Spokane, Wash, Mike Morrisette, President and CEO of the Greater Yakima Chamber of Commerce received the Washington Small Business Development Center (SBDC) network Silver Star Award at the December Chamber meeting held in Yakima Dec. 11.
The mission of the Greater Yakima Chamber of Commerce is to enhance and preserve the present and future business climate and community improvement of the greater Yakima area by representing the entire cross section of the business community. Through hard work, partnerships and dedication, Mike Morrisette was able to help establish a Small Business Development Center that serves the greater Yakima region.
The Yakima SBDC reopened its doors this March in large part due to the cooperation and in-kind financial support provided by the Greater Yakima Chamber of Commerce. The Washington SBDC had a presence in Yakima for many years, but the center had been inactive since early 2004.
Morrisette was instrumental in bringing the SBDC back to Yakima, allowing small businesses and entrepreneurs access to professional management and technical assistance. He brought a keen appreciation of the SBDC to Yakima that was gleaned from his work with the Green River SBDC while he was president of the Auburn Chamber of Commerce.
“It is through the strength of partnerships with great organizations such as the Greater Yakima Chamber of Commerce, and in particular to the dedication and drive of people like Mike Morrisette, that enables the Washington SBDC to continue to successfully assist small businesses and entrepreneurs, and to make a difference in the economy that is realized at the community level,” said Brett Rogers, SBDC state director.
The Washington SBDC Silver Star award was created in 2005 during the network’s 25th anniversary. The award is presented to partners, clients and stakeholders that have helped promote and expand the vision of the SBDC to provide expert technical assistance, training and business services to small businesses across the state.
Past recipients of the Silver Star award include Rep. Kelli Linville, Rep. Deb Wallace, the Greater Seattle Chamber of Commerce, Bates Technical College, the Puget Sound Business Journal and several other key stakeholders across the state.
The SBDC provides no-charge confidential counseling and low-cost training to current and prospective business owners. It is a cooperative effort between Washington State University, Western Washington University, community colleges, economic development organizations and the U.S. Small Business Administration.
For more information on the mission and services of the SBDC visit the Network Web site at https://www.wsbdc.org.
