 We LOVE all of the heartwarming stories from our Downtown Bend community. Today we'd like to share a story with you about a passionate employee at Leapin' Lizards Toy Company. This completely wonderful human being is named Phia, and shortly after the COVID19 pandemic hit us all, she found a way to help Downtown Bend business while also raising much-needed funds for our local nonprofits. Thrive and help thrive, indeed, dear Phia, we applaud you. And so, Support Bend Business was born. A website that encourages people to shop local, and encourages businesses to give 10% of their profits to local organizations like Bethlehem Inn. Currently featuring businesses like Oregon Body and Bath, Princess Athletics, LARK Mountain Modern and Outside In - this project is sure to be a success. Thank you Phia, and all the participating businesses and customers. It sure does feel good to live in a town where kindness and good news is easy to find. Some inspiring words from the Support Bend Business website: 
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As we end week 5 of quarantine, we are so grateful for all of our merchants that are still working day in and day out to bring us delicious foods, great coffee and awesome shopping experiences. This week, our favorite product in Downtown Bend is the Chill the F*ck Out bar glass available at Jubeelee for $14.95. As you can see by the image below, this really is the only glass you need while you are stuck in your house. While you're at it - we highly recommend perusing all of their online store and we guarantee that you will find more things that you can't live without.   FootZone has taken advantage of these extraordinary times to do some much-needed updating of our website! Visitors http://www.footzonebend.com/shop/ will see a new e-commerce option, from which customers can order their favorite shoe, from their favorite local shop, from the comfort of their couch! Throughout the Stay Home, Save Lives mandate, FootZone has offered curbside pickup, free local delivery, and free shipping nationwide, but customers had to call the shop to place their order. With the launch of our e-commerce option, we make shopping at FootZone much easier for our home-bound customers, both in Bend and farther afield. Local orders will continue to be delivered to customers’ doorsteps by a cheery FootZoner, or can be picked up curbside at the shop. We have staff in store daily from 10am-5pm answering phone calls and emails, so customers are welcome to contact us with any ordering questions.  As a hub of the local running and walking community, FootZone recognizes that it is imperative that Bendites support each other through this time of health and financial challenge. Shopping local ensures that our community stays close, our downtown remains vibrant, and that our local shops and employees will thrive in the aftermath of the coronavirus. It goes without saying that we’re extremely thankful for support of Central Oregonians as we navigate this challenging time. We look forward to running and walking with all of you – soon!
During this time of Shelter in Place and Stay Home - Stay Safe, High Desert Frameworks is challenging Central Oregon residents to find the best of the best in local photography. And you can do it without leaving your home and with no impact on social distancing. There is no doubt that these are interesting and difficult times for all of us and High Desert Frameworks wants to help get our minds into art and do it responsibly.  Join us for a "From My Archives" Photo Contest. We know how taxing it might feel like staying home for endless hours. Get up in the morning, coffee in hand and start telecommuting., No shower, no jog, no commute, no face to face interactions. It can be lonely and Netflix at night or reruns of Perry Mason just doesn’t cut it. Maybe you are entertaining the kids all day long. If so we bet you have a better understanding of primary and secondary teachers life. Don’t Fret! There is a solution! Dig through your archives of photos and enter our Photo Contest. You get a chance to win one of four prizes: Two Judges Choice and 2 Popular Choice awards! Upload your best photographs! The photographs can be abstract, contemporary, traditional, color, black and white, people, landscape, action, artistic, nature ... almost anything will do! Keep it family friendly!  Enter Today - Contest Ends April 15, 2020. (Don't worry - Tax day got moved to July 15th!) How to Enter: Upload the photographs you dug up from your archives (or take a new one) to www.Take.Pics or Image tag #FromMyArchives2020 on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter. Official rules located at: www.Take.Pics You know - you have to be 18 years of age or older, live in Central Oregon and a few more. Make sure you check out the rules prior to entry. Good Luck! Entry is FREE with no purchase obligation (or suggestion). Questions? Contact High Desert Frameworks at 541-647-2191 or visit www.Take.Pics for more information and official rules.  The City of Bend and the Downtown Bend Parking Advisory Workgroup are working closely together to quickly respond as the needs of Downtown businesses change during this pandemic. As of today, 3/26/20, here are the changes that have been made (until further notice). The time limits and costs have been removed from all parking lots in Downtown Bend including the Parking Garage, and the North and South Mirror Pond lots. Additionally, restrictions for on-street parking in the downtown core have been relaxed - but will still be enforced for safety impediments such as hydrants, corners, etc.  We have also created seven curbside "pick-up zones" to assist local restaurants and bars with their pick-up services. Additionally, to assist employees and employers in the Downtown core, permit sales have been waived for the month of April. We would like to thank the City of Bend and the Downtown Bend Parking Advisory Workgroup for their quick response.
Right now small businesses need your continued help and support! Here is how you can help! 
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| https://www.benefits.gov/benefit/1776 Temporary Benefits: UI benefits may be available to those who are on a temporary layoff. These benefits occur for claimants whose employer stops operation for a short period of time, such as cleaning following a coronavirus exposure. In these cases, employees expect to be back to work in four weeks or less. Workers can get UI benefits, and do not need to seek work with other employers. They must be able to work, stay in contact with you as their employer, and be available to work when called back. What if my employer goes out of business as a result of COVID-19 coronavirus/Long term benefitsGenerally, you will be eligible for unemployment benefits. To find out if you are eligible, file an initial claim. We will gather information from you and your employer about your circumstances to determine your eligibility. More info on unemployment benefits: CLICK HERE |  |
Medical Insurance | Food Stamps
For state medical insurance for kids/families: https://www.insurekidsnow.gov/
For food stamps: https://www.oregon.gov/DHS/ASSISTANCE/FOOD-BENEFITS/Pages/Eligibility-Apply.aspx
Information in English (PDF) Information in Spanish (PDF)
For food stamps: https://www.oregon.gov/DHS/ASSISTANCE/FOOD-BENEFITS/Pages/Eligibility-Apply.aspx
Information in English (PDF) Information in Spanish (PDF)
Free Meals Map
Home Internet Access
If you need internet at home for work or school, there are several options through providers:
Comcast Internet Essentials, a low-cost home internet package for qualifying individuals and households, is not available for free for the first two months
Access from AT&T is a low-cost home internet package for qualifying individuals and households.
Comcast Internet Essentials, a low-cost home internet package for qualifying individuals and households, is not available for free for the first two months
Access from AT&T is a low-cost home internet package for qualifying individuals and households.
Business Interruption Insurance
We're not sure if it's too late - but you can look into purchasing business interruption insurance, available from many major insurance companies. Law firm Tonkon Torp breaks down the definition of interruption insurance here. We know that food service is already impacted, but I would recommend all businesses look into this as a possible option.
Additional Resources
- Business best practices and templates: https://resources.acce.org/crisismanagement
- Business Finance Officer Tom Schnell put together this helpful guide that walks businesses through steps they can take to deal with coronavirus fallout, including managing cashflow, payments and guidance on long-term planning: https://oeda.biz/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Business-Survival-Tips-During-Coronavirus.pdf
- Central Oregon Emergency Information Network: (Local, state and federal agencies in Central Oregon are working together to provide the public easy and quick access to joint emergency updates): http://coemergencyinfo.blogspot.com/
Downtown Bend merchants are responding to Coronavirus (COVID-19) concerns in a multitude of ways to prioritize safety for residents and visitors alike.
"For the most part, Downtown Bend is a community of family-owned and operated businesses," says Mindy Aisling, Executive Director of the Downtown Bend Business Association, "We all have deep ties to this community, and making sure that people feel safe shopping and eating in Downtown Bend is our number one priority right now."
"For the most part, Downtown Bend is a community of family-owned and operated businesses," says Mindy Aisling, Executive Director of the Downtown Bend Business Association, "We all have deep ties to this community, and making sure that people feel safe shopping and eating in Downtown Bend is our number one priority right now."
The Downtown Bend Business Association (DBBA) is encouraging every business to follow the full list of recommendations from the CDC for businesses and employees. Including but not limited to:
- Posting reminders/talking with employees about hand washing
- Providing no-wash sanitizer for employees to use after handling cash/throughout the day
- Keeping bleach wipes handy for employees to use on counters, cash register, etc.
- Encouraging sick employees to stay home
Some businesses are going a step further by providing sanitizer stations in their stores for customers to use. Here are photos of the recent addition of a no-touch hand sanitizing station at The Bend Store on Wall Street in Downtown Bend.
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 | Some restaurants, like Noi Thai on Bond Street, are posting memo's on their doors to help customers understand the steps they are taking to keep the community safe. Measures taken include, but are not limited to, increasing sanitation procedures, requiring employees who have traveled to infected areas to self-quarantine for 14 days before returning to work, and instituting a new sick employee policy. |
| Other merchants, like Dudley's Bookshop Cafe on Minnesota Ave, are communicating the safety measures they are taking via social media. In the Facebook post to the right, Dudley's offers online shopping at their store (your money still stays local!), free delivery (for books and coffee!), and a public hand sanitizer by the front door. |  |
If you have questions or concerns about the Coronavirus, please use these links to access additional information:
- Coronavirus Symptoms: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/symptoms.html
- Coronavirus Communication Resources: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/communication/index.html
- Reginal Safety Information and Updates: http://coemergencyinfo.blogspot.com/
- A letter from St. Charles: https://www.stcharleshealthcare.org/news/preparations-place
- A message from Deschutes Co. Health Dept: https://www.deschutes.org/health/page/covid-19-novel-coronavirus
- Sign up for email updates form the Oregon Health Authority:
Greetings!
We are just about two months into 2020 and so far things are going splendidly in the Downtown Bend Economic Improvement District (EID). We are seeing positive results from efforts invested in 2019, and we have great plans & opportunities for the upcoming summer season.
We are just about two months into 2020 and so far things are going splendidly in the Downtown Bend Economic Improvement District (EID). We are seeing positive results from efforts invested in 2019, and we have great plans & opportunities for the upcoming summer season.
This last month we hosted two merchant meetings on the upcoming transportation changes in the Downtown core. We hosted both ODOT and the City of Bend in back to back meeting at At Liberty Arts Collaborative. These merchant meetings allowed our stakeholders an opportunity to educate themselves and provide important feedback to decision makers.
We have also been meeting with the Downtown Bend Parking Committee Advisory Work-group for two hours every week to guide upcoming changes to parking in Downtown and the surrounding areas. I am excited about the future of parking in Downtown Bend, and I see positive action steps being taken to solve some of the challenges we've been facing. I want to give a huge shout out to Tobias, the new City of Bend Parking Demand Manger, for the incredible work he has been doing and the plethora of innovative ideas he has brought to our city.
We have also been meeting with the Downtown Bend Parking Committee Advisory Work-group for two hours every week to guide upcoming changes to parking in Downtown and the surrounding areas. I am excited about the future of parking in Downtown Bend, and I see positive action steps being taken to solve some of the challenges we've been facing. I want to give a huge shout out to Tobias, the new City of Bend Parking Demand Manger, for the incredible work he has been doing and the plethora of innovative ideas he has brought to our city.
We've welcomed several new businesses to Downtown Bend recently, and we have several more opening soon. Here's a peek into what's new in Downtown Bend:
- Bend Electric Bikes - We're thrilled to welcome Bend Electric Bikes to Brooks Alley at the edge of the breezeway.
- Deeply Rooted - This new cafe will be opening in March on Greenwood next to Super Burrito, and we can't wait for their healthy eats and craft cocktails!
- Expedition Club & Supply - On Minnesota Ave across from The Oxford Hotel, Expedition Club and Supply is sure to offer a valuable service to all of us adventure-lovers in Bend.
- Chomp Chomp - Really all we need to say here is "Ramen Bar" - but they really have so much more, and don't miss their grand opening celebration on March 14th (where you'll be able to meet Seinfeld's "Soup Nazi"!)
- Porter Brewing Co. - Bend's basements are quickly becoming the new hot spots, and Porter Brewing moving into the space next the Peterson Roth Gallery on Oregon Ave. is sure to add to that reputation.
- The Point Bar & Grill - Next to McMenamins and Sora Sushi, don't miss The Point, your new favorite neighborhood hang.
- Salute - New to Bond Street, Salute offers delicious Italian dishes in a an intimate and comfortable environment.
In the last two months we've spend over 130 hours sweeping sidewalks, picking up trash, and removing graffiti and stickers to make sure the Downtown Bend is always putting it's best foot forward. In addition, we've been working on a Downtown 'real estate box' program to assure that the boxes that are on our Downtown sidewalks stay clean & filled. It's Springtime right around the corner, and we've just begun to plan our deep 'Spring cleaning' for Downtown. We'll have volunteers dedicating extra hours to make sure we give downtown a good cleaning before going into our busy season.
We've had many folks ask us how to communicate with the City of Bend about issues in Downtown that need to be address that are outside of the DBBA scope of work. We recommend alerting the City of Bend by filling out a Citizen Service Request form. It's easy to do and we've attached printable instructions below. This form can be used if you see grease spilled in the alley, a dangerous sidewalk, a damaged sign, a pothole, or just about anything else that you'd like the City to give attention to.
| How to alert the City of Bend.docx |
We've been investing staff time and energy in creating better integration between events and merchants in Downtown Bend, and we are proud to report that due to our advocacy, we have seen a plethora of positive changes. As a merchant in Downtown Bend, this event season, you'll see changes in the City of Bend procedures, Lay it Out Events procedures (plus, check out these cool FREE marketing offers from Lay it Out!), Bend's Farmers Market procedures & more. We are really proud of our results in this area of service.
We also had a successful meeting with Bend City Councilors on this topic earlier this year, and we want to extend them a huge 'Thank You' for their support in this process and throughout this conversation.
In addition, we are looking at welcoming a new event to Downtown Bend, Giving in Style! This event will draw hundreds of people to Downtown, as well as featuring some of our local stores like Hotbox Betty, Jack + Millie, LuLu's, Outside In and Revolvr.
Speaking of Events, here is the 2020 calendar for your easy-to-use printable reference to event dates for the rest of the year.
We also had a successful meeting with Bend City Councilors on this topic earlier this year, and we want to extend them a huge 'Thank You' for their support in this process and throughout this conversation.
In addition, we are looking at welcoming a new event to Downtown Bend, Giving in Style! This event will draw hundreds of people to Downtown, as well as featuring some of our local stores like Hotbox Betty, Jack + Millie, LuLu's, Outside In and Revolvr.
Speaking of Events, here is the 2020 calendar for your easy-to-use printable reference to event dates for the rest of the year.
| 2020_event_calendar_for_downtowners.pdf |
This report certainly wouldn't be complete without a shout-out to the Waldorf School of Bend and all of their efforts to bring a little love and kindness to Downtown Bend during the annual 'Heart Bomb' in Downtown Bend. Hearts sprung from Winter tree branches, newspaper stands, benches and doorways. Community members arrive to open their businesses amid 'love bombs' of all shapes and sizes. Thank you, Waldorf School of Bend, for allowing us to host this event for another year.
We'd like to congratulate and offer a deep bow of gratitude to the business that will go down in history as being the very first businesses to ever have featured ads on the Downtown Bend on-street directories!
| Bronwen Jewelry | Handmade Active Jewelry Cowgirl Cash | Vintage Boutique Arrange | Home & Gift Boutique Outside In | Outdoor Lifestyle Store Ride Bend | On-Demand Microtransit Worthy Taps and Tacos | A Culinary Rebellion Piece of Mind | Functional Glass Art Expedition Club and Supply | Hobby Store and Community Hub Mockingbird Gallery | Premier Fine Art ccMcKenzie | Shoes and Apparel McMenamins Old St. Francis School | Hotel. Restaurants. Bars. Theater. Tubs Wall Street Suites | Award-Winning Upscale Motel Bend Rubber Stamp and Printing | Full Service Print Shop Hot Box Betty | An Upscale Boutique Tin Pan Theatre | Art House Cinema Bend Film | A Celebration of Independent Cinema Oregrown | Bend's Flagship Store The Source Weekly | Independent Weekly Newspaper Bend Oktoberfest | September 18 & 19, 2020 The Point Pub & Grill | Your Neighborhood Pub Deschutes Historical Museum | Museum of Local History The Tower Theatre | Performing Arts Center aos Skincare | Skincare Apothecary 10 Below | Eclectic Locally Sourced Cuisine Commute Options | Thoughtful Transportation |    |
Thank you for helping Downtown Bend grow and thrive!
The new on-street directory inserts will be installed the first week of April, so keep your eye out to see these businesses featured in Downtown Bend! If you are interested in becoming a part of this stellar line-up, we have less than a handful of spaces left, contact us to reserve your space.
As always, I am honored and proud to serve Downtown Bend. It is my desire to serve Bend to the very best of my abilities and I welcome all community comments, feedback, and suggestions. Feel free to reach out to me at anytime.
Mindy Aisling
Executive Director
Downtown Bend Business Association
Executive Director
Downtown Bend Business Association