North Country Small Business Development Center

In making the announcement, Delena Clark, director of the center, said, "We are delighted to have such a competent and personable person added to our staff. Rich's expertise in small business management will add much to our organization."

Gottschall earned a bachelor's degree in management from Juniata College in 1989 and a master's degree in international management from the American Graduate School of International Management in 2001. As an adjunct faculty member in the School of Business and Economics at Plattsburgh State, he has taught management and marketing courses. Gottschall has extensive experience in small business finance. His career has included director of economic revitalization in Montenegro, small enterprise assistance in Macedonia and owning and operating his own business venture from 1989-1996 in Plattsburgh.

Gottschall said, "It is essential to provide a sounding board, an objective opinion as well as research and technical services to develop the confidence level of decision-makers who add to our local economy.  It is interesting to work with businesses making difficult decisions in a complex and dynamic environment, and because every situation is different, it is always a challenge to ensure I understand each client's needs."

The North Country SBDC provides free and confidential counseling and management services to new and existing small businesses in Clinton, Essex, Franklin, Hamilton, Warren and northern Washington counties. The SBDC office is part of a statewide program, funded in part by the U.S. Small Business Administration and the State of New York.

Firms seeking assistance in developing cash flow projections, financial statement analysis and advice on strategic management decisions can contact Richard Gottschall at 518-564-2042. You can also find out more about SBDC by visiting the SBDC website at http://www.northcountrysbdc.org

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