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Accelerating Startups
THE EUGENE AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE: CelebratingPromotingInforming Business

Publisher

contents
A P R I L / M AY 2 0 1 3
How the Regional Accelerator Innovation Network would leverage Oregons university system to help emerging companies get established. The proposal calls for a mix of fully-equipped facilities, financing assistance and business consultation services.
Illustration by Dave Funk, bell+funk

David Hauser, CCE Editor Susan G. Miller, Director of Publications & Information Systems Eugene Chamber Executive Committee Sheryl Balthrop, Chair Gaydos, Churnside & Balthrop PC

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Ann Marie Mehlum, Chair-Elect Summit Bank Marvin ReVoal, Past-Chair Pacific Benefit Planners Cathy Worthington, Treasurer Worthington Business Services Advertising

FEATURES
How prepared is your business for a natural disaster? A look at how the American Red Cross is leading a grassroots effort to help businesses and organizations prepare.
PAC-077_COMMUNITY_EugeneChamber-OpenforBusMag_7.375x4.8126_April-May2013.indd 1 2/25/13 5:06 PM

Eugene Area Chamber of Commerce 541.484.1314 Design/Layout

Accelerating Startups
THE EUGENE AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE: CELEBRATINGPROMOTINGINFORMING BUsINEss

Asbury Design 541.344.1633 Printing TechnaPrint, Inc. 541.344.4062 Eugene Area Chamber of Commerce 1401 Willamette St. Eugene, OR 97401 541.484.1314

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How NEDCOs regional food hub, SPROUT! is supporting the growth of local food businesses. Young firms often have strong growth potential, but need financial investment and support to succeed. How the Eugene Chamber of Commerces Willamette Angel Conference is successfully connecting startup and seed-stage businesses with qualified investors. The Economic Forecast calls for steady improvement as more than 600 business leaders hear local and regional economic predictions for the coming year.

COLUMNS/ DEPARTMENTS

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CHAMBER@WORK

www.Facebook.com / EugeneChamber Open for Business: A publication of the Eugene Area Chamber of Commerce (USPS978-480). Open for Business is published bimonthly by the Eugene Area Chamber of Commerce in February, April, June, August, October and December. Circulation: 3,800. Open For Business 2013 The subscription price is $25, included in membership. Periodicals Postage Paid at Eugene, OR.

BUSINESS NEWS

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ADVERTISER INDEX
23 Arts and Business Alliance 20 Bell + Funk 17 Chambers Productions/KEZI 19 Downtown Athletic Club 27 Eugene Airport 22 Evergreen Roofing 25 13 6 5 20 28 Eugene Water & Electric Board Harrang Long Gary Rudnick PC Hershner Hunter, LLP Home Federal Bank Isler CPA Kernutt Stokes 14 2 21 2 21 Oregon Community Foundation 24 TechnaPrint Pacific Continental Bank 22 University of Oregon Servicemaster Commercial Cleaning Sitttner & Nelson Summit Bank

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Eugene Area Chamber of Commerce, P.O. Box 1107, Eugene, OR 97440-1107

CH A MBER@WORK Eugene Area Chamber of Commerce and local businesses Champion Education
Over the last seven years, the Eugene Chamber has partnered with the Springfield Chamber of Commerce, Oregon Community Credit Union and other local businesses to provide over $84,000 in support to local public schools through a Chamber program called A Champion in Education (ACE) Awards. The ACE Awards provide recognition to educators from the Eugene 4J, Bethel and Springfield school districts that go above and beyond every day to help children in our community grow and succeed. In addition to recognizing outstanding educators, the twelve awards presented each year provide each winners school with $1,000 toward a project or program in their school.With more than 220 nominations submitted for this years awards, the program continues to have strong support from both the education and business community.

W. James Clarke, President Andy Clarke, Vice President Clarkes Industries, Inc.

Chamber supports county levy and 4J facilities bond

The Board of Directors recently voted to support a proposed county public safety serial levy. The Chamber believes our region needs to identify a long-term sustainable solution to public safety. The Chamber endorsed the O and C Conservation and Jobs act, which will bring timber revenue back to Lane County to support critical services such as public safety. However, recognizing that implementing the right long-term solution will take time; this 5-year levy will provide $15 million a year to fund jail beds and juvenile detention. The Board also supported a 4J school district $170 million bond measure to replace and upgrade school facilities, classroom technology and textbooks. The Chambers believes a quality public K-12 education is critical to the health of our community and local economy. A quality education contributes to an educated and job-ready workforce, attracts and retains quality employees and employers, and is a significant quality of life factor. Well maintained and efficient facilities are a key component to a quality education.

My Metal Expert.
My Industry Leader. My HomeFed.
At Clarkes Industries, Inc., we do it all. From R&D to problem solving, product design to manufacturing, we are a one-stop shop. When we were looking for a bank, we

The 2013 ACE Awards is set for Tuesday, April 23.

The first step is becoming a member, the second is making the most of it
The Chamber hosts a bi-monthly meeting held for new members to come and learn more about the organization that they have chosen to partner with, and to begin to build a strategy to ensure that their partnership takes them down the most valuable path. Is promotion and exposure the most important piece of membership for a business, or is it being able to play an integral role in the economic health of the Eugene/Springfield area? Then again, perhaps its wanting to

wanted a team of nancial experts who could offer us everything we needed in a single place. HomeFed proved their mettle by customizing their service to our unique nancial needs.

MyHomeFed.com
have a voice in the public policy arena, or simply having access to numerous networking opportunities throughout the year. Whatever the business goals, the Chamber works to ensure they are met.

Call your local Home Federal Bank today!

Eugene Downtown Eugene Coburg Rd. Eugene Santa Clara Eugene West Springeld Gateway (541) 344-5424 (541) 345-9430 (541) 689-3313 (541) 338-7650 (541) 741-8280

4 OPEN FOR BUSINESS

EUGENE AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

SM ALL BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

KEEP YOUR

SHELL HELP YOU

How prepared is your business?

Natural disasters often occur during work hours and employees look to their employers for guidance
By Stephanie Brathwaite

PROPERTY
SAFE AND SECURE
Carrie Hellwig Christopher
ATTORNEY

INTELLECTUAL

fering an emergency supply kit to each employee; ensuring employees are aware of the companys emergency plan; and encouraging each employee to make an emergency plan at home. Businesses should also prepare a plan to maintain the continuity of the company in the event of a disaster, Keffer says. Small businesses employ 50 percent of the population, and up to 40 percent of small companies do not resume business after a catastrophic disaster, says Keffer. The American Red Cross understands a catastrophic disaster is also an economic disaster. In addition to saving lives, we work with companies to limit the economic impact of catastrophic events. The Oregon chapters of the American Red Cross hope to make the state the most prepared in the country by 2025. Five communities throughout the state will be selected to participate in a pilot program to increase community-wide disaster preparedness and serve as a model for the rest of the state. Clearly, unexpected events will happen when a natural disaster hits, says Keffer. Our goal is to assist people in being better prepared until help can reach them.
Eugene Area Chamber of Commerce

Get ready, Oregon! The American Red Cross Oregon and Southwest Washington chapters are embarking on a mission to save thousands of lives. The Get Ready! campaign is a multi-year effort to ensure that individuals, families, schools and businesses are prepared in the event of a disaster. While many people will never experience a catastrophic event like Hurricane Sandy, its within the realm of possibility in Oregon and Southwest Washington: the region may be hit by a mega earthquake within the next 50 years. The quake, which could register an 8 or 9 on the Richter Scale, is predicted to create a tsunami that will likely reach past the I-5 corridor. Through its Get Ready! initiative, the local American Red Cross is leading a grassroots effort to help individuals and organizations prepare. Natural disasters often occur during work hours and employees look to their employers for guidance, says Nathan Keffer, readiness specialist with the Oregon Pacific Chapter of the American Red Cross. Businesses can mitigate confusion through advance preparation efforts such as providing life-saving training to employees; of-

Through its Get Ready! initiative, the local American Red Cross is leading a grassroots effort to help individuals and organizations prepare.

For more information

Contact Nathan Keffer at nathan. keffer@redcross. org or call 541-228-0051.

In todays business environment, some of your most valuable property may not have a physical address or sit in a warehouse. Whether its an idea, a trademark, a strategic partnership, or a licensing agreement, it has material value, and should be protected. With intellectual property (IP) skills honed at one of Silicon Valleys top law firms, theres probably not a software or patent license or a manufacturing agreement Carrie Hellwig Christopher cant master. And as a general business and transactions attorney who has worked in-house for technology companies, she melds the high-level thinking of IP law with the day-to-day practicalities of business, enabling clients to effectively manage risk and accomplish their business objectives. Whether your business is global or homegrown, on-line or in development, its reassuring to know you dont have to go to Portland to unlock expert IP advice and protection. Focus on your business and leave the legal issues to us.

180 East 11th Avenue

Eugene, Oregon |

97401

541-686-8511

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Business
Accelerator
Regional Accelerator Innovation Network would leverage Oregons university system to help emerging companies get established
regon has no shortage of great innovations. Throughout our state, and particularly within its outstanding universities, the technologies and talent that are transforming the nations economy are thriving. Over the years, many have bemoaned the loss of manufacturing jobs overseas, but our greatest opportunity lies in our ability to come up with the next big thing, says Sen. Lee Beyer, D-Springfield. Our ideas are our most valuable asset, and innovations in science and technology represent Oregons greatest potential for economic growth. Vice President of University of Oregon Research and Innovation and Graduate School Dean Kimberly Andrews Espy, Ph.D. agrees. To move forward in a knowledge-based economy, we have to do more to leverage the ideas coming out of the community, says Espy. Espy and Beyer, along with other university and government officials and regional entrepreneurs, serve on the Valley/North Coast Regional Solutions Advisory Committee. Established in 2011 by Gov. John Kitzhaber, the committee is one of 11 throughout the state formed to bring together the public, private and civic sectors to collaboratively address community and economic development issues at the local level.

Addressing Barriers to Success for Startups

In considering the needs and opportunities in the southern valley, the committee quickly recognized that while there is incredible potential to commercialize university research, support for entrepreneurs looking to develop their innovations into

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University of Oregon invests in future

University of Oregon affiliated startup companies generated more than 270 jobs and nearly $40 million in company income in Oregon alone in 2012. The UO Technology Transfer office seeks to accelerate the adoption of innovations derived from UO research and education. The offices 2012 employment numbers represented an increase of 8.3 percent from 2011. Revenue in 2012 jumped 11.1 percent from the previous year. Each year an average of two UO startup companies are born.
Avant Assessment LLC Avant creates connections for educators and students with evidence, data, and observation to inspire and support relevant personalized learning, in and beyond the classroom.
www.avantassessment.com

CCR Consulting CCR Consulting offers a wide variety of computer consulting and training programs specifically designed to meet clients requirements.
www.ccrconsulting.net

Dune Sciences, Inc. Dune Sciences is a technology company specializing in products and services that facilitate the development and commercialization of nano-enabled products. They are the worlds only manufacturer of active, or functionalized, TEM grids that enables users to see more clearly on the nanoscale.
www.dunesciences.com

Eugene Health and Performance Foundation The Eugene Health and Performance Foundation (EHP) worksto help people live healthier, more productive lives. Its goals are to teach students, guide runners, coach athletes, share knowledge, disseminate research, and to conduct studies.
www.healthandperformance.org

Insignia Health LLC Insignia Health helps health organizations understand patients self-management ability as revealed by the Patient Activation Measure assessment. This allows health organizations and caregivers to go beyond deficit based education to also address the underlying competencies that drive poor self-management.
www.insigniahealth.com

On Time Systems, Inc. On Time Systems is an advanced-technology company specializing in software for optimization of complex industrial problems. The search-based approaches and technology are applicable in many industries, but their initial area of focus is the optimization of labor and resource utilization in shipyards.
www.otsys.com

QE Chemicals, Inc. QE is commercializing new chemical building blocks from the University of Oregon called azaborines. Azaborines mimic structures found in most drugs, but provide new properties. When those properties are superior to the existing drug, a novel drug candidate will have been discovered. In this way, QE products enhance innovation in drug discovery.
www.qechem.com

Cascade Prodrug, Inc. Cascade Prodrug, Inc.is a revitalized pharmaceutical company developing targeted prodrug therapies for the treatment of hyperproliferative diseases. The companys initial disease focus is on a pipeline of prodrugs that are activated in abnormally low oxygen concentrations found in most solid tumors.
www.cascadeprodrug.com

Educational Policy Improvement Center (EPIC) EPICs mission is to improve educational policy and practices which will increase student success, particularly with students historically underserved by public schools.
www.epiconline.org

Eugene Software Solutions Eugene Software Solutions is the exclusive provider of a proven, powerful, scalable and fully customizable education software called GradWeb that was developed at the University of Oregon over a period of three years.
www.eugenesoftware.com

mAbDx mAbDx specializes in creating novel immunodiagnostics through biomarker discovery and immunoassay development. The company is committed to developing effective diagnostics for diseases characterized by the common features of great clinical urgency and unmet diagnostic needs.
www.mabdx.com

ParaTools, Inc. ParaTools, Inc. provides consulting expertise in the area of parallel and distributed computing, as well as performance evaluation tools.
www.paratools.com

Crystal Clear Technologies, Inc. The Crystal Clear Technologies mission is to bring to market a low cost water purifier technology affordable to the majority of the worlds population.
www.simplyclearwater.com

Electrical Geodesics, Inc. (EGI) EGI was founded in 1992 with a vision of developing high-density EEG systems for neurological research. In the past 20 years, EGIs dense array EEG systems have come to dominate the field of neurophysiological research and are used by the most prestigious research laboratories in the world.
www.egi.com

Floragenex LLC Floragenex is a contract research organization founded that specializes in the application of next-generation DNA sequencing to further genomic studies in plant and animal biology.
www.floragenex.com

MitoSciences, Inc. MitoSciences is a leading developer of mitochondrial antibodies and mitochondrial assays. Their broader focus is to provide the most comprehensive set of antibodies and assays for studying metabolism and apoptosis.
www.mitosciences.com

Perpetua Power Source Technologies, Inc. Perpetua designs, manufactures, and markets renewable energy solutions for wireless sensors. They are focused on offering cost effective and easy-to-integrate power products that last as long as the sensor electronics.
www.perpetuapower.com

SupraSensor Technologies LLC SupraSensor Technologies goal is the development of nitrate sensors for field applications in large-scale industrial agriculture, to monitor and control fertilizer utilization and nitrate pollutant generation from fertilizer usage. They have patented the technology. Thought Cycle Thought Cycle creates high-quality, engaging and amusing games for next generation learning. Thought Cycle is partnering with the University of Oregons Center on Teaching and Learning to improve the quality of early math education.
www.thoughtcycle.net

NemaMetrix NemaMetrix accelerates the development of anthelmintic (anti-intestinal worm) drugs for human and animal health, using microfluidic, electrophysiological and optical technologies.
www.menametrix.com

Personal Technologies LLC Personal Technologies products help students with cognitive and learning challenges access technology for communication. Each of their products has demonstrated usability and high potential to impact social connectedness with peers.
www.personaltechnologies.com

VizMe Vizme is an HTML5 app development platform that simplifies and accelerates the creation, storage, testing, and hosting of fully crossplatform (desktop and mobile) web and hybrid apps and sites. Vizme integrates over 1,300 opensource and public libraries into one coherent platform and automates over 500 development tasks.
www.vizme.com

fully-functioning businesses is lacking. Right now, someone who has a great idea faces huge obstacles to turning that idea into a revenue-generating business, says Espy. They have to do all the legwork themselves creating a business plan, finding funding, purchasing equipment and more. As a result, many graduates and researchers get discouraged, and promising new businesses flounder or join established companies outside Oregon to develop their ideas, says Beyer. To support startups and stem this knowledge exodus, the committee has

proposed the development of a coordinated, collaborative effort, called the Regional Accelerator Innovation Network, or RAIN. The proposal calls for a mix of fullyequipped facilities, financing assistance and business consultation services to help emerging companies get established.

feature a combination of laboratories, offices and shared spaces such as conference and training rooms. Labs would be outfitted with state-ofthe-art equipment and would be designed to accommodate a host of industries and projects: wet labs for biology, chemistry and materials sciences; dry labs for computer, manufacturing and equipment industries; and living labs for pilot classrooms and end-user demonstrations. In Eugene, the accelerator space would be located in approximately 14,000 square feet on the third floor of PeaceHealths Sacred Heart Hospital the same build-

ing that currently houses the University of Oregons Research Innovation Services offices and adjacent to the UOs Department of Human Physiology research labs. It will house eight resident startup companies and have dedicated space for community partners such as the Eugene Chamber of Commerce and the Small Business Development Center. Michael Marusich, Ph.D., says turn-key lab space is a huge help for new tech businesses. Setting up a lab from scratch is a very high cost endeavor, says the founder and chief scientific officer of Eugene-based immunodiagnostic company MAbDx, Inc.
Michael Marusich

Whats more, if youve never done it before, theres a significant curve learning

staff including researchers trained at the UO. Marusich says the company was able to succeed thanks to university support similar to that which would be provided by RAIN. With the resources and support of the UO and the experience and funding I gained through my fee-for-service work there, we were able to license marketable technologies developed at the UO-MAF, quickly get additional grant funding and hit the ground running, Marusich says. Most new companies wouldnt have those advantages. Marusich says business and research

associated with lab management. M a r u s i c h established the

Physical Space at OSU and UO Anchor RAIN

Serving as anchors of the regional network, two accelerator facilities would be developed in Eugene and Corvallis near the University of Oregon and Oregon State University campuses. Each location would

UOs Monoclonal Antibody Facility before co-founding his first commercial venture, MitoSciences, as a spinout company in 2003. Later acquired by U.K.-based company Abcam, MitoSciences is still located in Eugene and now employs more than 25

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development support can make the difference between success and failure. Many scientists and entrepreneurs dont have previous business experience, so guidance on things like business planning, financing and legal issues from those in the know can make or break a new technology venture. And, being close to colleagues in your field to collaborate and problem-solve is one of the best ways to ensure the quality of your own work while also adding to the knowledge base of the scientific community as a whole.

Coordinated Collaboration Key to Success of RAIN

RAIN is a focused effort that brings together the power of the governors office to convene the universities, local elected officials and the business community together in a concentrated push to maximize our resources through collaboration and coordination. Accelerators have an excellent track record in the state, says Espy. The Portland State University Business and Accelerator, cleantech for example, is now home to 29 resident technology, bioscience companies that more than doubled their annual revenue in 2012 and increased employment 9 percent. She also points to Eugene companies like Floragenex, MitoSciences and Electrical Geodesics as good examples of technology companies that grew out of roots in University of Oregon research and were able to succeed with the help of the universitys incubator services. By giving emerging companies a solid footing, we can help ensure that they have the opportunity to prove their concepts and grow into powerful job creators of tomorrow, Espy says. Beyer adds that while accelerators arent an economic silver bullet, they play an important role in complementing other strategic economic development efforts such as financing programs, increasing available land for development and tax
12 OPEN FOR BUSINESS |

To move forward in a knowledge-based economy, we have to do more to leverage the ideas coming out of the community, says Vice President of University of Oregon Research and Innovation and Graduate School Dean Kimberly Andrews Espy.

Many have bemoaned the loss of manufacturing jobs overseas, but our greatest opportunity lies in our ability to come up with the next big thing.
Sen. Lee Beyer, D-Springfield.

the bill is a good investment for Oregons economic future. Small, innovative technology companies hold great promise for Oregon, she says. They tend to grow quickly and create stable, high-wage jobs that attract and keep talent in the state, and on a broader scale, create the products that are changing our world. We have a chance to help them get a jump start out of the launch period and into growth mode by providing access to the facilities, equipment and knowledge they need to be successful. The accelerator is an incredible opportunity to invest in the future of our economy. The Eugene Chambers Regional Prosperity Initiative is committed to supporting economic development and job creation efforts that build on regional strengths. Eugene Chamber programs like SmartUps and the Willamette Angel Conference complement the goals of the accelerator, and as a partner, the Chamber is working with the Regional Solutions Advisory Committee to champion the accelerator and Beyers bill in the Oregon Legislature. To voice your support for RAIN and for Oregons innovative entrepreneurs, contact your legislator.
Eugene Area Chamber of Commerce

HLGR started out as a small Eugene law firm in 1957. By the 1970s, HLGR was acting as city attorney for Eugene and later as exclusive outside counsel for Eugene city officials. Over the years, we have grown into a larger regional firm, with offices in Portland, Eugene, and Salem. We now assist a wide variety of businesses and organizations with litigation, advice, transactional legal services, and government relations. On June 30, 2013, HLGR will be ending its exclusive and long-standing client relationship with Eugene city government so we may continue our trajectory as regional leaders in business and corporate law. We want to thank the City of Eugeneand all our friends therefor entrusting us with their legal matters for so many decades.

Business in Oregon is growing. And, so are we.

incentives for small businesses. While RAIN has strong support from mayors, Chambers of Commerce, universities and community colleges, it needs financial support from the legislature to get off the ground. RAIN would require a $12 million investment by the state for capital investments and program development, to be matched by the two universities. Beyer has introduced SB 241 this session that would provide funding for the RAIN. and Although the Valley/North Coast Regional Solutions Advisory Committee recognizes the challenging budget situation, Espy stresses that they strongly believe

harrang.com
541.485.0220 (Eugene)

PORTLAND EUGENE SALEM

EUGENE AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Something great has sprouted

NEDCOs Sprout! supports local entrepreneurs and businesses
NEDCO (Neighborhood Economic Development Corporation) believes in the power of food to strengthen communities. Few programs demonstrate this more clearly than their farmers market program, launched in 2008. The markets economic impact more than tripled from $703,000 to a whopping $2.5 million in the last three seasons alone. What was once a single-season farmers market has now become the year-round Marketplace@Sprout!, as part of NEDCOs regional food hub called Sprout!. In addition to the Marketplace, Sprout! features a fully equipped, certified commercial kitchen for food entrepreneurs and events, plus specialized educational programming and support services for businesses of all kinds; whether well-established or just getting started. The facility is easily accessible by all modes of transportation, and can be rented by the hour for meetings or special events, too. By creating access to fresh local affordable foods and supporting the growth of local (food) businesses NEDCOs Sprout! plays a critical role in building a strong, sustainable, local food system. This is good news for area farmers and vendors and people of all incomes who are interested in eating great food, while strengthening our regional economy. For more information or to get involved with Sprout! visit www.sproutfoodhub.org or call NEDCO at 541.345.7106.
Eugene Area Chamber of Commerce

$25,000

$25,000

Value is Relative. Whether you donate an old master to your local art museum, or support the next generation of abstract expressionists, its your connection to the community that counts. With The Oregon Community Foundation, you can create a fund that puts your resources to creative use locally for the causes you care about most. For more information, call us at 541.431.7099 or visit www.oregoncf.org.

Eugene Area Chamber of Commerce

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WILL AMETTE ANGEL CONFERENCE

WILL AMETTE ANGEL CONFERENCE

Connecting startups with investors

Conference lets local entrepreneurs compete for up to $200,000 in investment funds
Investors in the Willamette Valley have a lot to be excited about. The Eugene Chamber of Commerces Willamette Angel Conference (WAC) is entering its fifth year of successfully connecting startup and seed-stage businesses with qualified angel investors. Young firms often have strong growth potential, but need financial investment and support to succeed. Recognizing this, the Eugene Chamber spearheaded the development of the WAC in 2008 [verify] to increase capital development in the region by supporting the kind of entrepreneurship and innovation vital to economic growth. The WAC is an annual opportunity for local entrepreneurs to compete for up to $200,000 in investment funds to grow their business ideas from concept to reality. While the potential prize is certainly motivation enough for start-ups to participate, the WAC is much more than an investment competition. For those businesses who submitted their plans for consideration earlier this year, the conference offers to chance for entrepreneurs to network and gain valuable insight from investors and other successful entrepreneurs. Throughout April, participating companies will begin working with the WAC investors on due diligence and will have a variety of opportunities to pitch, improve and perfect their business plans. These sessions allow the up-and-coming companies to learn how to talk effectively about their unique selling points; gain feedback and advice from experienced investors and speakers; and practice for the big pitch

Cascade Prodrug shows WACs success

Innovation is flourishing in the Wilhealthy surrounding tissue. The WAC investment prize, which important perspective, he says. By connecting you with professionals in disciplines outside your own, it can help you avoid the pitfalls of tunnel vision and realize that youre not just developing a product youre creating a viable business model. Cochrane, who is also an instructor of entrepreneurship at the University of Oregon, says he met many people through the conference that have become trusted advisors as he and Sick have grown their company. They, in turn, have become strong supporters of other start-up companies. Entrepreneurship is critical to the health of our economy and community, and were happy to share our knowledge and experience to help other innovators succeed, he says. Learn more about Cascade Prodrug online at cascadeprodrug.com.
Eugene Area Chamber of Commerce

And the winner is

The unique landscape of the Willamette Valley, with its diverse and innovative resources, allows the startups in our region to contribute substantively to our economy. The following companies were given that opportunity by winning the top prize in each of the past four Willamette Angel Conference competitions. 2009: CenterSpace Software provides numerical components for financial, engineering, and scientific applications. CenterSpace was awarded the $125,000 top prize at the first annual Willamette Angel Conference. 2010: Winner of the 2010 competition, Good Clean Love, manufactures high quality all natural/organic intimacy products which provide sustainable sexual solutions for healthy relationships. The company was awarded $165,000. 2011: Montrue Technologies, Inc. developed an emergency department information entry system for the iPad, solving the problem of how to get critical data into electronic form as required by recent legislation. Montrue won the $200,000 investment prize in 2011. 2012: Cascade Prodrug Inc., developer of a novel platform technology that improves the therapeutic index of cancer drugs, won the $200,000 investment prize in the fourth annual Willamette Angel Conference. Who will win the investment in 2013? The announcement will be made at the end of the May 9, 2013 conference. Follow the competition at www.willametteconference.com or www.facebook.com/EugeneChamber.

lamette Valley. Founded by Allan Cochrane and Augie Sick in 2009, Cascade Prodrug is a Eugene-based pharmaceutical company developing the next generation of cancer drugs, called prodrugs. Many of the drugs currently used to treat cancer have serious and harmful side effects because while they inhibit the growth of cancer cells, they also damage healthy cells. Prodrugs are designed to be inactive when theyre injected so theyre able to move through the body causing minimal damage. When it encounters a tumor, the prodrug chemistry acts as a switch and activates the drug in the region of the tumor. This technology enables the drug to attack cancer cells locally, with minimal impact on

Cascade Prodrug won in 2012, has helped Cochrane and Sick develop and test their switching chemistry in preparation for filing with the Federal Drug Administration. The Willamette Angel Conference provided critical funds that will allow us to complete pre-clinical testing and prepare our Investigation of New Drug application to the FDA, says Cochrane, who is also the companys CEO. Once approved, the IND will pave the way for Cascade Prodrug to engage with partners and begin human clinical trials. According to Cochrane, financial support is just one of the ways the WAC helps start-up companies like his. Beyond the investment itself, participating in the Willamette Angel Conference can help a young company gain

Throughout April, participating companies will begin working with the WAC investors on due diligence and will have a variety of opportunities to pitch, improve and perfect their business plans.
in May. The WAC will culminate in an all-day conference on May 9, 2013 at the CH2M Hill Alumni Center on the Oregon State University campus in Corvallis, Ore. Attendants will have the chance to see the competing companies make their final business pitches to a panel of WAC investor members, and attend a keynote address

and investor panels throughout the day. In addition, five concept stage companies will vie for a prize package that includes a package of over $9,000 in cash and services, lead by a $2,500 cash prize provided by Palo Alto Software. The audience will select the winner based on a pitch competition at the WAC. The WAC panel will present the $200,000 prize to the winner at the conclusion of the conference. The conference offers excellent networking opportunities for both established and new businesses, and is attended by investors, researchers, IP holders, entrepreneurs, venture capitalists, service providers and elected officials. General admission is $99 and includes breakfast and lunch. For more information and to register, visit www.willametteconference.com.
Eugene Area Chamber of Commerce

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economies this year, but with a wide range

ECONOMIC FORECAST 2013

of risks, including the slight possibility of falling back into recession. Eugene Area Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the Eugene Water & Electric Board, released the initial results of the first comprehensive analysis of the local business climate in more than a decade. Among the findings: 42 percent of the businesses surveyed rated doing business in Eugene as excellent or good. More than half (57 percent) of respondents expect an increase in gross revenues this year, 43 percent of them plan to add a new product or service this year, and one in five said they plan a significant capital investment in the next 12 months. According to Chamber President Dave Hauser, Economic Forecast not only provides information businesses can use, it is designed to stimulate our collective thinking how we can strengthen the economic future for our region.
Eugene Area Chamber of Commerce

More than 600 business leaders gathered at the Hilton Eugene and Conference Center to hear local and regional economic predictions for the coming year.

Ilene Aleshire, The Register-Guard, moderated the newspapers panel of economists including (from left to right) Bill Conerly, Brian Rooney, Ed Whitelaw, Tom Potiowsky and John Mitchell.

Forecast steadily improving

Chamber event brings economic expertise to local business leaders
More than 625 business leaders participated in Economic Forecast 2013, produced each year by the Eugene Area Chamber of Commerce in cooperation with The Register-Guard and sponsored by Oregon Community Credit Union, Eugene Water & Electric Board, and Providence Health Plans. The program features experts who provide local and regional economic predictions for the coming year providing participants information they need to plan for business success. Highlights from the March 20th event included: Co-keynote speakers, University of Oregon President Micheal Gottfredson and OSU President Edward Ray outlined the economic development roles of their institutions and urged business leaders and elected officials to work with the universities in enhancing quality of life for Oregonians. Last year alone, the UO and OSU collectively brought in nearly $400 million in research dollars that result in discovery, innovation and economic activity for Oregonians. Gottfredson and Ray also talked about the development of the Regional Accelerator and Innovation Network or RAIN, a joint effort to convert ideas to commercialization. The business-incubator network could generate more than 100 startups and 18,000 high-paying jobs over a decade. The Register-Guard Board of Economists is predicting slow and steady improvement in the national and local

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EUGENE AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

BUSINESS NEWS
Promotions/New Hires
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BUSINESS NEWS

Pacific Continental Bank recently announced the following new hires: Christine Armstrong, relationship banking officer; Nola Reed, executive administrative assistant; Troy Reichenberger, commercial banking officer; and Dave Williams, vice president, commercial banking officer. www.therightbank.com Eugene Airport Director Timothy Doll, AAE has been appointed to the Board of Directors of the International Association of Airport Executives, an affiliate organization of the American Association of Airport Executives. AAAE is the largest professional organization for airport executives in the world. www.flyeug.com Richard Fisher has joined D.A. Davidson & Co. as a financial consultant in the firms Eugene office. He joins Davidson from Morgan Stanley Smith Barney. www.davidsoncompanies.com

bell+funk is bringing RAIN to Eugene

RAIN, the Regional Accelerator Innovation Network, is coming to Eugene. Stretching from Eugene to Corvallis, this innovative economic initiative brings private industry, university and public officials together in a concentrated effort to provide area jobs. bell+funk has been chosen to develop the brand and all marketing communications for RAIN.

Ordinary Tasks Extraordinary Service

44 West Broadway, Suite 210 Eugene, OR 97401 (541) 654-4446 bellandfunk.com

Illustration by bell+funk

Mortgage Loan Officer Brad Wheeler received Umpqua Bank Home Lendings Circle of Excellence Award for 2012. The award is earned by the top producing loan officers throughout Umpqua Banks entire Home Lending Division. Adrienne Weiss has joined the Home Lending Division as a mortgage loan officer. www.umpquabank.com

The Eugene office of Moss Adams LLP is proud to announce the following promotions: Katie Yarbrough, senior manager; Kenny Martin, senior manager; Porter Loud, manager; Greg Gibson (not pictured), senior; Joel Cohen, senior; and Alex Smith, senior. Joining the firm as staff accountants are: Brian Burns; Doron Fletcher; Chris Ruderman; Tyler Harris; Jered Souder; Eric Kaster; Caleb Yue; Meagan Rammell; and Kyle Hauser. www.mossadams.com

Janitorial Service

Carpet & Flooring

Specialty Cleaning

Healthy Building Cleaning Service

Environmentally Responsible

(541) 338-0101

www.smcommercialclean.com
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BUSINESS NEWS

BUSINESS NEWS
The Lane Community College Foundation has named its former director of development, Wendy Jett, as foundation director. Prior to joining the Foundation in 2011, Jett served as development director of the University of Oregons Lundquist College of Business and Cal Poly Pomonas College of Business and Claremont Graduates Universitys Peter F. Drucker School of Management. www.lanecc.edu/foundation/ Michael Caprai of Green Leaf Financial Consulting has been awarded the Accredited Investment Fiduciary (AIF) designation from the Center for Fiduciary Studies, the standards-setting body for fi360. The AIF designation signifies specialized knowledge of fiduciary responsibility and the ability to implement policies and procedures that meet a defined standard of care. www.greenleaffin.com DC Fine Homes & Interiors is excited to announce the addition of Alicia Erickson as senior designer. Erickson has 10 years of Residential Home Design and Interiors and has been a LEED accredited professional for over four years. www.dcdesigns.com

Shannon Boettcher UO Assistant Professor of Chemistry DuPont Young Professor ONAMI Signature Researcher

Holt International Childrens Services announced the promotions of David Lim to vice president, Asia Programs and Jian Chen, vice president, China Programs. www.holtinternational.com Gretchen Drew has joined dark30 sports as the companys operations director. She previously worked in theater and event production in Oregon, Washington and Alaska. www.dark30sports.com Dorinda Dawes of Home Federal Bank has been appointed chair of the Lane County March for Babies. Last year, the Lane County March for Babies raised nearly $135,000. Dawes has committed to raising $40,000 in new revenue as part of the 2013 March for Babies total goal of $160,000. www.marchofdimes.com

Materials Whiz
Solar water-splitting. The University of Oregons Shannon Boettcher thinks it could help harness the sun to power our civilization. His team of scientists, funded by the Department of Energy, the National Science Foundation, and DuPont, is inventing new materials and

In hot pursuit of hydrogen fuel from sunlight and water

technologies to store solar energy in the form of hydrogen fuel for use when the sun isnt shining. Basic research focused on clean, affordable energypart of the UOs mission to improve the future for our community and the world.

Siuslaw Bank has promoted Mary Bartlett to vice president and commercial loan officer and Cathryn Wilson to operations supervisor. Recently hired are Andrea Voorhees, human resources generalist and Adam Stevens, credit analyst in the banks Private Banking office. In addition, Karen Cummins is now central operations manager and Leslie Stubbs is now project manager. www.siuslawbank.com
EO/AA/ADA institution committed to cultural diversity.

Oregon Community Credit Union announces the following promotions and new hires: Kevin Scaife, director of real estate lending; Marla Casley, retail operations sales and service lead; Amy Brannan, training & development manager; and Kayla Murkin, assistant branch manager at the Barger branch. www.OregonCommunityCU.org Greg Langdon has been elected president of Systems West Engineers. The firm also announced the addition of Sheri Konowitz as business office manager and Adam Mangrich as principal mechanical engineer in their Dubuque, Iowa office. www.sysemswestengineers.com

BUSINESS NEWS
Chamber members Partnered Solutions IT and Ruby Porter Marketing + Design have merged. The businesses operate as divisions of Phoenix Business Solutions LLC and are both housed at 110 E. 14 Ave. www.PartneredSolutionsIT.com www.RubyPorter.com

Harrang Long Gary Rudnick, PC is pleased to announce that John T. Witherspoon has been named shareholder. Shari L. Lane joined the firm as an attorney of counsel their Portland office. Shari will be an integral part of the firms Labor & Employment practice. www.harrang.com

Brought to you by:

Yo ure
G
Whether you like Bach or bluegrass, belong on the stage or in the audience, Eugene A Go-Go is for you.

A partnership of:

ood to Go-G

Eugene a Go-Go is Eugenes online hub for arts, culture and nightlife.
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Home Federal Bank is pleased to announce that Rick Garrison has joined the bank as vice president and regional credit officer. Operating from Eugene, Garrison is responsible for leading the Western Oregon commercial credit administration team. Additionally, he provides support in the administration and oversight of the banks commercial loan portfolio. Greg Richichi has joined the bank as vice president and commercial relationship manager. www.myhomefed.com

Midori, Oregon Bach Festival

Funded by:

Impact Grantmaking LLC recently launched its website and a free weekly newsletter containing a list of nonprofit project proposals that need funding. Impact Grantmaking currently lists proposals by Lane County nonprofit organizations, but will ultimately cover proposals throughout Oregon. www.impactgrantmaking.com Lord Leebrick Theatre has a new name, Oregon Contemporary Theatre, and has moved into its newly remodeled space at 194 W. Broadway. www.octheatre.org Dex One announced it is the winner of Googles 2012 North America Premier SMB Partner Awards - Largest Increase in Active Advertiser Base. Dex One was chosen from a select group of Google Premier SMB Partners for its work in helping the most small and medium-sized businesses get online with Google AdWords. www.dexone.com dark30sports Rolf Prima Tri at the Grove was named fifth in the Countrys Best Triathlons by Triathlete Magazine in its Feb. 2013 issue. The 2013 triathlon will be held July 27. The company was also recently hired to host NBCs Biggest Loser RunWalk event in Springfield on April 14. www.dark30sports.com

The Eugene Symphony has been awarded a $10,000 grant from The Ford Family Foundation and a $5,500 grant from the Cow Creek Umpqua Indian Foundation to support its extended Roseburg Residency program. The symphony has also received a $2,500 grant from a philanthropic organization in Washington to support its upcoming youth concert, The Planets. www.eugenesymphony.org Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) has received the following foundation grants over the past several months to train and support new volunteer advocates: Central Lutheran Church Foundation ($1,000); Chambers Family Foundation ($20,000); Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe of Indians ($10,000); Herbert A. Templeton Foundation ($5,000); Home Federal Foundation ($2,000); Jubitz Family Foundation ($2,500); and the John Serbu Fund of The Oregon Community Foundation ($18,649). www.casa-lane.org Meyer Memorial Trust has awarded NEDCO (Neighborhood Economic Development Corp.) a $250,000 grant toward the completion of the capital campaign of Sprout! www.nedcocdc.org 1/2

NEW MEMBERS
When you join the Eugene Area Chamber of Commerce, you become part of a vibrant and prosperous community of creative entrepreneurs, forward-thinking innovators and visionary business leaders. Were pleased to welcome these new members who have chosen to take advantage of the Chambers tools, resources and expansive network to grow their businesses: Ace Classic Painting, Inc. (541) 515-4348 Brattain International Trucks Inc. www.brattain.com ChakraBody Fusion Pain Care and Massage www.chakrabodyfusion.com Chamber2Go www.Chamber2Go.com Empire Property Management LLC www.empirepropertymanagement.net Eugene Ballet Company Open for Business www.eugeneballet.org Fall Creek Farm & Nursery Inc. PAGE HORIZONTAL (7.375 in W. www.fallcreeknursery.com

Grays Garden Center www.graysgardens.com Martin M. Fisher, PC www.lanecountylaw.com Mill Casino Hotel & RV Park www.themillcasino.com New Hope Christian College www.newhope.edu River Vista Vacation Homes (541) 495-0506 Servpro of South Eugene/Florence (541) 345-0115 Zachary R. Webb Insurance LLC www.zacharyrwebb.com
Eugene Area Chamber of Commerce

KUDOS
Fourteen business women from around Lane County participated in the first annual High Heels for High Hopes Fashion Show at the Kendall Toyota Showroom. The nearly $30,000 raised by this event will benefit the March of Dimes Lane County March for Babies, which helps support prenatal wellness programs, research grants, neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) family support programs and advocacy efforts for stronger, healthier babies. Participants included: Dorinda Dawes (March for Babies Chair), Home Federal Bank; Amy Hogan, Dr. Dennis Dunne DDS; Dawn Robinson, Home Federal Bank; Tera Schmeling, KeyBank; Heather Sharp, KeyBank; Barbara Rae, Melaleuca; Stephanie Coats, Keller Willliams Realty; Nola Reed, Pacific Continental Bank; Jeanne Staton, Staton Companies; Jenny

Miles, Sterling Bank; Sarah Heth, Eugene Emeralds Baseball Club; Amy Newport, Kendall Auto Group; Shalena Cardinaux, Eugene Area Chamber of Commerce; Rani Gee, Elite Realty Professionals and Christine Cameron, Christine & Co. The Eugene Family YMCA has received a $5,000 grant from jcp cares, jcpenneys new charitable giving program, to provide school-aged children financial assistance to attend after school programs at the YMCA. The gift provides low-income children in the Eugene-area access to life-enriching after school programs that cultivate the values, relationships and skills kids need to thrive. www.eugeneymca.org

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Business News covers promotions, hires, awards, business giving and business news. E-mail items to businessnews@eugenechamber.com.

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F O O D F O R T H O U G H T | B Y D AV E H A U S E R

Entrepreneurship and innovation vital to our success

Now there are TWO ways to fly through Denver!

he success of economic development in our region hinges on supporting innovation. Early-stage businesses have higher productivity level and faster gains than their more

relationships through the Chambers multitude of other networking programs, such as Business After Hours, Young Professionals Network and Greeters. The Eugene Chamber also helps connect early- and seed-stage businesses with angel and venture investors through the Willamette Angel Conference (WAC). Now in its fifth year, the WAC has helped promising local businesses such as Cascade Prodrug and [enter others] succeed. FolHauser

mature competitors, and are more likely to take risks that lead to new discoveries. They create approximately three million jobs in the United States each year and employ a higher percentage of scientists, engineers and other innovators than the labor market on average. Offering higher-than-average wages and room for advancement, these companies help their cities attract and retain young, well-educated workers who are, in turn, more likely to branch out and start their own new ventures. For these reasons and more, the Eugene Chamber has made support of entrepreneurship through education, networking and capital formation a priority of its Regional Prosperity Initiative. For example, the Chambers SmartUps programs offer short- and long-term training opportunities for entrepreneurs. SmartUps Day One is an intensive one-day boot camp that introduces entrepreneurs to the basics of launching a new company. Offering related but much more in-depth training, SmartUps Academy is a year-long program that helps five to ten entrepreneurs develop investor-ready businesses. As part of the training, participants work on developing their products and services, creating business and marketing plans, networking with other local businesses and developing an investor pitch. Past SmartUps graduates include local companies such as Pathfinder Learning Systems and Coyle. Recognizing the importance of networking for start-up companies, the Eugene Chamber also hosts SmartUps Pub Talks. Pub Talks give local entrepreneurs an opportunity to network with their peers to share stories, resources and tips for start-up success. The talks have attracted over 1,000 participants in the first two years. In addition, entrepreneurs can develop important

lowing this years conference in May, the WAC will have invested more than $1 million in new ventures in the Willamette Valley while identifying and training dozens of angel investors. Supporting entrepreneurship creates new jobs, investment and a steady stream of economic energy. In addition to the programs described here, the Eugene Chamber is a strong advocate of the Regional Acceleration Innovation Network (RAIN) proposed for the south Willamette Valley. By providing a combination of physical space and business support services, the RAIN will help new technology companies move from the concept stage to fully-functioning businesses. The RAIN will not only ensure that new ventures have the resources they need to succeed, it will also make sure the innovations and talent coming out of the communitys universities remain local to fuel the growth of the regional economy and position Oregon as a leader in entrepreneurship.
Eugene Area Chamber of Commerce

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EUGENE AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

PO Box 1107 Eugene, OR 97440-1107

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