Joseph Soraghan New President of Missouri Venture Forum
10.11.07
FOUNDING MEMBER LEADS ST LOUIS EMERGING BUSINESS RESOURCE
St. Louis, MO – Members of the Missouri Venture Forum welcome Joseph Soraghan as president of the organization, which helps entrepreneurs meet potential investors and advisors. Soraghan succeeds outgoing president Laurie Hopkins—director of CBIZ Accounting, Tax & Advisory Services and shareholder of Mayer Hoffman McCann P.C.Missouri Venture Forum is a business advocacy organization designed to drive new business formation and growth for its members by educating and connecting entrepreneurs with sources of capital and essential service providers: accountants, bankers, lawyers, and others who are sensitive to the needs of emerging businesses.
A founding member of Missouri Venture Forum and the attorney who filed the organization’s incorporation documents in 1984, Soraghan dedicates his career to helping and educating entrepreneurs regarding growth issues, financing, securities and franchise law compliance, and protecting their businesses. Soraghan first served as an advisory director because the original bylaws only allowed entrepreneur members on the board.
“I am thrilled to represent Missouri Venture Forum as president and, as my first official action, would like to extend appreciation to Laurie Hopkins for the tremendous job she did over the past two years,” says Soraghan. “I look forward to working with the board to make the most of interesting opportunities on the horizon for members.”
As president, Soraghan oversees existing committees: education, membership, outreach, programs, and mentoring. Outlining his priorities, Soraghan says, “As an organization, Missouri Venture Forum needs to be on the cutting edge of helping members and non-members, alike, explore and embrace technologies that will take us into the future.” Soraghan plans to expand services and increase infrastructure by adding new committees including communications/marketing and technology.
Soraghan encourages Missouri Venture Forum members to become involved in the association by attending monthly breakfast meetings as well as special networking events.
“St. Louis has the right mix to become an increasingly recognized hub of entrepreneurial activity. Missouri Venture Forum helps entrepreneurs get access to capital, business consulting, and legal and accounting assistance in terms that truly fit their present circumstance,” says Soraghan. “For venture capitalists and service providers, it is the place to be in the St. Louis area when you want to find emerging businesses worthy of your help.”
Soraghan earned his Masters in Law from Yale Law School, his J.D., with honors, from Washington University School of Law, and his Bachelor in Mechanical Engineering, with honors, from Purdue University. He served in the U.S. Navy aboard submarines directly after law school. A reserve officer for 20+ years following active duty, Soraghan has served as commanding officer of six reserve commands.
About Missouri Venture Forum: Formed in 1985 by members of the St. Louis Regional Chamber and Growth Association (RCGA) Small Business Committee, Missouri Venture Forum is the first and only membership-based, entrepreneur-focused organization in the St. Louis area. Serving as a central point of contact, its mission is to provide a means for investors, entrepreneurs, and business advisors to forge mutually beneficial relationships through networking, education and information exchange. The organization has grown from a small group of 10 to about 200 members since its inception. For more information see www.missouriventureforum.org.
About Danna McKitrick: Located in Clayton, Missouri, Danna McKitrick, P.C. delivers outstanding legal representation to businesses (emerging to national), insurers, government-related entities, and individuals throughout the Midwest.
