Lone Star College SBDC welcomes new advisory council members

HOUSTON (Dec. 10, 2015) – The Lone Star College Small Business Development Center has announced Fred Welch and Zach Richmond as the newest members to its advisory council.

“We are fortunate to have these two experts join our impressive Advisory Council,” said Sal Mira, executive director of the SBDC. “Their experience and background will be a tremendous asset for the center and area small businesses.”

The Small Business Advisory Council provides a communication system with area employers, community leaders, entrepreneurs and the Lone Star College Small Business Development Center offering experienced business consulting to help entrepreneurs evolve to the next level of business.

Council members represent local businesses, bankers, professionals, chambers of commerce, associations and the college system. Through this partnership Lone Star College remains a primary and constantly relevant source for business assistance, growth and expansion.

Richmond currently serves as assistant vice president at Woodforest National Bank.  Richmond also serves on the Lone Star CRA Fund LP, Lone Star Opportunities Fund V LP and Valesco Advisory Boards.  He is a member of the Rotary Club of The Woodlands Chairing the Oak Ridge Interact Club, Sergeant at Arms and Flag Day Committees, and works with the Montgomery County Food Bank, Social and Blood Drive Committees.

Richmond is also a board member for the Montgomery County Cattle Barons Ball/Couture for the Cause benefitting the Montgomery County American Cancer Society.

Welch has been involved in economic development in the Houston region for over 20 years. He joined the Greater Conroe Economic Development Council as executive director in 2014. Most recently he served the Houston region as vice president for regional economic development with The Greater Houston Partnership.

In addition to his time with GHP, Welch served as vice president, marketing and recruitment for the San Angelo Chamber of Commerce and in Type A and B sales tax cities of Pearland and La Marque. Welch is a certified economic developer through the International Economic Development Council and a certified economic development finance professional through the National Development Council. He serves on the executive committee for the Texas Economic Development Council.

The LSC SBDC assists companies to evolve and grow to compete in today’s global economy. SBDC services are available for companies in every phase of the business life cycle, helping entrepreneurs make sound decisions and succeed.

Each year, the LSC SBDC Advisory Council recognizes successful small businesses that make an impact in the local community as part of the annual SBDC Small Business of the Year awards ceremony.

Known for its leadership, innovation and steadfast commitment to student success, Lone Star College provides high-quality academic transfer and workforce education/career training programs to more than 83,000 credit students each semester, and a total enrollment of 95,000 students. LSC is training tomorrow’s workforce today and redefining the community college experience to promote student success and economic prosperity. Stephen C. Head, Ph.D., is the chancellor of LSC, the largest institution of higher education in the Houston area, which consists of six colleges, seven centers, two university centers, Lone Star Corporate College and LSC-Online. To learn more visit LoneStar.edu.