Press Releases 2007

CONTACT: Mary Planding, Director, Marketing & Communications
(831) 479-6158
mary.planding [at] cabrillo.edu

October 2, 2007

Small Business Development Center at Cabrillo College
Wins National Award

APTOS, CA—The Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Cabrillo College was awarded first place in the national “Best Case Study for a Small Business” at the national Small Business Development Center conference in Denver, Colorado last week.  The SBDC was awarded the prize after a review of over 1,000 submitted case studies. Bank of America and Entrepreneur Magazine funded the contest.

The award-winning case study featured Independent Energy Systems (IES), which specializes in the design, installation and sales of solar electric and thermal systems for residential and commercial properties in Santa Cruz and the Monterey Bay area. President and founder Robert Evans began his business in 2001 with the mission of providing the community with an opportunity to become part of the future in renewable energy. 

Evans was also honored to be a presenter at the Association of Monterey Bay Area Governments (AMBAG) Tri-County Economic Conference on “Leveraging the Green Economy” in January 2007.  SBDC Consultant Jim Weisenstein, now a founding director of Lighthouse Bank, in formation, provided the business counseling that resulted in tremendous growth for IES. 

SBDC Director Teresa Thomae accepted the award on behalf of Mr. Weisenstein and all of the business advisors at the SBDC.

About Cabrillo College
Cabrillo College is a leading California community college serving Santa Cruz County with locations in Aptos, Scotts Valley and Watsonville. It is ranked #1 in transfers to UC Santa Cruz. Founded in 1959, the college offers over 100 academic and career technology programs that serve multiple educational goals such as A.A. and A.S. degrees, certificates of proficiency, skills certificates, transfer to 4-year institutions or for lifelong learning and personal enrichment. Our mission is to enhance the intellectual, cultural, and economic vitality of our diverse community by assisting all students in their quest for lifelong learning and success in an ever-changing world.

###