Fresno State, UC Merced join forces to expand small business services
In an effort to expand its services to more small businesses in the Central Valley, Fresno State has announced it will partner with the University of California at Merced’s Small Business Development Center.
“Fresno State’s Office of Community and Economic Development has a nationally recognized and award-winning rural outreach program that aligns with the Small Business Development Center mission,” said Diane Howerton, regional director of the UC Merced center.
“This will be an opportunity for us to continue to leverage and expand services throughout Fresno, Kings, Madera and Tulare counties, the four counties served by Fresno State.”
Eduardo Gonzalez has been named as the new director for Fresno State’s Small Business Development Center. Gonzalez, who joined the Office of Community and Economic Development in 2011 as a program manager, provides support in planning, developing and facilitating grant-funded projects for the office.
The center is a job-creation and job-retention program that assists business owners and entrepreneurs with growth-oriented business strategies, and specializes in clean energy, economic development, finance, grant writing, and health and human services.
Central High librarians honored
Two Central High School East librarians were honored with the Nutrition Educator Award in Anaheim on Jan. 15 as part of a statewide nutrition education contest.
Christine Flores and Janet Wiles were honored at the Astor Classics Event Center in Anaheim and also won $500 for Central Unified’s “Athletes as Readers and Leaders” program, which promotes healthy eating habits.
As part of the program, which is in its eighth year, high school students visit elementary schools each Friday to read books about healthy eating to kindergarten to third-grade classes.
MLK reception for contest winners
In an open house event on Thursday, visitors looked at art and read winning essays at a Martin Luther King Jr. reception for student winners at the Clovis Veterans Memorial District at 808 Fourth St. in Clovis.
Students in grades K-12 participated in an art contest, while students in grades four through 12 participated in an essay contest.
The contests were sponsored by the Fresno County Office of Education and the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Unity Committee.
Library offers high school diplomas
The Fresno County Public Library has partnered with Career Online High School for a program offering accredited high school diplomas specifically designed for adults.
Also available is a credentialed career certificate.
“By offering Career Online High School, we’re empowering our residents to seek new opportunities and transform their lives,” said Librarian Laurel Prysiazny.
For more information, visit fresnolibrary.org or call 559-600-7323.
Buchanan High unveils new robot
The Buchanan High School robotics team will unveil its new robot on Feb. 21.
The Bird Brains will hold their unveiling in the multipurpose room at Buchanan from 3 to 6 p.m.
The team volunteers in local and international outreach events, and hosts FIRST Lego League robotics tournaments for elementary and intermediate students, member Gary Giannoni said.
FIRST Robotics is a program that teaches and prepares youths with firsthand knowledge and experience of being an engineer.
For more information, visit Team1671.com.
Fresno prof gets national award
A Fresno State plant science professor received the Weed Science Society of America’s Outstanding Teacher Award at its national conference on Tuesday in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Anil Shrestha teaches classes on plant science, pest management, crop productivity and other subjects. He was one of 30 people honored with various national awards for teaching effectiveness, published research and academic leadership roles.
During the spring 2015 semester, Shrestha was honored with the Provost’s Award for Excellence in Teaching.
This story was originally published February 13, 2016 at 4:51 PM with the headline "Fresno State, UC Merced join forces to expand small business services."