The SBDC Los Angeles Regional Network had its annual meeting today, a professional development day that highlights center programs, facilitates inter-center communication and also serves as a network-wide awards ceremony, recognizing centers that meet their goals and advisers who meet milestones such as helping clients to create more than 100 new jobs or start more than 100 businesses.
This year featured a new award, in honor of SBDC adviser Samantha Sproson. Samantha worked as a core adviser at the Long Beach and El Camino offices and toward the end of my first six months at the Long Beach SBDC, she and I had gotten friendly and made plans to meet for drinks in the beginning of 2012. We were not able to do that, however, because she was killed by her boyfriend on New Year’s Eve.
I was shaken by the news … though I had only known her a short time, I liked and respected her very much. Sam was a great person, known for her joyful and genuine laugh and her passion for helping her clients, even off-hours.
The Samantha Sproson Spirit Award was created to honor Sam’s passionate spirit and recognizes an SBDC adviser at each center that exemplifies the traits of an entrepreneurial spirit, a passion for wanting to see people succeed and the ability to help clients reach their goals.
I am completely delighted to have been awarded today the inaugural Samantha Sproson Spirit Award. The small businesses I work with mean a lot to me, and I know they meant a lot to Sam. Being able to carry on her legacy of dedication and passion is a true honor.
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