CORVALLIS, Ore. - The Oregon State University College of Business, the Corvallis Area Chamber of Commerce and the Software Association of Oregon are combining to host the third annual High-Tech After Hours expo on Thursday, Oct. 13, from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Corvallis Inn.
The event will allow people in the technology industry to make connections with colleagues and companies and the public to find out about business developments happening in Corvallis. So far more than 30 companies have lined up to participate including ImTech, Agilent Technologies, Korvis, Mater International, MusicStrands and Flextronics.
"I misunderstood how many high-tech businesses are in Corvallis," said Patrick McKinley of Agilent. "It is good news that there are so many. The best part is I actually ended up finding a job for my college son through the event last year."
"As a community, we should encourage this kind of event," said Rich Carone of Korvis. "Just knowing what local companies do has tremendous value in encouraging the 'cluster' concept of local businesses working together. I know of no other way of finding these things out other than seeing the companies personally - only a forum like this one allows such diverse companies and organizations to become familiar with one another."
"High-Tech After Hours is the perfect place for MusicStrands to participate in the community -it's an opportunity to meet outstanding contacts," said Kevin Gartner of MusicStrands.
The High-Tech After Hours event will begin at 4 p.m. with a panel session titled "Essentials for Entrepreneurs" sponsored by The Business Enterprise Center. Attendees will be able to gain insight into protecting their intellectual property, hiring staff, marketing their product and finding funding. Panel speakers include Jeanne Smith, from the law firm Jeanne Smith & Associates; Norm Galvin, of Portland-based technology start-up Pneu-Logic; and Bill Newman, Northwest Technology Ventures. Jon Down, director of OSU's Austin Entrepreneurship Program, will moderate the session with the last half hour available for interactive questions and answers.
Speakers for the Expo portion of the program include Ilene Kleinsorge, dean of the OSU College of Business; Mysty Rusk, Economic Development Partnership; and Down, on behalf of the Business Enterprise Center. Dan Whitaker will moderate.
Sponsors include the Business Enterprise Center; Jeanne Smith & Associates, Attorneys; ProWorks Corp.; and the Corvallis Inn.
Advance tickets are $10 for adults and $3 for students; tickets at the door will be $12 for adults and $5 for students.
To make a reservation, phone 757-1505 or go online at [email protected]. Event details can be obtained at www.sao.corvallis.or.us.
Jeanne Silsby, 541-737-6020