GABA meetings on the move to Bradford’s

Take a look at the new meeting location, and see what members were learning about social media, at their new monthly gathering spot …

Here in the Hazelwood neighborhood, at Bradford’s Sports Lounge & Grill, the Gateway Area Business Association now meets.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton

For several years, the Gateway Area Business Association (GABA) has held their monthly meetings at the East Portland Community Center.

But starting with their April 14 meeting, GABA members and guests and convened in a bright-yet-cozy side room at Bradford’s Sports Lounge on NE Halsey Street.

2016 GABA President Paul Wild makes it clear he’s pleased with the organization’s new meeting place.

GABA President Paul Wild of Mt. Hood Community College Workforce Training welcomed attendees to the meeting of this “esteemed outer East Portland business association”, and commented how happy he and the organization’s board were with the new location, as well as the food provided by the establishment.

An all-new Maywood Park campus would replace the former and ancient St. Rita’s Catholic School building it now occupies, if the Mt. Hood Community College Bond Measure is passed, says Fred Sanchez.

Next, Past President Fred Sanchez of Realty Brokers pitched the bond measure for Mt. Hood Community College to raise $37 million. “For a $100,000 home, we’re talking about $2.60 per month,” Sanchez argued. “But where are the homes here that only cost $100,000 these days?” asked a waggish attendee.

GABA District Organizer Adrienne Sweetwater, of Venture Portland, tells how Gateway is one of the business districts now being supported by the organization for which she works.

This month’s educational presentation, “Strategically Social: Social Media and Online Communication”, was presented by Venture Portland Director of Grants and Communications Jacob Falkinburg.

Beginning his presentation on effectively using social media is Venture Portland’s Jacob Falkinburg.

A basic concept of social media is to start conversations with customers and potential customers, Falkinburg said.

Categories of topics for these conversations that he suggested included:

People – in your industry, field, or district
News – related to what your business does
Expertise – related to your business or organization, giving information of value to others
Events – by other businesses in your field or district — but what’s going in your own business should be no more than 20% of the posts

Venture Portland’s Jacob Falkinburg gives several “keys” to unlocking success by using social media.

The keys to social media success include:

Knowing your target audience
Being specific about the topics presented
Adding value; don’t waste your time or theirs

“Remember that it’s ‘not all about you’; share information about others in the community, but limit pleas for help,” said Falkinburg.

Meet with GABA!

May 2 – Gateway Area Business After Hours
From 5:30 until 7:30 p.m. GABA is holding a special evening event on May 2 for business owners, managers, employees and neighbors are invited to network. Come and enjoy drinks and appetizers hosted by Bradford’s Sports Lounge and Grill.

May 12 – Gateway Area Business Association
Monthly meeting starts with networking at 11:30 a.m. and ends promptly at 1:00 p.m. Lunch is available for just $6. Bradford’s Sports Lounge & Grill, 10346 NE Halsey St.: CLICK HERE.

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