Four New Members Appointed to State Small Business Advisory Council

Klamath Falls Businesswoman Stephanie Bailey Elected to Chair Council Until 2012

The Oregon Small Business Advisory Council (OSBAC) recently elected small business owner Stephanie Bailey to serve as its chairperson through July 2012. Bailey, who has served as interim chairperson since March, owns Innovative Market Strategies, a marketing and public relations firm in Klamath Falls.

"I am extremely honored to have been chosen to lead this group of dedicated small business owners," stated Bailey. "We are enthusiastic and committed to raising awareness of issues impacting small businesses across Oregon."

Bailey is one of the inaugural members of the OSBAC and prior to her appointment served as a member of the Governor's Small Business Council for three and a half years. Bailey's company provides marketing services to small businesses and communities in southern Oregon and northern California.

In addition to Bailey's selection as chairperson, Governor Ted Kulongoski recently appointed four new members to serve on the SBAC. Citing the importance of small business to Oregon, the Governor said "SBAC members bring a critical perspective to the table. They are my eyes and ears out in the small business community."

The four new members are: Richard R. Batzer, President and owner of Batzer Inc., a construction services firm in Medford; Kathleen S. Jaworski, owner of Write to Know in Eugene and the former director of the Rural Development Initiatives (RDI) for the last decade; Dwayne E. Johnson of Synconix LLC, a Portland management consulting firm; and Travis L. Stovall of The Stovall Group, a Gresham business consulting firm.

"We are excited with the addition of new energy and perspectives at the council," said OECDD Director Tim McCabe. "We look forward to working closely with the SBAC to assist Oregon small businesses during this difficult time as well as during the upcoming economic recovery."

The Oregon Small Business Advisory Council is made up of eleven members who are appointed by the Governor and each serve three-year terms. The council works in conjunction with the Oregon Economic & Community Development Department (OECDD) to develop recommendations on how best to promote the growth and economic vitality of Oregon's small business sector.

The Small Business Advisory Council meets monthly and all meetings are open to the public. For more information about the OSBAC please contact OECDD's Small Business Services Officer at 503-986-0161.

The Oregon Economic and Community Development Department works to create, retain, expand and attract businesses that provide sustainable, living-wage jobs for Oregonians through public-private partnerships, leveraged funding and support of economic opportunities for Oregon companies and entrepreneurs. Visit www.oregon4biz.com for more information on doing business in Oregon.