Avila honored for SBDC services to R.I. Latinos

PROVIDENCE – Tomas Alberto Avila of the R.I. Small Business Development Center at Johnson & Wales University has been honored by the Association of Small Business Development Centers with the 2007 ASBDC Rhode Island State Star. The award, for what the group called “his outstanding contribution and creative excellence,” was presented at the ASBDC’s 2007 National Conference in Denver.
Since joining the R.I. SBDC last year, Avila – administrator of the Primer Paso FasTrac business-feasibility planning program – has also served as an instructor, business counselor and minority business specialist.
“Tomas’ commitment to his clients and the minority business community of Rhode Island is nothing less than extraordinary,” SBDC Director John Cronin said in a statement. “He’s a valued asset.” 
The State Star is presented annually to one employee in each state’s SBDC network; honorees must be “exemplary performers [who] make significant contributions to their state or region and show a strong commitment to small business.” •