FGCU SBDC Analysts Win SBA Small Business Advocacy Awards

PENSACOLA, FL:

From Left to Right: Julio Estremera, Karen Johnson Street, Jerry Cartwright, Suzanne Specht, and Dan Regelski
  
On June 9, 2003, SBA’s Associate Deputy Administrator of Entrepreneurial Development, Karen Johnson Street, and State Director, Jerry Cartwright, presented the 2003 Florida Small Business Development Center Network’s Performance and local SBA Small Business/Advocacy Awards at an Award’s Luncheon scheduled in conjunction with the FSBDC’s Annual Professional Development Conference at the Hilton Garden Inn on Pensacola Beach. Each year, FSBDC Network employees and volunteers are recognized for their outstanding efforts in supporting and fulfilling the Network’s mission to help entrepreneurs start and grow successful businesses in Florida.

Receiving awards this year were: Suzanne Specht, Excalibur Award for Excellence; Karen Mosteller, Regional Volunteer of the Year Award; Julio Estremera, Regional Certified Business Analyst (CBA) Impact Award; and Alberto Chavez, Regional and State Director ’s Office Employee of the Year Award.

Suzanne Specht was recognized for her dedication to business education, her commitment to offering new and innovative seminars and workshops, and developing recognition of entrepreneurs through involvement in the Collier County Micro Loan Program, the Blue Chip Business Recognition Committee, and the Steering Committee for Women’s Network Organization.

Suzanne is a FastTrac facilitator, seminar conductor, and relentless advocate when following up with lenders for loans for small business owners. She was recently promoted to Assistant Director and recognized by a local magazine as one of the top 40 female business leaders in SW Florida. Suzanne will also represent the State of Florida as the Star Performer during the 2003 national convention.

Julio Estremera was honored for efforts in business counseling, bi-lingual seminar preparation and delivery, and his work in developing programs with the SW FL Hispanic Chamber of commerce. Julio is a key committee member of the One Stop Career & Service Center in Immokalee.

Albeto Chavez was recognized for his work in developing a summary of international trade activity in SW Florida. The program, funded by the Horizon council of Lee County, involved person to person communication and follow up to identify credibility of export and import activity. This project was completed while Alberto finished up his MBA from Florida Gulf Coast University.

Karen Mosteller, CPA, is a member of Markham Norton Stroemer & Company, P.A, winner of the "SBA of the Year Award." Karen has volunteered numerous hours and generously shared her wealth of business experience with local entrepreneurs. Karen’s ability to explain financial problems and opportunities to entrepreneurs is respected and appreciated by our SBDC.