Heather Stafford from the Parts Department brings a wealth of expertise to this workshop through her experience as executive director of Sustainable Valley Technology Group business accelerator in Southern Oregon. Learn “How to Talk so Investors Will Listen” Practice your elevator pitch or slide presentation and get professional feedback. Learn how to field difficult questions and speak to a variety of audiences. This is one of the most important things you can do for your successful business, non-profit or cause. Heather Stafford is Executive Director of Sustainable Valley Technology Group, an incubator/accelerator in Southern Oregon. She is a passionate advocate for local investment strategies and an avid coach for entrepreneurs and start-ups. Sustainable Valley Technology Group is an independent, non-profit, economic development initiative founded to create a more prosperous and sustainable economy. Founded in July 2010, Sustainable Valley is the only business accelerator in the six counties of Southern Oregon to support the growth of innovative, start-up companies. Also co-founder of the Southern Oregon Chapter of Slow Money, Heather works with regional food entrepreneurs, investors, government leaders, economic development, workforce development and education partners to educate the community about the local investing movement and opportunities to get involved. Ms. Stafford earned a Master in Business Administration, a Master in Management from SOU School of Business and holds a certificate of Non-Profit Management. Heather is a professional level Spanish speaker and a systems thinker who enjoys novel ways in which an ecosystem can fit together.