Walk-ins will be welcomed at CougsFirst! a unique trade show taking place on Wed., April 23 at Meydenbauer Center in Bellevue (11100 NE 6th St.). This free event will showcase 85-plus businesses that are owned or managed by alumni of Washington State University. Along with exhibitors, the show includes a brief program (scheduled to occur sometime between 5:45 & 6:15 p.m.) with keynote speaker Bill Moos, who, with his wife Kendra, owns Special K Ranch. Located in Eastern Washington, the family operated ranch features grass fed, hormone free, USDA certified Angus beef raised in a healthy sustainable environment. Mr. Moos (an alumnus who is also WSU’s Director of Athletics) will talk about his business (www.specialkranch.net) and the value of thinking “Cougs First” when shopping for goods and services.
Several hundred have pre-registered for this second annual show. Unlike some collegiate networking groups, CougsFirst! is operated as a standalone nonprofit organization.
CougsFirst! coincides with the launch of the upgraded Cougar Business Network (http://cbn.wsu.edu/), a service of the WSU Alumni Association. The site features a searchable directory of Cougar-owned or –managed businesses.
Butch (“Butch T. Cougar”), the mascot and widely recognized symbol of the Washington State Athletics and University, will be attending, attired in his tuxedo. Several former standout athletes are also expected to attend, both as exhibitors and attendees.
Publisher’s Note: Go Dawgs!