SOREDI Board Profile: Steve Vincent, President

Steve Vincent:

Steve Vincent, the Oregon Regional Business Manager for Avista Utilities, has no free time—but if he did, he would like to fish and learn more about rural Oregon’s history. A fifth generation native of Jackson County, and the president of the SOREDI Board, Steve also serves on the SOU Board of Trustees, Earth Advantage Board, Klamath County Economic Development Association Board of Directors, Jackson County Economic Development Advisory Committee, Southern Oregon Angel Investment Network, and the Medford Rogue Rotary. In addition to two children, Christopher and Amanda, Steve and his archeologist wife, Carrie, also adopted Trevor, 6, and Natalie, 4, in May of 2019.

Fun Fact: Steve loved his high-school job (doing grunt work at Howard Prairie), so much that even when he held a more professional position in Salem, he drove back to Ashland every weekend to continue washing out boats and bathrooms at the lake.

Why Should a Business Owner Move to Southern Oregon?

“We have a uniquely strong work ethic and people of any skill level are committed to fulfilling the jobs they’re assigned to do. Also, there’s a friendliness and pace in Southern Oregon that puts people at ease. If you want proof, the past few SOU presidents have come from across the country, but they’ve all retired in Southern Oregon. That says something.”

Book Recommendations:

Any of Malcolm Gladwell’s books (Blink and Outliers especially)
Any of Louis L’Amour’s books

Movie Recommendations:

Back to the Future