AMES — America’s SBDC Iowa is pleased to announce that Audra Fisher, business partner for the Webster County Extension & Outreach SBDC, has been chosen as Small Business Development Center Support Person of the Year.

Kimberly Tiefenthaler, regional director of the Webster County Extension & Outreach SBDC, nominated Fisher for the award. Tiefenthaler gives Fisher much of the credit for the strength of the SBDC and being a strong advocate.

“Audra is always networking on behalf of the SBDC,” Tiefenthaler said. “She has been such a great supporter of the program. She has an excellent understanding of our mission and provided an environment that perfectly complements what we are trying to build to help entrepreneurs succeed.”

Fisher is the office manager for the Webster County Extension & Outreach office and also assists the SBDC with finding resources and navigating the business network in the region.

“Her ability to think of the big picture and focus on results as well as developing stronger partnerships is why Audra rose to the top for this award,” State Director Lisa Shimkat said. “Audra jumped right in and helped us build a strong foundation of success as well as continue being that powerful resource to help us meet the needs of entrepreneurs and small business owners. We are honored to have her as a part of our team.”

America’s SBDC Iowa is an outreach program of Iowa State University’s Ivy College of Business and the Office of Economic Development and Industry Relations.

Funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration, America’s SBDC Iowa has 15 regional assistance centers located strategically across the state. Since program inception in 1981, the SBDC has helped Iowa businesses and entrepreneurs through no fee, confidential, customized, professional business counseling and practical, affordable training workshops.