About the State Star Award – Idaho SBDC
In 2022, America’s SBDC Centers from across the entire US embodied the mission to serve small businesses through another nebulous year. The State Star is a team nominated service award, recognizing a team member who demonstrates the Idaho SBDC Core Values of Service, Respect, Discovery, and Perseverance. The embodiment of these values is what makes the network a high performing, high service, team oriented organization. In the State Star, we see those in the Idaho SBDC who serve as our guiding light, leading the way and setting the precedent for excellence in not only small business development, but all of Idaho.
Introduction to 2022 State Star Award Winner
In 2023 we collectively gathered as a network from all over the state to recognize the 2022 year’s State Star Nominations, as these nominees’ stand as a reflection of the incredible talent and dedication that it takes in order to better serve the people of the great state of Idaho. These nominees take it upon themselves to withhold and represent the core values of the network while also adding their own flare of expertise and excitement, every step of the way. This year out of the nominees that made it hard to choose just one, we are pleased to announce Kim Sherman-Labrum as the recipient of the State Star Award for 2022. With the rigorous expectations, guidelines and healthy competition that come along with this award, it is no surprise to us that Kim was selected out of nominations from the entire state, as she is more than deserving of this award due to her natural state of leadership, selflessness and tenacious ability.
Kim Sherman-Labrum
For the 24 years that Kim has been serving Idaho businesses at the Idaho SBDC, she has proved to step up time and time again for her clients and colleagues with their specific needs, and goes out of her way to provide answers and assistance to the best of her ability. From leading the state in learning Google and FranNet systems, she has forged a strong relationship that has developed her into a natural teacher of these technical concepts, leading business base camp and education committee webinars, along with organizing panel boards to present marketing on behalf of the ASBDC. Chances are you can find Kim anywhere, everywhere, and all at once as she is known for working diligently until late, responding to emails with answers and suggestions when not expected to and attending events such as the Women’s Business Symposium in Pocatello, ID for the third time consecutively now. It is no surprise to us that even national conference speakers wish to join Kim and our Idaho SBDC attendees at her invitation during dinners and events.
“Kim hasn’t just persevered with the Idaho SBDC for two decades plus, she has grown in her education and skills, taken on greater responsibilities, and created and taught classes and implemented programs that have earned her a reputation deserving of this honor.”
“Kim has helped our region numerous times when we’ve hit roadblocks on social media issues such as getting help being found on Google when all the rules changed or why Google reviews were not showing up, etc. She has guided us through processes so we can better help our clients, and at our request, she has directly contacted and assisted our clients herself. She has always made herself available to us and our clients and has always solved whatever issue we were dealing with. She graciously goes the extra mile. For those Wayne’s World fans, “We’re not worthy!”
Nominee Acknowledgement
Additionally, we want to recognize all of the nominees this year. This year’s set of nominees are exceptional, as are the nominations and the kind words that follow. We’re very grateful for the tremendous difference they’ve made to both Idaho businesses and our network of professionals.
- Deanna Berry – State Office
“Deanna’s commitment to excellence is evident in everything she does. She takes great pride in her work and is always looking for ways to improve our services and support for small businesses. Her expertise and knowledge are invaluable resources to the entire team, and her willingness to share her insights and offer guidance is a reflection of her selflessness and generosity.”
- Brent Jussel – Region IV
“Brent has been one of the most consistent referral partners for our logo and web design services.”
- Deborah Dickerson – Region I
“She is a partner you’d covet. A leader without a formal title. Champions our cause and our team so well.”
- Katrina Boyer – Region I
“Katrina is willing to explore the best way to create and support registration into our training as her role for training coordinator. She pushes all of us coaches to create innovative classes which serve our clients.”
- Kyle R. Guelcher – Region II
“Kyle took over a Region that had a tremendous transition. He did not take time off because he was focused on keeping the doors open and the clients served. He was focused on getting the correct team members to represent the brand with excellence.”
- Lori Manning – Idaho APEX
“Lori is the definition of open-minded. She explores and discovers whenever she sees an obstacle for the APEX Accelerator. She discovers organizational partnerships that benefit everyone involved, she has discovered better ways for training for not only our team but APEX team members across the whole country.”
- Margaret Bushee – State Office
“If there were a picture next to Communication in the Dictionary, I believe her picture would be there. Her efforts to keep us all informed and updated has been remarkable.”
- Todd Broadman – Region II
“Todd consistently provides the highest quality services to his clients. His overall figures, and especially the metrics from last year, show his service to the community”
- Dennis Burgett – Region IV
“Clients request Dennis and Brent out of respect for their abilities to deliver positive coaching. They create most of the impact for Region IV. Currently they have $7,000,000 in capital raised, 7 business starts, 40 jobs created, and $165,734 in sales growth.
About the Idaho SBDC
Since 1986, the Idaho Small Business Development Center (SBDC) has empowered business owners and entrepreneurs to grow their businesses through no-cost, confidential consulting and affordable business training. With six locations throughout the state, the Idaho SBDC serves 44 counties and is part of the nation’s largest business assistance programs. To learn more visit www.idahosbdc.org call (208) 426-3875
