Don Denny Awarded State Star

9/28/06

Don Denny, Director of the Illinois Small Business Development Center at Shawnee Community College, has been named the 2006 State Star for Illinois.  Don was recently recognized for this achievement, along with other State Stars, at the Association of Small Business Development Center’s National Convention in Houston, TX for his exemplary performance as a member of this network. 

America’s Small Business Development Center Network is a unique partnership between Congress, the Small Business Administration, premiere institutions of higher learning, state governments, chambers of commerce, and various other partners.  The cooperative effort of all these partners has enabled America’s Small Business Development Center Network to have a profoundly positive impact on the well-being of our nation’s economy. 

“Don’s nomination as Illinois State Star serves as recognition for his years of service in the field of economic development and assistance to the initiation and continuation of small businesses in the region,” said Ron Duncan, Associate Vice-President for Institutional & Economic Development at SCC.  “Without the effort of Don’s office, many of these businesses would have never achieved their full potential.”

Denny has been active in various projects and organizations that have spurred economic development, business & industry, and tourism. Some of his professional affiliations include:

1. Past Treasurer, Southernmost Illinois Delta Empowerment Zone, Inc.
2. Southernmost Illinois Prison Committee Vice-Chairman
3. Illinois Community College Economic Development Association
4. Illinois Entrepreneurial & Small Business Growth Association
5. Executive Director, Union County Economic Development Corporation
6. Union County Women in Business Consultant
7. River to River Residential Assisted Living Board of Directors
8. Board of Directors, Anna State Bank

He is also a member and very actively involved with the First Evangelical Presbyterian Church in Anna. Don and his wife Cheryl have four children and nine grandchildren who enjoy spending time at the D-D Ranch in Union County.

“Receiving the Illinois State Star has been a very rewarding experience,” said Denny.  “This award would not have been possible without the cooperation and capabilities of my staff in the Small Business Development Center office. Tina McClellan, Administrative Assistant, Brett Whitnel and Chuck Weilmuenster, Business Counselors, function very efficiently to complete any assigned task. It has been a pleasure to be a part of the Illinois Small Business Development Center and Shawnee Community College.”