By Don Murtha
A Mount Angel Farmers Market, a new kiosk and improved downtown parking are among goals recently adopted by the Mount Angel Chamber of Commerce.
The list includes 22 items in four categories: marketing, chamber operations, industrial development and future goals. The chamber board developed the goals with Pete Wall serving as its facilitator.
“We approached the task by first breaking it down by category and project, asking first what general areas we should be concerned with and what projects should be viewed,” Wall said.
Among the foremost items that emerged was a Farmers’ Market for the city, similar to what other cities have developed.
“We could set up a market in town with stalls for fresh produce and craft. We could bring in live music and entertainment and other attractions,” Wall said.
Wall draws on his experience as city manager in Toledo, where in the summer the community holds a market.
“It draws big crowds and increased business for Toledo. It is a big success and is still going strong after many years,” Wall said.
Downtown parking is another goal.
“It is a very reasonable goal,” he said. “I walked around town with Mary Grant, chamber president, and we picked up eight or nine spaces that could be added to the city’s parking. We had public works paint the spaces and add them to the city’s parking inventory. We believe we can do more.”
Wall said to increase parking opportunities that it would make “sense to have employees park outside of downtown to give parking to customers of businesses.”
Also on the list of goals, is a new kiosk to replace the one on North Main Street across from the intersection of East Charles Street.
“We have a committee working on pricing and Steve Ross at Gemco is doing the design,” Wall said.
The board also decided that the chamber should place a banner across Main Street to promote events in the city.
“It might be one of those things that will not happen over night, but it’s something for the future,” Wall said.
He said volunteers are essential to the operations of the Mount Angel Chamber of Commerce and at least two items are devoted to that issue.
“Volunteers make it possible to have every project of the chamber – Wurstfest, Fourth of July fireworks, First Citizens event – everything the chamber does we need volunteers. There is no paid staff,” Wall said.
With that in mind, the committee set a goal to develop a recognition program for volunteers and contributors. Another goal is to develop a volunteer list for chamber events.
The committee also determined it needs to enlarge its membership and to study its dues schedule.
“The membership is stable, but we want to reach out to others outside the city limits,” Wall said. “There are many individuals and businesses out there who could contribute to the chamber.”
Among other goals for are: develop a strategic marketing plan and marketing materials; continue existing events and activities; develop corporate sponsorship for events and activities; update and maintain the chamber website and newsletter; complete a beautification project; develop an industrial growth strategy; and work with the city planning commission on a new sign ordinance. Longer-term goals include acquiring new Christmas decorations; developing an urban art program; restoring Kris Kindl Market; and, eventually, hire a part-time Chamber manager.
Subcommittee members are being sought to work on these projects. Those interested can call 503-845-9440 and leave a message. A chamber representative will respond.
