[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 65 (Wednesday, April 19, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E332]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     RECOGNIZING DUANE FLADLAND, 20 YEARS WITH THE SMALL BUSINESS 
                           DEVELOPMENT CENTER

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. ADAM SMITH

                             of washington

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 19, 2023

  Mr. SMITH of Washington. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Duane 
Fladland for his many years of service for the Small Business 
Development Center (SBDC) and to congratulate him on his retirement as 
SBDC's State Director.
  Duane guided the organization through the challenges of the COVID-19 
pandemic, leading a coalition of skilled advisors to help thousands of 
small businesses persevere through the crisis. Duane procured federal 
funding to relieve businesses owners, while also expanding local 
funding matching resources. He created the Center for Business 
Resiliency to mitigate the financial impacts of future business 
interruptions. Throughout his time as State Director, Duane helped the 
organization achieve their annual goals, including a yearly increase in 
our deliverables of over 60%. Duane's colleagues recognize him as a 
strong, adaptable, and resilient leader.
  My staff and I have had the privilege of working with Duane on 
multiple occasions. Through his productive relationships with several 
elected officials, Duane has helped the SBDC gain exposure at both the 
state and federal level. His dedication, commitment, and leadership has 
pushed the organization to support small business owners across 
Washington state in an effective and human way.
  Mr. Speaker, I thank Duane Fladland for his career helping businesses 
grow and succeed, and I wish him a happy retirement.

                          ____________________