September 8, 2023
Who we are.
Why we are here.
We bring entrepreneurs and mentors together to build thriving startups in Snoqualmie Valley.
About Rob Wotton President.
As a business banker, I’ve dedicated myself to connecting people and fostering stronger businesses. Over five years ago, with Umpqua Bank’s support, I founded the Umpqua Community Room—a unique space for collaboration.
This led to The Business Workshop, a monthly gathering for sharing ideas, and eventually to the Sno-Valley Innovation Center, a nonprofit committed to helping startups and businesses adapt and grow.
Today, through the BizCast Forum, we’re expanding our reach, providing businesses with the technical resources they need—no matter where they are.
About Sally Mayo Secretary.
With a passion for packaging and product development, my career has spanned roles with Hallmark, Gibson Greetings, Jeanmarie Creations, and Eddie Bauer. My experience also took me to Shanghai, where I worked with local and expat customers while managing health and wellness retail stores.
Back in Seattle, I embraced nonprofit work—serving on the Snoqualmie Arts Commission, the Dream Dinners Foundation, and leading the Preston Food Bank. Now, as a SnoValley Innovation Center board member, I’m excited to share my expertise in creative packaging and product development to support growing businesses.
About Kevin Mayo Treasurer.
With over 30 years of experience in finance and operations across public accounting, consumer products, heavy equipment, and consulting, I specialize in driving efficiency, reducing costs, and fostering growth. As a management consultant and interim CFO, I’ve led financial restructurings and collaborated with senior teams to achieve business goals and develop future leaders.
I’m passionate about helping startups and mid-sized companies succeed—and equally committed to giving back to my community.
About Treb Gatte.
Treb is a business intelligence expert with 24 years of experience and is CEO of Marquee Insights, a business intelligence consultancy.
Prior to becoming CEO, he worked in leadership positions at Microsoft, Starbucks, Wachovia (now Wells Fargo). He has been recognized as Data Platform MVP from Microsoft.
Treb lives in the Snoqualmie area with his wife, children and corgi and holds an MBA from Wake Forest University.
About Mike Halim.
With over 20 years in the printing industry, Mike has served small and mid-sized businesses locally and nationwide. His experience working with diverse organizations allows him to advise business owners on maximizing their marketing budgets.
Seeking professional growth, he discovered SVIC, where he launched a new construction business. He also gives back through volunteering with the Civil Air Patrol, mentoring youth in leadership, STEM, and emergency services.
Based in Fall City for over a decade with his wife and children, Mike continues to support his community through business and service.
About David Bosland.
David is an attorney who focuses on helping new, smaller, and growing business with intellectual property support such as trademark, copyright, licensing, etc. He also helps with personal documents such as wills and trusts. Prior to that he spent a couple decades in the tech management industry with a variety of Pacific Northwest companies.
He is very involved with the Alpental Ski Patrol as a Hill Patroller and teaches emergency medical first aid, technical rescue techniques such as chair lift evacuations and toboggan transport of injured persons. He enjoys spending time with his daughters, traveling, and learning new things.
About James Messa.
An award-winning innovator, James has pioneered industry-first solutions in retail, order management, fulfillment, and inventory tracking across major marketplaces like Amazon, eBay, and Nordstrom.
With 30+ years in technical and operational leadership at companies from Amazon to startups, he excels in product management, software development, and operational innovation. Known for practical, impactful innovation, he builds shared visions that maximize business value.
Passionate about mentorship and coaching, James looks forward to driving innovation with SVIC.
About Mark Mulder - Honorary.
Dr. Mark Mulder, Dean of the School of Business at Pacific Lutheran University, is an award-winning educator, researcher, and innovator. He teaches across MBA, marketing analytics, and business programs.
Recognized as Professor of the Year, he has authored 30+ publications and consults for global nonprofits and businesses. A leader in marketing strategy and consumer behavior, he has served on chamber boards and nonprofit organizations and currently sits on the board of the nation’s oldest utility cooperative.
Organizations We Partner With






Our Methodology to Foster Business Startups
Here's how to get started:
Friday Meetups
The Innovation Center invites entrepreneurs to Innovation Friday Meetups from noon to 1PM, where they can meet with a panel of volunteers to present their ideas or products.
Volunteer Experts
The volunteer experts will ask clarifying questions to better understand the concept, how far into the process they are, sticking points, and conduct a SWOT analysis.
Scalable Ideas
If the idea or product is scalable, the mentors will provide some guidance and expectations for the entrepreneur to work on prior to a follow-up meeting.
Innovation Design
The entrepreneur must complete the Innovation Design Template within 30 to 45 days, as determined by the Executive Director and SVIC mentors.

Fostering Innovation through Educational Programs
Here's how to get started:
White Label Program
Our long-range strategy is to offer programming as a White Label program for rural Chambers of Commerce based on their membership census on an annual basis.
Production Studio
Our Community Room would become our production studio. We know there are 30 million small business owners.
Partner With Others
By partnering with Chambers, we quickly reach our market and provide remote locations with a turn-key program to sustain membership, funding, and growth with minimal effort.
Big Plans
By leveraging this new medium, we will expand access to expertise, providing a broader range of knowledge and support to businesses and organizations.
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