Mario Iezzoni Named Winner of the FSBDCN State Star Award

Every year, an employee within the Florida Small Business Development Center Network (FSBDCN) who demonstrates outstanding and exemplary performance, is honored with a Florida Star Award. This year, the honors went to Mario Iezzoni, certified business analyst at the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at University of South Florida (USF).

L-R: Jerry Silberman CEO and Founder, Corporate Turnaround, sponsor, ASBDC State Star Reception; Francisco A. Marrero, District Director, U.S. Small Business Administration; Jerry Cartwright, Chair, ASBDC 2009 Board of Directors and State Director, Florida SBDC Network; Mario Iezonni, Florida SBDC Network 2009 State Star; and Antonio Doss, Associate Administrator for the U.S. Small Business Administration?s (SBA) Office of Small Business Development Centers

?Throughout his seven years of SBDC service, Mario has consistently compiled outstanding impact on every level,? stated Eileen Rodriguez, executive director of the SBDC at USF. ?His efforts have created 694 jobs, helped start 198 businesses, created more than $23.7 million in sales increase, more than $12.9 million in capital formation and $2.6 million in contracts were awarded to Mario?s clients. His direct time in counseling and training clients has been commendable and he continues to touch our community in a variety of ways.?

Mario has served the state SBDC by participating on the Florida SBDC Strategic Planning Team, functioning as a disaster recovery first responder (BCMRC) and becoming a Fast Trac facilitator. He presented training at the FSBDC state conference and received excellent ratings.� Mario has also presented nationally and served on a national forum to provide user input and advice for the Intuit QuickBooks products.

Most notably this year, Mario has been intricately involved with the creation of the Healthcare Practice Industry Center of Excellence. He has made several contacts and partnerships with both the College of Medicine and College of Nursing at USF. He has sought specialized training in the field and developed several training workshops. The numerous hours spent in developing this program have been evident in the exceptional quality of the information and extremely complimentary comments from medical professionals.

?Mario has spent a significant amount of time working on the Center for Excellence and the Disaster Recovery projects,? said Kimberly Wagner, associate director of the SBDC. ?He has put a great effort into those two initiatives and he has done that in addition to his regular job duties of teaching and counseling.?

As Florida Star recipient, Mario will receive a special professional development opportunity aimed at enhancing his professional growth and rewarding his contribution to the advancement of the Florida SBDC Network. The Florida Star Award marks the fourth award received by Mario from the Florida SBDC Network. He has also won three Impact Awards in years 2003, 2004 and 2009. The Impact Award recognizes certified business analysts who demonstrate the greatest enhancement of scope, quality and/or impact in his/her counseling services.

Mario Iezzoni joined the Small Business Development Center at USF in March, 2002 as a certified public accountant with extensive experience in tax issues.� He has created and run several businesses of his own, including an accounting practice and a river rafting guide and mapping business.