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Meet ThE staff
valdosta state university
small business development center
Suzanne Barnett, Area Director and Business Consultant
Ms. Barnett served as an administrator of a multi-office ophthalmology practice before joining the Small Business Development Center in 1994. She is actively involved with several economic development committees and works closely with such groups as the Central Valdosta Development Authority and the Small Business Retention Committee of the Valdosta/Lowndes County Chamber of Commerce. Ms. Barnett is also working with the Main Street Program on revitalization of the downtown area in Valdosta. She has extensive experience in marketing and is currently researching the various distribution channels available to assist small businesses with the marketing of their products and services. In 1999, Ms. Barnett was presented the "Star Performer Award" from the Association of Small Business Development Centers.
Scott Manley, Assistant Director and Business Consultant
Before joining the Small Business Development Center, Mr. Manley gained extensive experience in the private sector. A former small business owner, he has experience in the fields of retail management, manufacturing, logistics, financial management, and sales management. He holds a Bachelor of Business Administration with emphasis in Management, as well as a Master of Business Administration, both from Valdosta State University. Mr. Manley serves on the Business Advisory Board of Valdosta State University’s Chapter of Students in Free Enterprise, and on the Economic Restructuring Committee for Valdosta’s Main Street program. He has also served as Chair of Section 1533 of the American Society for Quality, on the Board of Directors of the Quitman/Brooks County Chamber of Commerce, and as a founding member of the Small Business Committee of the Thomasville/Thomas County Chamber of Commerce. Mr. Manley is regionally and nationally recognized for his expertise in QuickBooks®, search marketing and optimization, and new product development. In 2006, Mr. Manley was awarded the ASBDC Distinguished Service Award by the Association of Small Business Development Centers.
Rose Ware, Administrative Coordinator
Ms. Ware is responsible for the continuing education programs provided by the SBDC and coordination of public relations activities. She has firsthand knowledge and extensive business experience in the private sector, being a previous owner and manager of Valdosta Greeting Service. A graduate of the University of Florida, Ms. Ware also gained valuable experience in public relations, banking and mortgage lending while employed by the Park Avenue Bank and Valdosta Bank and Trust. Ms. Ware has been a significant contributor to the community, including service as president of the Valdosta Junior Service League and the Valdosta Symphony Guild. She has served as a board member of The Valwood School, the Boy Scouts of America and chaired the Newcomers Committee with the local Chamber. She is an active member of the First Presbyterian Church, twice elected to serve as Ruling Elder.
"Expertise for Entrepreneurs!"
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Funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration and the University of Georgia.