Southeastern SBDC recognized by state organization
Contact: Rene Abadie
2/18/10
HAMMOND – The Louisiana Small Business Development Center awarded the SBDC at Southeastern Louisiana University two awards – including its prestigious “Big Deal Award” – at its state meeting recently in Lafayette.
The “Big Deal Award” recognized the Southeastern center’s comprehensive retail study of the Hammond area that has served as a critical marketing tool in recruiting major new retailers to the city.
“We’re proud to be recognized for our efforts to enhance economic development in the area,” said William Joubert, director of the center. “This was a massive project that required considerable research and work by our staff, but it has paid off handsomely with the introduction of several new businesses to the area and a boost in construction and permanent jobs.”
Assisting the SBDC in crafting the study were representatives of the City of Hammond, the Southeastern Business Research Center, members of the College of Business, including Dean Randy Settoon, John Giamalva, Rusty Juban, and Robert Cope, and SBDC business consultant Wayne Ricks.
The state group also recognized Ricks, naming him to the Million Dollar Club for the second consecutive year.
Ricks’ efforts last year helped area businesses obtain nearly $1.5 million in financing to initiate or expand operations. A consultant at Southeastern since 2005, he assists clients with start-up and existing businesses, executing business plans and assisting in gaining financing. He also works with area economic development agencies.
He is a graduate of Southeastern with a degree in finance and a master of business administration degree.
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