January 2023 Executive Director Corner

Hi There and Happiest New Year!

Though the weather outside is frightful, I'm walking on sunshine (see what I did there?)  :)

I've been humbled by the show of support from our new Membership base, both new businesses and old. Clay in Motion, Walla Walla Cheese Company, Surplus Recycling, and Ed & Judy Chesnut are our 2023 Diamond Members thus far, but many businesses and individuals have been incredibly generous in their contributions to our organization and our community!

It's not too late to join, and we will be taking our non-members off of our Business Directory once we officially wrap up the Membership Campaign. So, if you haven't joined  yet, get those memberships applications in! For more information on becoming a member, Click Here. We've already got some valuable Member-to-Member Discounts listed for those of you who have joined- enjoy cashing in on those membership perks!

In other news, MFCDA is in the throes of planning many events and activities for our town in 2023; from our remixed Awards Banquet to a full season of Thursdays Rock to Cinco de Mayo and (hopefully) Dia de los Muertos to the 2nd Annual Fine Wine & Arts Expo and summing up in all the Holiday fun, as well as MFCDA-specific events for our Members. We are also beginning discussions on renting out Freewater Square as an event venue for those of you who'd like a fully-stocked place for birthdays, family reunions, events, and meetings. 

We are also looking for businesses that'd like to participate in upcoming grant funding opportunities for building restoration and revitalization. As you probably know, we were recipients of last year's Oregon Heritage Grant which helped two building owners on North Main Street make building and façade improvements, and both buildings are on their way to looking for new tenants and launching new businesses to fill their spaces! Way to go, Organization Committee!!!

Well, I wish you all a successful and gratifying 2023, and I can't wait to see you all this year :)

Yours In Service,

Maryelizabeth