From the Fall 2010 NW Crimson & Gray magazine
VANCOUVER – Connections made at Cougar alumni networking events resulted in formation earlier this year of the Cougar Business Alliance (CBA). It is made up of alumni who own or manage businesses in the southwest Washington/Portland, Ore., area.Back when newly hired basketball coach Ken Bone wanted to sell his house in
Vancouver, alumna and Realtor Staci Orth contracted to help. She also recommended the moving company of alumna Julie McLaren, who Orth met at a Cougar afterhours event.
Vancouver, alumna and Realtor Staci Orth contracted to help. She also recommended the moving company of alumna Julie McLaren, who Orth met at a Cougar afterhours event.
Similar stories surfaced at alumni gatherings and on WSU Vancouver alumni Facebook pages: Cougar attorneys referred Cougar accountants; an alumna looking for a landscaper chose the one who mentioned on his website that he was a proud alumnus.
“When I need a veterinarian, I would rather choose a Cougar veterinarian,” said alumna Tina Vlachos.
“There was definitely a theme emerging,” said Lindsay Herling, assistant director of development and alumni relations. “Alumni were asking for a website and a brochure that listed all Cougar-owned businesses in the area.”
The CBA’s objective is to find ways for alumni businesses to work together, refer one another and form partnerships. So far more than 80 companies are represented. Members meet once a quarter to network and hear a short presentation on a pertinent business topic. There is no membership fee.
The CBA also is a resource for WSU Vancouver students, alumni, faculty, staff and community members who are looking for Cougar goods and services in the area. Many CBA members offer discounts to WSU Alumni Association cardholders.
When alumni started planning the Cougs in the Community volunteer project last spring, they turned to the CBA. The event collected much-needed children’s items for Northwest Children’s Outreach.
Alumni contacted CBA members to host collection bins. In turn, alumni visited the CBA businesses not only to drop off donations, but also to do business.
To see CBA businesses or to join, visit www.vancouver.wsu.edu/alumni and click in the lower left navigation field.