Paula Camara

Paula Camara, Senior Business Advisor in the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Clark University, has been named the Massachusetts Star Performer for 2010.

The award was given in recognition of her outstanding achievements, dedication to clients and contributions to the Massachusetts SBDC organization, and was presented at the national ASBDC conference in San Antonio, Texas on Sept. 24. Over 1,500 SBDC business advisers, directors and staff attended the event.

Since joining the SBDC in 1999, Camara has helped more than 3,000 small businesses and entrepreneurs in Central Massachusetts and has raised over $4 million in financing in 2010. She has 25 years’ experience in sales, marketing and entrepreneurial endeavors in small business environments. Along with being an experienced commercial real estate broker, she managed a family-owned design/build firm and built a successful direct sales organization. She received her MBA from the Simmons School of Management in Boston with a concentration in small business management.

Camara, who is a resident of Northborough, was named the 2007 “Woman of Distinction” by the Marlborough Chamber of Commerce.

Laurence W. Marsh, SBDC regional director, nominated Camara for the Star Performer award. “Paula’s work with clients and partner organizations is beyond superb,” he said. “She has established strong working relationships with area bankers, chambers and legislators. Her clients adore her; this is the 3rd consecutive year that Paula has achieved 100 percent client satisfaction on MSBDC statewide client surveys — the highest rating in the state.”

Earlier in the year, the Clark University-based SBDC was presented the SBA Award for Excellence and Innovation.