The Kentucky Small Business Development Center announced that the Louisville Small Business Development Center staff is the recipient of the 2016 Sutton Landry State Star for Kentucky. The Louisville staff will be recognized at a private reception during the America’s Small Business Development Center conference in Orlando, Florida.

The America’s SBDC honors a star from each state’s SBDC annually. The award is normally presented to an individual; for Kentucky this will mark the first time an entire office has been chosen. Selection is based upon who is considered an example of excellence, makes a significant contribution to their center’s program and exhibits dedication to assisting small businesses.

“The Sutton Landry State Star is an honor recognizing outstanding performance and commitment in serving Kentucky’s small businesses and the KSBDC network. The Louisville SBDC is a shining example of success, commitment and innovation. The center’s staff works incredibly hard for their clients; they make us very proud,” said Becky Naugle, state director.

The Louisville center has been a part of the Kentucky Small Business Development Center network since 1982. The team consists of center director David Oetken; Toni Sears, assistant director; Vallorie Henderson, management consultant; and Janet Flaugh, communications coordinator. Over the years, the Louisville office has been noted for extraordinary work, receiving statewide recognition for performance and success.

The Kentucky Small Business Development Center, part of the UK College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, is a network of 13 offices located throughout the state that helps existing and start-up businesses succeed by offering high quality, in-depth and hands-on services. KSBDC is a partner program with the U.S. Small Business Administration. For more information on KSBDC services, visit their website, http://www.ksbdc.org/.