The University of Georgia Small Business Development Center recognized 2022 award winners and sponsors during their annual conference on April 24, 2023.
“The recipients of these awards excel in their work with the business community, program development and representation of the UGA SBDC program. We’re grateful for their contributions to our organization and are proud to recognize them for their efforts.”
Allan Adams, State Director, University of Georgia Small Business Development Center
Consultant of the Year
Daniel McCoy, senior business consultant at UGA SBDC at Kennesaw State University, received the Consultant of the Year award. The award is given based on outstanding accomplishments during the year, including work with the business community, program development, research, publications, presentations, professional development activities, involvement in business-related organizations/projects/programs, and basic consulting and continuing education activities.
Support Staff of the Year
Carole Arnold, program coordinator at UGA SBDC at Kennesaw State University, has been selected as the 2022 Support Staff of the Year. The award is given based on outstanding performance in a support staff role.
Rookie of the Year
Troy Vollenweider, business consultant at UGA SBDC at University of West Georgia, received the Rookie of the Year award. The Rookie of the Year is granted to a new consultant who has shown outstanding progress in building their consulting practice.
The Consultant of the Year, the Support Staff of the Year and the Rookie of the Year awards were funded through a $25,000 endowment to UGA. Eric Bonaparte and his sister Carole created the endowment to establish the Eric Stanley Bonaparte Award Endowment Fund. The fund provides ongoing financial support for the UGA SBDC’s annual awards.
Innovation of the Year
The Innovation of the Year award was given to the staff at the Multicultural Business Division and the UGA SBDC at Morehouse College for their work on the Multicultural Business Summit. A networking and training event, the Multicultural Business Summit, helps small business owners and small business supporters to learn about procurement-related topics.
The Innovation of the Year (IOY) award is given to one or more faculty or staff member for developing an outstanding continuing education program, creation of process manuals, new or improved methodologies for office operations or consulting practices, new tool development, or other creation or modification of a program or service that results in a significant impact on the operations or services of the UGA SBDC.
Robert T. Dixon Professionalism Award
Todd Anduze is the recipient of the Robert T. Dixon Professionalism award. This award, given in memory and honor of Robert T. Dixon, recognizes an SBDC faculty or staff who demonstrates Robert’s dedication and enthusiasm for the UGA SBDC and the organization’s values of authenticity, value, passion and impact.
