Michael Myhre Selected to Lead Florida SBDC Network as Interim State Director

Media Release Release Date: April 1, 2013 Contact: Cheryl.Kirby@FloridaSBDC.org FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Michael Myhre Selected to Lead Florida SBDC Network as Interim State Director FSBDCN State Office: The Florida Small Business Development Center Network (FSBDCN) is pleased to announce that Michael (Mike) Myhre has been selected to lead the FSBDCN as the Interim State Director. Myhre joined the FSBDCN in January 2011, serving as the Network's Deputy State Director. Myhre has over 20 years of business experience, dedicating his career to ensuring success for entrepreneurs and small business owners. His extensive small business knowledge and experience have been and will continue to be invaluable assets to the Network.
	"For over 35 years, the Florida SBDC Network and its committed partners and professionals have been serving the complex and diverse needs of Florida's small businesses with resounding success and return to the citizens of Florida," said Myhre. "I look forward to the opportunity to continue its rich tradition as a progressive organization focused on the enrichment of Florida."
Prior to joining the FSBDCN, Myhre held the position of State Director for the Office of Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development; the State of Minnesota's lead office in entrepreneurial and small business policy development and support services, including its cornerstone program, the Minnesota SBDC program. Throughout his career, he has held various positions in the field of small business assistance, development and education. Myhre is preceded in the position by Jerry Cartwright who retired after 24 years as State Director for the FSBDCN. Over the last 10 years under Cartwright's leadership, the Florida Network served more than 1.1 million entrepreneurs with consulting, training and information, resulting in 161,618 jobs created and retained, $7.3 billion in sales growth, $3.6 billion in contract awards, $1.3 billion in capital accessed, and 7,300 new businesses started. About the FSBDC Network For over 35 years, the FSBDC Network has nourished a statewide partnership between higher education and economic development organizations, dedicated to providing emerging and established business owners with management and technical assistance, enabling overall growth and increased profitability for the businesses and economic prosperity for the state. A statewide service network of 39 centers with 65 outreach locations, the FSBDC Network is funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration, hosted by the University of West Florida and accredited through the national Association of SBDCs. To learn more about the FSBDC Network or to find a SBDC near you, visit www.FloridaSBDC.org or call 1.866.737.7232. In 2011, the Florida SBDCs served approximately 38,000 entrepreneurs and small business owners through consulting, training and information, resulting in 43,856 jobs created, retained and saved; $6 billion in sales growth; $98.1 million in capital accessed; $426.2 million in government contract awards; and 1,067 new businesses started. State Office l UWF Office of Economic Development & Engagement 11000 University Pkwy, Bldg 38 l Pensacola, FL 32514 866.737.7232 or 850.473.7800 l www.FloridaSBDC.org