Four Earn Regional FSBDC Awards
TAMPA – The Florida SBDC at USF recently announced its 2013 performance award winners. Winners are now eligible for Florida SBDC Network state awards. State award winners will be announced at the FSBDC Network’s Annual Conference, held at the Tampa Marriott Waterside Hotel & Marina next week.
Jim Parrish – Certified Business Consultant of the Year
Jim Parrish, an employee of the Network for 19 years, provided more than 800 hours of consulting time during 2013. His consulting accounted for 60 percent of total loan amounts obtained in the region, 24 percent of total sales increase, and 38 percent of total capital formation.
“He is highly respected by his peers and his supervisors and always delivers quality services and products to his clients,” Eileen Rodriguez, Regional Director, said.
Parrish is widely acknowledged as the greatest proponent of the Network’s Growth Acceleration Services, in which entrepreneurs have access to in-depth assessments of the health of their businesses, at no cost.
Kris Manning – Employee of the Year
Kris Manning recently earned her Bachelor of Science in Applied Science from University of South Florida. Additionally, she is a USF TRAIN Associate. This is an internal designation given by The Research Administration Improvement Network to employees who are subject matter experts in a particular aspect of pre-award and/or post-award. She is the only USF TRAIN Associate in the College of Business.
“Kris is an example to all regarding her work performance,” Rodriguez said. “She is completely embedded in the SBDC and is an integral part of our team. Decisions are not made without her input.”
Lakeland Area Chamber of Commerce – Outstanding Resource Partner
The Lakeland Area Chamber of Commerce was recognized for its unwavering support of the Florida SBDC at USF in Polk County. LACC provides office and classroom space for a certified consultant at the Chamber, features the FSBDC at USF in their monthly communications to members, and partnered with the FSBDC on a Small Business Week event.
Olga Pina – Volunteer of the Year
Olga Pina has volunteered for the FSBDC at USF’s International Trade Certificate Program since the inception of the program in 2006. Pina is an attorney specializing in international contracts and she teaches a three-hour module each year. Additionally, she provides limited pro-bono services to FSBDC at USF clients.
The Florida SBDC at USF is hosted and partially funded by the University of South Florida College of Business.
