2000 State Star
[2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | 2004 | 2005]FOR RELEASE - January 13, 2001
SUZIE DAVID, GREAT FALLS, NAMED BY SBDC AS 'MONTANA STAR'
Award Recognizes 'Exemplary Performance', Commitment
Helena, MT - January 13, 2001 - Suzie David, Director, Great Falls, Small Business Development Center, has been recognized as a 'State Star' by the Association of Small Business Development Centers (ASBDC). The outstanding performers from each of the fifty states were recently honored at the 20th anniversary celebration of the Small Business Development program.
"The best part of my job is helping Montanans turn their dreams into business-success stories," said David. "Through the Montana SBDC network entrepreneurs and small business people have a place to connect and get connected to the resources needed to make it. Many people want to start a business -- doctors, lawyers, massage therapists and candy makers. But, they all have to grapple with the same question -'where and how do I start'. We help them find the answer which is right for them."
"Helping train and prepare folks for success in the high-risk field of business ownership is critical in our state where nearly 96% of our businesses have fewer than 10 employees," said Mark Simonich, Director, Montana Department of Commerce. " The Suzie Davids assist us in doing just that. Those of us involved in economic development in Montana learned a long time ago that along with attracting new businesses, it is imperative that we retain and expand our existing small business base."
As Director of the Great Falls SBDC, David oversees the second largest center in Montana. She provides counsel, educates, and guides entrepreneurial-hopefuls and small business owners in Toole, Pondera, Teton, Cascade, Judith Basin and Fergus counties. The majority of businesses seeking assistance are service, retail, manufacturing and wholesaler oriented. David has helped almost 1000 businesses with an estimated value of over $ 2 million. These businesses have created over 150 jobs. She has been the Director in Great Falls for five years.
In 1998 David received from the Montana SBA District Office the Small Business advocate of the year award for "Women in Business'". Prior to joining the SBDC, she was an assistance manager for Mountain Bell telephone company. David also brought eleven years experience as a Vice President for the Great Falls Government Employees Credit Union. She has BS in Business Administration from the University of Great Falls.
