Oregon Main Street comes to The Dalles Oct. 7

Participants have a “passion for downtown revitalization and historic preservation,” said Matthew Klebes, executive director of the program in The Dalles. “The community and local businesses can get ready to host this conference and its many visitors,” he said.

The conference is free, but advanced registration is required to attend. Register online at the Oregon Main Street website, or via The Dalles Main Street website or Facebook page. Key sponsors for the event are Mid-Columbia Medical Center, City of The Dalles and the Port of The Dalles.

The theme of the conference is “Build an awesome revitalization team,” in recognition of the many partners needed for a successful revitalization effort, Klebes said. Sessions include topics such as “Developer for a day,” “Through the eyes of an entrepreneur,” “BIDs in Oregon and Washington” and “Top 10 things you can do to help your local business.”

The conference opens Wednesday, Oct. 7, with a 3 p.m. keynote speaker addressing the “Principle of place economics” at St. Peters Landmark, with an opening reception and social following at The Dalles Art Center, 5:30 p.m.

On Thursday, classroom sessions will be held at the Civic Auditorium and the I.O.O.F. throughout the day, followed by an evening social at the Sunshine Mill.

Two sessions Friday morning wrap up the official conference, but the local Main Street program is planning a fundraising event Friday night, Kiebles noted.

The “awesome revitalization team” in The Dalles is already at work getting ready, Klebes said. Recent graffiti high on the I.O.O.F. building has just been removed, and the bases of the black streetlight poles are going to be touched up with fresh paint. Some flower boxes are being spruced up as well.

Local contractors interested in the hands-on work of revitalization can sign up to spend Saturday and Sunday following the conference in a Window Workshop for contractors, learning how to replace historic windows with the second story windows of the I.O.O.F building providing first hand experience.

Preregistration is required fto participate, contact Dawn Hert, senior planner at The Dalles City. There is a charge for the class.

Kebles has been director of the Main Street program in The Dalles for two years, and attended the annual state conferences in McMinville and Astoria. Last year, he spoke with Sheri Stuart, the Oregon Main Street coordinator, and talked to her about hosting the conference in The Dalles.

“I saw it as an opportunity to showcase what we are doing in The Dalles,” he said.

As host, Kebles has organized the venues, the food and even the coffee. The Dalles has a lot to offer, and he expects to have as much fun here as he did in Astoria.

“I had so much fun at the last two conferences, I wanted to bring that here,” he added, and he doesn't think those coming to the conference will be disappointed.