What is culture anyway? According to the dictionary, “culture is the arts and other manifestations of human intellectual achievement regarded collectively.” Culture is very important to us. In order to foster a collaborative environment where entrepreneurs are supported and innovation can flourish, we must focus on culture. We focus on mitigating barriers to creativity like crushing criticism, fear, and tension. We encourage free flow, healthy habits, humor, and a relaxed environment – all of which foster creative collisions and good-vibe culture.
Another big focus: Giving back. If every stakeholder is conscious of giving back to the community in some capacity, we can grow good-vibe culture that rewards our region with progress. Give back can mean washing your dishes when you’re done using them, brewing a fresh pot of coffee after the first one has been guzzled, introducing your self to the new co-worker across the room, or even putting on a workshop around a topic you excel in for supporting other entrepreneurs.
Well? What do you say? We can’t foster this community without people. Join us as a co-worker, attend an event, spread the word, build something with us.
Gina Hayduk is the New York SBDC’s Government Contracting Coordinator. She offers advisement and expertise to local businesses on the fundamentals of government contracting at the local, state, and federal levels and also assists businesses in identifying bidding opportunities, understanding the procurement process, and applying for various certifications. Hayduk brings a strong background in project management, communications and engineering, having worked for over 28 years for telecommunications companies. She also has years of management, training and contract experience. Hayduk holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from Clarkson University and a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.
David Lerman provides business advisement and financial services to a variety of small businesses and entrepreneurs engaged in starting, managing, growing, or purchasing a business, including clients with complex multi-million dollar projects involving multiple banks, the Small Business Association, economic development agencies, and other resource partners. Lerman has been with the Mohawk Valley Small Business Development Center since 2008, serving first as a business advisor and then transitioning to the senior business advisor position. Previously, he was the business owner/president of Rest Assured Mattress Center, Inc. in Rome and New York Mills, and the vice president of Lerman’s Furniture in Rome. He holds a bachelor’s degree in business and public management from SUNY Institute of Technology (now SUNY Polytechnic Institute) and an associate degree in business management from MVCC.
Zach Steffen provides business advisement services to a variety of small businesses and entrepreneurs engaged in starting, managing, growing, or purchasing a business. Steffen has been with the Mohawk Valley Small Business Development Center since 2019, first as an associate business advisor and now as a business advisor. Previously, he was the general manager of North Country Books and the co-owner/president of Pyramid Publishing. He holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration with a concentration in marketing from the University at Albany.
Shelby Sweet provides business advisement services to a variety of small businesses and entrepreneurs engaged in starting, managing, growing, or purchasing a business. Sweet has been with the Mohawk Valley Small Business Development Center since 2013 as a certified business advisor. She also is a co-owner of George’s Farm Products, Inc., in Clinton and an adjunct professor at Utica College. She earned a master’s degree in management science and a bachelor’s degree in business and public management from SUNY Institute of Technology (now SUNY Polytechnic Institute), and an associate degree in business administration from MVCC.