Corridor Lunch & learn

Business Succession Panelists

Join the Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation for a Lunch & Learn panel discussion on March 20th at BVU about resources available to ensure a smooth transition of business to new ownership. Small businesses are the backbone of our economy and we want to keep them here! As current business owners begin looking at retirement or options for selling their business, there are tools available to help. Whether looking to sell in 12 months or 12 years, it is never too soon to start planning for your business to continue!

Kirsten Case Fuller is the Regional Director of the North Central Iowa Small Business Development Center (SBDC). With over two decades of experience, Kirsten Case Fuller is a leader passionate about creating positive change and growth in communities. Her expertise spans capacity building, community relations, and strategy implementation across diverse sectors including government, education, and nonprofits. Previously, she served as Manager of Leadership and Workforce Development at the Greater Omaha Chamber, Executive Director of an adult literacy organization, and Chief Service Officer for the City of Omaha. In all her endeavors, Kirsten leverages her experience and resources to build stronger and more prosperous communities.

Dan Nieland is the Small Business Education Specialist for Farm, Food, & Enterprise Development at Iowa State University’s Extension & Outreach. Dan brings a great deal of practical experience to his current role including many years as an entrepreneur in a variety of businesses, ten years in higher education, and twenty years of grocery management. Dan has been with ISU since 2021 and has a Bachelor of Arts Degree from the University of Northern Iowa and an MBA from Lindenwood University.

Duane Johnson is the Program Manager of Farm, Food, & Enterprise Development with degrees in accounting and economics. His career at ISU began with SBDC before moving to Farm, Food, and Enterprise Development five years ago. Johnson currently manages the Enterprise Development Team to provide consulting and financial analysis to small businesses throughout Iowa. During his career, Duane has been a small business owner and worked in various corporate finance and management positions.

Gary Sterling, MBA, is an Instructor at Buena Vista University’s (BVU) Harold Walter Siebens School of Business, and Director of Rural Entrepreneurship at the Lamberti Center for Rural Entrepreneurship. Gary has been a co-founder of two medical technology and equipment companies, where he’s gained experience in product development, FDA Clearance, strategy, early commercialization processes, and exit by acquisition. Gary has consulted with several start-up medical device companies while working for UCLA’s “Institute of Technology Advancement” at UCLA’s Samueli School of Engineering, and he is an active mentor and angel investor in start-up companies in the cardiovascular and gastro-intestinal specialties.

RSVP to attend by March 11th!