Lisa Shimkat

As Regional Director of the Iowa Small Business Development Center for North Central Iowa in Fort Dodge, Lisa was honored as the 2010 Iowa “State Star” by the national association of Small Business Development Centers – America’s SBDC.

America’s SBDC annually recognizes Small Business Development Center employees for demonstrating exemplary work performance, significantly contributing to the organization’s economic development efforts, and showing a strong commitment to small businesses.

Shimkat, who’s been with the organization since May 2007, was nominated by her associates for the honor. She was honored at a special reception held during the America’s SBDC national fall conference in San Antonio, Texas on Sept. 24, 2010.

“This nomination by Lisa’s peers recognizes the outstanding job she has done for the business communities in the ten counties served by the North Central Iowa Small Business Development Center,” says Iowa SBDC State Director Jim Heckmann. “Lisa always works extremely hard for her clients and for our organization. Her dedication deserves this recognition.”

Jim Patton, Region 7 Education Director, Iowa State University Extension Office, Fort Dodge, adds, “Lisa is one of many dedicated staff of the Iowa SBDC. Her achievements are highlighted by her efforts through team work with Small Business Development Centers across the state. Lisa’s enthusiasm, imagination and energy are contagious. She is an outstanding professional deserving the Iowa SBDC 2010 State Star Award.”

Lisa Shimkat, Regional Director of the Iowa Small Business Development Center for North Central Iowa in Fort Dodge, Iowa, received her national State Star Award at a special award reception in San Antonio, Texas on September 24, 2010. Photo identifications, left to right, are: Charles “Tee” Rowe, President/CEO, America’s SBDC; Jerry Cartwright, State Director, Florida SBDC; Jim Heckmann, State Director, Iowa SBDC; Lisa Shimkat, Iowa 2010 State Star and Regional Director, North Central Iowa SBDC; Antonio Doss, Associate Administrator, Office of Small Business Development Centers, U. S. Small Business Administration; Jim Mullery, Vice President, ACT! Sales, Sage North America.