Southeastern SBDC recognized as best in the nation
Wednesday, May 13, 2015
by: Rene Abadie
BEAMING WITH PRIDE – Staff members with Southeastern’s Louisiana Small Business Development Center show off their award from the Small Business Administration recognizing the SBDC as the best in the nation at ceremonies held in the White House last week. Pictured are, from left, Business Consultants Wayne Ricks and Brandy Boudreaux, Assistant Director Sandy Summers, and Director William Joubert.
HAMMOND - The U.S. Small Business Association officially recognized the Southeastern
Louisiana University Small Business Development Center as the best in the nation at
the SBA’s annual awards held at the White House on Friday (May 8).
The award was presented by SBA Administrator Maria Contreras-Sweet as part of
the SBA’s recognition of National Small Business Week. Present to accept the award
on behalf of Southeastern were Director William Joubert, Assistant Director and Training
Coordinator Sandy Summers, and Business Consultants Wayne Ricks and Brandy Boudreaux.
All four staff members are graduates of Southeastern business programs.
Earlier last week, the Southeastern SBDC received recognition at the Louisiana
Governor’s mansion for earning top state and multi-state regional awards as the best
unit in those areas.
“We are extremely proud of Bill Joubert and his staff,” said SBA Louisiana District
Director Michael Ricks. “Southeastern’s SBDC has been a consistent top performer over
the years in a state SBDC network widely recognized across the agency as exceptional.
It is truly a remarkable achievement to be acknowledged best of the best.”
Joubert said over the past 10 years, since the center has been located in the
university’s Southeast Louisiana Business Center, the SBDC has assisted more than
3,600 clients, aided in the development of more than 220 new businesses and expansions,
helped businesses create 2,500 new jobs, and helped obtain more than $328 million
in capital formation.
“This award recognizes the tremendous emphasis that Southeastern places in helping
to build the economic development of our region, which is actually a part of our mission,”
said John L. Crain, Southeastern president. “After years of commitment to assisting
our area businesses and industries, we are proud to be recognized at this high level.”
Southeastern operates one of 10 SBDCs in Louisiana and approximately 1,000 in
the nation. The group serves the five-parish region of Livingston, St. Helena, St.
Tammany, Tangipahoa and Washington parishes. The Southeastern SBDC has operated for
more than 20 years as a champion for small businesses throughout the region.
