Dr. Barbara Adams, SC SBDC Consortium Chair

message from sc sbdc Consortium Chair dr. barbara adams

THIS YEAR MARKS my third year serving as the SC SBDC Consortium Chair, and I am as honored and gratified today to serve in this position as I was on my first day in this role. I have been affiliated with the SC SBDC network for 16 years and am very proud to have witnessed the incredible accomplishments that the organization achieved in 2019.

The SC SBDC is a powerhouse of expertise. With the help of these professionals, small businesses are transforming innovation into sales, creating jobs and identifying new market opportunities. This network stands apart by building lasting relationships with rural, urban and suburban communities and investing in their growth. Every day, dedicated consultants help business owners identify opportunities, meet challenges, manage growth and plan for a bright and sustainable future.

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Reaching into their communities, SC SBDC consultants develop programs and services designed to embolden entrepreneurs, enrich communities and cultivate flourishing Main Streets from the Upstate to the Lowcountry and townships in between. Here in the SC State Region, the SBDC team is offering new services to farmers and other rural enterprises that are contributing to their growth.

Much is expected of our consultants in the 20 centers across the state, and I am proud to say that day in, day out they steadfastly deliver. Please join me in celebrating the passion and dedication of these professionals whose service enables small businesses to succeed in such a dynamic economic landscape…and to each of you who advocate on behalf of small businesses, the engines of South Carolina’s economy.

Sincerely,

Barbara L. Adams, Ph.D., CPA Dean & Professor of Accounting SC State University

state advisory board

Rachelle Jamerson-Holmes, Board Chair, Owner, Thee Matriarch Bed and Breakfast Jim Rohrer, Vice-Chair, Senior Credit Team Lead, TD Bank April Simpkins, President, HRS&S Consulting LLC Ashely Teasdel, Director of Business Services Division, SC Department of Commerce Courtney T. R. Furman, President, Furman Architects Cynthia Blair, Blair Cato Pickren Casterline, LLC Douglas Lineberry, Burr & Forman Frank Knapp, President & CEO, SC Small Business Chamber Garold Breit, Principal, Breit Ideas, LLC Jason Premo, President & CEO, Premo Ventures JoLee Gudmundson, President & Owner, Gudmundson Consulting Neil Rashley, Senior Vice President and Counsel, SC Bankers Association Ray Reich, Downtown Development Manager, City of Florence R. Cal Bruner Jr., Realtor, Century 21 The Moore Group Steve Bailey, CEO & Chairman, Merus Refreshment Service Honorary member, Gregg White, District Director, Small Business Administration