Joanne Sunnarborg
The mission of the Downtown Bend Business Association to which this candidate will serve to uphold:
The Downtown Bend Business Association (DBBA) is a small nonprofit dedicated to increasing the vitality of Downtown Bend by enhancing the experience, image, and lifestyle of the Downtown Bend Economic Improvement District (EID).
The Downtown Bend Business Association (DBBA) is a small nonprofit dedicated to increasing the vitality of Downtown Bend by enhancing the experience, image, and lifestyle of the Downtown Bend Economic Improvement District (EID).
Does this candidate support the mission of the DBBA and the funding of the EID? Yes
Bio:
My name is Joanne Sunnarborg, and I am the owner/proprietor of Desperado Boutique in downtown Bend. I started my career in the insurance industry before embarking on my own small business 25 years ago in Portland’s historic Pearl District. Bend has been my home for 14 years. In the fall of last year, I feel I returned to my “city-roots” when I moved my boutique from the Old Mill District to Bond Street in the heart of downtown!
My name is Joanne Sunnarborg, and I am the owner/proprietor of Desperado Boutique in downtown Bend. I started my career in the insurance industry before embarking on my own small business 25 years ago in Portland’s historic Pearl District. Bend has been my home for 14 years. In the fall of last year, I feel I returned to my “city-roots” when I moved my boutique from the Old Mill District to Bond Street in the heart of downtown!
Describe what you feel that you could contribute to the DBBA board:
In 1996, I helped form the Pearl District Business Association and served on that board until 2006 when I moved my business to Bend. During that time the Pearl grew from abandoned warehouses to one of Portland’s most eclectic and successful neighborhoods with a mix of small businesses from tech, restaurants, and art galleries to boutiques and residential living. That growth came with many challenges and I believe my experience on that board along with running my own small business for 25 years give me insight and knowledge to help create a Bend downtown that’s even better than it is today.
In 1996, I helped form the Pearl District Business Association and served on that board until 2006 when I moved my business to Bend. During that time the Pearl grew from abandoned warehouses to one of Portland’s most eclectic and successful neighborhoods with a mix of small businesses from tech, restaurants, and art galleries to boutiques and residential living. That growth came with many challenges and I believe my experience on that board along with running my own small business for 25 years give me insight and knowledge to help create a Bend downtown that’s even better than it is today.
Describe what you feel Downtown Bend's role is in our City/Community:
I believe Bend’s downtown is the heart of this community. It neighbors one of the most beautiful city parks in Oregon, a fantastic library, city and county services, and a great mix of businesses. I believe Bend’s downtown should reflect our community’s values and be a place of inclusion. I believe now more than ever we have the duty and opportunity to bring people together in safe, fun, and meaningful ways. Our downtown core can and should be that place.
I believe Bend’s downtown is the heart of this community. It neighbors one of the most beautiful city parks in Oregon, a fantastic library, city and county services, and a great mix of businesses. I believe Bend’s downtown should reflect our community’s values and be a place of inclusion. I believe now more than ever we have the duty and opportunity to bring people together in safe, fun, and meaningful ways. Our downtown core can and should be that place.
Describe 1-2 of the elements of your vision for the future of Downtown Bend:
I think the last year has shown us that we need to be ready for change, we need to support all our local businesses, and recognize that while Bend’s downtown is a place that is vibrant it also reflects the difficult times' people in our community are facing. I think open space and pedestrian-friendly streets are vital. I think safe, clean public restrooms must be part of our future plans.
I think the last year has shown us that we need to be ready for change, we need to support all our local businesses, and recognize that while Bend’s downtown is a place that is vibrant it also reflects the difficult times' people in our community are facing. I think open space and pedestrian-friendly streets are vital. I think safe, clean public restrooms must be part of our future plans.