Lents businesses recap 2023, plan for 2024

UPDATED! Here’s how the people of the Lents Grown Business Association celebrated the Holiday Season this year …

It was wintery cold outside The Zed, where “Lents Grown Business Association” members were meeting – but it was cozy warm inside this Lents Town Center establishment.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton

One of our outer East Portland Neighborhood Business Association groups who took time off to celebrate the Holiday Season together was the Lents Grown Business Association (LGBA) – as it met on Friday, December 15, at The Zed.

Taking advantage of the many food offerings provided by the independently-run “small kitchens” at the establishment – and the beverages available – made for a cordial, diminutive gathering of celebrants.

One of the several kitchens in The Zed offering unique dinners is Shiki Shiki Baba Turkish Kitchen, with chef Hakan Erdogdu, with his helper, Elisa Erdodgu.

“The LGBA had a pretty good year this year,” commented the association’s Board President, Keith Richardson. “The biggest highlight for the year was our Lents Cultural Fair, held on September 24th. It was great – highlighting the culture of Lents with the Chinese lions, break-dancing, and music events.

“It was great to see the community of Lents, and all the things that it represents, in our good diverse community, celebrating together,” observed Richardson.

Enjoying the evening are LGBA Board President Keith Richardson – and his spouse, Kimi Richardson, of Refuge Coffeehouse.

Looking forward to 2024, the LGBA is already planning more events for members, said Richardson. “On January 9, will have our first workshop for members – this one with a focus on business finance; specifically, better ways of doing accounting.”

Although he and his wife have a full life with their family, and running their business, Refuge Coffeehouse, Richardson shared why he’s become involved with the LGBA.

“For me, as a business owner, this association helps us engage with the entire community,” he posited. “I volunteer with the association, not so much as a way to get potential customers; bu, to connect with area business owners who support each other, and see the greater Lents community lifted up.”

Venture Portland (VP) LGBA District Manager Samantha Kracht, VP Catalytic Investment Initiative Director Nana Hoerth, and Dasha Foerster, Community Director at Green Lents enjoy the hospitality of the evening.

Look for a LGBA Business Mixer, in The Zed’s Zenith Room with snacks, brews and tunes on February 23 from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m.

UPDATE: The LGBA’s event has been postponed until sometime in April. When we receive word, we’ll list their meeting in our Community Calendar!

Learn more about the Lents Grown Business Association by visiting their official website: CLICK HERE.

© 2023 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News™

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