SBDC receives export honors

The Michigan Small Business Development Center headquarters was honored with the U.S. Commercial Service's Export Achievement Certificate on Oct. 21. Congressman Vernon Ehlers, R-Grand Rapids, presented the award, which is given to exporters and export facilitators of special merit.

The center, which is headquartered at Grand Valley State University, prepares clients who want to open their own business, as well as those who want to improve or expand their existing business. The state headquarters was moved to Grand Valley from Detroit in 2000.

'We're extremely proud to receive the U.S. Department of Commerce Export Achievement Certificate,' said state director Carol Lopucki. 'The SBDC network is committed to working hand-in-hand with the department's U.S. Export Assistance Centers and the state of Michigan to strengthen companies and prepare them for export readiness. At times of economic slowdown, businesses often find themselves looking at the global market with a keen eye; the SBDC expects to work in strong partnership with the U.S. Deptartment of Commerce to help companies explore these opportunities.'

Thomas Maguire, director and international trade specialist for the Grand Rapids Export Assistance Center, applauded the efforts of Grand Valley and the SBDC.

'Dean David Mielke of the Seidman School of Business was highly instrumental in having the operation moved to Grand Valley and arranged for office space and many other incentives to secure the transfer. The SBDC is an integral part of the Seidman School's business outreach program. Carol Lopucki has done an outstanding job of reorganizing the statewide operation,' said Maguire.

Maguire said the SBDC refers clients to the Commercial Service, which assists them with their export initiatives.

'It is a highly successful partnership,' Maguire said.