Dave McLaren

  As Regional Director of the Iowa Small Business Development Center at Southwestern Community College in Creston, Dave was honored as the 2013 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.

“Dave has been providing valuable assistance and identifying new opportunities for the small businesses in his rural region in Southwest Iowa since he started with our organization,” says Iowa SBDC State Director Jim Heckmann. “He is well known for his willingness to take on special projects, his financial expertise, and his dedication to his clients. He very much deserves this national recognition.”

Tom Lesan, Vice President of Economic Development for Southwestern Community College, adds, “I knew Dave was highly respected throughout our service area, but this award shows that his expertise is recognized statewide.”

McLaren, who’s been with the organization since October 2006, was nominated by his associates for the honor. He was honored at a special reception held during the America’s SBDC national fall conference in Orlando, Florida in September 2013.