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Regional director appointed at business-tech centerApril 20, 2009 KALAMAZOO--Tamara J. Davis has been appointed regional director at the Michigan Small Business and Technology Development Center based at the Western Michigan University Haworth College of Business. As regional director, Davis will serve nine counties in Southwest Michigan, working with new and existing businesses on a range of issues, including start-up, commercialization and growth strategies. She will ensure that entrepreneurs have the assistance they need to work through Michigan's network of resources in order to grow their businesses and create economic impact in their communities. Davis previously served as a business consultant at the center when it was located at Kalamazoo College. Prior to that, she was chair of the Department of Marketing and Management at Davenport University in Battle Creek, Holland and Kalamazoo. At Davenport, she was responsible for the development and implementation of a business and entrepreneurship curriculum, in addition to teaching business courses. "Our location within the Haworth College of Business provides us with a unique opportunity to work with students on a variety of projects," Davis says. "I look forward to increasing the awareness of the center and, at the same time, exploring academic opportunities with students that will enhance services to our clients." Davis says the timing is right for assuming her new role. "It's an exciting time to be moving into this position," she says. "In the current economic climate, assisting in the development and growth of small business in our local communities will help in getting Michigan's economy moving again." In addition to providing a full range of services for small businesses, the center is a grassroots advocate for small business, working in partnership with local resources to strengthen companies throughout the state organization's Region 11. The center is one of 12 such offices statewide providing services and support to the Michigan small business community in the areas of counseling, training and research. It serves Allegan, Barry, Berrien, Branch, Calhoun, Cass, Kalamazoo, St. Joseph and Van Buren counties. Statewide, the Michigan Small Business and Technology Development Center network works throughout the state to uncover opportunities and build relationships with organizations providing the extra assistance that makes a real difference to entrepreneurs. The statewide network positively impacts the local economy by strengthening companies, creating new jobs, retaining existing jobs and assisting companies in defining their paths to success. Contact Entrepreneurs and small business owners can learn more about the services offered by the Region 11 office by calling (269) 387-6004 or visiting www.misbtdc.org/region11. Media contact: Mark Schwerin, (269) 387-8400, mark.schwerin@wmich.edu WMU News |
