FSBDC at UCF’s Jill McLaughlin Recognized as 2014 Florida Star of the Year

International Trade Specialist Honored at National Conference

Media Release

Release Date: October 2, 2014
Contact: Dianne.Gross@FloridaSBDC.org | (850) 473-7809

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

FSBDCN State Office: Jill McLaughlin, International Trade Specialist for the Florida SBDC at the University of Central Florida and the Florida Star of the Year, was recently recognized at the 2014 America’s SBDC national conference in Grapevine, Texas. McLaughlin was recognized among State Star recipients from SBDCs across the country at a special reception at the 34th annual conference, which was held in September.

Passion for Serving Small Businesses

The State Star award, the highest accolade achievable by SBDC employees, recognizes extraordinary performers who have made strong contributions to their state network.

“We are pleased to recognize Jill for her accomplishments,” said Michael Myhre, CEO and Network State Director for the Florida SBDC. “Her passion and enthusiasm for serving small businesses in Central Florida is an inspiration. She is most deserving of this recognition.”

Expertise in Finance and Business Growth

A former investment banker and CPA, McLaughlin has leveraged her expertise in finance and business growth to provide exceptional value to her clients. Since joining the Florida SBDC Network, McLaughlin has assisted her clients increase sales over $30 million, obtain $2.6 million in capital, and create 133 jobs.

“I am honored to be recognized as the Florida Star of the Year, particularly given the many extraordinary contributors at the Florida SBDC who were considered for this award,” said McLaughlin. “I am extremely proud to be part of a team that works so hard and is so dedicated to assisting clients achieve their goals and aspirations, and in so doing has such a profound impact, creating success for our small businesses and our communities.”

Making a Difference for Florida Businesses

In June, the Florida SBDC Network recognized exemplary employees and partners who work hard to make a difference for Florida businesses. The Florida SBDC congratulates Jill McLaughlin and the 2014 regional and service year award winners for their achievements. To meet the winners, click here: Regional Award Winners & Service Year Award Winners.

About the Florida SBDC Network

For nearly forty years, the Florida SBDC Network has nourished a statewide partnership between higher education and economic development organizations, dedicated to providing emerging and established business owners with management and technical assistance, enabling overall growth and increased profitability for the businesses and economic prosperity for the state.

In 2013, the Florida SBDCs served over 34,000 entrepreneurs and small business owners through consulting and training, resulting in 39,536 jobs created, retained and saved; $5.5 billion in sales growth; $197.3 million in capital accessed; $602.2 million in government contract awards; and 685 new businesses started. And for every $1 of Florida public and private sector investment in the FSBDC program, $35 was returned to the state in tax revenue.

A statewide service network of over 40 centers with approximately 70 outreach locations, the Florida SBDC Network is funded in part by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), Defense Logistics Agency, State of Florida and other private and public partners, with the University of West Florida serving as the Network’s designated lead host institution. The Florida SBDC Network is state designated as Florida’s principal provider of business assistance and is nationally accredited by the Association of SBDCs. For more information, visit www.FloridaSBDC.org.

About America’s SBDC

America’s SBDC represents America’s nationwide network of Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) – the most comprehensive small business assistance network in the United States and its territories. The mission of America’s SBDC is to represent the interests of our members and their SBDCs, by promoting, informing, supporting and continuously improving America’s nationwide network of SBDCs. The mission of America’s nationwide network of SBDCs is to help new entrepreneurs realize the dream of business ownership, and to assist existing businesses to remain competitive in the complex marketplace of an ever-changing global economy. Hosted by leading universities, colleges and state economic development agencies, and funded in part by the United States Congress through a partnership with the U.S. Small Business Administration, nearly 1,000 service centers are available to provide no-cost business consulting and low-cost training. For more information, visit www.AmericasSBDC.org.