March 2023

Downtown News

A Message from the Director


Greetings Downtown Partners-

Your EDA board members, committee teams, and staff are feeling especially grateful for our community. Within the word community is unity which is the lens we are looking through as we create our 2023 downtown work plan...


Continue reading here...

CommUnity Campaign

The “Ellensburg experience” differs depending on why you're here- the experience of a Local is quite different from that of a CWU student. The EDA is launching the CommUnity Campaign to create a welcoming environment for all. Whether you're a student, a local, or just visiting our CommUnity welcomes you! Do you have a story to tell? Submit it through the CommUnity portal on the EDA website soon. 


Continue reading here...

Volunteers are the Heart of Our Downtown

Volunteer of the Year: Suzanne Hall


Suzanne stepped into the EDA design committee and immediately made an enormous impact. Not only was she involved in organizing and running the downtown cleanups, but the planter boxes on the sidewalks in town were a direct result of her hard work. She decided what to plant, planted it, and did the heavy lifting (both literally and figuratively). Throughout the year, specifically in the summer, every morning Suzanne would wake up early and pull around a water cart that weighed hundreds of pounds, so the planters would look as amazing as they did! We appreciate all your hard work and dedication. Thank you, Suzanne!

Follow the links to learn more about becoming a volunteer or joining a committee

Downtown Happenings

Goodbye, When Life Gives you Lemons!


Mariposa Aesthetics and When Life Gives You Lemons opened in 2020 with the idea that it would be a gift shop and one Botox room, but things have changed. Mariposa has been growing and becoming such an amazing service to this community, providing medical and wellness services to all ages. Over the past three years, Mariposa has added not only new services other than Botox, but also new people. A Touch of Tiffany Cosmetic Laser Services, CoCo Bronzed By Courtany, Sylvia Keller of Kalon Aesthetics and Hair by Justin joined our team and with them, we’re able to offer a one-stop shopping experience for women and men.


Mariposa's team and offerings are growing, now their space will too! The storefront will be closed during spring break for renovations but stay tuned to their social media for store updates and weekly deals.

Welcome Back, Ace Hardware!


Ace Hardware's doors are back open! Be sure to stop by the Pearl Street staple to check out the expanded inventory and fully renovated interior. Sharing an alley with Ace, we've been able to see the determination and elbow-grease the new team has put into this historic store. We're looking forward to stopping by for our events' needs in the coming year!


Welcome to the Downtown, Ace Hardware!


Hours: Monday through Saturday 8 AM - 7 PM and Sunday 9 AM - 6 PM

Featured in Business: The UPS Store

UPS Changes Hands

The successful sale of the store and seamless transition for their customers was a result of Diane’s dedication to providing guidance, support, and motivation to the new owners...

Learn more about the sale of the UPS Store here...

March Events

Events brought to you by the Ellensburg Downtown Association

Community-Wide Volunteer Fair

On Thursday, March 2nd the EDA hosted it's annual city-wide Volunteer Fair. Over 26 local non-profit organizations were present to meet and greet local residents and students of all ages. Special thanks to sponsors: CENTURY 21 Center Point and Blue Rock Saloon and Steakhouse.


Continue reading to learn more about the nonprofits actively looking for volunteers...

Downtown Business and Volunteer Awards

The stars were out on Thursday evening as the Ellensburg Downtown Association honored the exceptional accomplishments of both Ellensburg businesses and local volunteers at the annual Downtown Business and Volunteer Awards. All of the nominees have made a lasting impact on our community and we are grateful to call them friends.


Learn more about this year's winners!


Save The Date: April 22nd is Spring Downtown Clean Up!


Volunteers – teams, clubs, groups, businesses, students, and individuals - are needed to spend a couple of hours making a difference in our community.  If you can pick up litter, push a broom, swing a shovel, or prep flower beds, your help is needed. There are jobs for all ages, abilities, and schedules to get the work done.  Bring a friend; make new friends! Make a difference. 


Register Here!

Join us at an Event in 2023

Main Street Tax Credit Program

Thank you to all of the businesses who have chosen to keep their B&O tax dollars local by pledging to the Ellensburg Downtown Association. In return, these businesses will be receiving a 75% tax credit for 2023.


Ellensburg has the opportunity to secure $213,333.33 for 2023. By choosing to keep your tax dollars local, you are investing in the advocacy and community programming the EDA provides through the funding of this tax credit program. For more information on this program please follow the link here or contact Director@ellensburgdowntown.org.

Learn More: Keep Your Tax Dollars Local

On Point with the Chamber

Business Resources: Did you know?

The Kittitas County Chamber of Commerce has free resources available for businesses in all stages of development.


In partnership with Washington Small Business Development Center (SBDC), U.S Small Business Administration (SBA), and Washington State University, the SBDC is now providing advising services to businesses in Kittitas County on behalf of the Kittitas County Chamber of Commerce.


Visit the links above or the Kittitas County Chamber of Commerce for more information!

Accepting Applications: Washington Hospitality Grants 


This program will award one-time grants to eligible restaurants, hotels, motels, and other small hospitality businesses in Washington State that were negatively impacted by the COVID-19 public health crisis.


https://www.wahospitalitygrants.com/


The application portal will open on the morning of March 14, 2023.


Learn more here...

Pine Street Mural - Calling all Artists!

Welcome to the Team, Katherine!


Please help us welcome our Community Engagement Intern- Katherine Lewis.  We are thrilled to have her join our team and share her genius marketing and creative writing skills as well as her fresh perspective on CWU student engagement. Katherine is a CWU Business Major and is excited to be able to connect with downtown Ellensburg and Central and help us bring these two communities together. 


Katherine’s email address is: Admin@EllensburgDowntown.org.  

Our Mission:

"Empowering and preserving community by amplifying our economy and creating a sense of place for all"

www.ellensburgdowntown.org

509-962-6246

director@ellensburgdowntown.org

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