WASHINGTON, D.C. – The LSU Louisiana Business & Technology Center’s Mobile Classroom has received the Economic Development Administration’s 2009 Excellence in Rural Economic Development Award it was announced today. LBTC’s Mobile Classroom was deemed the most deserving by a distinguished panel of economic development practitioners, academics and government representatives.

“This is tremendous recognition,” LBTC Executive Director Charles D’Agostino said. “The Mobile Classroom visits more than 30 communities annually. Since its inception in September of 2005, we have assisted more than 1,500 entrepreneurs and business owners.”

In a release from the EDA, U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke lauded the LBTC.

“The Louisiana Business & Technology Center represents the best and brightest in 21st century economic development,” Locke was quoted as saying. “Excellence Award winners exemplify the importance of supporting regional strategies to ensure American communities succeed in the global marketplace and create higher-skill, higher-wage jobs.”

Established by the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965, the EDA exists to generate jobs, help retain jobs and stimulate industrial and commercial growth in economically distressed areas of the United States.

Senator Many Landrieu was quoted in the EDA release as well regarding the recognition of the Mobile Classroom.

“The Louisiana Business & Technology Center is well-deserving of this Department of Commerce award,” Landrieu was quoted as saying. “During my visit to the center last year, I saw first-hand the impact LBTC and its Mobile Classroom is having on Louisiana’s small businesses, particularly those in rural areas. By taking training and technology expertise to underserved parishes in our state, LBTC is fostering an entrepreneurial spirit in all corners of Louisiana. Their programs not only empower aspiring business owners, but provide critical resources to help hurricane-impacted businesses get back on their feet. I congratulate the Louisiana Business & Technology Center on this award and will continue to support their efforts in the future.”

The Mobile Classroom is a converted semi-trailer that seats up to 24 entrepreneurs and business owners to host innovative courses such as leadership development, entrepreneurship training, marketing in the 21st century, basics of federal contracting, basics of lean manufacturing and how to grow businesses using e-commerce. In conjunction with local partners, including chambers of commerce and small business development centers and incubators, LBTC schedules workshops and seminars over three or four days that the Mobile Classroom attends.

The Louisiana Business & Technology Center, an integral part of LSU’s E. J. Ourso College of Business’ Stephenson Entrepreneurship Institute, endeavors to enhance economic development in Louisiana through the support of existing small businesses and the development of new businesses. Established in 1988, the LBTC’s highly successful business incubator program has been honored as the National Business Incubator Association’s Incubator of the Year. For more information, visit www.bus.lsu.edu/lbtc or call 225-578-7555.