CLC names new business leaders

The College of Lake County has hired two new staff members for its Illinois Small Business Development and International Trade Center.

Mitch Bienvenue was named director of the Illinois SBDC/ITC, replacing Frank Brisbois, who retired in December 2017. He has 30 years of business experience, 17 as a small-business owner/operator.

As a trainer and certified professional business coach, he has worked with upper-level leaders from a wide variety of industries. Bienvenue brings his personal experience, passion and business-building skills to support Lake County entrepreneurs and small business owners to start or grow businesses.

Jong Hyoung (Kevin) Kim was hired in November as international trade specialist. Kim has a M.B.A. from Pfeiffer University in North Carolina and has been certified as a Certified Global Business Professional.

He worked for the Schaeffler Group USA in export/import, logistics, sales and marketing and has an extensive background in global trade/supply chain management. Kim will support clients' efforts to enter, succeed and expand in international trade markets.

During 2016-17, The Illinois Small Business Development and International Trade Center helped create 77 jobs and served 331 clients. It has been serving Lake County businesses for more than 30 years. The SBDC/ITC provides free, confidential counseling and low-cost, interactive workshops and is funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity and the College of Lake County.