Rissa Conway

Downtown business owner of truffle pig trading co.

Currently a DBBA Board Member: YES

Have you ever been on the DBBA Board? YES

Do you currently sit on any other boards? NO

ABOUT

Over the past two years serving on the board as the vice President, I have volunteered over 200 hours to better our wonderful downtown!

WHAT ARE DOWNTOWN’S THREE GREATEST ASSETS?

  • The ability of the local business owners to rally together and support each other.

  • The local feel and historical preservation and beautification of Historic Downtown Bend.

  • The new Downtown Bend Business Association new Executive Director.

WHAT ARE DOWNTOWN’S THREE GREATEST OPPORTUNITIES?

  • Continuing to build connection, engagement and support from all downtown business owners, employees, building owners and other stakeholders.

  • More beautification to downtown- new planters and benches, crosswalk art and murals!

  • More collaboration with the central district, old mill and the box factory to support each other and promote crossflow.

WHAT ARE DOWNTOWN’S THREE GREATEST CHALLENGES?

Parking. Maintaining the look and feel of historic downtown with the increasing demands for development. Working with the city to make sure they consider the implications and impacts on downtown businesses, employees, building owners and other stakeholders when making plans and decisions.

WHY DO YOU WANT TO BE ON THE DBBA BOARD OF DIRECTORS?

With blood, sweat and tears, over the last two years on the board, I have navigated some very rewarding and challenging times. I used the difficulties to create and facilitate a stronger board, staff and organization that directly benefits all 300+ members of the DBBA. I bring a positive and 'can do' attitude to the board and always volunteer to help with whatever the board is trying to accomplish. Now that we have righted the ship, I feel like the board is primed to execute all our upcoming projects to better downtown. In addition, with how much due diligence I personally did into the DBBA, I have extensive knowledge of our whole organization, our finances, budget, contracts and obligations. This is a very valuable asset to have on the board moving forward. I have also developed to rebuild positive working relationships with city members, many business and building owners in the downtown Bend. Many of my personal ideas have been executed to improve downtown Bend. I am also very good at getting people to help volunteer and donate money for the DBBA!