2005 BEND VENTURE CONFERENCE RECOGNIZE INNOVATIVE CORHA/BOYS & GIRLS CLUB COLLABORATION
October 19, 2005 (Bend, OR) – Organizers of the Bend Venture Conference today recognized Central Oregon Regional Housing Authority (CORHA) and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Oregon (BGCCO) for their innovative Ariel South and Ariel Glen neighborhood collaboration. The joint project is the first small, rural affordable housing community on-site based program in Oregon. The program provides year round youth development opportunities for children 6-18 years of age, after school and when school is not in session.
The Bend Venture Conference, held at the Tower Theater on Friday October 14th featured six entrepreneurs of highly qualified seed and early stage companies, who presented their business plans to an audience of more than two hundred angel investors and venture firms from across the greater Northwest. The annual Bend Venture Conference provides a key opportunity to showcase the robust economy of Bend and Central Oregon. Organizers also took the opportunity to recognize a mission-driven collaboration between local nonprofits; a concept they believe to be similar to entrepreneurial ventures in the business sector. In doing so, the organization seeks to highlight the importance of nonprofit entrepreneurship in the creation of vibrant economies and the long-term health of our communities.
“There is a very clear model for how entrepreneurs in the for profit sector attract funding and support – how people rally around a new business model,” stated Erick Petersen, Chair of the 2005 Bend Venture Conference. “This model doesn’t formally exist in the not for profit sector, even though the entrepreneurial process of identifying a need, crafting a business plan and attracting investors is similar. It is up to all of us in the business community to step forward and support these important non profit entrepreneurial ventures.”
Nonprofits face similar challenges in attracting advisors, partners and funding for projects that provide important social services where there is a clear need and growing market. Overcoming these challenges by building strategic partnerships and community support spelled success for CORHA in making the Ariel South and Ariel Glen neighborhood vision a reality. CORHA's Ariel Glen and Ariel South apartment communities provide low-income housing for individuals and families who are at 60% or less of Area Median Income. A unique bonus for the properties is an on-site Boys & Girls Club after school program, which is the first site-based after school program in a rural area in Oregon.
“We see fulfilling our mission of fostering dignity through affordable housing as an investment in our community," said Cyndy Cook, Executive Director of CORHA. "We are not only creating valuable real estate assets but are investing in families who need assistance in becoming self-sustaining members of the community. It's the driving force behind our work in building relationships with equity investors and non-profit partners. Our partnership with the Boys and Girls Clubs exemplifies our commitment to providing families with one of the tools they need to become self-sustaining."
The Boys & Girls Clubs exist to inspire and enable all young people, especially those from disadvantaged circumstances, to realize their full potential as productive, responsible, and caring citizens. Key Club programs emphasize character and leadership development, education and career, health and life skills, the arts, sports, fitness and recreation. According to Kirk Utzinger, BGCCO President & CPO, the on-site club anticipates serving 30 kids per day through this project initially and over 100 kids per day by January.
“Imagine if you came home from work and your child has already completed his or her homework, eaten a healthy snack, and learned how to keep safe by steering away from negative influences,” stated Utzinger. “We believe this will add to the quality time these families spend together as well as their quality of life in general. This is a model worthy of replication on a broader scale.”
“The Bend Venture Conference is pleased to recognize Cyndy’s and Kirk’s entrepreneurial and collaborative approach,” Petersen continued. “It is a unique and entrepreneurial solution that not only expands services to those who need it, but also creates a sustainable model that can be replicated over the long-term. Most importantly, the project creates a living environment that is far richer for children and families, which is great for Central Oregon.”
The Bend Venture Conference is presented in association with Economic Development for Central Oregon and the Oregon Entrepreneurs Forum. Title sponsors include Compass Commercial Real Estate and Bank of the Cascades. For additional information on the Bend Venture Conference visit www.bendvc.com or call 541-388-3236.
