Lynne Mildenstein, Community Representative, Deschutes Public Library - Incumbent
Bio:
Working in at the Deschutes Public Library in Downtown Bend since 1999 has provided me the opportunity to witness the growth and changes in and around the Downtown area. I joined the DBBA board in 2021 because of my dedication to public service and the desire to be a part of a team that is committed to keeping our beautiful Downtown area vibrant, safe, and welcoming.
Why do you want to be on the DBBA Board?
It is important to me that our Downtown remains the heart of Bend and that it continues to embrace the diverse populations that visit and make up Central Oregon. I’m excited about the DBBA’s renewed enthusiasm to partner with local agencies and businesses to truly enhance and engage with locals and tourists alike. I’d be honored to continue to serve on the DBBA board as it continues to forge a path for continued economic success and partnership between businesses, agencies and organizations in Downtown Bend.
Working in at the Deschutes Public Library in Downtown Bend since 1999 has provided me the opportunity to witness the growth and changes in and around the Downtown area. I joined the DBBA board in 2021 because of my dedication to public service and the desire to be a part of a team that is committed to keeping our beautiful Downtown area vibrant, safe, and welcoming.
Why do you want to be on the DBBA Board?
It is important to me that our Downtown remains the heart of Bend and that it continues to embrace the diverse populations that visit and make up Central Oregon. I’m excited about the DBBA’s renewed enthusiasm to partner with local agencies and businesses to truly enhance and engage with locals and tourists alike. I’d be honored to continue to serve on the DBBA board as it continues to forge a path for continued economic success and partnership between businesses, agencies and organizations in Downtown Bend.
McKenna Mikesell, Building Owner, RSMI Inc. - Incumbent
Bio:
I am the Vice President of RSM Investments, Inc. where I have worked for the past four years managing both company and outside owned properties with a focus in Downtown Bend where I currently manage eight properties. Since 2020, we have remodeled two historic buildings in Downtown Bend, the Domain Serene Wine Lounge and high-end office space on the second floor of the Bend Hardware Building. RSM strives to maintain and improve the buildings in our portfolio and take pride in our long-term tenant relationship and the energy they bring to Downtown. In my role as VP of RSM, I have managed construction projects from small tenant improvements to full scale remodels. I work with our tenants on a daily basis to make sure their needs are met and that everything is maintained at the highest standard. I enjoy being a part of the leasing process, bringing new tenants to Downtown and creating a vibrant mix of businesses that add to Downtown's culture. On a more personal note, when I first moved to Bend, I lived in Downtown for my first four years. I love taking my dog, Nama, on walks through town, visiting all the different retailers and restaurants and being a part of Bend community events hosted in Downtown. As the place I spend the majority of my time, Downtown Bend's success is something I am deeply invested in. I want visitors to value the charm of Downtown's history that can't be mimicked by other developing areas of town. I am excited to be a part of future development in Downtown with an emphasis on maintaining its historic charm.
Why do you want to be on the DBBA Board?
I am interested in joining the DBBA Board of Directors, because I think I could provide valuable insight as someone who has spent the last five years working, living, and owning/managing property in Downtown. I am excited about the new direction of the DBBA and would like to help facilitate this mission to keep Downtown in the hearts of visitors and locals alike as a must-visit destination in Bend.
I am the Vice President of RSM Investments, Inc. where I have worked for the past four years managing both company and outside owned properties with a focus in Downtown Bend where I currently manage eight properties. Since 2020, we have remodeled two historic buildings in Downtown Bend, the Domain Serene Wine Lounge and high-end office space on the second floor of the Bend Hardware Building. RSM strives to maintain and improve the buildings in our portfolio and take pride in our long-term tenant relationship and the energy they bring to Downtown. In my role as VP of RSM, I have managed construction projects from small tenant improvements to full scale remodels. I work with our tenants on a daily basis to make sure their needs are met and that everything is maintained at the highest standard. I enjoy being a part of the leasing process, bringing new tenants to Downtown and creating a vibrant mix of businesses that add to Downtown's culture. On a more personal note, when I first moved to Bend, I lived in Downtown for my first four years. I love taking my dog, Nama, on walks through town, visiting all the different retailers and restaurants and being a part of Bend community events hosted in Downtown. As the place I spend the majority of my time, Downtown Bend's success is something I am deeply invested in. I want visitors to value the charm of Downtown's history that can't be mimicked by other developing areas of town. I am excited to be a part of future development in Downtown with an emphasis on maintaining its historic charm.
Why do you want to be on the DBBA Board?
I am interested in joining the DBBA Board of Directors, because I think I could provide valuable insight as someone who has spent the last five years working, living, and owning/managing property in Downtown. I am excited about the new direction of the DBBA and would like to help facilitate this mission to keep Downtown in the hearts of visitors and locals alike as a must-visit destination in Bend.
Patrick Trowbridge, Building Owner, Lark Mountain Modern
Why do you want to be on the DBBA Board?
I want to get involved and help steer Downtown policy in a positive direction for business, tourists, and residents.
I want to get involved and help steer Downtown policy in a positive direction for business, tourists, and residents.
Joanne Sunnarborg, Business Owner, Desperado Boutique - Incumbent
Why do you want to be on the DBBA Board?
I have been in downtown for almost 3 years now. Business for 27 years and that I am an existing board member and interested in running again. Just getting going and really feel my momentum will just continue with the direction the dbba is going now.
I have been in downtown for almost 3 years now. Business for 27 years and that I am an existing board member and interested in running again. Just getting going and really feel my momentum will just continue with the direction the dbba is going now.
Rick Johns, Business Owner, Haven Home Style
Bio:
My wife and I have lived in Bend for 15 years and bought Haven Home ten years ago. I have an extensive background in commercial construction and can provide a voice of reason, with facts as to why most of what the City plans, doesn't have the Downtown Business owners interest first. I will make sure it is. I recently ran for City Council, my first but not last attempt at politics.
Why do you want to be on the DBBA Board?
I want to provide a voice in opposition of the City Council and start with a program to remove the Parklets and change parking policy in general. Also, I have met Shannon and I think she is very capable.
My wife and I have lived in Bend for 15 years and bought Haven Home ten years ago. I have an extensive background in commercial construction and can provide a voice of reason, with facts as to why most of what the City plans, doesn't have the Downtown Business owners interest first. I will make sure it is. I recently ran for City Council, my first but not last attempt at politics.
Why do you want to be on the DBBA Board?
I want to provide a voice in opposition of the City Council and start with a program to remove the Parklets and change parking policy in general. Also, I have met Shannon and I think she is very capable.
Ryan Nugent, Director of Creative Operations, L Market - Incumbent
Why are you interested in being on the DBBA Board?
My husband and I moved to Bend in 2020 to pursue a new career opportunity, and it didn't take long for us to fall in love with the community and all of its incredible people. My goal is to nurture our amazing community spirit, whilst at the same time aspiring to achieve even more. I strive to maintain a balanced outlook, recognizing both our achievements and seeking ways to do better.
The DBBA is a terrific institution with great potential. Coming from a larger city myself, I understand that we need people who are experienced in City life and who, in spite of that, choose to stay in Bend, as it is an excellent place to live. The majority of our Bend friends come from bigger cities such as Manhattan, Chicago, Los Angeles, and Seattle. They all share the same view of how fantastic Downtown Bend is and the ways to which it could be improved.
My unique and diverse background - I am a thirty-something professional, married to my husband- may bring a new and much needed point of view to the Association. In addition, let me share a few more fun facts about me:
My husband and I moved to Bend in 2020 to pursue a new career opportunity, and it didn't take long for us to fall in love with the community and all of its incredible people. My goal is to nurture our amazing community spirit, whilst at the same time aspiring to achieve even more. I strive to maintain a balanced outlook, recognizing both our achievements and seeking ways to do better.
The DBBA is a terrific institution with great potential. Coming from a larger city myself, I understand that we need people who are experienced in City life and who, in spite of that, choose to stay in Bend, as it is an excellent place to live. The majority of our Bend friends come from bigger cities such as Manhattan, Chicago, Los Angeles, and Seattle. They all share the same view of how fantastic Downtown Bend is and the ways to which it could be improved.
My unique and diverse background - I am a thirty-something professional, married to my husband- may bring a new and much needed point of view to the Association. In addition, let me share a few more fun facts about me:
- Excellent communicator
- Able to work with both structure and ambiguity
- having experience in various startups
- capacity to learn quickly and adapt to the needs of any organization
- Ability to take on menial tasks,
- As long as I'm part of a team, I'm always ready to help out
Rissa Conway, Business Owner, Truffle Pig Trading Company
Bio:
I opened Truffle Pig in the middle of the pandemic in a garbage alley and have created a small, but dedicaed followign that continues to grow. I feel extremely passionate about contributing to the creativity of what is possible with Downtonw Bend business collaboration.
Before I opened the shop, I was a traveling corporate consultant running and facilitating emotional intelligence and leadership training in fortune 500 companies all around the country and in Europe. I was one of the youngest female consultants working on the executive level in my field giving feedback and facilitating to CEOs, CFOs, owners etc., three times my senior.
I am a certified practitioner in Accountable Communication Technology, The Human Element, and Radical Collaboration to name a few.
My exceptional communication and leadership skills will be a benefit while representing the DBBA. I would love to use my skills and knowledge as a small business owner, angel investor, female entrepreneur, and corporate consultant to work will support and champion all of our amazing businesses in Downtown Bend by being on the Board.
Why are you interested in being on the DBBA Board?
I would like to be on the Board for the DBBA, because I am excited about the new direction of the organization. My friends call me 'the Promoter', when I get behind something, I have an infectious way of getting people excited and involved in anything I believe in. I think having new energy. on the board will be a great benefit to the Downtown Bend community to inspire new, creative ideas and solutions.
I feel like the Downtown has so much potential and opportunity to harness "the Bend Boom" that is not being taken advantage of by Downtown Bend.
I opened Truffle Pig in the middle of the pandemic in a garbage alley and have created a small, but dedicaed followign that continues to grow. I feel extremely passionate about contributing to the creativity of what is possible with Downtonw Bend business collaboration.
Before I opened the shop, I was a traveling corporate consultant running and facilitating emotional intelligence and leadership training in fortune 500 companies all around the country and in Europe. I was one of the youngest female consultants working on the executive level in my field giving feedback and facilitating to CEOs, CFOs, owners etc., three times my senior.
I am a certified practitioner in Accountable Communication Technology, The Human Element, and Radical Collaboration to name a few.
My exceptional communication and leadership skills will be a benefit while representing the DBBA. I would love to use my skills and knowledge as a small business owner, angel investor, female entrepreneur, and corporate consultant to work will support and champion all of our amazing businesses in Downtown Bend by being on the Board.
Why are you interested in being on the DBBA Board?
I would like to be on the Board for the DBBA, because I am excited about the new direction of the organization. My friends call me 'the Promoter', when I get behind something, I have an infectious way of getting people excited and involved in anything I believe in. I think having new energy. on the board will be a great benefit to the Downtown Bend community to inspire new, creative ideas and solutions.
I feel like the Downtown has so much potential and opportunity to harness "the Bend Boom" that is not being taken advantage of by Downtown Bend.
Tony Levison, Business Co-Owner, Kobold Brewing - Incumbent
Bio:
Having Lived in Central Oregon for More than 15 years, I know the area and can counsel you on the best neighborhoods to suit your needs. I take pride in delivering great results for my clients. I start by listening carefully to what you want to achieve with the sale or purchase of your home. Then I work tirelessly to help you reach your goals. In my spare time I enjoy brewing beer and many outdoor activities Central Oregon has to offer such as running, biking, and hiking. My primary focus is helping each and every one of my clients in selling and/or buying their home with a professional and personal approach. I also understand that buying and/or selling a home can be, at times, an emotional experience, so it is my promise to respect your individual needs with empathy and compassion. And I believe in exceptional service, because in the end it is about the relationships, not just the house. My professional background includes ten years in real estate and property management. I served as the 2019 president of COAR and am a former Latino community member, all of which makes me uniquely qualified to help you find your home effectively and navigate the homebuying process with confidence. I am able to educate my clients and steer them into making sure they look at the business and investment side of the transaction as well.
Why are you interested in being on the DBBA Board?
I am interested in joining the board of directors, so that I can be more involved in the Downtown community. I believe my past work on other boards will bring some experience and help. I have been in Bend since 2005 and own several other businesses. As a new business in Downtown, I would like to show commitment to the Downtown Community.
Having Lived in Central Oregon for More than 15 years, I know the area and can counsel you on the best neighborhoods to suit your needs. I take pride in delivering great results for my clients. I start by listening carefully to what you want to achieve with the sale or purchase of your home. Then I work tirelessly to help you reach your goals. In my spare time I enjoy brewing beer and many outdoor activities Central Oregon has to offer such as running, biking, and hiking. My primary focus is helping each and every one of my clients in selling and/or buying their home with a professional and personal approach. I also understand that buying and/or selling a home can be, at times, an emotional experience, so it is my promise to respect your individual needs with empathy and compassion. And I believe in exceptional service, because in the end it is about the relationships, not just the house. My professional background includes ten years in real estate and property management. I served as the 2019 president of COAR and am a former Latino community member, all of which makes me uniquely qualified to help you find your home effectively and navigate the homebuying process with confidence. I am able to educate my clients and steer them into making sure they look at the business and investment side of the transaction as well.
Why are you interested in being on the DBBA Board?
I am interested in joining the board of directors, so that I can be more involved in the Downtown community. I believe my past work on other boards will bring some experience and help. I have been in Bend since 2005 and own several other businesses. As a new business in Downtown, I would like to show commitment to the Downtown Community.
Sara McQuillin, Business Owner, Lulu's Boutique
Why are you interested in being on the DBBA Board?
I moved to Bend in 1986 with my family from Ohio. My dad was a partner in Bend Wood Products (Century Center) and was one of the founders of Bend Brewing Co. I have watched the growth throughout the years, which has brought many opportunities and amenities to Bend. It has also brought some challenges that I'm interested in addressing.
Downtown Bend had very few businesses when my family arrived. We rarely came to the downtown area due to this so I was excited to see businesses arrive throughout the years. I began shopping at Lulu's Boutique when Ann LaFlamme opened it. I was fortunate enough to partner with Leah Cassidy in 2019 when Patti Orsatti decided to sell the business. Lulu's survived the shutdowns throughout Covid and we have continued to flourish with the help of our local customers and tourists.
I would like to restore the downtown area to what it was before Covid. Locals do not tend to come downtown anymore due to the lack of parking. With the removal of the parklets and a more simplified parking fee program, we could bring the locals back. Bend is a beautiful town and the downtown is the heart of it all. We need to make it stronger and have a cohesiveness with our downtown businesses.
I moved to Bend in 1986 with my family from Ohio. My dad was a partner in Bend Wood Products (Century Center) and was one of the founders of Bend Brewing Co. I have watched the growth throughout the years, which has brought many opportunities and amenities to Bend. It has also brought some challenges that I'm interested in addressing.
Downtown Bend had very few businesses when my family arrived. We rarely came to the downtown area due to this so I was excited to see businesses arrive throughout the years. I began shopping at Lulu's Boutique when Ann LaFlamme opened it. I was fortunate enough to partner with Leah Cassidy in 2019 when Patti Orsatti decided to sell the business. Lulu's survived the shutdowns throughout Covid and we have continued to flourish with the help of our local customers and tourists.
I would like to restore the downtown area to what it was before Covid. Locals do not tend to come downtown anymore due to the lack of parking. With the removal of the parklets and a more simplified parking fee program, we could bring the locals back. Bend is a beautiful town and the downtown is the heart of it all. We need to make it stronger and have a cohesiveness with our downtown businesses.