News Releases
News from the Oregon Small Business Development Center Network
October 2, 2008
NEW SBDC STATE DIRECTOR HIRED
EUGENE OR - Michael Lainoff is the new state director of the Oregon Small Business Development Center Network. He resided in Flagstaff, Arizona for 13 years where he most recently served as the founding director of the Arizona Rural Policy Institute at the W. A. Franke College of Business at Northern Arizona University. In this capacity, he provided leadership for the Institute's applied research, policy analysis, and technical assistance programs. He previously served at Coconino Community College in Flagstaff as dean of Workforce Development and Extended Learning, director of the Small Business Development Center, and dean of Continuing Education.
"Oregon's economic vitality depends upon successful small businesses," says Lainoff. "For over 25 years, Oregon SBDCs have helped build the best businesses in America. I'm very pleased to return to this outstanding Network."
Lainoff is past director of the SBDC at Oregon Coast Community College, and is a former training specialist at Southwestern Oregon Community College. He operated his own consulting firm for 10 years, focusing on planning and communications projects.
"Michael brings to Oregon the right set of skills to meet current challenges," said Lane Community College President Mary Spilde. "His collaborative, problem-solving approach, his ability to work with all stakeholders, and his commitment to serve the small businesses of Oregon will provide the right kind of leadership to take our 19 Small Business Development Centers to the next level."
Lainoff has a bachelor of arts degree in English-creative writing from the University of Missouri, and a master of science in curriculum and instruction-instructional technology from the University of Oregon.
Oregon Small Business Development Centers provide comprehensive business management assistance, training, resources and information services to the business community. Professional certified business advisors who meet business experience standards provide business assistance at no cost to business owners. Oregon SBDC is a partnership program of the U.S. Small Business Administration in association with the Oregon Economic Community Development Department and Lane Community College and is accredited by the Association of Small Business Development Centers. Oregon SBDC operates a network of 19 service centers located throughout the state. For more information go online to www.BizCenter.org or call (541) 463-5250.
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Contact: Lisa Wald, (541) 463-5250, waldl@lanecc.edu
