Brian J. Baker, executive director of the University of Mary Washington Small Business Development Center (SBDC), has been awarded the 2010 Virginia Small Business Development Centers State Star Award.
In addition, the UMW SBDC has received full reaccreditation by the Association of Small Business Development Centers, the national accrediting body for SBDCs under contract with the U.S. Small Business Administration.
“The Small Business Development Center is a tremendous asset for this region,” said UMW President Richard V. Hurley. “The center helps entrepreneurs start and grow businesses by offering management training, one-on-one counseling, research and other support. Brian’s award-winning operation is key to the university’s renewed efforts to promote economic development, serve as a business and professional resource, and work with partners to solve local problems.”
Baker, director of the UMW center for eight years, was selected for the State Star Award from a statewide field of nominees who are Virginia SBDC employees. He received the award for his leadership as chairman of the VSBDC Customer Strategies committee, his creation of the web-based VSBDC Resource Small Business Toolbox, and his work as host of the live, monthly VSBDC program NetTalk.
“This is a shared success,” Baker said. “We have a very talented and committed team and a supportive home at the University of Mary Washington.” During the past five years, UMW SBDC clients have experienced more than $44 million in sales growth, created and retained 2,500-plus jobs, and invested more than $46 million in business projects.
The award is given annually to honor an exemplary VSBDC employee who makes a significant contribution to the state program and shows a strong commitment to small business. Baker, who was nominated three times previously for the award, will be among 63 award recipients from across the nation recognized in September at a national conference in San Antonio, Texas.
The UMW center recently received four-year reaccreditation after undergoing a rigorous review. A team of the SBDC leaders from Maryland and Delaware conducting a statewide review assessed leadership and organizational management, the strategic planning process, client and stakeholder focus, service delivery and program performance.
The reaccreditation review process, mandated by Congress, is based upon strict standards intended to ensure that the federal government, host institutions and local partners fund programs that have demonstrated effectiveness, efficiency and success in counseling and in training small business entrepreneurs.