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Business Counseling
One-on-one business counseling is available by appointment for business owners in search of business advice and assistance. Counseling is also available for people just starting or thinking about starting a business.
Counseling is private, confidential, free-of-charge, and is provided by experienced and professional counselors.
Full disclosure of financial and/or other proprietary information to the SBDC counselors by the client is usually essential in order to provide effective assistance. The client may be assured that such information is held in strict confidence at all times.
We collaborate with the Oregon State University Extension Office in The Dalles, Oregon, to bring value-added services to farmers in the region. These services include training collaborations, business plan development, and exploring the markets for value-added products. Hand in hand, the Oregon State University Extension Office at Columbia Gorge Community College and the Small Business Development Center provide joint services for the agriculture businesses in the region.
We have an excellent track record of securing financing for local business owners. In 2009 we secured $8,300,000; in 2010 we secured $1,030,000 for business acquisition, expansions and startups.
To request an appointment with a business counselor call (541)506-6121
or send an email to: Mary Merrill (see below)
Email addresses are: @cgcc.cc.or.us
SBDC Staff
Mary Merrill SBDC Director Phone 541-506-6121 mmerrill ... (see above) |
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| Mary Merrill brings her marketing, business coaching and counseling skills to the center by assisting local businesses with human resource management, fiscal and financial management. One of her specialties includes the effective use of technology to expand small business opportunities. Her expertise includes using technology to best meet product development, sales and marketing needs. Mary Merrill holds a Bachelor of Science degree in management technology from Lewis & Clark State College and a Masters degree in Education from Oregon State University. Mary was deputized by the Oregon Economic & Community Development International Trade Division for her volunteer efforts in serving the Astoria/Warrenton Chamber of Commerce businesses. Mary learned to speak Spanish in Puerto Rico where she lived for two years. |
Mike DeMott Small Business Counselor/Instructor Phone 541-506-6121 mdemott ...(see above) |
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Mike started his career in banking while attending the University of Montana in the fall of 1999. Upon graduation this career path took him to Bank of the West in Newport and then to The Dalles, Oregon where he held the position of VP/Branch Manager. He was responsible for the commercial lending side of the bank. It was through this work that he learned about the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) and their focus on helping small business owners start and grow their businesses. Mike started working part-time for the SBDC at Columbia Gorge Community College while holding his position with Bank of the West. He has now been working for the SBDC for the past four years as a Small Business Advisor and course instructor. During his banking and SBDC career Mike has worked with hundreds of small businesses in all stages of growth. Currently with the SBDC he is providing one-on-one business counseling, teaching workshops on various small business topics, and helping business owners achieve financing from both banks and non-bank lending sources. Mike is a Quickbooks Certified and Profit Mastery Certified Instructor. |
Fritz Ellett Small Business Management Instructor/Counselor
Phone 541-506-6121 fellett ... (see above)
Fritz was born in The Dalles and was raised on a Christmas tree farm outside of town. He attended Oregon State University and received a business degree in Finance, with a minor in Industrial Engineering. He moved to Seattle and started a house painting business. Shortly after meeting and marrying his wife, LeAnn, they moved back to the gorge. Fritz continued the painting business and went into partnership with his father on the Christmas tree farm. He and LeAnn have two daughters and continue the farm operation. He has many years' experience running businesses, using QuickBooks, managing employees and dealing with the problems and opportunities small businesses face. He feels the SBDC is an outstanding resource and looks forward to helping new and existing businesses further their goals. Frits will be leading the Small Business Management program at the SBDC, as well as meeting with clients to provide individual business counseling and resources. |
Allison Bailey SBDC & RD Administrative Assistant Phone 541-506-6121 ajbailey ...(see above) |
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Allison brings 30 years of experience in private industry as a career professional support person. She has an extensive list of qualifications that made her the ideal person for this position and she prides herself on providing top quality customer service. She moved to The Dalles in 2007 and plans to make it her permanent home and become an active and energetic team member for the SBDC, Resource Development and the community in general. |
Columbia Gorge Community College
Small Business Development Center
400 E. Scenic Drive, Suite 2.108
The Dalles, OR 97058
Phone: (541)506-6121
Fax: (541)506-6122
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