New director hired for SOU’s small business center
NEWS RELEASE (available online at https://goo.gl/4vVUdC)
New director hired for SOU’s small business center
(Medford, Ore.) — Marshall Doak, who has served previously with Oregon Small Business Development Center offices in Tillamook and Salem, began work today as director of Southern Oregon University’s SBDC office at the Higher Education Center in Medford.
Doak served most recently as executive director of the Southeast Washington Economic Development Association and has worked in a similar role in Sunnyside, Ore. He received his bachelor’s degree from Colorado State University and his master’s of business administration degree from Pacific Lutheran University.
He replaces Jack Vitacco, who recently retired from SOU’s SBDC office. The university has had an affiliation with the SBDC for more than 20 years, and the current office in Medford collaborates with Rogue Community College’s SBDC office in Grants Pass.
All offices of the organization provide advising and training opportunities to anyone who operates or is planning to open a business. Oregon’s 19 SBDC offices are part of a national network and is associated with both the Oregon Business Development Department and the U.S. Small Business Administration.
SOU’s office of the SBDC – which employs a director, office manager, graduate assistant and two to four business consultants – works closely with the university’s business program to teach and advise students, and collaborate with faculty. The office also runs a Market Research Institute that can offer in-depth, applied market research to SBDC clients around the state who are seeking to grow their businesses and create jobs.
-SOU-
About Southern Oregon University
Southern Oregon University is a medium-sized campus that provides comprehensive educational opportunities with a strong focus on student success and intellectual creativity. Located in vibrant Ashland, Oregon, SOU remains committed to diversity and inclusion for all students on its environmentally sustainable campus. Connected learning programs taught by a host of exceptional faculty provide quality, innovative experiences for students. Visit sou.edu.