Veneta Main Street reports 723.5 volunteer hours, names new program manager

Veneta Main Street reported to the Veneta City Council on July 7 that volunteers logged 723.5 hours in the most recent quarter, which Main Street’s valuation calculates at $22,160.81.

“Those hours just this quarter, they say are worth $22,160.81,” said Mrs. Souter, who presented the quarterly report and thanked council members for financial and in‑kind support. She described Main Street activities including façade grants and downtown floral displays, and said business owners had matched some project costs.

Souter shared that the Welcome Center has recorded rising visitor counts since early May and that staff and volunteers have begun expanding hours. She also announced the hire of a new program manager, Jonathan Thompson, and said he brings a background in real estate, property management and volunteer work with other Main Street programs.

Council members praised volunteers and the Welcome Center’s role in directing visitors to local businesses. Souter said Main Street applied for additional Department of Commerce grant funding for the Welcome Center and that the organization has received official notice of an award, but the state contract was not yet visible for review.

Council did not take formal action on funding changes during the presentation; Souter invited questions and said Main Street will coordinate with the city on staffing and outreach as the program expands.