What does it mean to be a DBBA Board Member?

The Downtown Bend Business Association (DBBA) is a tiny nonprofit dedicated to increasing the vitality of Downtown Bend.  We are responsible for everything from daily sidewalk sweeping to the planning & development of what Downtown Bend will look like in the future. We run the banner program in Downtown, we provide and care for the flower baskets in the summer, we decorate during the winter, we run community events like Ladies Night and Shop Small Saturday, we create and keep up to date all the Downtown Bend websites and social media, we communicate with all 400+ DBBA members anything and everything that has to do with Downtown, we work closely with Bend Police, the City of Bend, DPAC, MPO, and other community organizations to make sure the needs of Downtown are met, we raise funds to grow the ways in which we can serve Downtown and we provide the vision for what Downtown will look like in the future.  We have a staff of just 3 people for this HUGE scope of work, and the DBBA Board of Directors plays a key role in supporting staff, guiding the organization, and developing it's growth & expansion.   

The DBBA is a Mainstreet USA subsidiary.  As such, our organization and board of directors have certain requirements they must maintain.  Here is an outline of how Mainstreet USA boards help small towns all across America thrive:

Board of Directors

• Attend Meetings
• Understand the organization & it's scope of work
• Understand the bylaws, state nonprofit laws & organizational policies
• Have a working knowledge of financial statements
• Assist with risk management
• Provide a strategic direction and accountability to members
• Comply with the Open Public Meetings Act
• Keep necessary information confidential
• Make sure that no director has a conflict of interest
• Obey the mission and bylaws, state and federal laws, adhere to policies of grants, donors.

Mainstreet Boards:

• Are both governing boards and working boards
• Deal with both the present and the future
• Raise funds for the district
• Recommend and orient new board members
• Advocate for the organization
• Monitor and grow the organization's programs
• Support the Executive Director

​For more information about Mainstreet Boards, click here.

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When you serve on the DBBA Board of Directors, you have the opportunity to guide and shape our beloved Downtown Bend's growth and development.  Directors serve for the betterment of ALL of Downtown - not one single agenda.  At times, serving as a director might be difficult as it requires individuals to set aside what might be their personal agenda or goals for Downtown to support the overall betterment and vision of Downtown.  Being a director is being a part of a team of passionate, caring people who are working to make Downtown Bend a better place. 

The DBBA Executive Director is tasked with being the 'expert' on Downtown - working with DBBA members, DBBA staff, the public, key stakeholders, community groups, committee's & more to be constantly educated about, and assessing the needs of, Downtown within the greater Bend community.  The Board of Directors helps the Executive Director & DBBA staff by asking key questions like;

• What is your vision for this program?  Where would you like to see it in 5 years?
• What are the risks and opportunities if we develop a new program?
• Tell us a bit about staffing in this area – where is it relative to 2-3 years ago?  What impact has that had?
• How do folks know this service is available? How would you rate our marketing efforts?  What else is needed?
• Is there a way for we as Board members to get involved that would add value to the organization or to your ability to provide these services?
• What service is needed most right now?  What support would staff need to provide this service?

​Every Board Director provides their unique wisdom for the growth and development of the organization and it's programs.  Collectively, the Board provides a strong, supportive framework, and the big-picture vision for the staff to work under.  The Board works together to set annual goals, and works with staff to continually assess these goals and what is needed to accomplish them.

By collaborating together, the DBBA board and staff are able to build and grow strong programs that achieve their mission - to increase the vitality of Downtown Bend! 

As a DBBA Board Director you will:

1. Learn a plethora about Downtown, it's history, programs & how it interacts with the rest of the City
2. Get to work with a team of others who are passionate about Downtown Bend
3. Guide and shape the Downtown Bend of tomorrow
4. "Get your hands dirty" and work on projects and events you are passionate about
5. Bring your experience and wisdom to the DBBA board & staff team
6. Have fun!

If you are interested in serving as a DBBA Board director, please click here for more information & to apply.