Glennis McClure, of Beatrice, Nebraska, was chosen as the Center for Rural Affairs 2016 Friend of the Year. She was recognized at an award ceremony on March 10 in York, Nebraska.
The Friend of the Year Award is presented annually to an individual, organization, or institution that provides invaluable service to entrepreneurs by assisting lending staff in offering technical assistance, business training, loans, and networking across rural Nebraska.
“Glennis is a longtime friend,” said Monica Braun, Center for Rural Affairs Women’s Business Center director. “She is a constant source of referrals to our program as senior development coordinator of Gage Area Growth Enterprise.”
Glennis has not only been a friend, she served as the first Center for Rural Affairs Women’s Business Center director in 2001, and became co-director of the lending program in 2004. In 2006, she moved on to new ventures but has continued to support the organization.
In subsequent careers with the Federal Reserve Bank, Nebraska Enterprise Fund, and Gage Area Growth Enterprise, she has promoted the Center to clientele. Further, with the Nebraska Enterprise Fund, she provided additional loans to Center clients; and with Gage Area Growth Enterprise, she collaborates on and sponsors Women’s Business Center training activities.
She has served on the Center advisory committee and on the small business loan review board.
"Glennis’ passion for entrepreneurs in small business aligns with Center's mission,” Monica said. “Her continued support and partnership are vital to our program. Glennis, we thank you.”
“I think the main thing I’d like to say tonight is that to have a friend, you must be a friend,” Glennis said at the awards dinner. “All of you are friends of mine.”
She continued, “We have come a long way since 1999. People in this state now are recognizing how small business is very foundational to economic development.”
“Of course, in our rural communities, we all know that sometimes the only way communities are going to grow is if you help the small businesses,” Glennis said. “I’m just really blessed to be working in Beatrice and Gage County where they recognize that.”
Feature photo: Glennis McClure, middle, receives the Center for Rural Affairs Friend of the Year Award at a ceremony on Friday, March 10, in York. L-R: Eugene Rahn, senior loan specialist; Jeff Reynolds, past director of the program; McClure; Janelle Moran, southeast loan specialist; and Monica Braun, Women's Business Center director. McClure, a longtime friend, refers clients and assists with training activities. She served as the first Women's Business Center director and was a co-director of the program.
