Southwestern hires Small Business Development Center and REEF executive director, March 26

News release SWOCC.  Southwestern Oregon Community College is pleased to announce Dr. John Bacon has accepted a position to lead the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) and the new Rural Entrepreneurship Ecosystem Framework (REEF) program on the Coos Bay campus. Bacon has more than two decades of sales, marketing, operations, and management experience. He has worked in Fortune 500 organizations with national and international accounts, large regional private companies, and with small start-up organizations. He also spent 12 years teaching marketing, management, and business skills to undergraduate and graduate students at a small university in Washington. “John is a perfect fit for the SBDC and REEF,” said Jessica Engelke, 2017 president of the Bay Area Chamber of Commerce and Southwestern business instructor.  “He has the skills and a true passion to build stronger connections between our business community, people who want to start their own businesses, and the college.” Bacon, who grew up in Reedsport, returned home to the South Coast with the goal to use his experience and talent helping local businesses. “I am excited to work with the SBDC at Southwestern.  This is allowing me to come full circle as a business professional, educator, and resident of the south coast.  Southwestern is where I began both my professional and academic journeys.  It is a privilege to serve the community in this capacity.” Southwestern’s SBDC is part of the Oregon SBDC Network providing practical guidance for small business long-term profitability. It focuses on assisting South Coast communities with retention and expansion of established businesses. Additionally, SBDC staff and mentors offer specialty services to local people who own rapid-growth businesses and start-ups, with a goal of strengthening and supporting an entrepreneurial culture. The SBDC has moved into the former Newmark Center at 2110 Newmark Ave. on the Southwestern campus, as part of an innovative project between with the South Coast Development Council, Southwestern and other economic development entities to renovate the building and create the REEF. It grew out of the Rural Opportunity Initiative of Business Oregon, the state’s economic development agency, to help rural business owners increase success when starting new businesses. REEF will bring organizations together in one location to stimulate and support entrepreneurs and small business in Coos, Curry and western Douglas counties. The REEF primary goal is to become the one-stop shop for all things related to starting and growing a business. “I see a bright future for the south coast as local entrepreneurs, innovators, and pioneers are brought together to create a space dedicated showcasing the creativity, drive, and excellence of our region.  The SBDC and REEF collaboration also will provide incubator space for new businesses to start up and operate in a location with low overhead, access to excellent technology and high-traffic. This also allows business owners and students to work side-by-side with other entrepreneurs and SBDC professional mentors, while being able to work, and enroll in college classes and seminars related to marketing, business operations and financial management.