MARSHALL — Efforts to start a new business education program in Lyon and Murray counties are still underway, organizers said this month. Leaders of Lyon and Murray County CEO (Creating Entrepreneurial Opportunities) are searching for a facilitator to work with high school students.

Lauren Deutz, Marshall EDA director and a member of the Lyon and Murray County CEO board said the group plans to interview candidates in March. The facilitator would start work this spring, before the end of the school year.

CEO is a nationwide program for high school juniors and seniors. Over the course of a school year, students in the program get a chance to meet and learn from area businesspeople, and get real-life experience and creating and running their own businesses. At the end of the year, CEO students hold their own trade show to spotlight their businesses.

Organizers said the idea to form a CEO program in Lyon and Murray counties grew out of seeing the success of the Southwest Minnesota CEO program in Luverne.

Board members said Lyon and Murray County CEO has received a strong response from local investors. But one key part of the program will be to hire a facilitator to work with students. Deutz said the group is looking for candidates for a part-time position. The CEO facilitator will need to be able to mentor students, establish relationships with the business community, and arrange business visits and guest speakers.

Deutz said Lyon and Murray County CEO is asking candidates to submit their resumes online at facilitator@lyonandmurraycountyceo.com. More information about the program is available at the Lyon and Murray County CEO website, www.lyonandmurraycountyceo.com.