Our Committees

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
Goal: to work with existing businesses, property owners, and partners to strengthen the local economic base. This committee is currently working closely with the La Grande Urban Renewal Agency. 
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Committee Chair: Shawn Risteen (United Finance)
DESIGN COMMITTEE
Goal: to enhance downtown’s physical appearance and preserve the community identity and sense of place. This includes public art, streetscapes, and activating public spaces through placemaking,  

Flower Basket Program
Each year LGMSD purchases flower baskets to be hung around downtown during the summer months.

Committee Chair: Katie Boula, Archaeologist/Historic Preservationist
ORGANIZATION COMMITTEE
Goal: to bring the community together by recruiting volunteers, developing partnerships, and adding resources. 

Eastern Oregon Beer Festival (EOBF)
The EOBF is meant to provide a regional draw for locals and tourists to La Grande. By engaging tourism, economic development will increase in this town, and hopefully will impact the entire region. This event was created with the hopes of becoming the signature event of Eastern Oregon. 

Membership
LGMSD is a voice for the downtown businesses of La Grande. As such, our business members receive many benefits, and sponsorship opportunities through LGMSD. More information can be found on our membership page. 

Committee Chair:  Mary Ann Miesner

PROMOTION COMMITTEE
Goal: to position downtown as a center of community activity, promote its positive image, and market its unique assets. 

​Events:
Eastern Oregon Beer Festival (EOBF)
St. Patrick's Day Pub Crawl
Crazy Days and BBQ Competition
Safe Downtown Trick or Treating
Plaid Friday/Small Business Saturday
Christmas Parade & Tree Lighting

Other Activities:
Keep social media and website updated to promote downtown happenings to the community.
Market downtown La Grande to the community at large as a place to eat, live, and invest.

Committee Chair: Brent Clapp (Brent Clapp Media & La Grande Alive)