Spokane County, Other Supporters Realize Early Return on Connect Northwest Investment

Connect Northwest, originally a program within INTEC, is now an independent, nonprofit organization dedicated to building strong companies within the Northwest Region. According to Bill Kalivas, CEO of Connect Northwest, “We are here to help build dynamic, sustainable, technology and science-based companies that will significantly contribute to the economic vitality of the Inland Northwest.

In the past year, we have worked with six local companies who have managed to raise in excess of $6 million in investment capital. These companies reflect the variety of emerging business in the region, including software, security, bioscience, disaster recovery and environmental engineering.”

Bill Kalivas and Program Director Dennis Leidall, as former entrepreneurs, business executives, and angel investors, understand first hand the needs and requirements for building sustainable businesses. “Connect Northwest’s unique strength is their ability to combine their extensive professional and investor connections with their industry knowledge,” says Tom Turner, CEO of Itronix (now a division of General Dynamics, Inc.) “That combination of great listening, targeted advice, and focused introductions to experienced and engaged local professionals is making a real and positive impact on the local entrepreneurs who get involved with Connect Northwest.

Connect and its network really speak the language of the entrepreneurs, and clearly understand the business needs and challenges they face,” states Joe Herzog, CFO of Northwest Venture Associates and Chairman of Connect Northwest’s Board of Directors.

Full Story: http://www.connectnw.org/connectnw/sub.aspx?id=2682