La Grande Mainstreet Downtown Announces Awards, Events and New Board Members
By Garrett Christensen on Friday, November 18th, 2022 in More Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News
LA GRANDE – (Release from La Grande Main Street Downtown) La Grande Main Street Downtown held its annual Meet & Greet on Tuesday, Nov. 15 as business owners and Main Street members gathered to recognize award winners and network ahead of the 2023 calendar year. LGMSD also welcomed its new executive director and the newest board members.
Being introduced as the next executive director was Monica McLaughlin, who started with LGMSD back on Nov. 7. Prior to joining Downtown, McLaughlin worked at the Union County Chamber of Commerce handling social media, and event marketing, and helped coordinate tourism and event efforts in the area.
During the Meet & Greet, LGMSD Board President, Brent Clapp recognized three businesses and one individual that received awards for their work in the continued economic development of La Grande. Mary Ann Miesner of La Grande was presented with the Leadership on Main Award. Business-wise, The Local, Brickyard Lanes and Liberty Theater Café were all honored as well.
Owners Gus and Karin Tsiatosos were presented with the Best Adaptive Reuse award for the work they did on building The Local coffee shop. Earning the Outstanding Special Project award were owners Darrin and Michelle Keisecker for their work in building Brickyard Lanes. Liberty Theatre Café was recognized by Restore Oregon with a 2022 Demuro Award for Excellence in Preservation, Reuse, and Revitalization, which was presented to owners Dale and Ginny Mammen.
LGMSD also welcomed four new board members. Joining the LGMSD board is Angie Harris, Kathy Dagnon, Suzannah Moore Hermann, and Tori Gandy.
With the holiday season just around the corner, La Grande Main Street Downtown is excited to announce the upcoming events of Plaid Friday and Small Business Saturday, which takes place on Nov. 25 and 26. The Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting will be on Dec. 3, and the New Year’s Eve ball drop, which takes place on Dec. 31. Those interested in volunteering this holiday season can contact LGMSD at director@lagrandemainstreet.org.
