MiraCosta College Superintendent/President Receives Small Business Award

The executive board of the San Diego & Imperial SBDC Network Advisory Counci l has named Dr. Francisco Rodriguez as the SBDC Advocate of the Year. The SBDC (Small Business Development Center) presented the award to Dr. Rodriguez at the GrowBiz Luncheon, held August 17.

Dr. Rodriguez, superintendent/president of MiraCosta College, is a leading proponent of the philosophy that economic development and education go hand in hand, and is a firm believer that small businesses are vital to the revitalization of our economy. In words and in practice, Dr. Rodriguez reminds the community that the SBDC program is an exemplary program in the region, referring to it as the "intellectual fuel" needed to drive the engine of small business growth.

As a prominent leader in the community, Dr. Rodriguez utilizes this role to promote the SBDC at every opportunity and provides continuing support to the efforts of the program. Through the support of Dr. Rodriguez:

• The SBDC continues receiving funding from the California Community College Office of the Chancellor Economic & Workforce Development program

• The SBDC continues to receive significant cash match from the MiraCosta College District to support small business activities

• The North San Diego SBDC facility has been remodeled and is located in a prominent business-friendly location

• The North San Diego SBDC has developed into a robust program as a result of the support of this vital advocate.

“Dr. Rodriguez is an active member of the North San Diego SBDC Advisory Committee and the San Diego & SBDC Regional Advisory Council,” says Debbie Trujillo, regional director of the San Diego and Imperial SBDC Network. “The regional Network of SBDCs has benefited from his superb leadership in economic and business development.”

For more information on the SBDC, call 760.795.8740.