Small Business Development Center consultant Pat Campanaro receives "State Star" honors

Pat Campanaro is the Cook County Small Business Development Center consultant. She is well-known in the business community for her work with both new and established businesses. Over the years she has assisted hundreds of local entrepreneurs in getting their businesses started. Also among her client list are owners of existing businesses, who are growing or facing challenges.

Her work has been noticed on a larger scale. Campanaro was nominated by her colleagues at the Cook County/Grand Marais Economic Development Authority (EDA) for the SBDC State Star for Minnesota. Nominations go to the statewide SBDC organization and voted on. Campanaro was selected by her peers as the 2020 SBDC Star.

According to the news release from Bruce Strong from the MN Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) the State Star recognizes consultants based on: their impact on clients; innovative approaches; team spirit and willingness to go the extra mile.

SBDC is getting caught up on activities after a pause during the COVID-19 pandemic, so Campanaro’s award is for 2020. Another Minnesota SBDC consultant Deb McGregor was named the 2021 Minnesota State Star. Both McGregor and Campanaro will be honored at the National SBDC Convention in September.

Campanaro told WTIP that she is very appreciative of the recognition. She quickly added though that it was the enterprising business owners that she has helped who made this happen. She said she is a resource for businesses and she encourages anyone who needs assistance to contact her.

Campanaro can be reached at 651-336-2965 or by email to [email protected].
WTIP visited with Campanaro about the award and her ongoing work with the Small Business Development Center.