Oregon RAIN Seeks to Diversify Board of Directors

Press Contact: Caroline Cummings, Oregon RAIN Executive Director

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Oregon RAIN Seeks to Diversify Board of Directors

Nominations are open for individuals who are passionate about building inclusive entrepreneurial economies in small and rural communities.

EUGENE, Ore., January 11, 2020

WHAT:	Oregon RAIN–a non-profit run by entrepreneurs and angel investors–is seeking three to five new board members to help guide our growth to serve more overlooked entrepreneurs and communities in Oregon.
WHY:	Oregon RAIN is in the process of transitioning to a board of directors that aligns with our new mission and vision, and that prioritizes, supports, and invests in diversity, equity, and inclusion. MISSION: Oregon RAIN’s mission is to partner with Oregon communities to catalyze entrepreneurial ecosystems, connect entrepreneurs to resources (including overlooked entrepreneurs), and contribute to the creation of prosperous economies. VISION: Communities support, value, and celebrate entrepreneurs. Regional leaders recognize entrepreneurs are a primary creator of net new jobs. Small and rural communities in Oregon have thriving economies. A culture of possibilities is embraced.
WHO:	Individuals who have leadership and governance experience and are passionate about building entrepreneurial ecosystems, cultures, and economies in overlooked and underserved communities are eligible to apply. Women, minorities, people with disabilities, veterans, and leaders representing rural communities are strongly encouraged to apply.
WHEN:	Nominations opened January 6, 2020 and close midnight, February 21, 2020.
HOW:	Visit www.oregonrain.org/open-positions/ to access the Board of Directors Position Description and the Nomination Form (self nominations are welcome).

Our current board members include:

Corvallis Mayor, Biff Traber

Eugene Mayor, Lucy Vinis

Florence City Manager, Erin Reynolds

Lane County Economic Development Manager, Austin Ramirez

CEO of Palo Alto Software, Sabrina Parsons (Chair)

About Oregon RAIN:

Oregon RAIN is 501(c)3 non-profit organization that partners with Oregon communities to catalyze entrepreneurial ecosystems, connect entrepreneurs to resources (including overlooked entrepreneurs), and contribute to the creation of prosperous economies. Oregon RAIN only enters communities where invited. Since 2015, Oregon RAIN has been invited to serve 20 cities across 5 counties. Oregon RAIN is run by experienced entrepreneurs and angel investors who connect entrepreneurs with strategic resources for launching and scaling business ventures, including mentor connections, physical assets, educational programs, and access to capital. Oregon RAIN achieves this through building entrepreneurial ecosystems in partnership with cities, counties, the state, foundations, and private funders. Oregon RAIN has received multiple awards for our approach to building entrepreneurial economies: 2016 OEDA “Outstanding Collaborative Partner” award; 2017 Florence Area Chamber of Commerce “Innovation in Business” award; and the 2019 Oregon Cascade West Council of Governments “Partner of the Year” award. Visit oregonrain.org to learn more.