MORE BUSINESS NEWS: Urbana U. president resigns
“It’s going to be interesting to see how we leverage their resources as well as ours,” said Rob Alexander, the agency’s new executive director. He was named to replace Laurie Minnich, the agency’s previous executive director, earlier this month. She had served as executive director since 2015.
DETAILS: Unemployment rates dip in Clark, Champaign Counties
The SBDC is currently located at 300 E. Auburn Ave. It has operated from that location since the mid-1980s. The agency provides free training and consulting services to local business owners. The SBDC also manages a variety of business loan programs designed to increase access to startup and expansion capital.
READ MORE: Tax credits, jobs promised at New Springfield plant
“They will be in the heartbeat of where things are changing in our community,” said Horton Hobbs, vice president of economic development for The Chamber of Greater Springfield.
MORE: Junior Achievement to honor business leaders
The move to the Brinkman Center will provide more access to professors and staff at Clark State who can provide additional expertise when area business owners are facing challenges, Alexander said. It could also provide opportunities to connect Clark State students with small businesses for internships, for example.
The move also makes sense because other workforce training services, including employee training and pre-screening, are already located at the Brinkman Center, said Toni Overholser, director of workforce and business solutions at Clark State.
“Having a strong business climate is the most important part of having a strong community,” Overholser said. “It leads to business growth, job development, better resources for our citizens. Clark State wants to be part of that entrepreneurial movement within Springfield and bring businesses into the region.”
The move also frees up SBDC staff from managing its present location. The city of Springfield owns the property at 300 E. Auburn Ave., while the SBDC leases the site and helps manage a small number of small businesses that also operate from the building.
DETAILS:Honda spending $124M on area wind tunnel facility
“We are simplifying our operations essentially by making this move and taking away the risk that comes from operating a large rather old building,” Alexander said.
About the Author