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Local business group promotes 'Discover Mount Angel' and monthly events to boost downtown activity
Summary
Representatives from a small-business subgroup of the Chamber of Commerce outlined outreach and events — including a "Next Friday" monthly program, National Night Out promotion and a planned winter tree lighting — aimed at increasing year-round visitation and supporting downtown shops.
Scott Scowley, speaking for a newly organized small-business subgroup of the Chamber of Commerce, presented the group's work to council and described several initiatives to attract visitors to Mount Angel outside festival weekends.
Scowley said the group started a Discover Mount Angel Facebook page, launched a "Next Friday" monthly event to keep businesses open later and is planning promotions tied to National Night Out and a possible Christmas tree lighting with an associated market. "We're encouraging people to use that in their post and things like that just to spread that," he said, describing the group's effort to build momentum through social promotion and in-person events.
Why it matters: council members and staff said increased, steady downtown activity benefits local businesses and community life. Scowley said the group is also exploring a farmers market, monthly after-hours socials and a printed visitor guide for distribution next spring to promote tourism beyond Oktoberfest.
Next steps: the chamber subgroup plans to continue coordinating with city staff on event permits and outreach. Council members welcomed support for National Night Out and other community activities.
