Fressen Bakery has started a Biergarten dinner program! Featuring domestic and imported German beers on draft, it also brings authentic German dishes and flavors and showcases some of Fressen’s artisan breads. With classic dishes like spaetzle, schnitzel, and sauerbraten paired with local produce. we like to think of it as German fare with Pacific Northwest flair!
Job Opening: METBA District Organizer
Job title: Montavilla East Tabor Business Association (METBA) District Organizer
Hours: 10 hours/week Monday-Friday; Occasional Nights/Weekends
Compensation: $20.00 per hour
Start Date: June 2021
Supervisor: METBA President
Position Description:
The METBA District Organizer supports the unique businesses, residents, and history of the Montavilla Business District. The ideal candidate is a people-person and a natural networker who can successfully multitask while proactively building community engagement. The position requires strong communication and organizational skills, excellent attention to detail, computer fluency, flexibility, creativity, and a commitment to METBA’s mission and values. The METBA District Organizer will spend at least 30% of work hours ‘on the street’ engaging with district business owners.
Specific Responsibilities:
- Build METBA Capacity. Strengthen METBA by increasing membership renewal/enrollment and community engagement.
- Increase Business Association membership by 10-20% via its annual membership campaign promoting new member benefits, networking opportunities, educational seminars and marketing. Visit all district businesses at least quarterly.
- Support increased business engagement by helping to implement the Communication Committee’s comprehensive strategy including earned media, newsletters, social media presence and website development. Support committee and Board in engaging diverse stakeholders including neighborhood businesses, residents, developers, schools, visitor and cultural destinations, legacy businesses and other public and private partners. Take photos at district events and business visits and provide to Communication Committee for newsletter, social media and website.
- Support METBA Events. Support the signature METBA annual event and additional quarterly events; implement revenue generating components; track and analyze event results. Maintain and promote online calendar of district activities, events and promotions. Take photos and provide to Communications Committee.
- Support the All-Volunteer METBA Board of Directors and Committees. Attend Board and Committee meetings and present Organizer progress on outreach, membership, events and activities; support the volunteer Board’s efforts and initiatives. Track board/committee hours; recognize contributions; help to recruit new volunteer board/committee members.
- Represent the METBA Business Association. Build relationships with neighborhood businesses and community groups through digital and/or in-person communication; advocate for Business Association support; promote membership, events, activities and successes.
- Explore the District. Spend at least 30% of work time ‘on the street’ to understand the unique needs of neighborhood businesses and propose appropriate resources and events.
- Manage Data. Ensure effective data tracking to communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders and analyze impact of outreach, events, marketing and volunteer recruitment efforts (qualitative and quantitative); analyze program results, utilize data analysis to create materials and future programs; increase program utilization by diverse constituents.
- Assist President with all other duties as requested.
Qualified individuals:
Please email your resume complete with contact information and references to:
Venture Portland Announces Reopening Panel Discussions
This post was copied from Venture Portland’s enewsletter:
RSVP for [Venture Portland’s] Upcoming COVID-19 Business Reopening Panel Discussions
COVID-19 Reopening Q&A for Retailers with Multnomah County Chair Deborah Kafoury
Retailers! Do you have questions about the reopening your store during COVID-19? Trying to figure out how you should set up your store? Unsure of how to balance personal safety and financial necessity?
Join us Thursday, 5/28 from 1-2pm when our special guests Multnomah County Chair Deborah Kafoury, The Department of Health and retail business owners answer your questions about what’s going on, when it’s happening, what the hold ups are and how to get back to business. Share your questions or concerns with County officials and catch up on how your peers are planning to get back into stores and restoring revenue streams.
Register for the Retailer Q&A on 5/28 from 1-2pm
COVID-19 Reopening Listening Sessions with Prosper Portland
The City of Portland and Prosper Portland, in partnership with Venture Portland and the Portland Independent Restaurant Alliance, are hosting listening sessions to hear from businesses in the restaurant and personal services industries, and how the city can support as we look towards reopening. This is a part of a series of industry and culturally specific listening sessions open to the public. This session is intended for business owners in the restaurant and personal services industries. If these sessions are fully registered, a video will be made available when the session concludes.
Coronavirus Resources for Business
The Corporate Division of the Oregon Secretary of State is working directly with businesses seeking answers and resources during the COVID-19 pandemic. In an effort to address some of the questions being asked, they’ve posted an FAQ sheet. Click the link below to view the entire list. We will also be posting two of the FAQs individually to METBA’s facebook page.
COVID-19 Resources for Businesses
We understand that this is a difficult time for families, individuals, those experiencing homelessness — everyone, in other words. As METBA is a business association, I thought I would gather and share resources for businesses specifically here. Montavilla is not Montavilla without our amazing local businesses. We need them and they need us. (disclaimer: I wanted to get this out quickly, so please pardon my typos and forgive me if the sources below repeat the same information)
Small Business Advocacy
Businesses without employees or with fewer than 100 employees can contact the Office of Small Business Assistance via email at business.sos@oregon.gov or by calling toll free 1-844-469-5512.
Work Share Oregon
When times are tough, Work Share provides Oregon businesses an alternative to layoffs. This newly streamlined program allows employers to leverage unemployment insurance (UI) to subsidize a portion of lost wages for employers whose work time is reduced due to market downturns or other business stressors.
State of Oregon Employment Department
The health and safety of workplaces is of utmost importance to the Oregon Employment Department. This summary provides general guidance to employers, workers, and job seekers who may be impacted by the COVID-19 coronavirus. This document will be updated as more information becomes available. The Oregon Employment Department is working with partner agencies nationwide and the U.S. Department of Labor to ask for additional unemployment benefits options related to COVID-19.
Oregon Health Authority’s Respiratory Illness Page
COVID-19/coronavirus news from the state, nation, and globe.
Predictive Scheduling
Oregon’s predictive scheduling law applies only to employers with 500+ employees and requires certain advance notice of scheduling changes.
Sick Time and Oregon Law
Oregon sick time laws apply to Portland businesses with 6 or more employees.
Oregon Family Leave Act
The Oregon Family Leave Act applies to businesses with 25 or more employees.
More Resources
COVID-19 Interim Guidance for Businesses
Greater Portland: Response to Coronavirus
Nonprofit Oregon COVID-19 Resources
Small Business Administration Disaster Relief Loan Info
7 Things To Do in Montavilla this Spring
Shop at the Montavilla Farmers Market
Starting May 5th, the market is open every Sunday through October from 10 am to 2 pm. Buy local fresh produce and farm-based products. The market is located in the parking lot across from Mr. Plywood on Stark Street.
Stop by the METBA Spring Block Party May 18th
This annual event is an afternoon of music, art, food, wine, and family-friendly activities. The fun begins at 3 pm and goes till 9 pm on 81st Ave between Stark St. and Oak St. Check out our Montavilla.biz events page for more details.
Join a Neighborhood Clean Up
Participate in an existing event or even organize a clean up for your area. The city of Portland has neighborhood resources like SE Uplift to help you get started. Love Mt.Tabor? The nonprofit Friends of Mt.Tabor offers volunteer opportunities throughout the year.
Behold a Mt. Tabor Sunrise or Sunset
Bring your camera and take in spectacular views of the Portland cityscape or Mt.Hood. Be on the look out for the beautiful mid-May rhododendrons blooms. The park gates open at 5 am and close at 10 pm. Note the park is closed to motor vehicles on Wednesdays.
Participate in the Local Arts Scene
Attend an art walk, hear local music, or attend some live theater. Here are a few ideas:
- Mt. Tabor Art Walk, May 18th & 19th
- Portland Metro Arts, The Firebird, May 4th , Les Ruses d’Amour ballet starting May 4th
Remember Your Mom
Score major Mom points with these gift ideas for Mother’s Day:
- Paint some pottery at Pottery Fun
- Frame some art for her at KB Custom Frames
- Gift a massage from our local businesses: Cocoon Massage, Genuine Movement, Serenity Therapeutic Massage
Hop on your bike
A bike ride is a great way to find some of our neighborhood gems:
- Find a Little Free Library near you. Use LittleFreeLibrary.org’s map locator to plan your route.
- Treat yourself with Cold as Ice ice cream at Heartbreaker Neighborhood Kitchen
- Stand in an extinct volcano at the caldera on Mt.Tabor
- Find the Stone Obelisk Mile Markers/ Baseline Mile markers on Stark St. (was once called Baseline) that date back to 1854.
Get out and enjoy springtime in Montavilla!
7 Things to do in Montavilla This Winter
1. Frosty Fest
The Montavilla East Tabor Business Association (METBA) is sponsoring holiday inspired
events to help you get in the holiday spirit:
- Merry Montavilla Soiree:
Thursday, December 6th from 5pm to close
Join the Montavilla Business Association in Downtown Montavilla for discounts and specials on drinking, shopping, tasting, and holiday merriment! In the spirit of the season, please bring a canned food to donate to the Sunshine Division. - Santa and Hanukkah Harry Saturday – Saturday, December 8th from 11am to 2pm at Vino Veritas
Santa Claus and Hanukkah Harry will visit Montavilla! Stop by Vino Veritas (7835 SE Stark) on December 8th to create crafts, drink hot cocoa, sip mimosa, and take photos (bring your camera). Please bring a canned food to donate to the Sunshine Division. - Vote for your favorite METBA business Holiday Window Display between November 30 and December 16
- Free Movie Screening – A Christmas Story December 16th at 2 pm at the Academy Theater
2. Shop Local
Take advantage of METBA’s unique business community and shop local. While you are out, pick up the METBA 2018 District Map that lists the diverse businesses in your community. Please everyone on your list with gifts of services, memberships, gift certificates, and many other unique options. When you need to replenish your shopping stamina, pop into our many cafes for caffeinated coffee, tea, and sweets: Bipartisan Cafe, Fillmore Coffee, Hungry Heart PDX, and Townshend’s Teahouse Montavilla.
3. Prepare for the weather
The Portland winter weather is upon us. METBA businesses such as Mr. Plywood can help you with weather-proofing your home. Should home projects go awry, you don’t have to go far to find exceptional physical therapists, such as New Heights Physical Therapy and Therapeutic Associates East Portland Physical Therapy.
4. See a Holiday movie at the Academy Theater
Our local theater offers a series of holiday inspired movies each November and December. Favorites such as The Wiz, West Side Story, Willy Wonka and The Chocolate Factory, It’s A Wonderful Life, and My Neighbor Totoro offer something for everyone. Check out the Academy Theater website for a detailed list. Be sure to see the FREE screening of A Christmas Story December 16th at 2 pm. First come, first served, so arrive early!
5. Donate or volunteer
There are many local nonprofits that welcome your gifts of time or resources. The Montavilla United Methodist Church sponsors the Open Hearts Food Pantry every third weekend of the month. METBA’s Frosty Fest provides events in which you can drop off canned food for the Sunshine Division, making it easy for you to share some holiday good will. The Montavilla Farmers Market is offering the Everybody Eats Program once again for their December 23rd market day.
6. Get Your Art On!
You don’t have to go far to find great live music and theater in Montavilla:
- Portland Metro Arts – theater and dance for the whole family
- Vino Veritas – live music every Friday at 7 pm and Jazz Happy Hour every Sunday at
5 pm - Beanstalk – Micah and Me Music Show Monday December 3rd, 10-11 am. FREE
- Montavilla Guitar Studio – The MGS Student Showcase is December 16th, 5:30-7:30 pm at Montavilla United Methodist Church, or Make your own music with guitar and Ukulele lessons for all ages.
7. Tuck in for a Sip
Need a break from the season? Montavilla can offer many satisfying beverage options to
put that cheer back in your day: Beer Bunker, Blank Slate, East Glisan Pizza Lounge,
Montavilla Brew Works, Redwood, Roscoe’s, Thatchers Restaurant and Lounge, The
Observatory, and Vino Veritas.
2018 Montavilla Street Fair Press Release
For Immediate Release
Press Contact:
Steve Rice, METBA Executive Director
503-784-8082
stephenmichaelrice@gmail.com
7/4/18
The Montavilla/East Tabor Business Association (METBA) is pleased to announce that its 7th annual street fair will occur on Sunday, July 29th in Downtown Montavilla from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Once again, fair organizers have secured permits from the city of Portland to close down SE Stark Street between 76th and 82nd Avenues for the event.
The Montavilla Street Fair is a family-friendly community celebration. In 2017, organizers estimated that 13,000 people attended the Montavilla Street Fair making it one of the largest street fairs in all of Portland and the single largest one-day event in East County. 15,000 are expected this year.
For the third year in a row, Adventist Health will be the presenting sponsor of the Montavilla Street Fair. “Adventist Health is proud to be an active member of the communities around us,” says Adventist Health’s David Russell, CEO. We continuously strive to be the best place for patients to receive care, and our presence at the Montavilla Street Fair is a way for us to remind our East Portland neighbors that we are close by and here to help.”
“Montavilla is an amazing community,” adds METBA President Tina Granzo. “Our residents and businesses, including Adventist Health always step up to support community events. The Montavilla Street Fair would not be possible without the generous support of our sponsors and volunteers.”
Organizers anticipate that over 150 vendors will be present at the event selling food and drink, art, hand crafts, clothing, as well as marketing local products and services. As in previous years, the event corresponds with the Montavilla Farmer’s Market, adding an additional layer of fun and activity. Tandem events – a flea market, art showcase, and music afterparty are being organized by partner groups adding to the diversity of event options.
Music will occur on three stages offering a diverse mix of local Portland music, including a kid’s stage in “Kid Villa.” Kid Villa is one of the unique aspects of our street fair,” says METBA Executive Director Steve Rice. “In addition to live music specifically for ‘the littles,’ this year we will be showcasing the musical talents of local youth.”
The full music line up including performance times can be found at Montavilla.Biz. Confirmed acts include Micah & Me (micahandmerocks.com).
Fair-goers can find day-of-event updates on Facebook and Instagram at #Montavilla Street Fair and #Go Local Montavilla. Attendees are encouraged to post their photos about the day’s goings-on!
The Montavilla/East Tabor Business Association is a 501c6 non-profit with the mission to develop and enhance the economic viability of Montavilla and to promote the interests of businesses within the Montavilla Business District.
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Business Tax License Increase
The following information was provided by Venture Portland.
Mayor Wheeler’s proposed budget includes an increase in the Business License Tax (going from 2.2 percent of a businesses’ net income to 2.6 percent). It also includes, as an offset, a 21% increase in the Owners Compensation Deduction (going from $103,500 to $125,000).
Impact to Your Business
The proposed tax increase is .004 (or an additional $4 per $1,000 in taxes paid). The City created a calculator to determine how the proposed changes will impact your business. A few example scenarios:
$100,000 Net Income: Sole Proprietor would pay $650
$200,000 Net Income: Sole Proprietor would pay $1,950
$500,000 Net Income: Sole Proprietor would pay $9,750
Owners Compensation Deduction
The Owners Compensation Deduction currently allows business owners to deduct 75% of their net income, not to exceed $103,500 per owner, when filing their taxes. When the Owners Compensation Deduction had its last meaningful increase in 2014 (going from $92,000 to $100,000), the city estimated that more than 4,000 businesses would save $865,000 the year it went into effect. Please note, businesses grossing under $50,000 per year before expenses are exempt from paying the Business License Tax. For nonexempt businesses, the Owners Compensation Deduction allows them to deduct a portion of their net income pre-tax.
Proposed Use of Tax Increase
The Mayor expects the increased tax to generate $15 million/year. Per the Mayor’s proposed budget: “These changes [Business License Tax increase] would result in an estimated $15.3 million in additional revenues this year [7/1/18-6/30/19] to stabilize the budget for homeless services, invest more in moving people out of shelters and into housing, fund programs in the Police Bureau that support community-centered policing [add 49 Officers], add resources to trash and graffiti cleanup, and to provide additional small business support.” The Portland Business Alliance, which crafted the Business License Tax increase proposal with the Mayor, stated that the proposal: “also includes safeguards such as an annual review of program results, as well as a stated intention not to further raise the tax for at least ten years and to reconsider the increase if the tax environment in the city substantially changes.”
Action Needed: Like It, Hate It or Have Suggestions to Improve it – City Council Needs to Hear From You
Write a letter, call Commissioners or attend a Budget Hearing to let City Council know how your feel and what, if anything, you want in exchange for paying increased taxes. Letter writing best practices and City Council contact information are attached for your reference. Please cc: me on any emails sent to City Council and let me know if you plan to attend one of the hearings.
Budget Hearing Tonight – Thursday, 5/10 at City Hall (6-8pm)
Budget Hearing Next Week – Wednesday, 5/16 at City Hall (2-4pm)
Neighbors Want to Know: When Will a Full-Service Grocer Arrive in Montavilla?
This past spring, METBA mailed a survey to households in and around Montavilla. A primary goal for the
survey was to better understand what goods and services neighbors would benefit from having within
Montavilla’s business district.
There were 245 responses to the question: What good and services are missing in Montavilla?
It may come as no surprise that “grocery store” was the overwhelming choice, mentioned in 27% of all
responses. Montavilla has been without a full-service grocery store since 2013 when Safeway closed its location at 82 nd and Burnside. While several local specialty grocers are thriving, such as La Bouffe
International Gourmet, neighbors must still travel outside of the ‘hood for their general shopping needs.
Many respondents mentioned a need for a particular service (e.g., hair/nails), a particular type of
restaurant (e.g., taqueria), or a specific type of retail (i.e., more clothes!), but specific responses varied
considerably. However, several themes arose:
- “Grab and go,” inexpensive food options are lacking
- Kid-friendly options are being requested
- Some Montavilla residents yearn for a bookstore
- Glisan street needs more shops, restaurants, and services
If you have a business in mind that you’d like to see in Montavilla, recruit them! Download our 4-page guide to locating a business in Montavilla.
A final note of interest is that many respondents were requesting goods and services that actually
already exist in Montavilla! Did you know that Montavilla already has the following types of businesses?
- Dry cleaning (Sunshine on Glisan)
- Hardware (Mr. Plywood)
- Fitness (Cascade Athletic Club and Mt. Tabor Crossfit)
Are there other businesses in Montavilla that you could be taking advantage? Visit Montavilla.Biz to
view webpages for a wide variety of member businesses!
