About The Clarion University SBDC
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The mission of the Clarion University Small Business Development Center (SBDC) is
to grow the economy of western Pennsylvania by providing entrepreneurs with the education,
information and tools necessary to build successful businesses.
Since its inception in 1980, the Clarion University SBDC has consulted with thousands
of pre-venture and existing business clients in its 10-county region. This region
in Pennsylvania includes the following counties: Armstrong, Cameron, Clarion, Clearfield,
Elk, Forest, Jefferson, McKean, Potter, and Venango.
The Clarion University SBDC provides consulting services and educational programs
to entrepreneurs looking to start or grow their small business. Clarion University
SBDC consultants work with entrepreneurs in confidential, one-to-one engagements to
help them with a range of business issues including testing a new business proposition,
shaping a business plan, investigating funding opportunities, and much more.
Clarion University SBDC Staff
Cindy Nellis, Director (cnellis@clarion.edu)
Cindy has been with the Clarion University SBDC since September 1996. Cindy is responsible
for overseeing and directing the assignment and coordination of the SBDC staff and
its operations. In addition, Cindy provides confidential one-on-one consulting to
current or prospective small business owners and developing and instructing educational
programs for the SBDC.
Prior to joining the SBDC, Cindy worked in the banking industry for 10 years. She graduated from The Ohio State University. Cindy's office is located at the Clarion University SBDC main office.
Amy Keth, Assistant Director (amketh@clarion.edu)
Amy has been a business consultant with the Clarion University SBDC since July 2004.
The counties that she serves include Forest, Jefferson, and Venango providing free,
confidential one-on-one consulting to current or prospective small business owners.
In addition, she instructs educational programs and seminars for the SBDC.
Prior to joining the SBDC, Amy worked in the banking industry. She also has experience as a tax-preparer. She is a Clarion University graduate.
Amy meets with clients at the Clarion University SBDC main office and at outreach locations within Forest, Jefferson, and Venango counties.
Aleshia Marshall (amarshall@clarion.edu)
Aleshia has been a business consultant with the Clarion University SBDC since MONTH
2017. The counties that she serves include Elk and McKean, providing free, confidential
one-on-one consulting to current or prospective small business owners. In addition,
she instructs educational programs and seminars for the SBDC. Aleshia specializes
in preparing comprehensive business plans that include financial forecasts, as well
as providing general management assistance.
Prior to joining the SBDC, Aleshia worked in the private sector as an account representative
at a machine company. She also has retail experience and is a former intern at the
Clarion SBDC. She is a Clarion University graduate.
Aleshia meets with clients at the Clarion University SBDC main office and at outreach locations within Elk and McKean counties.
Tracy Reinsel (treinsel@clarion.edu)
Tracy has been a business consultant with the Clarion University SBDC since October
2014. Tracy serves Armstrong County, providing free, confidential one-on-one consulting
to current or prospective small business owners. In addition, she instructs educational
programs and training seminars for the SBDC and is the Coordinator for the Clarion University Entrepreneurial Leadership Center. Tracy specializes in preparing comprehensive business plan that includes detailed
financial forecasts for SBDC clients. She also provides research, marketing and general
management assistance to small businesses.
Prior to joining the SBDC, Tracy worked as an accountant in a variety fields including
manufacturing, insurance and non-profit. She is a Clarion University graduate.
Tracy meets with clients at the Clarion University SBDC main office and at outreach
locations within Clarion and Armstrong county.
Corry Riley (criley@clarion.edu)
Corry Riley graduated from Clarion University and began working at the Clarion SBDC
as a consultant in May of 2005. Corry serves Cameron, Clearfield and Potter counties,
providing free, confidential one-on-one business consulting to current or prospective
small business owners. He also provides assistance with research, marketing, employee
handbooks, QuickBooks accounting software, and general management assistance. Corry
instructs educational programs and seminars for the SBDC, including the popular QuickBooks
seminars. Corry is a Certified QuickBooks ProAdvisor.
Corry meets with clients at the Clarion University SBDC main office and at outreach
locations within Cameron, Clearfield, and Potter counties.
Jason Strohm (jstrohm@clarion.edu)
Jason joined the Clarion University Small Business Development Center in October of 2017. He has both a Bachelor's and Master's Degree from Clarion University of Pennsylvania in Graphic Arts and Communication respectively.
After graduating from Clarion University with his first degree, Jason taught art and marketing classes at DuBois Business College and the Art Institute of Pittsburgh Online. While returning to college for his MA in Communication, Jason started Strohm Graphics a web and graphic design firm located in Brookville PA.
In 2008, Jason returned to the Clarion University, this time as their Web Designer/Developer working in the Marketing and Communication office.
In 2014, while maintaining his position at Clarion University, he started another company along with his daughters selling educational card games and teaching the girls how to build and operate a business of their own.
After nine years in the Marketing and Communication office, Jason transferred to the Clarion University SBDC as a IT/Business Consultant. This was in preparation of Matt Sopher's retirement, the IT/Business Consultant at the time.
"It was a good fit. I was still enjoying the Web Designer/Developer projects but a new work experience in a position where we help businesses start and grow every day was a refreshing change of pace. Each day at the Clarion University SBDC is completely different and challenging in a good way." – Jason
Jason meets with clients at the Clarion University SBDC main office and at outreach locations within Jefferson and Clarion counties.
Jeanne Best (jbest@clarion.edu)
Jeanne Best joined the Clarion University SBDC in January 2018. Jeanne is responsible for coordination of training events and marketing them in all ten counties served by the SBDC. She also facilitates, teaches and does follow-up reporting for workshops, classes and other training events.
Jeanne has over 20 years of experience in many areas of business, including: management, operations, marketing, sales, customer service, human resources, and finance. She has worked in numerous industries, such as: marketing, education, health care, philanthropy and technology. Jeanne is an entrepreneur by nature and strives to help others start their own successful businesses.
Di Smith, Assistant Budget Director (dismith@clarion.edu)
Di processes all necessary budget transactions, invoices, etc. She assists clients
and counselors to obtain various types of business information requested.
