Don Ball, Lone Star College System Small Business Development Center senior consultant, was recently awarded a 2009 Academy Award of Networking by Penworth Publishing and Publicity.
Ball received the award in the mentor of the year category. Additional categories included volunteer, contributor, supporter and networker of the year.
“We created the Academy of Awards of Networking last year to recognize active community leaders and supporters of our area,” said Carmen Wisenbaker Penworth Publishing and Publicity president.
Wisenbaker is an author, speaker, publisher and marketing specialist. She has more than 29 years of experience in the publishing, marketing and publicity fields.
“Nominations and online voting were open to the public beginning in Jan. Overwhelmingly, Don was selected as the recipient for mentor of the year,” said Wisenbaker.
Nominations submitted on Ball’s behalf included the following comments:
• Don epitomizes the word mentor. He is truly a man of passion and cares deeply about people.
• Don is great sounding board and has been helpful in motivating me to finish my business plan.
• My small startup has grown dramatically thanks to Don mentoring me. He's capable and stimulating.
• Don really believes in helping the small business owner. I truly appreciate all his support and efforts.
• Don is very passionate about what he does. He makes you think outside of the box and outside of your comfort zone. He is a great resource for the entrepreneur and small business owner, on just his knowledge alone.
“It is a tremendous recognition by my peers and clients that I’m helping them and doing the job they need to start and grow their businesses,” said Don Ball.
In his role for LSCS SBDC Ball assists local entrepreneurs and owners in starting and growing their businesses. He has more than 30 years of experience in sales, marketing, project management, instruction and consulting. His clients have ranged from energy and healthcare to manufacturers and emergency management.
“The LSCS SBDC is working hard to position itself in the community as a viable partner to businesses which is especially critical in these tough economic times. Our numbers have shown acceptance by the community and that is exciting,” said Ball.
Lone Star College System consists of five colleges, including LSC-CyFair, LSC-Kingwood, LSC-Montgomery, LSC-North Harris, and LSC-Tomball, six centers and Lone Star College-University Center. With more than 50,000 students in credit classes this spring, LSCS is the largest institution of higher education in the Houston area and third largest community college system in Texas. To learn more, visit LoneStar.edu.