PRESS RELEASE

Date: December 13, 2005
From: Dr. Gerald H. Miller
Executive Director
Star of Hope
657 Newmark Avenue
Coos Bay, Oregon
541-888-8893


Subject: Star of Hope Business Expansion

TRADITION CONTINUES – Under New Ownership!

Les and Barbara Streeter along with Tricia and Joe Benetti have decided to sell The Oregon Connection. The Oregon Connection (The House of Myrtlewood) located at 1125 South 1^st Street Coos Bay, is one of the oldest businesses in Coos Bay. Started in 1929 by William Beaumont, sold in 1956 to Clete & Layla Snyder they in turn sold the business in 1972 to Les and Barbara Streeter. In 1989 the Streeter’s sold part of the business to their older daughter Tricia Benetti, wife of Joe Benetti, Mayor of Coos Bay, and owner of Benetti’s Italian Restaurant located at 260 South Broadway, Coos Bay. The Streeter’s will try their hand at retirement, and the Benetti’s will be able to devote more time to their restaurant.
An agreement has been reached with the Board of Directors for Star of Hope a local non-profit company providing services to adults with developmental disabilities to purchase The Oregon Connection. Star of Hope located at 657 Newmark in Coos Bay will incorporate The Oregon Connection as part of Star of Hope Enterprises. According to Pat Johnson, President of the Board of Directors for Star of Hope, the acquisition of The Oregon Connection fits into the overall company’s strategic plan and goals:
· Diversify vocational training opportunities
· Develop additional employment options
· Strengthen SOH financial plan.
Dr. Gerald Miller, Executive Director for Star of Hope says that this is a great opportunity for SOH to transition into a “turn-key” business. We have the accumulated skills, expertise, knowledge and dedication with the existing employees of both companies to continue this as a profitable venture and to enhance job opportunities for adults with developmental disabilities.
PRESS RELEASE – TRADITION CONTINUES
Over the years the Benetti’s and the Streeter’s have brought many positive changes to the business, expanding their product line to include fine custom jewelry, women’s apparel, gourmet food items, the famous “Wooden Touch Putter”, and unique tasty fudge. The Oregon Connection is considered one the largest and oldest factories in Oregon producing Myrtlewood Products.
Adding to the unique products offered at The Oregon Connection will be hand woven, one of a kind, loomed rugs, and handmade using recycled paper all occasion greeting cards produced by adults with developmental disabilities working at Star of Hope. The Mission of Star of Hope is to provide community support services in Southwestern Oregon to adults with developmental disabilities in a manner which encourages independence, productivity, and physical integration. The acquisition of The Oregon Connection will provide an additional catalyst in supporting the overall mission of Star of Hope in serving adults with developmental disabilities.