Current, former and founding members of the Arizona Friends of Small Business Advisory Board (Friends) gathered at Tempe Center for the Arts on November 30 to celebrate the Board’s 15th anniversary. Members on hand were recognized individually for their leadership and support of Arizona small businesses.
You can read more about the nationally-recognized Friends Board and its current members HERE.
The Arizona Small Business Development Center Network’s Friends of Small Business Advisory Board (FOSB) marked its 15th anniversary with a November 30 reception at Tempe Center for the Arts. Current and former members of the board — including several founding members — were recognized for their leadership and advocacy on behalf of Arizona small businesses.
Founder Mary Lou Bessette received a special recognition for her efforts in organizing what quickly became a model for similar efforts in other states. Founded in 1996, FOSB was recognized by the U.S. Small Business Administration in 1998 at the National Vision 2000 Conference hosted by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
Arizona’s Advisory Board concept was also presented at national conferences as a small business development center best practice.
The Friends of Small Business Advisory Board is a statewide board of accomplished business leaders that advises the AZSBDC Network on its program of work. The Board includes up to 25 Arizona small business champions — accomplished business executives, administrators and government officials who support, train, educate and applaud the efforts of small business owners who are striving to create economic success.
More than 60 Arizona business and community leaders have served as members of FOSB since its inception. The AZSBDC Network thanks each of them for their assistance and for their tireless commitment to the Arizona small business community
