METBA

Montavilla East Tabor Business Association

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Meet Your Local Business: Alena of alena botanica!

December 1, 2017 by Tina

  1. What does your business do?
    I design plant & hop inspired products, including home goods, glassware and apparel. I’ve been in business for about 10 years and use local fabricators to help create my products. Each of my designs tells a story about the plant and comes from an original photograph.
  2. How long have you been doing business in Montavilla?
    I’ve been living in Montavilla for about 6 months. Prior to that, I lived in the Foster-Powell area. I’m originally from Canada, but Vermont had been my home until I moved to Portland 3 years ago. I lived in Eugene in the 90’s after college.
  3. What might readers be surprised to know about you?
    Despite being a big plant geek, I’m not a vegetarian! I’m also proud to say that a brewing company I worked for in Vermont, The Alchemist, brewed a beer after me – the Alena IPA!
  4. What do you like to do outside of your business?
    I love visiting Portland’s nurseries. I’m a member of the Hardy Plant Society, so I always try to get out to open gardens. I’m a frequent traveler as well; I have a passion for the SW (New Mexico in particular) and find inspiration for my designs in the desert landscape. Oregon’s quiet coastal towns have been frequent destinations for me too.
  5. What does a perfect day in Montavilla look like to you?
    If I’m feeling extroverted, I’d start my day at Mt. Tabor Roastery on Glisan with my favorite blend, the Columbia. Afterwards, I’d hike up to Mt. Tabor. Later, I’d do some shopping at Union Rose and Maven in downtown Montavilla. Before seeing a movie at the Academy, I’d enjoy my favorite drink at Montavilla Brew Works, the Flam Tap IPA. Finally, I’d end my night by enjoying a Ginger Beer at the Observatory and getting some pizza at East Glisan Pizza Lounge. They have one of my favorite Happy Hours and it’s very close to home. If I am feeling introverted, I’d grab a coffee from Hungry Heart and spend the day working in my studio.
  6. When you were a child, what did you want to professionally?
    I actually wrote an essay in 8th grade talking about how I want to design things. I always used to think about rearranging furniture and loved to sketch and take photographs. I ended up receiving an education in biology, horticulture and landscape design. As time went on, I discovered my artistic side and my love of photography, plants and design melded together to create alena botanica, a plant-inspired design studio.
  7. Any events coming up?
    Yes!

    1. da Vinci Arts Fair, December 2nd, 10-4:00
    2. Merry Montavilla Soiree: Pop-Up at Union Rose, Friday Dec. 8th, 4:00-8:00 pm
    3. Holiday Open House at alena botanica design studio, mid-December (Follow on Facebook: alena botanica or Instagram @alenabotanica for details)

 

Filed Under: Local Businesses, News

Neighbors Want to Know: When Will a Full-Service Grocer Arrive in Montavilla?

November 25, 2017 by Tina

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:

  1. “Grab and go,” inexpensive food options are lacking
  2. Kid-friendly options are being requested
  3. Some Montavilla residents yearn for a bookstore
  4. 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!

Filed Under: 82nd Avenue, Business District, East Glisan, Local Businesses, METBA, News

Meet Your Local Business: Pete Dills of Therapeutic Associates East Portland Physical Therapy

November 20, 2017 by Tina

  1. What does your business do?
    We’re a physical therapy clinic that specializes in movement rehabilitation. At our clinic, we believe that physical therapy can benefit anyone who is dealing with a movement related problem, not just those that are injured. In addition to our rehabilitative services, we also offer wellness, fitness, and general movement related classes and services to better serve our community through our Movement Arts Project Studio.
  2. How long have you been doing business in Montavilla?
    We just moved into our new location on Glisan Street on October 1st 2017 after spending 5 years at our old location on 102nd. I’ve been a clinic director since 2013, but Therapeutic Associates East Portland has been around for 34 years serving Gateway, Hazelwood, and Montavilla neighborhoods.
  3. Did you always want to do physical therapy?
    When I was growing up, I wanted to be an architect. I always liked design work, especially through the very structured and defined lens of architecture. I had a great biology professor in high school that piqued my interest in exercise physiology. Although I started college thinking I’d like to go to medical school, but ultimately felt that physical therapy better fit my interests and personality. I fell in love with the idea of understanding the human body, movement, and ultimately, helping others understand and improve their own movement related difficulties.
  4. What might readers be surprised to know about your business?
    Physical Therapy doesn’t have to be painfull! Generally, patients report feeling better when they leave. We are in the business of empowering and working as a team with our patients. We believe in setting up individual treatment plans for each and every one of our patients/clients.
  5. What do you like to do outside of your business?
    I’m a runner – I just did my first marathon last May! In the winters, I love to ski. Generally, I try to stay active, and my family certainly keeps me active outside of work. I have 2 wonderful children, ages 3 and 1 and I love spending time with them and my wife in our back yard in the summer and early Fall.
  6. If Montavilla had a theme song, what would it be?
    We’re All in This Together by Ben Lee. The whole community in Montavilla, between business and neighbors, is tight-knit. We can all benefit from each other’s success.
  7. What does a perfect day in Montavilla look like to you?
    There’s nothing better than spending a sunny day running on Mt. Tabor. We love the Observatory. It was one of the first places I went to in Montavilla, so we’d have to stop there as well. Also, with our new clinic build-out, I have honed my woodworking skills, and you can’t beat cruising around Mr. Plywood looking at their stock, dreaming about the next project. I’d end the day at Montavilla Brew Works, drinking any of their Pales or IPAs.

Pictured Above, Left to Right: Elizabeth Bilotta, Jaelin Cola, Pete Dills, Kai Berkedal, Kimberly Morrison, Jessica McConahay

Therapeutic Associates East Portland Physical Therapy is located at 8028 NE Glisan St, #B and is open from 6am-6pm Monday-Friday.

Filed Under: East Glisan, Local Businesses

Annual Meeting Recap

November 13, 2017 by Tina

The METBA board and Association members met up at the Annual Members Meeting last week for a “year in review” session. The room felt energized. Thirty business owners turned out and the interest in supporting the work of the Association was encouraging! Eight new board members were elected, bringing the total board size to 13 people who will lend their time and talents to sustain the current trajectory of growth.

Paitong Thai, Ya Hala, and Hungry Heart donated goodies for the event, with beverages and the event space provided by Dana Cofer of Vino Veritas. Outgoing Association President Steve Rice highlighted the financial and membership growth over the last four years and strategic goals for the coming year. His year-in-review presentation can be viewed here.

Attendees had a chance to network with colleagues, introduce themselves and their businesses, and to talk about their needs as business owners and what they would like to see develop in the district. These were the responses:

  • Sponsorship opportunities for district events, such as Trick or Treat on Glisan Street, First Fridays, Frosty Fest and the Street Fair
  • Traffic to Glisan Street businesses (foot traffic or more businesses moving in)
  • Networking opportunities with other businesses, including referrals
  • Business skills training – building systems, best small business practices, etc.
  • Providing connections to home-based services
  • Getting value for social media $ – coordination
  • Collectively building up Montavilla’s tech resources
  • Sister event on major street

Potential board member names were thrown into the ring, with nominees saying a few words about themselves and what motivates them to join the board or a committee. All the nominees were voted in as at-large members in a block vote. The 2018 board of 13 will officially begin their work at the January 10th board meeting, when officers will be nominated and voted in. Returning board members Tina Granzo, of City Beautiful Design; Carmen Ripley, owner of Beanstalk; and Abby McKinnon, owner of Portland Child and Family Counseling, have indicated interest in assuming the roles of President, Vice President, and Secretary, respectively. The association is still seeking a treasurer.

One big change for the Association is an organizational restructuring that involves the hire of an Executive Director (a paid position at 10 hours/week) to oversee the operational aspect of the organization. The Board of Directors will be approving this restructure and filling the position at the end of the year. Tina Granzo explained to members that in order to sustain the progress the Association has made and to decrease the burden for the all-volunteer board, that it was in our best interest to hire a part-time Executive Director. The position has been posted on the business web site. Steve Rice has agreed to serve as the ED from January through June of next year, while the board conducts a job search.

A huge thank you goes out to the businesses and individuals who contributed their time, products and services to the annual meeting, and to all the members who attended and agreed to commit to board or committee participation.

Filed Under: METBA, News

Meet Your Local Business: Neil Mattson of Montavilla Guitar Studio

September 29, 2017 by Tina

  1. What is your business? What do you enjoy about it?
    I own Montavilla Guitar Studio. We teach guitar, bass, piano and even vocals to both kids and adults. I love the people part of the business. It’s great to be able to share music with kids and families. I also like the creativity that being a small business owner requires of you. I get to create my own world of systems and retain control.
  2. How long have you been living & doing business in Montavilla?
    I’ve been living in Montavilla since 2009 and doing business since 2013. I started operating out of my house, but eventually moved into a space in Downtown Montavilla in 2016.
  3. What do you like to do outside of your business?
    I also work as the Festival Director for the Montavilla Jazz Fest. This year, we actually broke our attendance record thanks to the talented musicians, generous sponsors and support from the community. That’s why I really like the festival – it brings the community together. You get to network and meet a lot of different people.
  4. What would a perfect day in Montavilla look like?
    I’d spend the afternoon at Mt. Tabor Park with my partner, Tina. It’s great to have it within walking distance from our house. I’d then grab Oregon Fry Bread and Chicken Sliders at the Observatory during cocktail hour. Afterwards, I would walk over to Cold as Ice and get one of their chocolate flavors before catching a movie at the Academy Theater. Finally, I’d cap my night with my favorite drink at Montavilla Brew Works: the Flam Tap.
  5. What might readers be surprised to know about your business?
    They might be surprised to know that we have folks from all over the Portland Metro area take lessons here. We have students from Corbett, Tigard, Hillsboro and more!
  6. Did you always want to teach music?
    I actually went to school for music performance. It wasn’t always the plan to teach, but as someone who loves music it was a natural transition.
  7. If Montavilla had a theme song, what would it be?
    Don’t Stop Believin’ by Journey. I get so many requests from my students to teach that!

Filed Under: News

Executive Director Job Opening

September 29, 2017 by Tina

Duties

Meeting Planning and Facilitation

  • Gathers input and plans – in collaboration with Executive committee – ten annual board meetings, three general membership meetings, annual retreat, and annual membership meeting
  • Participates in monthly executive committee conference call
  • Ensures active committees are making progress towards annual goals

Management and Supervision

  • Serves on the executive committee at the pleasure of the board of directors
  • Supervises staff and participates in formal supervisory meetings; provides ongoing additional supervisory support as needed via phone, email, etc.
  • Creates professional services agreements for contract positions and ensures that all deliverables are met within timeline
  • Guides and oversees work of independent contractors (e.g., street fair manager, graphic designer, photographer, web designer, mail/poster distributors)

Fundraising

  • Oversees grant writing process, implements programs and activities as outlined in grant work plans, evaluates efforts per grant requirements, completes grant reports, and serves as primary contact to grantors
  • Builds and maintains relationships with sponsors and secures event sponsorships
  • Pursues fee-for-service opportunities such as advertising and consulting

Membership

  • Oversees creation of an annual member benefit package and related communications
  • Supports Vice President and the membership committee to implement the annual membership campaign and ensures that annual membership goals are met

Financial

  • Creates annual operating budget in collaboration with Treasurer and committee chairs; makes mid-year adjustments as necessary
  • Authorized signer on all accounts

Risk Management

  • Reviews annual insurance policy, recommends changes as needed; updates board and members on any changes/additions to coverage
  • Recommends, and at the direction of the Board, implements any policies and/or guidelines to mitigate risk to the organization and increase organizational sustainability and longevity
  • Assesses legal needs and brings to the attention of the board any areas potentially requiring legal help
  • Ensures contracts are signed and contract “fine print” is in line with organizational mission, conflict of interest policies and risk management guidelines

Organizational Development

  • Oversees strategic planning, goal-setting, and evaluation to ensure growth, increased efficiency, and sustainability of the organization
  • Recommends policies, guidelines, methods, systems, tools, etc. that can improve or streamline organizational operations
  • Serves as point-of-contact to Venture Portland; coordinates participation in Venture Portland events and educational opportunities with the goal of building the capacity of the board of directors

Marketing, Advertising, and Communications

  • Speaks to the media as an authorized spokesperson for the organization
  • Chairs the Communication Committee and provides oversight for planning and executing an annual communications plan including marketing, advertising, website, social media, and other communications both internal and external to the organization
  • Serves as a public face of the organization; interacts with and seeks input from member businesses; communicates METBA goals, plans, and accomplishments to members and the general public using a variety of communication methods

Community Relations and Advocacy

  • Serves as a main point-of-contact to neighborhood groups, members, business and property owners, city council members, grant-makers, and other partners
  • Manages incoming inquiries via mail, email, etc.

Event and Project Management

  • Ensures that special events such as street fair, First Friday, Frosty Fest, mixers, etc. are properly chaired and staffed (volunteer or paid)
  • Oversees board discussions to plan, implement, and evaluate special events and projects; ensures that future events/projects up for discussion are properly vetted to ensure that they are in-line with organizational vision, mission, and goals

Requirements:

  1. Bachelor degree in business administration, non-profit management, or similar
  2. Minimum of three years of non-profit management experience (references required)
  3. Knowledge of small business operations
  4. Knowledge of strategies, practices, and theories useful for small business and community development
  5. Non-profit fundraising experience
  6. Minimum of 3 years business association board experience preferably in an executive roll (references required)
  7. Minimum 2 years work experience planning major events or as a project manager
  8. Minimum 2 years grant writing experience
  9. Effective communication skills
  10. Ability to work with a team
  11. A passion for reaching goals and strategizing growth.
  12. The ability to see the big picture and address the daily/weekly details effectively and efficiently

Details:
This position is 10-12hrs/week.
Compensation: $5,000 for 6-month contract (extension possible; contingent on performance of the director and the association).
1-2 monthly meetings with board members required.

To apply:
Please send a cover letter (including details of your fundraising and community development experience) and resume to website@metba.org. Please specify “Executive Director” in the subject line. Job posting deadline is 5pm, February 2, 2018

Filed Under: Uncategorized

METBA Annual Meeting

September 20, 2017 by Tina

METBA will hold it’s annual meeting on Monday, October 16th from 6:30-8:30pm at Vino Veritas Wine Bar + Bottle Shop (7835 SE Stark Street). Businesses are invited to celebrate a year of accomplishments, including the Street Fair, First Fridays and Trick or Treat on Glisan Street. It’s also a chance to meet other business owners and enjoy food & beverages from local businesses while looking ahead to the next year of activities. Members and non-members alike are encouraged to attend.

The association will also be holding it’s annual board elections at the annual meeting. METBA is seeking individuals who can lend their ideas, energy and talents to the board as the district continues to grow and change! The board is made up of volunteers, including a President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer and three-to-nine other directors.

In particular, the association is seeking members to fill the following roles:

  • Treasurer
  • At-large directors
  • Members for the following committees:
    • Communications
    • First Friday/Frosty Fest
    • Trick or Treat on Glisan Street
    • Montavilla Mixers

More details regarding board roles can be found here.

Please contact montavillabiz@gmail.com with any questions regarding the annual meeting or board elections.

 

Filed Under: METBA

Arthur Academy Spring Rummage Sale

April 20, 2017 by Tina

Arthur Academy will be holding their Spring Rummage Sale on April 22nd from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm. Donations may be dropped off on April 21st from 3:15 pm – 7:00 pm.

They are currently seeking the following items for donation:

  • Books
  • Household items
  • Tools
  • Clothes for the whole family
  • Furniture
  • Toys
  • Baby Gear
  • Shoes

Filed Under: News

Frosty Fest 2016

Printable Soiree Guide and “I Spy” Form

Join your friends and neighbors to celebrate the winter holidays in Historic Downtown Montavilla (SE Stark Street from 76th to 82nd).

The fun begins on Friday, December 9th with the 4th Annual Merry Montavilla Soiree Business Crawl! The celebration continues on Saturday, December 10 when Santa visits Wix Insurance. The Fest winds up Friday, December 18 with a free showing of Elf at Academy Theater. Throughout Frosty Fest, businesses will be competing in a window display competition. Full schedule and details are below.

Window Display Competition

Click here to vote for you favorite Downtown Montavilla Holiday Window Display.

Frosty Fest Schedule

December 9 — 5pm — Close
4th Annual Merry Montavilla Soiree Business Crawl
and JOIN Warm Clothing Drive
Location: Historic Downtown Montavilla (SE Stark from 76th to 82nd)

Visit the following bars and restaurants (more may be added, so check back on the 9th for a complete list and to download a flyer) for special treats:

  • The Observatory / Over and Out
    • Soiree special: $5 Mulled Wine
    • Bring warm clothing to donate to JOIN and receive a free (empty) growler
  • Ya Hala
    • Soiree specials: Pom Sour and Spanakopita
  • Redwood
    • Soiree special: Glogg
    • Bring warm clothing to donate to JOIN and receive $1 off your glogg
  • Townshend’s Teahouse
    • Soiree special: Mint Creme Latte
    • Bring warm clothing to donate to JOIN and get 20% off your beverage
  • Vintage
    • Soiree special: Egg Nog
  • Bipartisan Cafe
    • Soiree special: Egg Nog
  • Montavilla Brew Works
    • Soiree special: Two very limited release beers on tap

Participate in an “I Spy” contest and be entered to win some gifts from local businesses. Details coming soon…

December 10 — 11am — 2pm
Santa Saturday at Wix Insurance
8037 SE Stark St.
Portland, OR 97213

Stop by Wix Insurance to visit Santa and enjoy cocoa and crafts.

December 18 — 5pm
Free showing of Elf
Location: Academy Theater
7818 SE Stark St
Portland, OR 97215

Filed Under: Events, Featured, Holidays

Call for Board Members

September 29, 2016 by Tina

The Montavilla/East Tabor Business Association will hold its annual elections for board members at the 2016 annual meeting on October 11th, 2016 at Ya Hala Restaurant from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Board Slots Available

The current METBA board will have up to nine available board slots.

… Read More »

Filed Under: METBA, News

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Montavilla/East Tabor Business Association
(METBA)
P.O. Box 33342
Portland, OR 97292
info@metba.org

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