Start, Move, Grow: 2005 recap

By Mona Westhaver, President and Co-Founder, Inspiration Software, Inc.

Our rededication to our “Start, Move, Grow” strategy has resulted in several new programs and initiatives. To help new software companies get “started” in Oregon, we have solidified our relationships with Beaverton’s Open Technology Business Center and Portland State University’s Business Accelerator, ensuring support for emerging companies. We met our goal of enrolling all resident companies as members of SAO. With two major events - the June dinner meeting and the fall Software Innovation Showcase - we have started down the road to supporting technology transfer by allowing our members the opportunity to develop business relationships, recruit staff, attract investors and - ultimately- play a role in building Oregon’s Innovation Economy.

In addition to encouraging new software companies to start, we are building our state’s industry by encouraging existing software companies to “move” to Oregon. Through a collaboration with the Oregon Economic & Community Development Department, Portland Development Commission and Oregon Economic Development Association, we are developing a promotional DVD that will position our state as the best place to move your software company and your family. It will feature our supportive and innovative business environment, as well as our diverse and exciting places to live.

Our new advocacy and economic development initiatives will help to support the “growth” of the Oregon software industry. We have developed relationships at the state and national level that will form the foundation for future activity around public policy in support of our industry. In addition, we continue to move to the forefront of attention in economic development in our state and are now participating in the Oregon Business Council’s Cluster Leadership Council as a leading industry cluster.

As we celebrate the New Year, SAO members should look back with pride at the progress we have made in 2005 and look forward to 2006 with great optimism about the foundation we have laid for starting, moving and growing the Oregon software industry in the future.