Some 28 small business owners, entrepreneurs, nonprofit leaders and local government workers gathered at the monthly meeting of the Urban Entrepreneurs Network (UEN) of Clark County. The October meeting was hosted by Clark County Community Services and United Way of the Columbia-Willamette.
UEN is an up-and-coming business organization, led by local entrepreneur Deena Pierott. Through monthly breakfast meetings held in different venues in Clark County, the group connects Clark County's business community with startup organizations and solopreneurs who are eager to make an economic impact on the region. Pierott is founder and owner of Mosaic Blueprint, a diversity staffing firm with national and international clients. She also serves as Vice President of the Vancouver NAACP Chapter, and serves on the African-American Commission of the State of Washington.
Following a presentation on branding and marketing by AlphaGraphics co-owner Julia Manglione, Vanessa Gaston, Director of Clark County Community Services (above, pictured left), talked about the United Way-led Community Relief campaign that continues to help people across the region hit hardest by the economic crisis. Since the campaign launch in February, the Community Relief Fund has helped 1,833 households (or 7,921 individuals) access emergency food, receive mortgage assistance, and help paying utility bills.
Marc Levy, CEO/President of the United Way of the Columbia-Willamette (above, pictured right), lauded Clark County Community Services for their efficient response to community needs. He stressed that many people being helped by the Community Relief campaign are experiencing extreme financial hardship for the first time in their lives. He also talked about the 211info service in Clark County, a social services helpline that connects people with food resources, health care, public agencies, legal services, employment resources, housing and emergency shelter, among other resources.
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