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About The Siuslaw news. (Florence, Lane County, Or.) 1960-current | View Entire Issue (Jan. 21, 2017)
SIUSLAW NEWS ❚ SATURDAY, JANUARY 21, 2017 9 A A Midsummer NIGHT’S DREAM Newly-appointed coastal venture catalyst David Youngentob, of the Oregon Regional Accelerator and Innovation Network (RAIN), has wasted no time raising the bar for Florence entrepre- neurs. On Tuesday, Jan. 24, he will host the Startup Speed Pitch Kickoff, where he will also announce details on the inaugural RAIN Coastal Pre- accelerator program. “This is an exciting oppor- tunity for local innovators to jump start their business ven- ture. We’re presenting a short- term challenge in the speed pitch competition, but our real hope is that everyone leaves inspired to move their idea forward by applying to our pre-accelerator program,” said Youngentob. The kickoff event will be held at 5:30 p.m. at the Kenneth B. Gallery, 1458 First St. The event is free to attend, and light food and beverage will be provided. Attendees will have time to network with fellow innova- tors and will vote for the win- ner of the speed pitch compe- tition — which comes with a $500 prize package. For more information, including registration, visit bit.ly/FloCoKickoff. The speed pitch portion of program is open to anyone with an idea to start a business in Florence, plans to sell nationally or internationally and create jobs. Each company will have one minute to pitch its idea. Companies that would like to pitch can email Youngentob at david@oregonrain.org with the subject line “Speed Pitch.” Youngentob said of the companies that have already signed-up to pitch, some have products already being sold in markets, while others are merely in the idea stage. Companies do not need to pitch to be considered for the pre-accelerator, but the event doubles as an opportunity for entrepreneurs to receive feed- back that may strengthen their application to the pre-acceler- ator. The pre-accelerator is a 12- week, bootcamp-style pro- gram for the best and bright- est startup companies in Coastal Lane County. The application process opens Saturday, Feb. 4, at bit.ly/FloCoPreaccelerator and closes on Feb. 27. Four to six companies will be selected for the program, which begins on March 15. RAIN began hosting educa- tional and networking events for entrepreneurs on the Oregon Coast in October, 2015. However, this is the first multi-week program designed to take an early stage startups from concept stage to launch stage. “The introduction of the pre-accelerator program is a testament to the entrepreneurs in Florence. From the very beginning, they’ve bought into everything that RAIN has offered. And we know that they are ready to take the next step,” said RAIN Venture Catalyst Caroline Cummings. In coordination with the Cities of Corvallis and Eugene, as well as communi- ties throughout the region, RAIN is partnered with two accelerators to create a col- laborative environment to assist entrepreneurs in estab- lishing viable companies that generate jobs, wealth and opportunities for the region. For more information about RAIN, visit oregonrain.org. Tale Spinners to host wellness panel Jan.28 Thursday, Feb 2 | 7:00 pm Florence Events Center TO N I P I M B L E | A R T I S T I C D I R E C TO R Shakespeare’s tale of topsy-turvy love with Toni Pimble’s lush choreography Wandering On, award-winning choreographer Stephanie Martinez‘s new commissioned ballet The Surrounding Third, Suzanne Haag’s new work set to Samuel Barber’s Adagio for Strings eventcenter.org | 541-997-1994 | Events Center Box Offi ce Stephanie Martinez’s ballet is supported by Hult Endowment Fund of The Oregon Community Foundation D EADLINE FOR P RESS R ELEASES I S E VERY M ONDAY AND T HURSDAY BY N OON . E MAIL P RESS R ELEASES @T HE S IUSLAW N EWS . COM . On Saturday, Jan. 28, the Siuslaw Tale Spinners Toastmasters club will host a special wellness panel from 10 a.m. to noon in the Bromley Room of the Siuslaw Public Library. Topics for discussion will include: • Palliative Care with Donna Becker, who has a masters degree in social work • Acupuncture with Patricia Immel, licensed acupuncturist • Yoga with Bill Fleenor, registered Yoga teacher-500 • Nutrition with Laurie Stone, certified holistic nutritionist • Fitness with Tracy Markley, biomechanics fit- ness specialist. This event is open and free to the public. According to the National Wellness Institute (NWI), “Although there are many different views on what well- ness encompasses, we will be working with the current general agreement that: • Wellness is a conscious, self-directed and evolving process of achieving full potential • Wellness is multidimen- sional and holistic, encom- passing lifestyle, mental and spiritual well-being, and the environment • Wellness is positive and affirming The definition of wellness, long used by the NWI is con- sistent with these tenets. Wellness is an active process through which people become aware of, and make choices toward, a more suc- cessful existence.” Come for a spirited and insightful conversation as to what wellness may mean to you, your family and com- munity. For more information, contact Irma Geller at 541- 999-0912. City Grant Program accepting applications The City Council Grant Program will be accepting applications through Feb. 24, at 5 p.m. Applicants can apply for up to $1,000, and the program will be awarding a total of $5,000 for FY 2016-17. Applicant funding requests need to relate to at least one of the City Council Goals. In order for an application to be eligible, it must meet the following eligibility criteria: • Organization is a recog- nized nonprofit organization or affiliate of such an organiza- tion and, • Organization is located within the City of Florence or serving City of Florence resi- dents and, • Provides assistance for essential utilities, food, cloth- ing, or shelter; or • Provides educational or recreational opportunities for children or seniors; or • Generates/supports eco- nomic activity in Florence. Applications, eligibility information and submission instructions are available on the City of Florence’s website at www.ci.florence.or.us. For information, contact the City of Florence at 541-997- 3437. CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK RAIN to hold Speed Pitch Competition
