Every day we’re inspired by the ways downtown businesses have pivoted in response to the pandemic. Even is the midst of great uncertainty, they’ve found innovative and meaningful ways to stay connected to and engaged with our community. Today we’d like to share how two of Portland Downtown’s board members, Krista Cole of Sur Lie and Michael Erickson of Holiday Inn
How has Portland Downtown handled COVID-19 with regard to its staff, board, and stakeholders? Our staff and board were able to respond very quickly and make changes to allow both our staff and board to work and meet remotely. Our top priority as an organization was to make sure that the downtown community
Hello, friends! We wanted to take a moment to update you on a few spring projects here at Portland Downtown. Please know that we are doing everything in our power to add color and a sense of normalcy to our downtown streets and parks during this challenging time. We hope this update brings you
Portland Downtown is pleased to announce that nominations are open for six property owner seats on its board of directors. Property owners in the downtown district (see map here) may submit a nomination online at portlandmaine.com/nominations. The deadline to submit a nomination is April 30, 2020. “It’s an exciting time to join our board,”
Like many around the globe, Portland Downtown’s small but mighty staff has had to quickly adjust to staying (and working) at home. We hope you enjoy this glimpse into our new normal – and we wish you the very best as you adapt to yours. Read more
Last week I sent an email titled Finding Our Way, which highlighted many of the efforts being made by local organizations to support our business and nonprofit community. Every day, there are more and more examples of how people are adapting, being innovative, stepping up, giving back, and lending a hand (or two!). Beloved celebrities are inspiring us, as are our youth. In
More than a week has passed since I sent the message “extraordinary times call for extraordinary measures“, the first email communication from Portland Downtown related to the emergence of COVID-19 in our community. Since then, I’ve talked with business owners and nonprofit leaders who have had to lay off staff, cancel fundraising events, and in
With each new day, individuals, businesses, and organizations are having to make difficult decisions that have very real and immediate consequences for their businesses and for those who they employ. While we use the term ‘businesses’, ‘organizations’, and ’employees’, what we are really talking about is our community members and friends. There is an
In the face of a global pandemic, local leaders are having to step up and make difficult decisions in their communities. Local leaders are not just those in charge of instituting rules and regulations, but those who lead by example. The call to flatten the curve by using social distancing is both real and
PORTLAND, Maine – Portland Downtown is beginning its search for a new executive director to replace existing director, Casey Gilbert, whose contract ends June 30. Gilbert, who led the organization through its five-year strategic plan from 2015 to 2020, plans to build a consulting practice and explore teaching opportunities along with the completion of a