Ellensburg Downtown Association
Director's Corner

It’s been just over three months since I moved to Ellensburg to take the position as the Executive Director for the Ellensburg Downtown Association. 

In that short time several things have become very clear to me. 

First, this is a community that cares about our downtown.  This has been very evident throughout the ongoing discussions about the City’s comprehensive plan update.  Regardless of whether they’ve been supportive or opposed to regional retail, citizens participating in this discussion have consistently expressed their support for downtown, and the desire to see our downtown revitalized.

Second, our downtown has tremendous potential.  The historic buildings, streetscape improvements, and family owned businesses that make up our downtown, are an important part of the defining character of who we are as a community, and are our greatest assets for creating a more vibrant downtown.   Many downtowns have lost, or in many cases never had, the great buildings and other assets that we have.   Our challenge will be to work with property owners and business owners to help fulfill downtowns potential.

And third, The Ellensburg Downtown Association is dedicated to helping revitalize our downtown to its fullest potential using a comprehensive Main Street approach.  Since the EDA’s inception as a committee under the Chamber of Commerce this group has been committed to revitalizing our downtown as the heart and soul of our community. 

I was optimistic when I moved to Ellensburg to take the position with the EDA that we could make a difference.  I believe that even more so today, based on the willingness of our community to partner together and work towards a common vision of a vibrant downtown. 

This column, as it was originally published in the Daily Record is one of those partnerships.  Working with the Daily Record and our downtown businesses, we’ve created a monthly opportunity to showcase the events, activities, businesses and services available in our downtown.  This first downtown section featured the EDA’s new fundraising website www.savedowntown.org , and a story on Moments to remember, one of those great community events that we celebrate in Downtown.

Ultimately, the successful revitalization of our downtown will depend on not just our own efforts but also our ability to partner with one another, and others who share our desire to once again have the vibrant downtown that Ellensburg deserves. 

I believe we are off to a great start.

Timothy Bishop, CMSM
Guest Column for Ellensburg Daily Record November 2006

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