The FSBDCN is one of eight original national SBDC pilot programs funded in 1976 by the US Small Business Administration to successfully link the state's education system to community outreach, utilizing both faculty and students to aid in the development and education of the state’s entrepreneurs and small business community. Today, the FSBDCN is a statewide network of more than 30 centers involving seven universities and seven community colleges, with additional outreach provided at resource partner locations.
Student Participation in Reality Labs
 Nancy Boyle |
SBDC Staff and SBRN Members Bring Real World Learning Experiences to the Classroom In addition to her role as director of the FSBDC's Small Business Resource Network (SBRN), Nancy Boyle has been an adjunct professor at the Coggin College of Business at UNF since the fall of 2003. She teaches Organizational Behavior, a senior-level management class. This management class studies how individuals and groups behave within organizations. Boyle uses SBRN members to bring “real world” learning experiences to her students. John Bryan of Corporate Improv Workshops is a regular speaker. He uses improv comedy activities to teach team building and communication skills. Bob McKenzie, owner of McKenzieHR, a human resources consulting firm, talks about engaging employees and offers students practical advice on how to get a job interview. Several other members of the SBDC at UNF team are also adjunct professors at UNF’s Coggin COB. Janice Donaldson, regional director, teaches a beginning entrepreneur class, and Cathy Hagan, certified business analyst (CBA), teaches an entrepreneurial marketing class. Both have called upon SBRN members to assist in providing practical experience in marketing and entrepreneurship. |
CBA is Guest Speaker in Entrepreneurship Class
Ken Stephanz CBA, from the SBDC at FAU, served as a guest speaker for Associate Professor Paul Guglielmino’s Entrepreneurship class at the Barry Kaye College of Business at the Treasure Coast Campus of FAU.
Middle School Students Experience Aspects of Retail Business
SBDC at FAU's Boynton Beach Retail Training Program (BBRTP) gave several middle school students the opportunity to gain practical experience and training related to the retail business. BBRTP is designed to teach middle- and high-school students retail business skills and has been sponsored by the Children Service's Council of Palm Beach County since 1997. Training sessions include topics such as customer service, conflict resolution, communication, marketing, creative decision-making, team-building and money management. The BBRTP is one of the few job training programs in the country for teens that actually provides participants earn-while-you-learn opportunities in private-for-profit work environments. The program has established strong partnerships with a number of retail businesses including the Boynton Beach Mall, Service Insights, Tony Roma's, AMF Bowling Center, Piccadilly's Cafeteria, Burdines and J.C. Penney.
UCF MBA Student Joins SBDC for Internship
Nicole Brin, a UCF MBA student, joined the SBDC at UCF in January 2007 as a student intern. During her internship, Brin is assisting with the coordination of the SBDC's Advisory Board Council program and is developing an extensive contact database. She is also assisting with coordination of the SBRN, special events for the center and data collection.
SBDC at UCF Collaborates With UCF’s Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation
The SBDC at UCF and UCF’s Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation are collaborating to offer small business consulting projects for undergraduate and graduate students. Eunice Choi, SBDC Interim Director, worked with CEI Director, Dr. Cameron Ford, to develop the course curriculum. As a result, an entrepreneurship course is now part of UCF’s College of Business Administration curriculum. The course allows business students to assist small businesses with company-related projects such as marketing plan development and opportunity assessments. The course allows for approximately 10 projects each fall. Research gathered by the student teams will be offered to the SBDC at UCF’s Advisory Board Council clients.
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Community Outreach: Initiatives for Expanding,
Supporting and Partnering
UCF Economist speaks to Florida SBDC Network
Dr. Sean Snaith, Director of UCF College of Business Administration’s Institute for Economic Competitiveness, presented the keynote speech at the FSBDCN’s annual Professional Development Conference held in Clearwater in June. Dr. Snaith presented a national, state and regional economic forecast for the group, focusing on current trends of the nation’s economy.
SBDC at FAMU Partners to Provide Small Business Assistance Fair
The SBDC at FAMU in conjunction with Florida First Capital Finance Corporation and various local economic development agencies hosted a Small Business Assistance Fair on August 24. The event was geared towards small business owners and managers seeking expansion, contacts, advice and business financing information. Participating partners included the Economic Development Council of Tallahassee/Leon County, Inc., Workforce Plus, SCORE, Tallahassee Community College and the U.S. Small Business Administration.
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 L-R: Beth Lahtela, Access Capital Funding; Richard Gustin, FFCFC; Gary Cole; Deborah Petrell, FFCFC; Lisa Bruessler-Rabinsky, Suntrust; Scott Shulman, Newtek Small Business Finance; Fred Crispen, BLX |
On May 8, SBDC at FAU staff attended "SBA Financing and Factoring-A Panel of Lenders", presented by representatives of SBA lenders and one factorer. Certified Business Analyst and chair of the SBDC Finance Committee, Gary Cole, coordinated the event. It featured seven lending institutions and each gave an update of their products and services. The event was well received. |
SBDC Partners to Deliver Information and Training on Hurricane Preparedness and Recovery |
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 SBDC Staff Nancy Rubin and Maggie Gunther |
The SBDC at FAU was involved with various organizations throughout the service region to deliver information and training on hurricane preparedness and recovery. Events took place in Key West, Marathon, Key Largo, Homestead, Coral Gables, Ft. Lauderdale, Boca Raton, Jupiter, Boynton Beach, Port St. Lucie, Ft. Pierce and Okeechobee. The largest of all the events was the Governor's Hurricane Expo where the SBDC at FAU helped staff an exhibit table for the FSBDCN. Nearly every member of staff attended, assisted with or spoke at one of the events that were held throughout the SBDC at FAU service area. |
SBDC at FAU Receives Funds to Renovate SBDC Building
FAU central administration and the Dean of the College of Business committed nearly $300,000 to completely renovate an FAU building that will serve as a permanent home for the SBDC at FAU in Boca Raton. The facility was renovated to the specifications of the SBDC in terms of furniture, office space, conference rooms and a training room. The training room was outfitted with mounted equipment and remote controls. The move-in date was September 10. Nancy Young, the Regional Director, has been meeting with both the Dean and Director of Marketing for the College to keep them up-to-date on center activities and to discuss possible collaboration.
Palm Beach County Continues Funding for SBDC for 2007-2008 Fiscal Year
Despite reported internal budget cuts of 30%, Palm Beach County maintained its portion of the SBDC’s budget for the 2007-2008 fiscal year. The SBDC is grateful for its continued support.
CBA Asked to Participate as Judge in Business Plan Challenge
Rafael Cruz, SBDC at FAU CBA in Fort Lauderdale, was asked to be a judge for the Miami Herald “Great American Business Plan Challenge,” an annual competition held by the newspaper on June 30. Fifteen finalists were chosen from over 200 entries to proceed to the stage where their business plans were analyzed in detail.
CBA Serves as Technical Advisor to Consortium of Financial Institutions
On April 24, Ken Stephanz CBA attended the official signing ceremony of the new Treasure Coast Consortium of Financial Institutions as the representative of the SBDC at FAU, which is a charter member of the program. As the SBDC representative, Stephanz also serves as the program’s technical advisor. The consortium was created to offer stand-alone financing to small businesses that typically would not qualify with an individual bank. The Treasure Coast Regional Planning Council (TCRPC), NewTEk and the EDC of St. Lucie County have taken the lead roles in forming this consortium of 16 banks and finance institutions.
SBDC Partners With Workforce to Provide Rural Entrepreneurship Training
The SBDC at USF at the Heartland Career Connection System conducted a 10-week course using the Rural Entrepreneurship through Action Learning (REAL) teaching method. The classes were held May through June at South Florida Community College, with SFCC donating the classroom facilities. Twelve entrepreneurs received certificates upon completion. This effort was funded through a partnership with the Workforce Initiative for Rural Entrepreneurship Development.
SBDC Partners With USF College of Business-St. Petersburg to Host Monthly Networking Breakfast
In conjunction with the USF College of Business–St. Petersburg, the SBDC initiated a monthly Networking Breakfast. The first featured a local entrepreneur, Dean Akers, whose latest venture is Ideal Image, a laser hair removal service. It has raised tremendous venture capital money, allowing the business to expand nationwide.
NASA Small Business Forum Provides Information on Manufacturing Opportunities
Victoria Peake and Sandy Pfrimmer of the SBDC at Brevard Community College (BCC)
attended the NASA Constellation Small Business Forum on
August 23 in Cocoa Beach. The Economic Development Commission of Florida’s
Space Coast organized the forum for companies interested in finding out more about manufacturing opportunities from the NASA Constellation program. Senator Mike Haridopolos welcomed the
participants. Featured presenters were Boeing, Harris, Lockheed Martin, Raytheon and Pratt Whitney Rocketdyne.
SBDC Staff Attend TRDA Business Innovation Center's Grand Opening
SBDC at BCC's Victoria Peake and Sandy Pfrimmer attended the TRDA Business Innovation Center's grand opening on
August 16. Distinguished guests and speakers included Senator Mike Haridopolos,
Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Sandy Baruah, Representative
Thad Altman, National Business Incubation Association President Dinah Adkins, Melbourne International Airport Authority
Executive Director Richard Ennis and Technological Research and Development Authority Executive Director Chester
Straub, Jr.
Victoria Peake, director of the SBDC at BCC, is serving on a committee to develop a Speakers Bureau for the Cocoa Beach Area Chamber of Commerce.
SBDC Partners With City of Jacksonville Small and Emerging Business Program
The SBDC at UNF partnered with the City of Jacksonville Small and Emerging Business Program to provide office space for its education coordinator one day a week. Pedro Gonzalez is working with the SBDC at UNF to assist certified JSEB businesses with financial analyses, bilingual counseling, ongoing education for recertification and contract assistance.
SBDC Develops Services for Non-Profit Organizations in Jacksonville
The SBDC at UNF continues to develop training and counseling services for non-profit organizations in Jacksonville. Kevin Monahan CBA organized an “Effective Grant Writing for Non-Profits” workshop in August that attracted 57 attendees. Demand for non-profit management assistance is at an all-time high based on the reduction in government funding that many non-profits are experiencing.
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Inspiration & Creativity Through Business Education
FSBDCN Partners With Various Organizations to Present the International Trade and Technology Commercialization Workshop
On August 22, TEAM Santa Rosa partnered with the Florida SBDC Network, the SBDC at UWF, WIRED NW Florida, Enterprise Florida and the U.S. Commercial Service to provide information on financial assistance available to companies. Session topics included:
The workshop provided participants with information on where to find resources in the region to support international trade and technological innovation. Lew Attardo, FSBDCN Business Technology Commercialization (BTC) Program Manager, provided an overview of the FSBDCN and its BTC Program, and how the BTC supports training and advisory services for technology and bioscience entrepreneurs through the UWF regional center. After introducing Dan Cavanaugh as the SBDC at UWF Regional Manager, Attardo briefed participants on the federal SBIR and STTR Programs as an example of services the Network provides to support area technology companies. |
 Lew Attardo  Dan Cavanaugh |
SBDC Expands Training Offerings
The SBDC at FAU continues to expand its training offerings by interviewing and introducing new guest speakers, creating new topics and utilizing new training locations. New seminars include" “Human Resources: A Guide for Business Growth,” “Successful Event Planning for Small Businesses,” “Tax Bootcamp for Business Owners” and “Cómo Comenzar un Negocio en la Florida (Starting a Business in Florida).” All new seminars are the result of attendee requests and were well attended with great reviews. New locations included the West Palm Beach City Hall, The Davie campus of FAU and the Southwest Regional Library in Pembroke Pines. Additionally, training team members attended the following programs to improve the SBDC’s training program: “Building a World-Class Training Program Without Breaking the Budget” and “How To Blend e-Learning into Your Training Program.”
SBDC at UCF Hosts a “Strategy Planning” Seminar as Part of Orange County's Economic Stimulus Package
The SBDC at UCF presented a one-day seminar entitled “Strategy Planning” on May 9. The seminar was part of the Center’s 6th Annual Strategic Seminar Series sponsored by the Orange County Government. Designed for established small businesses, the seminar was taught by UCF Professor Bruce Barringer and had over 50 participants. The seminar explored a range of strategic planning topics.
Free Disaster Planning Workshops Offered Throughout Central Florida
 Disaster Planning Seminar at SBDC at UCF presented by Robert Goetz |
During April through August, the SBDC at UCF featured a series on Disaster Planning. The two-hour workshop, entitled “One Plan, Any Disaster,” featured a “disaster plan in a box” concept and was presented by Robert Goetz, Manager of the SBDC at Seminole Community College (SCC). The workshop explained the strategies and tools for disaster planning and the critical components of business continuity planning and insurance. The series was presented to 125 attendees, free-of-charge, in nine locations, including: Cocoa Beach, Daytona Beach, Heathrow, Leesburg, Orlando, Oviedo, Palm Bay, Sanford and West Volusia. |
Advisory Board Committee Promotes the Power of E3
BCC's Institute for Business Training and Community Education held its Advisory
Committee meeting on August 15. The purpose of the committee is to exchange information and promote
mutual communication between BCC and the community. It also promotes the “power of E3” (education,
employment and economic development). SBDC at BCC Director Victoria Peake is a member. The committee is also promoting an exhibit of local artists, a reception honoring artists and programs featuring Art as Business.
SBDC at BCC Presents a Disaster Planning Program
The SBDC at BCC presented a program on
Disaster Planning for the Palm Bay Area Chamber of Commerce. Bill Cunningham, president of Business
Advisors International, Inc. and an active volunteer presenter for the SBDC, was the keynote speaker.
SBDC Experiments With Blogs, Podcasts and Online Training
The SBDC at UNF experimented with a number of new ways to communicate with small businesses. Philip Geist, Area Director, developed a blog on small business issues and delivers it via the Ocala Star-Banner website. Robert Myers and Kevin Monahan (CBAs) produced several podcasts that are being broadcasted via the SBDC at UNF website. The SBDC continues to deliver online training via SmallBizU.
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Non-Traditional Alliances Created By SBDC at FAU
The SBDC at FAU made in-roads into non-traditional alliances with the National Association of Black Hotel Owners, the National Association of Women in Construction, the Black Chamber of Commerce of Palm Beach, the Jamaica USA Chamber of Commerce and the National Truck Driving School by participating in various conferences, expos and forums.
Artists Learn How to Approach Their Activities as a Business
SBDC at FAU CBA Rafael Cruz was asked to join the Broward County Cultural and Arts Council to assist in the roll out of its new Micro Credit Business Development program for artists. The Council advises the County in public art and art education program activities. Cruz attended the monthly meeting regarding training artists in the various areas of running a small business. This initiative, put on by the Broward County Cultural Division, became the first ever Broward County “Artist as Entrepreneur Institute.” The AEI was a series of four-day-long training sessions for Artists to learn about how to approach their activities as a business. Cruz was a guest speaker at these sessions. This program was successful in Cleveland, Ohio, and was replicated in Broward County to foster economic development in the arts as part of the overall strategic objectives of the Broward County Commission. The program was a great success.
SBDC Assists With On-the-Spot Minority Certifications
| PTAC Specialist Charlene Bostic and CBA Eileen Rodriguez from the SBDC at USF attended the Florida Minority Supplier Development Council Trade Show and Conference in August. With their assistance, 11 clients were on-the-spot certified as Minority Business Enterprises (MBEs). L-R: SBDC Client Yolanda Cazares, Eileen Rodriguez, Charlene Bostic, and USF’s Supplier Diversity Manager Desiree Hanson |
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SBDC Exhibits at Taste of Nations Business-to-Business Expo
Victoria Peake and Sandy Pfrimmer of the SBDC at BCC exhibited at the first Taste of Nations Business-to-Business Expo hosted by the Melbourne/Palm Bay Area Chamber of Commerce’s Multi-Cultural Business Council.
First Start-Up Workshop Presented in Spanish
The SBDC at UNF in Jacksonville hosted its first on-campus Spanish language How to S-T-A-R-T-U-P Your Own Business workshop in August. The workshop provided an overview of the seven basic requirements for business STARTUP: selecting an idea, testing the market, acquiring capital, writing a plan, turning for help, understanding legal requirements and projecting cash flow.
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Community Awareness: SBDC Visibility
Congressman Connie Mack Visits the SBDC at FGCU
 L-R: Connie Mack, Richard Pegnetter and Dan Regelski (back) |
 Connie Mack Speaks at Roundtable |
Congressman Connie Mack serves Southwest Florida's 14th District. His office contacted Dan Regelski, Director of the SBDC at FGCU, and asked Regelski to organize a group of small business owners for the Congressman to get a “feel” for their views on issues like the economy, problems within an industry, potential for future growth, insurance and employment. The result was the Small Business Roundtable held at the SBDC office on July 3. FGCU Interim President Dr. Richard Pegnetter welcomed the Congressman and his staff in his opening remarks. A plaque was prepared and presented to Congressman Mack, highlighting the impact of the SBDC within his District for 2006. |
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SBDC at UCF Hosts Award Luncheon for Florida’s Small Business Person of the Year
 L-R: Eunice Choi, Rod Vargas, Commissioner Mildred Fernandez and Wilfredo Gonzalez |
The SBDC at UCF hosted an award luncheon to honor Rod Vargas, the U.S. SBA's 2007 Florida Small Business Person of the Year. The luncheon was held at UCF’s Fairwinds Alumni Center on May 10, and included over 50 members of the business community, UCF, SBDC at UCF, and Vargas’ family and friends. The luncheon program included a welcome by Dean Thomas Keon, UCF College of Business Administration, followed by an overview of Vargas’ accomplishments by Eunice Choi, SBDC Interim Director. The SBA award was presented to Vargas by Wilfredo Gonzalez, SBA District Director. Vargas was also given a Proclamation, “Rod Vargas and Apex Environmental Day,” presented by District 3 Commissioner, Mildred Fernandez, on behalf of the Orange County Government. The luncheon was sponsored by the UCF College of Business Administration, the Orange County Government and Bank First. |
CBA Discusses Rural Entrepreneurship on Radio Station
In early July, Jim Lilly CBA appeared on the morning show on WOKC 1570 AM, an Okeechobee Radio Station, to discuss the REAL (Rural Entrepreneurship through Action Learning) and SBDC services.
Event for Veterans Attracts 200 Attendees
 Veterans Expo |
 Lunch Intro by Dr. Kristen Murtaugh, FAU Vice President |
In April, the Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC) Program and the SBDC at FAU’s counseling and training staff coordinated and facilitated a day-long expo and training session for veterans. The event attracted approximately 200 attendees and several sponsors. The event was held on the Jupiter campus of FAU and was well received. One guest speaker came from Washington, DC and several others committed time and effort to support the event. |
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SBDC Co-Sponsors Women's Conferences
The SBDC at BCC has supported the National Center for Small Business Information at the Florida Institute of Technology by co-sponsoring two Women’s Conferences this spring and summer. SBA Regional Manager and FSBDCN Project Officer Tom Gallman was a featured speaker at both events.
SBDC Holds Lenders Roundtable at One Senior Place
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 Victoria Peake Presents at Lenders Rountable |
The SBDC at BCC held a Lenders Roundtable at One Senior Place in Viera, on August 21. Miguel Gonzalez, from the Chief Lender Relations Division of the SBA in Miami, was a featured speaker. Other speakers included representatives from the Florida Business Bank, BB&T and the Space Coast Credit Union. |
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Jacksonville SBDC Co-Sponsors 12 Business Continuity and Recovery Workshops
The SBDC at UNF co-sponsored 12 workshops as part of the Florida SBDC Network's Business Continuity and Recovery Management Program. These workshops included visits from the FSBDC’s Mobile Assistance Center.
SBRN Celebrates 15th Anniversary
The Small Business Resource Network at the SBDC at UNF, in Jacksonville, celebrated its 15th Anniversary this summer. The SBRN recently expanded statewide and has more than 270 professional and agency members, with active chapters at SBDCs in Jacksonville, Orlando, Fort Myers and Tampa.
Efforts Initiated to Increase Visibility of SBDC Program to Elected Officials
The SBDC at UNF coordinated an effort to increase visibility for the SBDC program among elected officials at the local level. Staff, clients and SBRN members visited City Council members in Jacksonville and the Ocala/Marion County Chamber of Commerce organized a small business task force to advocate for the SBDC. These efforts were designed to encourage the restoration of local matching dollars to the SBDC program.
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Regional Director Participates in FAVACA Mission
SBDC at FAU Regional Director Nancy Young participated in a FAVACA (Florida Association of Voluntary Agencies for Caribbean Action) mission, where she spoke about the SBDC program. Her participation resulted in Cayman Islands Investment Bureau principals, Shannon McKenzie and Dax Basdeo, coming to Florida in June to attend the statewide FSBDCN's Professional Development Conference in Clearwater and seeking a formal agreement of cooperation between the FSBDCN and the CIIB. |
 L-R: Nancy Young; Marian Morgan, Private Consultant/Trainer/Life Coach; Shannon McKenzie, Business Development Advisor, CIIB; Dax Baseo, Executive Director, CIIB |
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Merida Institute of Technology Visitor Receives Real World SBDC Experience Mario Gonzalez, a visitor from the Merida Institute of Technology in Mexico, spent four weeks at the SBDC at USF observing SBDC protocol. During his stay, Mario had the opportunity to observe counseling sessions and attend several seminars. He will complete his degree at the Merida Institute of Technology by interning at the Merida SBDC. |
SBDC Offers Export Florida Series
The SBDC at USF offered Export Florida, a three-part training series, that covered international trade, dealing with export markets and export documentation. The series attracted 27 attendees.
CBA Passes NASBITE Exam
Daniel Scott CBA, from the SBDC at USF, passed the NASBITE’s Certified Global Business Professional Exam. He will serve as a back-up for international activities in the SBDC.
The SBDC at BCC, in conjunction with the Space Coast World Trade Council, held a training and certification class, Automated Export Certification, in Cocoa Beach. The trainer and examiner were from the U.S. Department of Census in Washington, DC.
SBDC Assistance and Workshop Information Provided in Belize
The SBDC at UNF provided assistance and workshop information to the Centre for Business and Career Development at St. John’s College in Belize.
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Excellence in Quality Improvement
Regional Director Participates on FAU's Strategic Planning Committee
Nancy Young, Regional Director at the SBDC at FAU, was asked to serve as a member of FAU’s strategic planning committee to implement recommendations for fulfilling unique institutional responsibilities. Young brought the idea of inviting Michigan State University administrators who were responsible for developing their Outreach and Community Engagement program to the goal development. This sharing between universities will facilitate new ideas for FAU to better serve its community.
Listening Post Data Reveals New Initiatives to Meet Client Needs
Management of the SBDC at FAU held several meetings to review data collected from listening posts to identify new initiatives in response to customer input. Listening posts are points at which customers and the local small business community provide feedback directly to the SBDC regarding their needs. Each month the SBDC plans and implements new ways of meeting needs. These are reported on in the SBDC’s monthly e-newsletter. It is sent to more than 10,000 clients and advocates.
SBDC Staff Receive Intensive Professional Development Training
SBDC at UNF CBA Cathy Hagan attended a week-long training program on disaster-resistant jobs sponsored by FEMA, and she and Robert Myers CBA attended the Florida Emergency Preparedness Mid-Year Conference.
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FSBDCN Recognizes Excellence
CBA Graduates from Inaugural Leadership Class
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Sean Moore CBA, from the SBDC at FGCU in Clewiston/Labelle, was one of 20 participants who graduated from the Inaugural Leadership Class of Glades/Hendry Counties in June. The purpose of the program is to prepare residents to be productive leaders in the community. The participants learned about the counties in which they live and work and focused on the various branches of government. They learned about health and education issues and discussed the environment, along with other topics. |
Summer 2007
In This Issue
Student Participation in Reality Labs
Community Outreach: Initiatives for Expanding, Supporting and Partnering
Inspiration & Creativity Through Business Education
Diversity Through Collaboration
Community Awareness: SBDC Visibility
Global Relations: Developments
Excellence in Quality Improvement
FSBDCN Recognizes Excellence