Aisling new Downtown Bend Business Assn. director
The Downtown Bend Business Association, a nonprofit organization serving the Bend community since 1989, has announced the selection of Mindy Aisling as its new executive director. Mindy will fill the vacancy created by Rod Porsche’s departure to join Albany Area Habitat for Humanity, where he will align his values and passions to help families realize the dream of home ownership.
“We are very pleased to announce this appointment,” reported Rick Wright, DBBA’s board president, and owner of Wright Design Studio. “Mindy brings leadership and creativity to the downtown’s programs and a deep sense of commitment to our City’s business and building owners. She has already served our organization by developing new programs and events, fundraising, and developing community relationships. She has a breadth of perspective and experience. We are looking forward to her executive leadership.”
Mindy has been working to build and grow Downtown Bend for the last two years. She joined the DBBA as volunteer staff in 2015. With her dedication to growing the organization, she created the role of Community Relations Coordinator, which she stepped into in 2016. For the past several months, she has been working hand in hand with Rod Porsche, preparing to step into the leadership role for Downtown Bend on March 1st.
“A healthy downtown is key to a strong community. Our downtown area has an important and unique role in the economic and social development of our city.” remarks Aisling, “I am dedicated to creating a space where entrepreneurial dreams can be pursued, where we can connect to our history, and where memorable moments can be made. I am thrilled to be a part of the incredibly creative culture that Downtown nurtures with its award winning restaurants, unique boutiques and amazing services.”
Mindy’s resume includes almost 20 years of business planning, administration, communications and marketing experience. She has been featured in over 30 different newspapers including The New York Times, The Seattle Times, and The Oregonian, and TV Programs King 5 and KOMO 4 for her work improving the lives of individuals and community.
The DBBA is dedicated to increasing the vitality of Downtown Bend. In the near future, the DBBA plans to grow the scope of their work to include, in partnership with the City of Bend, increased heavy-duty sidewalk cleaning, unrolling their “Bend Cares” awareness campaign, and increasing Downtown security. In addition, their plans include expanded Downtown community events and projects, planning and advocating for future streetscape improvements, rebranding Downtown and creating a greater marketing reach, proactively seeking outside grants, and developing a fundraising campaign allowing them to further develop and preserve our Downtown to ensure its continued vitality.
“It was an honor to serve as executive director for Downtown Bend, family and opportunity has us returning the Willamette Valley where were are originally from, but we will look back on our 3 years in Central Oregon with great memories.” Porsche said. “I’ll miss the community of Bend. I love their passion for improving Downtown Bend. The things I am most thankful to have been a part of were upgrading Holiday decorations, including the new lit snowflakes and twinkle lights this year. Improvements to Bend Oktoberfest, by far our largest fundraiser, resulting in record attendance and profitability for Downtown Bend beautification efforts.”
The DBBA can be reached at downtownbend@gmail.com or 541- 788-3628.
