We had a great turnout for IGBR’s first conference in Nashville, TN, with a total of 60 registrants. The sessions were well attended and lively. Plus, the hotel was quite nice, with the evening happy hour being a nice bonus. We will be returning to Nashville again on April 15-17, 2026, so mark your calendars. This time we have found a hotel located closer to area attractions and dining options. We are just waiting on a contract now from the Waymore’s Guest House & Casual Club.
We would also like to congratulate the winners of the various awards given at this conference!
Distinguished Research Awards
THE ANTECEDENT OF PRO-ENVIRONMENTAL BEHAVIOR: AN EMPIRICAL STUDY IN USA
Riza Bayrak, Middle Tennessee State University
Murat Arik, Middle Tennessee State University
Murat Guler, Nigde Omer Halisdemir University
PREDICTING PRO-ENVIRONMENTAL BEHAVIOR: A CROSS-CULTURAL STUDY
Riza Bayrak, Middle Tennessee State University
Murat Arik, Middle Tennessee State University
Murat Guler, Omer Halisdemir University
Syed Ibrahim Bilal Majid, Ostim Technical University
MERCHANDISING FOR ENTREPRENEURS: A COST-EFFECTIVE METHOD TO INFLUENCE PURCHASERS
Madelynn R. Duffield, Western Carolina University
Robert J. Lahm, Jr., Ph.D., Western Carolina University
CULTURED PEARLS OF WISDOM: THE VALUE OF OVERCOMING CHALLENGES IN VIRTUAL EXCHANGE EXPERIENCES
Sherry Robinson, Penn State University
Laura Cruz, Penn State University
Elvis Buckwalter, Université de Paris-Nanterre
UNVEILING ECONOMIC RESILIENCE: THE CHILD TAX CREDIT’S EFFICACY, SOCIETAL IMPACT, AND TAX POLICY IMPLICATIONS FOR DOCUMENTED AND UNDOCUMENTED FAMILIES POST-PANDEMIC
Anthony Narsing, Middle Georgia State University
Troy Sullivan, Middle Georgia State University
Mimi Ford, Middle Georgia State University
Case Writing Awards
GOT BUGS? PIONEERING THE FUTURE OF SUSTAINABLE PROTEIN SOURCES
Kristen Ryan, St. Bonaventure University
Adrienne E. Foos, St. Bonaventure University
LULULEMON: SOMETHING FOR EVERYBODY?
Erin Lucas, Clark University
Pauline Assenza, Western CT State University
Alan B. Eisner, Clark University
Helaine J. Korn, Baruch College, CUNY
Student Research Award
THE IMPACT OF ABUSIVE BEHAVIOR ON SOCCER REFEREE RECRUITMENT AND RETENTION: AN EXPANDED ANALYSIS
Aidan Kliethermes, Middle Georgia State University
JoAnn C. Carland Distinguished Service Award
Dr. JoAnn C. Carland was a scholar, researcher, and educator with a vision to support researchers from teaching universities. She was a scholar in the field of entrepreneurship and was one of the most cited authors in that field. She was the founder and president of an academic organization with a mission to encourage research with a collegial atmosphere and supportive culture. JoAnn modeled this because she always was the most encouraging participant at any conference. The IGBR was founded on these same core values. The IGBR board created this award in the memory of JoAnn Carland. This award is bestowed on individuals who have provided unwavering support and dedication to the IGBR mission.
Dr. Kathryn Woods, Austin Peay State University
Martin S. Bressler Distinguished Researcher Award
Dr. Martin Bressler was the founding President of the IGBR. He is a leader in both business education and research. Martin is a respected professor and distinguished researcher in the field of entrepreneurship. The IGBR benefited greatly from his guidance and wisdom. He is a man of integrity and character. The IGBR board dedicates this award to Martin Bressler. This award is bestowed on individuals who have distinguished themselves in business research and education.
Dr. Robert Lahm Jr., Western Carolina University
Institute for Global Business Research Fellow Award
These individuals have been supporters and ambassadors of the IGBR. They have encouraged attendance at the conferences, worked as Referees and Advocates, and taken on extra duties on behalf of the organization. They have been great friends and colleagues and are clearly worthy of Fellow status.
Dr. Marvin Ludlum, University of Central Oklahoma
