Cincinnati Firms Combine to Back Minority Talent

Four research firms based in Cincinnati, Ohio - Burke, Inc., Directions Research, EMI Research Solutions and MarketVision Research - have combined to launch an internship program aimed at widening the talent pool for the sector.

More details of the Minority Access Partnership Program will be released this summer, but the four say now that they will jointly establish partnerships with universities, junior colleges and historically black colleges to provide opportunities for minority students 'to learn more about - and work within - the marketing research and insight industry'. The firms aim via the scheme to recruit and retain exceptional talent from around the region, and say selected applicants will receive guidance and support from leading industry professionals, as well as competitive compensation 'equal among the four firms'.

Burke VP Damon Jones comments: 'We believe that promoting inclusion and diversity in our industry is absolutely essential. Not only will this program help build a legacy of success among minorities and their communities, but it will also help to strengthen our companies and the work that we provide. Incorporating new perspectives and unique experiences into our corporate cultures will make us, and our industry, more capable, more complete, and more versatile'.

The four companies can be found online at www.burke.com , www.directionsresearch.com , www.emi-rs.com and www.mv-research.com .