The success of the Oregon Regional Accelerator and Innovation Network (RAIN) has officially transcended the state’s borders. Yesterday, the International Town and Gown Association named Oregon RAIN as one of three recipients of its inaugural ImpACT awards, which recognize leaders of innovative initiatives involving city and university partners.
Oregon RAIN was recognized in the Economic Development category for successfully promoting entrepreneurship in Oregon’s South Willamette Valley and Mid Coast. Nominations for the awards were developed from ITGA’s annual survey and input from committee members.
“It’s an honor to be considered one of the top economic development initiatives in the country,” said Executive Director Jim Coonan. “This award represents the hard work of so many, and it’s encouraging when others acknowledge the value of those efforts.”
Pat Jones, Co-Chair of the RAIN Eugene Local Board and Associate Vice President for Research and Innovation at the University of Oregon, will accept the award on behalf of the state organization at the ITGA annual conference, June 1 in Washington, D.C.
The ITGA exists to bridge the gap between institutions of higher learning and the communities in which they reside by providing resources and bringing together practitioners from varying fields to address immediate issues and identify future opportunities.
About Oregon RAIN
The Regional Accelerator & Innovation Network (RAIN) is an Oregon consortium of government, higher education, and the business community. RAIN was founded by the state of Oregon’s Regional Solutions network and funded by the 77th Oregon State Legislative Assembly to advance the formation of high-growth innovative startup companies throughout the South Willamette Valley.
In coordination with the cities of Corvallis and Eugene, as well as communities throughout the region, RAIN is partnered with two accelerators to create a collaborative environment to assist entrepreneurs in establishing viable companies that generate jobs, wealth and opportunities for the region. RAIN Corvallis is served by the Oregon State University Advantage Accelerator. The RAIN Eugene Accelerator is a partnership between the University of Oregon and the Eugene Area Chamber of Commerce. For more information about RAIN, visit www.oregonrain.org.