Rhea Landholm, brand marketing and communications manager, rheal@cfra.org or 402.687.2100 ext. 1025
Lyons, NE - The Center for Rural Affairs has awarded Pat Coldiron of Seward, Nebraska, the Center for Rural Affairs Friend of the Year award. Coldiron, owner of Liberty House B&B, Antiques and Gifts in Seward and a former Seward Area Chamber of Commerce Director, was recognized for her long standing commitment to the lending program at a special awards banquet on March 11 in Columbus, NE.
This award is given annually to an individual, organization or institution that provides invaluable service to entrepreneurs by assisting Center for Rural Affairs staff in offering technical assistance, business training, loans and networking across rural Nebraska.
“As the Chamber Director, Pat worked with me to sponsor and promote business training opportunities for the community and the region,” said Monica Braun, director of the Center for Rural Affairs Women's Business Center. “Pat was instrumental in putting together a Women's Roundtable meeting at the request of the Nebraska Small Business Administration (SBA) District Director. She helped the event succeed.”
According to Braun, Pat has served as a steady source of referrals to the Center when someone approached her about starting a business. Pat included Center staff in joint meetings to assist the potential business owner in making good decisions.
“As a person passionate about small business, Pat continues to promote Center training opportunities through her retail establishment and her networks,” continued Braun. “She regularly refers potential clients to the Center and encourages them to use the resources available to help them be successful. Pat is an excellent mentor to new businesses.”
"The Center is truly an organization that understands "small businesses" and the value they bring to community,” commented Coldiron. “Access to the training and technical assistance the Center provides is invaluable. Nebraska is lucky to have a program like this."
Braun concluded,“Pat continues to be a great resource to turn to for brainstorming ideas, issues, and solutions related to small business. I have been extremely grateful for Pat's collaborative nature, and for her friendship. I can't imagine a more worthwhile candidate for the Friend of the Year Award.”
For more information about this and other Center for Rural Affairs awards please visit: www.cfra.org.
