Avenue of Roses Business Assn. reveals plans

Find out what’s happening at the 82nd Avenue of Roses Business Association, and what took place during their annual meeting …

As the annual meeting of the 82^nd Avenue of Roses Business Association gets underway, folks mingle and enjoy appetizers.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton

Members and guests of the 82^nd Avenue of Roses Business Association (ARBA) met on Thursday evening, May 3, at Thai Fresh, on SE Division Street, to celebrate the success of the past year, to elect new officers, and to reveal plans for the future.

The 20 attendees snacked on appetizers, and then enjoyed a hot dinner featuring traditional Thai cuisine, as they networked and then held their formal meeting.

ARBA outgoing president Gary Sargent of Sargent’s Motorsports says being involved with the organization helps businesses.

“I’m involved with ARBA because if you’re not involved, you can’t have a voice at City Hall, and you’ll be less successful,” said outgoing President Gary Sargent of Sargent’s Motorsports.

“The great thing about all of you gathering here this evening is that you make this a wonderful place to work and live,” commented Venture Portland Director Heather A. Hoell, as she began the formal meeting.

Venture Portland Director Heather A. Hoell presents a “Year in Review” for those at the function.

Hoell recalled how the cancellation of 2017’s 82^nd Avenue of Roses Parade brought about international media coverage. “It was a horrible thing, that turned into a positive outcome.”

For the third year, ARBA was again funded with a City of Portland Catalytic Investment Initiative, providing a grant for a Business District Organizer, Hoell said.

She touted their “82 Dishes” month-long program last August, which encouraged folks to take an “international food tour” of the avenue; and recalled networking outreach events involving both the automotive – and the food and beverage – industries along the thoroughfare.

Thai Fresh partners Vong Soutavong and Aroon Onchumchit set out a tasty supper for ARBA meeting attendees.

ARBA’s Business District Organizer Jeff Lynott led a group dynamics exercise encouraging attendees to help define the neighborhood district as it currently is, and what they hope it to be in one year.

ARBA’s Business District Organizer Jeff Lynott presents a Certification of Appreciation to outgoing Board Member and Jade District Manager Todd Strobel.

After congratulating ARBA Board Members for 273 hours of volunteer service to the community, departing Board Member – and Jade District Manager – T\odd Strobel was recognized for his service.

Two events are planned for June:

June 11 – “Taste of 82nd“, a mixer for food and beverage industry
June 25 – “Autos on the Avenue”, a mixer for the auto industry.

Gathering for a group photo, members of the 82^nd Avenue of Roses Business Association hold signs declaring their own support for the organization.

Learn more about 82^nd Avenue of Roses Business Association at their website: CLICK HERE.

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