MEDFORD, Ore.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 10, 1995--Ready to bail? asks Jackson/Josephine Counties' new display ad, scheduled to run in software developer's journals this winter.

Part of a new recruiting campaign designed to encourage small-to-medium size software development companies to relocate to the Rogue Valley, the ad touts the two Southern Oregon counties as "...the place to land," concluding: "We're wired and ready for business."

"The Rogue Valley is indeed wired and ready for new software publishers," said Rich Berman, a Medford software attorney at a press conference today. "Our communities have built the necessary infrastructure to support software developers including six Internet pipes, ISDN phone lines, software business information and marketing resources, the Oregon Multimedia Institute, and a host of business development resources. All that's left for us to do is begin recruiting. This campaign is the logical next step."

Southern Oregon Regional Economic Development Inc. (SO-REDI) is managing and implementing the recruiting effort, with support from the local chapter of the Software Association of Oregon (SAO).

The campaign, launched today, is anchored by tightly-targeted display ads and a home page on the World Wide Web (WWW) designed to attract "net surfers" and provide an on-line presence for the region's economic development efforts. SO-REDI's software recruitment web page can be accessed at: HTTP://WWW.opendoor.com/oregon/.

In addition to the existing business support infrastructure, the Internet home page will feature the region's famous recreational and cultural attractions. According to Berman, "Southern Oregon is not only entrepreneurial heaven, it's an outdoor paradise as well. With a ski resort, six lakes, three rivers and miles of forest, the Rogue Valley offers recruits quality of life.

"Ashland's Shakespeare festival, Jacksonville's Britt Festival concert season, the local symphony, a state college, and, three public radio services provide the rich cultural environment that our targets are seeking."

"We're excited to be the first region in the country recruiting software development companies with a Web page and ads," said Gordon Safley, director of SO-REDI. "While Oregon's larger metropolitan areas chase chip fabricators and hardware companies, Southern Oregon's Jackson and Josephine counties are focused on attracting businesses on the software side of the high-tech equation. The Internet and developer's journals are a great way to reach our audience."

"Recruiting software companies makes sense," according to Sandra Hogan, executive director of the SAO. "Software is an easy-to-host, clean industry that provides the highest living wages in Oregon. Additionally, software firms do not need the kind of tax incentives or community giveaways that are frequently involved in relocating hardware manufacturers."

The SO-REDI software business recruiting drive is being funded by an $11,000 cash grant and $30,000 in in-kind donations from local businesses.

SO-REDI was formed in 1987 to promote, expand and diversify the long-range economic good health of Jackson and Josephine counties. The organization recruits new industry from outside the region, assists in the retention, creation and expansion of local businesses, and coordinates and facilitates local and regional efforts designed to increase jobs and identify economic development opportunities for Southern Oregon.

Formed in 1989, the Software Association of Oregon facilitates and promotes the growth and quality of Oregon's software industry.

CONTACT:: Charles McHenry, 503/772-2382 (office)

After hours, 503/772-2243 (after-hours voice)

cmchenry@mind.net

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