Cox Business, a division of Cox Communications, announced today that it recently became a member of the Institute for the Study of Business Markets, which is a marketing think tank established in 1983 and housed in Penn State’s Smeal College of Business.

The organization is dedicated to expanding the research of business-to-business (B2B) marketing and sales in academia and improving the practice of these disciplines for member firms.

“Cox continually evolves its products and strategy to maintain its leadership in business telecommunications solutions and actively pursues relationships that aide in this pursuit,” said Murray Goldstein, director of commercial marketing strategy for Cox Communications. “The Institute for the Study of Business Markets provides research tools and facilitates sharing of ideas that will help Cox more effectively communicate with its business customers.”

The Institute for the Study of Business Markets consists of approximately 100 associated researchers from around the world, including a group of fellows that member organizations can access directly. Cox Business is one of 77 companies to join the Institute for the Study of Business Markets and expects to contribute to the diversity of ideas and experience represented in the group.

The benefits of joining the organization for Cox Business include insight and detailed analysis from researchers around the world. Cox Business marketers will also enroll in educational and development courses to refine their marketing skills and share ideas through networking with colleagues from other industries.

Cox Business will receive coaching and specific advice on its marketing programs and will work with the Institute for the Study of Business Markets to establish benchmarks for analysis.

Cox Business provides voice, data and video services for nearly 250,000 small and regional businesses, including health care providers, K-12 and higher education, financial institutions, and federal, state and local government organizations.