Foster Road businesses hatch Holiday plans

Find out how business people along this outer East Portland thoroughfare plan to attract Holiday visitors – and shoppers – to their district …

Members and guests mingle at the FABA Fall Business Mixer.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton

Leaders, staff and members of the Foster Area Business Association (FABA) gathered for their fall mixer on September 29 at the FoPo Tavern* – for networking, and to formulate plans for the upcoming Christmas Holiday season.

“We’ve had a good year of membership growth, and we now have our new website up, as we look forward to the Holidays,” beamed FABA President Matthew Micetic, owner of Red Castle Games.

Enjoying delicious food provided by their host, the FOPO Tavern, FABA President Matthew Micetic talks with Jason Hildner and Traci Hildner of the Lucky Larder and Chris Harsch from SE Works.

“We want we really want to encourage people to look at Foster Road first for their Holiday shopping and entertaining,” Micetic told East Portland News.

“Here, along Foster Road, we have businesses offering everything from clothing, to furniture, to games, to auto repair, and more – almost everything somebody would need,” Micetic added. “And, there are many great restaurants and establishments offering good meals and Holiday cheer, too.”

Marina Martinez-Bateman of Venture Portland and FABA treasurer Laura Kropff from Turmell Designs put owls on their Holiday promotions “sign up” poster.

That evening, volunteers were signing up for their second annual “Tree Lighting at Laurelwood Park”, which attracted some 200 participants last year.

“Again this year, we’re holding it the day after ‘Cyber Monday” – on ‘Giving Tuesday’, November 29 – and hooking up with nonprofit organizations,” Micetic announced. “There, we will have crafts, cocoa, candy canes – and there will be some Holiday singing going on this year.”

That evening will also kick-off their “Traveling Twiggy Tree” promotion, in which a “small white gangly tree”, as Micetic described it, visits participating business, offering a special deal, for three days.

Bartender Soleil Passannante and FOPO Tavern owner Jarrod Goshorn welcome FABA to their establishment.

“All of this effort helps fulfill FABA’s mission of working for the betterment of the neighborhood and our businesses. We’re working to provide the community with information about services they never knew about.”

Follow FABA – learn more about their Tree Lighting, and check in on the location of their Twiggy Tree – by visiting their new, official website: CLICK HERE.

* The marinated chicken skewers and “Mac & Cheese Tots” served up the FoPo Tavern were fabulous! We’re told they host a wide variety of Jello Shots, as well!

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