NEOEDD
Newsletter
Opportunities to Learn About Business
NEOEDD will be sponsoring six-session business planning classes in Baker City, La Grande and Enterprise mid-April through May. Classes will be scheduled from 6-9 p.m. To sign up, contact pfrolander@neoedd.org.
Classes start in:
- LaGrande on Monday nights beginning April 14
- Baker City on Tuesday nights beginning April 15
- Enterprise on Thursday nights beginning April 17
Participants in this six-week 18-hour program will learn the business planning process while building business skills and reducing fears of self-employment. Participants will study the development of a mission statement, estimate start-up and overhead costs, and learn about profit goal setting, cash flow, marketing, licensing, and record keeping. In the course participants will also learn about personal financial management, the requirements of entrepreneurship, and receive direct, supportive feedback on their business plans. Instructors act more as facilitators than teachers, use intentional “low-tech” presentations, and encourage small group activities. This is a new class format for NEOEDD and we are looking forward to creating an interactive environment for class members.
Cost - $100, scholarships available. To sign up, contact pfrolander@neoedd.org or call 541-426-3598 or 800-645-9454.
Using your Website to Increase Profitable Sales
Marketing expert Stacy Green will be delivering a workshop focused on the sales and marketing aspects (rather than the technical aspects) of a website on April 16 from 6-9 p.m. at the La Grande Public Library and on May 8 from 6-9 p.m. at the Baker County Library in Baker City.
Participants will learn how much of a website they actually need, how to dramatically improve content, when to take it to the next level, and how to promote it effectively. The workshop will also cover how to make the most of email marketing.
Cost - $50, scholarships available. To sign up, contact pfrolander@neoedd.org or call 541-426-3598 or 800-645-9454.
Plug In to
Business - A Briefing for Business Leaders
The Oregon Entrepreneurs Network (OEN) is presenting “Plug In to Business” A Briefing for Business Leaders the following days and times:
- April 9, 5:15 – 6:30 PM at Terminal Gravity, 803 SE School, Enterprise
- April 10, Noon – 1:15 PM at Mamacita’s, 2003 4th Street, La Grande
- April 10, 5:15 – 6:30 PM at Sunridge Inn, Baker City
Jim McCreight, President of the Museum Trustee Association, past Oregon Entrepreneurs Network, (OEN) Director of Membership & Educational Programs and experienced entrepreneur will talk about OEN’s statewide activities. He will share success stories about how local leaders are working with economic and small business development professionals to plan PubTalk™ an entrepreneurial networking and educational event that has taken hold in the region.
An update on local entrepreneurial activities and available resources for start up and expanding companies will also be provided. Professional Service Providers, CPA’s, Legal Advisors, Banking Professionals, Financial Advisors, Investors, Consultants, CEO’s, CFO’s and Elected Officials are encouraged to attend. There is no cost, but space is limited. Light refreshments included. RSVP by April 7, NEOEDD, 541-426-3598, 800-645-9454 or juliemullen@neoedd.org.
$6.2 Million Awarded for Individual Development
Account Program
Oregon Housing and Community Services, in partnership with the Neighborhood Partnership Fund, has awarded $6.2 million to six non-profit agencies serving 30 counties in Oregon through the Individual Development Account (IDA) Initiative. NEOEDD is delivering these IDAs to residents in Baker, Union and Wallowa counties as an incentive to save for business or education.
Individual and corporate charitable contributions to the Neighborhood Partnership Fund for the Oregon IDA Initiative are eligible for a 75% tax credit. These credits create the match funds for the IDA participants. In 2007, the Partnership Fund received $6 million in contributions from Oregonians wanting to make a difference and give back to their communities. In 2008, they expect to raise $8 million.
As part of the Valley Individual Development Account collaborative, NEOEDD is providing outreach services for the program. We have been told that we can enroll an unlimited number of people in the program. Those that qualify can save up to $3,667 over a 25-36 month period. For those with smaller savings goals, up to $1,667 may be saved in a 6-12 month period. Savings are matched at a rate of $3 of match for every dollar saved up to the maximums allowed.
Since December, 2007, NEOEDD has enrolled 9 people in the IDA program. These individuals plan to save $27,798 which will be matched by $77,394. Another 9 people have applied to the program. They plan to save $24,002 which will be matched by $72,006. At least another dozen people are part-way through the application process. The program requires monthly savings for a minimum of 6 months in order to graduate. Once an individual graduates, they have six months to spend the savings and match for a qualifying business or educational expense. The match is not recognized as income and assets may be depreciated at their full cost. Business participants must complete business planning classes and a business plan in order to graduate from the program.
We are encouraging anybody who thinks they might qualify for the program to contact NEOEDD staff or look at our website for more information on the program. Pam Frolander is serving as the first point of contact for the program. She can be reached at 541-426-3598 or 800-645-0454 or pfrolander@neoedd.org
Entrepreneurs of the Year Announced
Jeremy Thamert, founder of Oregon Power Solutions in Baker City, Greg Barreto, founder of Barreto Manufacturing in Union County and Kathy Shoemaker, owner of The Cougars’ Den in Wallowa were named NEOEDD’s first Entrepreneurs of the Year. The entrepreneurs received awards for recognizing opportunities, taking calculated risks and building a successful business around the recognized opportunity.
Jeremy Thamert received his award as part of the Baker County Chamber of Commerce awards early in January. Jeremy started Oregon Power Solutions in 2003. Oregon Power Solutions is a consulting firm that provides everything a land-owner or developer would need to determine if a wind-farm is feasible. The company owns and installs meteorological towers, collects wind data, conducts feasibility studies, prepares environmental impact statements and completes financing packages for agencies such as US Rural Development. The company recently attracted a substantial equity investment and is poised to grow and capitalize on the numerous tax credits that are available to support the development of green energy. In the future, Oregon Power Solution plans to develop its own wind farms.
Greg Barreto received his award at the PubTalktm in LaGrande at Foley Station on Feb. 28. Barreto started his world-famous brand of rototillers in his Salem-area garage in the 1980s. He moved to Union County in 1987 and currently employs about 60 people. Barreto Manufacturing is recognized for innovative design and quality products. Their products are sold nationally, primarily to the rental yard industry. Greg Barreto is known for his character and the value he places on people – especially his employees.
Kathy Shoemaker received her award at the PubTalktm in Enterprise at Terminal Gravity on Feb. 27. Shoemaker purchased a video and pizza business in Wallowa two years ago. She has turned the business around and expanded services including catering meals for WHS. She is recognized for her home-made pizza dough, hospitality, and involvement and support for community events.
In This Issue
- Opportunities to Learn About Business
- Using Your Website to Increase Profitable Sales
- Plug In to Business - A Briefing for Buisness Leaders
- $6.2 Million Awarded for Individual Development Account Program
- Entrepreneurs of the Year Awarded
Business Class Testimonials
“The setting for the class is comfortable and informal, yet packed with essential, quality information pertinent to starting and running a business.” Suzette Bonneau
“Lisa Dawson did an excellent job of making business planning a doable task.” Julie Mullen
Stacy Green Web Marketing Testimonials
“Stacy makes learning fun and worth the time!” Vixen Barney
“Stacy Green has great energy. The information was clear and useful. She is an expert in her field.” Lynn Price
“Stacy Green has a keen understanding of how to use the web as part of a greater marketing strategy. “ Moses Fredrick
Entrepreneurs of the Year in Pictures
Greg Barreto, Barreto Manufacturing
Jeremy Thamert, Oregon Power Solutions
Kathy Shoemaker, The Cougars' Den