EDCO Announces Speakers For Thursday, March 28th PubTalk

BEND, OR (March 7, 2019) – Economic Development for Central Oregon (EDCO) has announced the speakers for the next Central Oregon PubTalk on Thursday, March 28, 5 pm at McMenamins in Downtown Bend. Tickets are on sale now and available via Eventbrite here.

EDCO’s Central Oregon PubTalk is a happy hour aimed at bringing together different facets of the business community in one place to network, share ideas and further local businesses.

Keynote Speaker

Brianna McDonald, President, Keiretsu Forum Northwest Region

Based in Seattle, Keiretsu Forum's Northwest Region is an angel investment network that is part of the largest and most active global venture investor community. The Northwest Region alone has funded 500+ companies since its 2005 launch.

Brianna works closely with companies looking for angel investment and is involved in sales strategy execution, relationship management and due diligence.

She started working in the male-dominated field at age 26, not knowing she would soon run one of the most active angel groups in the world. Hear her story, what the journey to the top has been like and what's propelled Keiretsu to be the most active venture investor community in the country.

Company Pitches

Andy Vaughn, Owner, Pure Polish Products

Bend entrepreneur and style enthusiast Andy Vaughn joined the Pure Polish Products team in 2017. He quickly fell in love with the all-natural, non-toxic shoe polish and leather care line. In summer 2018, he took the reins to bring the 24-item product line to the international level. Andy and his partner/co-owner Amanda Peart immediately had requests from top shoe and fashion stores worldwide.

Jeff Rola, President & Founder, Go Bio Community Fuels

Since 2002, Jeff Rola has found his niche in the biofuel industry. He began collecting used cooking oil to supply Oregon's only commercial biodiesel plant, Go Bio Co. Over the past ten years, Jeff supplied produces with enough raw material to replace nearly one million gallons of petroleum diesel.

Today, Go Bio Co has made the transition to retail sales of biofuels with the launch of Go Bio Community Fuels.

Company Updates

Shannon Keith, Founder & CEO, Sudara

Sudara is more than just comfy clothing. With every purchase, women are empowered with the resources they need to build a brighter, safer future for themselves and their families. This certified B-Corp provides employment and skills training for women in India who are at risk of or survivors of sex trafficking.

Don't miss a very special company update from Shannon this Thursday.

Adam Krefting, Founder and CEO, CushCore

CushCore officially launched in 2017 after winning the Bend Venture Conference Early Stage Competition in 2016. Their tire suspension system is revolutionizing the mountain biking industry. They won the 2017 VitalMTB.com Product of the Year award and their racers continue to succeed across the globe. In 2018 CushCore sales expanded dramatically by partnering with major distributors worldwide. Hear what 2019 holds for CushCore.

Agenda

5:00 pm to 6:00 pm Networking - Drinks and appetizers

6:00 pm to 6:45 pm Company Presentations

6:45 pm to 7:30 pm Keynote Speaker

Cost and Registration

$26 EDCO & OEN Members (Become an EDCO Member here)

$36 Non-Members

Admission includes appetizers and a free beverage (choice of beer, wine, or soda).

Title Sponsors

About Economic Development for Central Oregon (EDCO)

Economic Development for Central Oregon (EDCO) is a non-profit corporation supported by private and public members and stakeholders, whose mission is to create middle-class jobs in Central Oregon by: recruiting new employers to move to the region; helping entrepreneurs start new, scalable businesses; and working with businesses that are already here to grow their operations. For more information, visit www.edcoinfo.com.