said. The that the way1 economic growth treprenuerial spir The idea that s is essential in economy around more and more said. Currently, develop jobs University President he University decided Mott Foundation-a philanthropic stitute. The proposal group based in Flint-is looking at the eation of a research feasibility of establishing a fund to ward offering expert provide investments for growing small Michigan's small businesses located in Michigan. This past year, the Foundation granted adquartered in the $15,000 to the National Development BRIM's research will Council to conduct research in the Ann aculty members from Arbor area. partment and the In- The Mott Foundation is a private Research. foundation with assets of about $400 it the resources of the million. It awards over 360 grants a imunity onto the year for programs fostering com- all businesses," Ed- munity self-improvement through re's a growing feeling education, citizen involvement, and to help Michigan's community leadership and develop- h is through the en- ment processes. rit of small business." Although much of the work at IBRIM mall business growth will.be carried out by faculty members, turning Michigan's Edwards said graduate students will seems to be gaining also be able to participate in the attention, Edwards research. the Charles Stewart 0 College presidents attack (Continued from Pagel1) Th cutbacks n rmaQ tohigher T hej education. The document argued As presidents of over forty of Michigi that access to higher education is iuniversities, we would like to express out essential if Americans are to future of federal support of student financia become qualified leaders in the We believe that, if the full cutbacks curr future, and therefore the Reagan the Reagan Administration are enacted administration must not unduly tremendous impact on access to higher ed restrict the access to college by American families. cutting back excessively in finan- If a decision were reached greatly cial aid programs. availability of education for hundreds of unusu n that it united memberwas citizens, we believe that that decision show of almost all of Michigan's recognition of the implications for our natio ol lgstincl gothuicand We all recognize that certain adjustment colleges, including both pubic and our country is to live within its means. We Fiancialid t ith Decorsit education must participate in these adjust Harvey Grotrian said, "There ready to do so. Our concern is that the1 precipitous ones, which will have the ef were many more important issues E . ..... ......... that united the groups-public, community, and indepen- college officials would encourage t dent-than there were that students, faculty members, and s separated them." staff members to join in letter- s JOEL BERGER, director of the writing campaigns at their respec- a University's Information Services, tive institutions. a said that it was implied-though "Basically, they were trying to a not explicitly stated-that the alert people, but I think it's clear s financial aid cutbacks .,..:, 4.::,.s::mn. . ..:.: