Finalists Announced for 2007 Bend, Oregon Venture Conference

What do genetic testing, mobile phone advertising, a video-processing software company and a packaged organic food company have in common?

They’re all early-stage companies preparing to present their business plans to a panel of investors at this year’s event. One lucky company stands to win a minimum investment fund of $100,000!

Elemental Technologies, Inc. (ETI) – Portland, OR
ETI is a software company building a high performance platform for professional and broadcast video applications. ETI’s product is a modular software solution that provides the fastest, highest-quality video processing.

Floragenex – Eugene, OR
Floragenex has developed breakthrough technology, which serves as an effective tool in genetic research including plant genomics, animal genomics, and basic research. Floragenex is delivering more precise information faster and for a lower cost than current technology.

RocketBux – Bend, OR
RocketBux’s mission is to drive valuable offers in a targeted way to the mobile phone. Their patent-pending software products have been successfully used by more than 3,000 customers in the past six months making RocketBux a powerful mobile advertising platform within the industry.

Zebra Mix – Seattle, WA
Zebra Mix, Inc. is an organic packaged food company that creates unique, hands-on learning experiences for children. Their step-by-step baking kits are designed to fill the growing need to provide organic food, educate kids about food, and create smart and relevant learning activities.

In addition, this year’s conference will feature a Wild Card selection. Conference attendees will hear 10 companies pitch minute-long presentations, then vote for their favorite. The winning company will join the four finalists and prepare to present to the expert investment panel. The 10 Wild Card companies are as follows:

* Blue Lake – Portland, OR
Founded in 2002, Blue Lake Children’s Publishing strives to create innovative, character-based magazines to meet the demands of modern families.

* Engaging Media, Inc. (EMI) – Portland, OR
EMI creates, brands, and sells high caliber informational and lifestyle-related programs for the Internet and mobile video marketplace.

* Environmental Neutral Design (END) – West Linn, OR
END outdoor was born of the idea that better design through problem solving is the next step in making “greener” gear for the outdoor athlete.

* IDP-Solutions, LLC – Portland, OR
IDP-Solutions created ID Partner, which specializes in web-based software service that enables project teams to internalize the “Green Building” certification process rather than relying on consultants.

* Just Cause – Seattle, WA
Just Cause is an integrated, multimedia company focused on shining a bright light on individuals, corporations, and the change agents who are working for the greater good.

* OsoEco – Eugene, OR
OsoEco is positioned to launch a web-based social shopping community which identifies eco-friendly products and services, and provides a unique focus on buying locally.

* Pacific Medical Technologies – Hillsboro, OR
Pacific Medical Technologies markets medical devices and disposable products for patients in home self-care and clinical medical settings.

* Prolegic Enterprises – Portland, OR
This internet based company has built an effective model of operating local informational websites to serve college communities.

* Sensor Designs – Bend, OR
Sensor Designs has developed innovative optical measurement technology, enabling a mass-market introduction of a new class of handheld measurement devices.

* Stewardsmith – Portland, OR
Stewardsmith produces both clean, renewable energy and organic soil amendments by transforming on-site wastes into contract electricity for the consumer “Grid,” while simultaneously producing high-quality soil for existing markets.

The Bend Venture Conference will take place Friday, October 19th from 8:30am to 4:30pm at the Tower Theatre, located in downtown Bend. Visit http://www.bendvc.com to learn more about the event, and to register. Tickets cost $199 and include a continental breakfast, lunch, and post-conference networking reception.

Full List: http://www.edcoinfo.com/.docs/pg/10302