Make use of Small Business Administration, new regional chief, Russell Smith urges

Russell Smith is the new regional administrator for the Small Business Administration’s Region VIII http://www.sba.gov/localresources/regionaloffices/region8/index.html , which includes Montana, Colorado, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wyoming.

In these uncertain economic times, it’s critical to get capital to small businesses, and SBA plays a major role in that, Smith said in an interview this week.

Smith will oversee the region’s district offices and the implementation of agency programs, services and priorities.

Despite the large geographic area of the region he’ll be covering, Smith plans to make it a priority to be out meeting with lenders, business owners and others to keep his finger on the pulse of what’s going on in local economies.

By ERIN MADISON • Tribune Staff Writer

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