The past 11+ years at the helm of ODDA have been a fantasic adventure and a wonderful learning experience. I've had the privilege of meeting thousands of terrific folks who are the essence of what makes this country special. They are folks from all walks of life who make up the strong, woven fabric called 'community'. They not only care greatly about their towns, they are tireless investors of time, energy, ideas and resources. They are what kept me away from home for stretches and what kept me engaged in the fight to revitalize our downtowns and make our communities more livable. In Oregon, we developed wonderful friendships and helped communities from Lakeview to Astoria; Joseph to Brookings...and almost everywhere in between. Over the past few years, we were lucky to expand our service area and work with terrific communities outside of Oregon that included Shelby and Lewistown, Montana; Pacific Beach, Washington; Hayden, Idaho; and Wasco, California...all small towns like the majority of our towns in Oregon and all looking to improve their local economies and quality of life. Over the past few years, ODDA has developed downtown plans for over 120 communities and I was lucky enough to be involved personally with most of them. It's really true that Hubbard Hops and Rufus Rocks!I have also had the great privilege of working with some of the most talented, creative and resourceful staff and team members anywhere! These co-workers, architects, branding gurus, business development specialists, landscape architects, historic reso
urces folks, community-based artists, housing specialists, transportation planners, urban designers, urban renewal specialists, developers, engineers, energy specialists and policy developers (did I leave anyone out?) brought great ideas to our many communities who were looking for appropropriate, realistic and doable solutions. Needless to say, it was a little tiring...but always fun!
urces folks, community-based artists, housing specialists, transportation planners, urban designers, urban renewal specialists, developers, engineers, energy specialists and policy developers (did I leave anyone out?) brought great ideas to our many communities who were looking for appropropriate, realistic and doable solutions. Needless to say, it was a little tiring...but always fun!I was also lucky enough to help award communities, partnerships and volunteers for their tireless and innovative revitalization and community-building work. And what fun to put together conferences and workshops and bring in o
utstanding keynote speakers, trainers and presenters. We've learned, laughed and been touched enough to shed a tear or two. And we've been entertained and uplifted by Fisher Poets, the Oakridge Men (in bright green polyester jackets) and volunteers from McMinnville Downtown Association's performing Petula Clarks' Downtown (where all the lights are bright).
utstanding keynote speakers, trainers and presenters. We've learned, laughed and been touched enough to shed a tear or two. And we've been entertained and uplifted by Fisher Poets, the Oakridge Men (in bright green polyester jackets) and volunteers from McMinnville Downtown Association's performing Petula Clarks' Downtown (where all the lights are bright).These are just a molecule's worth of my ODDA memories and I'll post more as ODDA transitions to closure. But in the meantime, I hope that you'll share some of your ODDA memories, too.
VIcki and ODDA friends,
ReplyDeleteI have really loved working with you, your staff, and other great creative consultants on a hand full of towns over the past years. Your enthusiasm, humor, and professionalism have always been contagious, and I know will continue to inspire so many of the towns across Oregon that you have helped.