About the Idaho SBDC State Star Award
In 2024, America’s SBDC Centers continue their mission to support small businesses through an ever-changing landscape. The State Star is a peer-nominated award that honors a team member who exemplifies the Idaho SDBC Core Values: Service, Respect, Discovery, and Perseverance. These values are the foundation of our network, driving a culture of collaboration, excellence, and impact. Our State Star represents the best of who we are at the Idaho SBDC, being a great example of leadership and dedication that strengthens not only our network, but small business development across Idaho.
Introducing Our 2024 State Star Award Winner
In 2024, the Idaho SDBC network came together from across the state to celebrate the outstanding nominees for the 2024 State Star Award at this year’s Professional Development Conference. These individuals represent the best of our organization as those who embody our core values of Service, Respect, Discovery, and Perseverance, while bringing their own passion and expertise to the work of supporting small businesses in Idaho.
Among a strong pool of nominees, we are proud to recognize Kyle Guelcher, Region 2 Director at Lewis-Clark State College, as the 2024 State Star Award recipient. Kyle is deeply committed to the Idaho SDBC mission, consistently volunteering for committees, supporting his team, and building strong connections. His leadership, initiative, and dedication to small business development make him a standout member of the network.
Kyle Guelcher
“Kyle is a teammate that you can count on, he is a team player that always seems to have time to assist.”
“Kyle’s willingness to take on new tasks and work to make them a part of our day-to-day operations is inspiring.”
“Kyle’s attention to detail and ability to take complexities and explain them in common terms has been an incredible asset.”
Acknowledging All 2024 Nominees
We also want to recognize all of the outstanding nominees from this year. Each individual represents the talent, commitment, and impact that drive the Idaho SBDC forward. Their contributions have made a meaningful difference for small businesses across the state and strengthened our network as a whole. We are so grateful for their dedication and the thoughtful nominations that reflect their work.
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Deborah Dickerson – Region I
“Deborah is an amazing resource to the SBDC and its staff. I know that I can reach out to her at any time and she will take the time to assist. Watching Deborah take on a new challenge and learn about it- new technology, programs, etc is an inspiration”
- Teree Taylor – Region I
“Teree manages a lot, all IRFC requests, creating the class schedule, loading them up to the website, weekly emails to promote the classes, reminder emails to those registered for the classes. She has excelled at creating efficiencies in all she does.”
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Lauren Cooper – Region II
“Even with her being a full-time student, Lauren still makes times for clients she will edit her own schedule to come in before or after a long class if that works better for a client. She also is very giving to her clients from spending countless hours on projects they need help with.”
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Marie Baker – Region III
“Marie is so committed to the mission — demanding situations to create collaboration and awareness of our brand…putting herself in front of the right community members to drive results for small business owners in the region.”
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Marissa Goff – Region III
“Marissa is committed to learning and adapting new skills and processes. When new reporting processes are implemented, she is quick to catch on. Her work is accurate and trustworthy.”
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Brent Jussel – Region IV
“Client experience is priority one for Brent Jussel. At all levels of maturity, he has the courage to not enable required actions. He keeps in mind the character of the person and keeps a high priority of their successes as they development their business.”
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Bryan Matsuoka – Region IV
“Bryan is dedicated to his clients, going above and beyond to meet them where they are at. He helps each of them become better leaders within their team, helping them develop their strengths and better engage with their team members and employees.”
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Ann Swanson – Region V
“Ann embraces the changes as new opportunities. She is always looking at what’s new and how to connect SBDC specialty services to the small businesses she serves.”
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Bryan Magleby – Region VI
“Bryan is constantly working to assist his clients, calling on all his resources to assist and going above and beyond expectations.”
- Chase Heit – State Office
“Chase’s ability to adapt to different communication styles and team dynamics has directly contributed to the accurate and timely verification of impact data across the Idaho SBDC network.”
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
