SPOKANE – WSU’s Linda Johnson, business advisor for the Yakima Area Small Business Development Center, was recognized as the Network Star Performer for 2008 at the U.S. Small Business Administration’s (SBA) annual Gala.
Brett Rogers, State director for the Washington Small Business Development Center (SBDC), presented the honors.
“Every spring the Washington SBDC recognizes one of its many dedicated business advisors, who in addition to meeting all of their goals, have demonstrated exceptional commitment to the needs of their clients, their community and their colleagues,” Rogers said.
Linda Johnson also serves the Greater Yakima Area from her office at the Greater Yakima Chamber of Commerce and the Yakima County Development Association, assisted 116 clients in 2007 helping them access more than $2 million in capital and create or retain 29 jobs.
She supported fund-raising efforts for a Hispanic women and children’s program, shared her technical expertise with the local SCORE Chapter, and served on the local Entrepreneur Network.
Johnson pioneered the first SBDC regional business conference that used a panel of SBDC subject experts from around the state to deliver small business management training to Yakima area business owners. The lessons learned in piloting the event were captured in a “How To” resource book shared with her colleagues.
“Linda Johnson embodies the qualities that make a good business advisor—expertise, dedication and a passion for helping small businesses succeed. I am pleased and proud to name her as our Network Star Performer,” Rogers added.
Johnson will represent Washington at the Association of Small Business Development Centers national conference in Chicago in September where she will receive additional recognition as the Washington State Star.
