Janell Owens Reeves of Southern Arkansas University was recognized as a 2022 State Star at the 43rd Annual America’s SBDC Annual Conference in San Diego, California, Sept. 6-9.
Reeves is director of the Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center at SAU, a role she has held since 2017. She manages center operations, consults with current and prospective business owners, leads events, and engages in community outreach.
The State Star award, the highest accolade for SBDC employees, recognizes extraordinary performers who have made significant contributions to their state network and display strong commitment to the state’s small businesses and entrepreneurs.
Annually, one person from every state and U.S. territory SBDC network is selected for the award. Winners were recognized during a special ceremony and reception Sept. 6 at the Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina.
“We are very proud of Janell and all of her accomplishments and are excited to recognize her as Arkansas’ State Star. She has an excellent record of economic impact and client satisfaction and has built strong relationships with business and community leaders in Southwest Arkansas,” said Laura Fine, ASBTDC state director.
Reeves is a double graduate of SAU, with bachelor’s and master’s degrees in business administration. Well-known across campus, she is an involved member of the university community. In addition to her full-time position with ASBTDC, she serves as a member of the Business Advisory Council for SAU’s David F. Rankin College of Business and as an adjunct professor in the Rankin College.
Janell shares her three decades of business acumen willingly with the public, speaking at events and to civic organizations around the center’s nine-county service area in Southwest Arkansas. In 2020, the SAU center was recognized for its excellence and innovation by the Small Business Administration.
With about 1,000 centers across the nation, America’s Small Business Development Center network is a partnership uniting private enterprise, government, higher education, and local non-profit economic development organizations. It is the SBA’s largest partnership program, providing management and technical assistance to help Americans start, run, and grow their own businesses.
