Friend of Williams District

$500

Friends of Williams District have made an extra commitment to support the growth and progress of our dynamic district. Our Friends help ensure we can strengthen our evolving district’s identity and honor its history while embracing the future. Friends of Williams District include larger businesses, generous benefactors, and those committed to the ongoing success of Williams District businesses and community. In addition to regular member benefits, Friends of Williams District receive special designation on the highly visible back panel of our Williams District Map (15,000 distributed).

Membership Benefits

Marketing

Stretch your marketing budget. Our goal is to increase visibility of Williams District and member businesses.

Website | Member listing with link and logo or image
Williams District Map | 15,000 copies distributed to Portland Airport, Downtown Visitor Center, local hotels and businesses
Map Sponsors | Get extra eyes with a Williams District map ad
Calendar | Submit your events on the public WilliamsDistrict.com calendar for customers to see
Social Media | Member promotion via our public social media accounts; private Facebook group for quick business to business communication

Events

Draw in new customers. Increase your business revenue.

Walk Williams | Join our community of businesses hosting street events, entertainment and promotions on select Wednesdays this summer; customers earn Passport stamps when they spend money at your business and can enter to win prizes
Shop Late | Promotes our District to holiday shoppers and entertainment seekers
Williams Gives | Annual holiday giving campaign helps local business support charities in the community
Community Events | WVBA is committed to having a presence at community events and representing our member businesses (Concerts in the Park, SEI Music Festival, Neighborhood Clean Up, etc.)

Networking

Business for Happy Hour | Connect with fellow businesses at quarterly mixers, get WVBA updates
Annual Meeting | Elect your new board (or consider joining!)

Education

Business for Breakfast | Monthly member meeting featuring educational speakers with strategies to strengthen your business (March–September; 4th Thursday from 8:30–10:00 AM in the New Seasons Community Room)

Travel Portland

Access Travel Portland benefits through WVBA
Submit events to the Travel Portland calendar
Participate in Travel Portland events and networking
Hosted District Tours ensure Visitor Center staff can refer customers to your business

Venture Portland

Venture Portland selected Williams District as a Catalytic Investment Initiative district, giving us access to significant resources and support including:

$10,500 in grant funds—giving your membership a bigger bang for your buck
District Organizer to work on your behalf ($13,500 value)
Construction blackout—city moratorium on construction/closure permits between Thanksgiving–Christmas