Eugene, OR - The Lane Community College Small Business Development Center received a 2012 Outreach and Engagement Cooperator Award from the Oregon State University Extension Association at an Extension event on May 2. The center was recognized for making significant contributions to OSU Extension programs and helping the service stay viable in Lane County.
SBDC Director James Lindly, Operations Coordinator Shirl Meads, and Agricultural Business Management Program Instructor-Coordinator Diane Pigg, were honored.
"A strong working partnership with Lane Community College is important for the survival of the Lane County OSU Extension Service Horticulture Program," it was noted in the event program. "Extension faculty and the community college's Small Business Development Center have developed a successful working relationship including joint educational efforts to mutually conserve resources and benefit students. With funding received through a grant, LCC and OSU work together to provide outreach and assistance for new and socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers. LCC started sponsoring OSU programs six years ago, offering classes and trainings through the Small Business Development Center. They have provided invaluable assistance to Extension training programs including grant funding, facilities, staff and technical support and marketing. LCC has supplied political support to raise awareness, and facilitate understanding and communication around local funding for the OSU Extension Service. Always community oriented, LCC's Small Business Development Center takes to heart public need, and the sound use of financial resources."
Award criteria included program involvement beyond normal service; support through advisory councils, committees, fund raising, financial contributions, and political support; and community service.
The LCC Small Business Development Center is part of the Oregon Small Business Development Center Network and receives funding and support from the SBA and Business Oregon. For more information contact Shirl Meads at (541) 463-4622, visit www.LaneSBDC.com, or visits at 1445 Willamette St., Eugene, Oregon.
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Media contact: Joan Aschim, PIO, aschimj@lanecc.edu or (541) 463-5591