The Greater Seattle Chamber of Commerce awarded the 2009 Jeri McDonald Award to Michael J. Franz from WSU. Franz is a center director and certified business adviser with the Washington Small Business Development Center. His office is located at WSU West in Seattle.
The award was presented at the chamber annual meeting held at the Westin Hotel in Seattle on Sept. 25. Peter D. Joers III, president of Bank of America in Washington, made the presentation, stating that it recognizes “entrepreneurial excellence and community service”. Franz was instrumental in conceptualizing, implementing and facilitating the small business Entrepreneur and CEO roundtables at the Seattle Chamber. He has provided support for chamber programs and has delivered advice and mentoring for approximately 2,000 small businesses since 1998.
The award is given in honor of Jeri McDonald, a WSU alumni, who was an incredible spirit, savvy business owner and a community leader who died in 2001. Darlene Robbins, director of education and training for the U.S. SBA District Office in Seattle said, “Jeri McDonald was Chair of the Small Business Committee for the Chamber for many years, and was a true volunteer of her time, passion and efforts.” Art McDonald, a WSU alumni and Jeri’s husband, attended the event.
