On April 27th, in front of a full house at Hood River County's 3rd Gorge Angel Conference, 4-Tell, Inc. was awarded a $100,000 investment from GAIN3, LLC (Gorge Angel Investment Network). 4-Tell, Inc. provides personalized product recommendation and analysis software for midsize online retailers.  After winning the investment, Ken Levy, CEO said, "We are happy that GAIN gave us their vote of confidence and look forward to expanding our sales with this investment."

Nine Gorge area businesses submitted applications to be considered for the investment award.  GAIN3, LLC members evaluated each applicant on their management expertise, quality of product or service, understanding of their market and what they will offer the Gorge. Two other finalists made 20 minute presentations including GreenShipping.com and TerraSpatial Technologies.

Companies offered 5 minute pitch opportunities included Blissful Brownies, J. Hammock & Associates, J&K Growers, LLC, Lyle Hotel, P2Flow, Inc. and Simply Brilliant, LLC.

Additional features included a keynote presentation by Shelley Gunton of Castor & Pollux Pet Works, entitled "Building a Better Dog House," and a panel presentation by local business owners, Luise Langheinrich, Boulder Path Designs(The Dalles) and Craig Sabina, Summit Projects (Hood River).

Gary Rains, Managing Member of GAIN3, LLC, an investment group made up of 26 investors from throughout the Gorge and beyond stated, "GAIN's mission is to support and grow local new and emerging businesses in the Gorge through our money, head and heart."

According to Bill Fashing, Hood River County Office of Economic Development, "Through PubTalk and the Gorge Angel Conference, advisors and funding are provided to regional firms with strong growth potential.  Over the last few years, $750K has been invested in local firms as a result of this process."

The Gorge Angel Conference is an event of Hood River County Office of Economic Development in cooperation with OEN.  Other friends include the Hood River County, The Dalles, and Mt. Adams Chambers of Commerce, Small Business Development Center at Mid Columbia Community College, Mid Columbia Economic Development District and the Gorge Technology Alliance.