DBBA NEW PROGRAM DIRECTOR

Hello wonderful community of Bend,

Allow me to introduce myself - I'm Rachel O'Rourke, the new Program Director at the Downtown Bend Business Association (DBBA). It's an absolute delight to become a part of this vibrant downtown community, and I'm filled with eagerness to collaborate with the incredible array of businesses that call this place home.

Before we dive into the nitty-gritty, let me share a bit about myself. I'm happily married to Quinn O'Rourke, a hardworking electrician right here in Bend. Together, we're raising four amazing kids, ranging from 14 to 20 years old. Our bustling household also includes two dogs and two cats, adding plenty of excitement and love to our lives. June marks our two-year anniversary in this beautiful city, and after a decade in Oregon, I can confidently say there's nowhere else I'd rather be.

On the professional front, my journey has led me through the realms of marketing, events, and nonprofit management. Now, as part of the DBBA team, I'm dedicated to leveraging my experience to keep downtown Bend vibrant and thriving.

My primary goal at the DBBA is simple yet significant: to ensure that downtown remains a bustling hub where businesses flourish, and both locals and tourists revel in the unique experiences it offers. To achieve this, I'll be rolling up my sleeves to spearhead initiatives aimed at fundraising, enhancing the profitability of our events for businesses, collaborating closely with the city, the DBBA Board, and our staff to enhance downtown's aesthetics, and forging partnerships with external event organizers to amplify opportunities for our community.

Together, let's continue to weave the tapestry of downtown Bend, creating a place where every corner tells a story, and every step holds a promise of connection and joy.

Warm regards,

Rachel O'Rourke