August 2022 Executive Director Corner

Hi there and Happy August!

Although I am new to this position and to the community of Milton-Freewater, the first month on the job has flown by and been incredibly heart-warming! I've had the pleasure of meeting many volunteers, residents, and business owners here in town; the sheer amount of work that we've accomplished has been staggering! My colleague, Julie Culjak, is a fabulous fountain of resources, problem-solving, and positivity. I can't help but think how lucky I am to have her in my corner, and lucky to have her here with us as a business-owner and member of this community!

We've somehow pulled off planning our upcoming Celebrate Milton-Freewater event (which will be held at Frazier Farmstead on 8/27/22 from 6-10PM), in just two weeks! In all of my experience in fundraising and pulling communities together, I've never seen such a positive response and willingness from an entire city to make something happen. In my final waking moments every night, I find myself reflecting on the generosity, fortitude, and zeal that you all have in your hearts. Milton-Freewater is growing in population and economic diversity, and this is a very exciting time to join the movement.

People have already reached out asking how they can be involved with the MFCDA, Chamber, and/or MFDA via volunteerism and membership. Our Outreach Campaign and Membership Drive is in the planning stages right now, and, rest assured, we will launch them in the next few weeks. If you want to help out financially and you have Amazon Prime, you can use their "Amazon Smile" method and donate small amounts to MFDA through your regular purchases. We will also be including donation opportunities in the Valley Giving Guide which has a matching component through Blue Mountain Community Foundation, to make your donations stretch even further.

This newsletter may change in format in the coming months as we switch communication platforms and launch our new website; we want to include community events and showcase as many local businesses as possible! If you'd like to have an ad or your business card featured in the newsletter, let me know and I'd be happy to talk with you about options.  

Yours In Service,