News Release

Bank of the Cascades Makes Investment in the Development of New Local Businesses

September 18, 2009 Salem, Ore.

Chemeketa Community College is eager to announce the Edge Business Incubator Program and its sponsor, Bank of the Cascades. The bank’s recent gift of $7500 will supply Chemeketa’s Edge Business Incubator with the extra resources needed to support this unique program. The bank’s contribution will help off-set the cost for students in the EDGE Business Incubator Program so they can focus on their ideas and business plans rather than worry about paying office bills.

“You're a good fit for this program if you recognize that although you can run a business all on your own, you'd prefer support to make your work easier, more profitable, and more fun,” says Marcia Bagnall, interim director for the Chemeketa Small Business Development Center, part of Chemeketa’s Center for Business &Industry.

Chemeketa’s Small Business Development Center which runs the Edge Business Incubator is currently accepting applications to fill 10 spaces in the program. The 10 selected businesses will receive enrollment in business and entrepreneurship courses, unlimited access to the Small Business Development Center’s (SBDC) in-house classes and workshops, ongoing advising and their own personal board of advisors, access to high-speed internet, fax, copier and printers, the support and encouragement of the SBDC staff and their fellow incubator tenants.  Participants in the program will also have the luxury of being housed in the brand new downtown Chemeketa Center for Business and Industry.

“In this economic environment, it is more important than ever for Bank of the Cascades to team with Chemeketa and support the development of homegrown entrepreneurs who represent the future of our business community,” said Larry Goodreau, Senior Vice President and Area Manager for Bank of the Cascades. “This is one more way we keep local deposits working locally — by reinvesting in the community and supporting the local economy.”

Bank of the Cascades is headquartered in Bend, Oregon; Bank of the Cascades delivers personalized relationship banking, competitive financial products, and advanced technology applied for the convenience of customers. Founded in 1977, Bank of the Cascades offers full-service community banking through 33 branches in Central Oregon, Southern Oregon, Portland/Salem and Boise/Treasure Valley. For more information, visit www.botc.com.

For more information about Chemeketa Small Business Development Center or the Edge Business Incubator Program contact sbdc@chemeketa.edu or visit http://sbdc.chemeketa.edu address.

Chemeketa Community College is a publicly-funded Oregon higher education institution serving Oregon's Mid-Willamette Valley. Chemeketa is dedicated to improving the lives of its students and strengthening the local workforce.

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Updated August 20, 2009 by PR.