New data helping Foster Road businesses succeed

It seems this new information tool will soon be available to other outer East Portland neighborhood business districts …

Once again, Foster Area Business Association gather to network at the FoPo Tavern on SE Foster Road.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton

The atmosphere was casual, as members of the Foster Area Business Association (FABA) met for or a “business mixer” at the FoPo Tavern on SE Foster Road on the evening of May 15.

But, a presentation of demographics – shown by FABA’s Venture Portland Business District Organizer, Dane Fredericks – caught their attention of those who attended.

Fredericks created the presentation, entitled “State of Foster”, based on data obtained by Tyler Bump and Tony Lamb from the Portland Bureau of Planning & Sustainability.

Before the PowerPoint presentation begins, Venture Portland Business District Organizer Dane Fredericks welcomes members to the event.

The pinpoint demographic study showed that there were 228 businesses in the neighborhood business district, providing 1,668 jobs. By far, the largest type of business there is retail, followed by food and drink, education and medical, and then production, distribution, and repair.

Those on hand learned that, from 2007 to 2016, there was a 37% increase in businesses along Foster Road, leading to a 25% increase in employment.

Other data points included a gain in the average per-capita income of local residents, and in Median Household Income. And, looking at housing trends, it showed a marked increase starting in 2011 of new housing units.

New pinpoint demographic information can help business along the Foster Road, says FABA President Allen Rowand of Gray Dog Digital.

About the presented information, FABA President Allen Rowand commented to East Portland News, “Knowing your customer base is really important, especially because our area is going through numerous changes – especially regarding housing costs, and economic and demographic changes.”

Rowand added, “This information will also help us gauge the disposable income of our residents, and show how we can help better target our messaging for both retail stores and services.”

Find out more about the Foster Area Business Association by visiting their website: CLICK HERE.

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