October 2022 Executive Director Corner

Hi There and Happy October!

Phew! I can't believe it's been nearly 3 months on the job already! Celebrate Milton-Freewater, Thursdays Rock, Food Truck Night, the Farmer's Market, Celebrate Milton-Freewater, grant deadlines, ribbon cuttings, meetings, conferences, travel, tours, and our upcoming 1st Annual Fine Wine & Art Expo has made the time FLY!

I've had the opportunity to meet literally dozens of business owners, community members, and people with a deep love for our town, and it has been nothing short of amazing. This community is so special, and I sincerely hope to instill in all our readers how lucky I feel to be part of Milton-Freewater. 

We will be launching our new website and moving to a new organization platform called Locable in the near future, and be aware that our newsletter and email formats will change. This web service allows local businesses the opportunities to have their own digital platforms to connect and communicate with other businesses. We will be inviting you all to create your page on Locable as soon as it's up and running. 

Sadly, as Summer turns into Autumn, Thursdays Rock is over for the season! From the time when Freewater Square was launched on June 30, 2022, Thursdays Rocks have become part of our local culture. We've had an excellent first year-great BIG shout out to Julie Culjak who is literally a rock star!- three bands graced the stage, highlighting our local talent and creating a new recreational opportunity for our town. As Milton-Freewater does, our local businesses have come together to make this happen for us: Mi Pueblito, Walla Walla Clinic, Three Divas Beads, Baskin Robbins, Walla Walla Cheese Company, Safeway, Outwest Printing, Affordable Taxes LLC, Saager's Shoes, and the RDI MF Leadership Cohort. This also could not have been possible without the work and dedication of our volunteer committee members: Emily Holden, Kelly Smith, Cody Copp, Tim and Robin Sanchez, and Julie Culjak! We also give thanks to the 17 Milton-Freewater businesses who generously donated amazing door prizes for the final Thursdays Rock of the season on September 15th!!!

It's been a great first few months on the job, and I want to personally thank the entire Milton-Freewater community for your warm welcome, your support and guidance, and, most of all, your fellowship. It's been awesome!

Yours In Service,

Maryelizabeth