The Appalachian Enterprise Center is hosting Wednesday morning drop-ins for individuals interested in learning about the center and opportunities for emerging and early-stage businesses.

The drop-in runs from 7:45-9 a.m. every Wednesday and includes free coffee and snacks. Brief tours of the facility also will be offered.

The Appalachian Enterprise Center (AEC) is a partnership with Watauga County, the Committee of 100 and Appalachian State University. The collaboration provides a network of support services for early-stage and growing businesses, including office space, access to office equipment, conference rooms, mentoring and business counseling services, and communications access.

The center is located between the Watauga County Social Services building and the Watauga County Health Department at 130 Poplar Grove Connector. For more information or to request a personal appointment, e-mail to Wood at aecwatauga@bellsouth.net or call 264-2732.

Natalie Best has been named assistant director of International Student and Scholar Services in the Office of International Education and Development (OIED).  She replaces Tim Zacher, who resigned at the end of June to move to Wisconsin.

Campus radio station WASU FM has received a 2008 Finalist Certificate in the New York Festivals Radio Broadcasting Awards.  The New York Festivals Radio Broadcasting Awards recognize “The World’s Best Work” in radio broadcasting. Entries are judged by panels of radio experts for their production values, organization, presentation of information, creativity and use of the medium. This is the first year that the competition has included college radio in its award categories.

WASU entered the “Best Sportscast” category. Sports Yapp is a sports talk show that focuses on major sports stories of interest to college students. The hosts of Sports Yapp provide a look beyond box scores to entertain listeners with their sports opinions.

The Appalachian Regional Development Institute will hold its 8th Annual ARDI Leadership Summit Monday, Aug. 11. The theme for this year’s summit is “Accelerating Our Economy: Tapping Creative Assets.” The program begins with registration at 8 a.m. at the Broyhill Inn and Conference Center on campus. Registration is $65.  For a copy of the agenda and detailed registration information, visit www.ardisummit.com.

A solar water heating workshop will be held July 11-12 at Appalachian. Participants will learn how to design and construct solar water heating systems for domestic hot water needs.

The workshop will be held in room 17 Harper Hall from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days. Registration is $190 for nonstudents and $95 for students. For registration or more information, visit www.wind.appstate.edu or call 7333