Moyer to head Bend Bend Venture Conference investment group

Economic Development for Central Oregon is pleased to announce the appointment of local venture development professional Jason Moyer to manage the investment arm of the Bend Venture Conference.

The Bend Venture Conference celebrated its tenth anniversary in 2013 and is the best-attended angel conference in Oregon.

Moyer replaces Steve Westberg, who has served in the management role for the last three years. Westberg will continue to serve as the manager for BVC’s past investments in 2011, 2012, and 2013, which include R.E.S. Equine Products, Inc., Sonivate Medical, Inc., and Nouvola.

Moyer will lead the investment group for the 2014 conference, with associated activities starting immediately.

“Steve Westberg set a high bar as investment manager and Jason is well-suited to continue this high standard,” commented Jim Coonan, Venture Catalyst Manager at EDCO.

Moyer brings a diverse business background to this new role, with expertise in strategy, planning, and corporate finance at executive and Board of Director levels.

He is currently a principal with Bend-based Cascadian Group, LLC, leading acquisitions, new ventures, and management consulting. In that capacity, Moyer has been retained as president, chief operating officer, and/or VP of finance for several early-stage ventures.

Prior to Cascadian, he had significant stints with Intel Corporation, PacifiCorp (acquired by Berkshire Hathaway), and ReliaStar Financial Corporation (now part of ING). Moyer holds a BS in Management and a Masters in Business Administration.

“The EDCO team has had the opportunity to work with Jason on a number of projects over the years and we know he will be a tremendous asset to BVC,” said Roger Lee, Executive Director of EDCO. “He brings solid credentials to the table in working with both angel investors and startup companies; his commitment to a rigorous review process in screening applying companies is already evident.”

A tireless advocate of improving economic opportunities in Central Oregon, Moyer has dedicated substantial time and effort since his permanent move to the region in 2006 to Opportunity Knocks, COCC’s Small Business Development Center, the Bend Chamber of Commerce, FoundersPad, the Bend Venture Conference, and EDCO.

“BVC has become integral to Central Oregon’s entrepreneurial growth” said Moyer, “and I’m honored to contribute to ensuring the conference’s continued success.”