The Downtown Association primarily serves its members in the areas of Parking, Promotions, Design, Economic Activities and Thursday Night Promotions. (See our Committee Page) Committees for these issues are comprised of business owners, employees and the public at large. The 11-member Board of Directors is comprised of business owners and managers.

One important fact about the Downtown Association operation is that it is entirely voluntary, with the exception of the staff, and that it is a member-run organization. The businesses are their own guide and determine the ultimate direction of the Downtown Association.

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When the Downtown Association’s current Strategic Business Plan reached its shelf life of five years in 2006, the organization realized it was important to update the guiding document to assist in navigating through the waters of change looming on the horizon. The City Council concurred, agreeing to fund a major portion of the update.

Click here to view the Downtown Association Strategic Plan Update for 2007

The Board of Directors meets every second Tuesday, 7:30 a.m.,in the Downtown Association conference room. Board members serve 2-year terms beginning April 1st of the election year and ending March 31st; two consecutive terms may be served. Board members serve as chairs and members of one of the standing committees described below. Other committee assignments include finance, nominating and executive committees.

SLO Downtown Association Board of Directors

• Stephen Patrick - Stephen Patrick Design, Infin8beauty & The BladeRunner Salon & Day Spa, President, Design Chair
• Tres Feltman - Hands Gallery, Economic Chair
• Tom Swem - Real Property Investments, Parking Chair
• Kathy Collins - Maino Brothers Corporation, Promotions Chair
• Ron Meier - ASH Management, TNP Chair
• Therese Cron - Copeland Properties
• Branden Welshons - Better Business Financial Services
• Pierre Rademaker - Rademaker Design
• Andrea Miller - Spike's Pub
• Dominic Tartaglia - Tartaglia Realty
• Greg A. Coates - Coates & Coates LLP
• Landy Fike - Ex-Officio Board Member, The Tribune
• Carl Dudley - Ex-Officio Board Member, Mission Community Bank

Deborah Cash

Executive Director

e-mail: dcash@downtownslo.com

Brent Vanderhoof

Administrative Assistant

e-mail: brent@downtownslo.com

Diana Cotta

TNP Event Coordinator

e-mail: diana@downtownslo.com

Reyes Miranda

Promotions Coordinator

e-mail: reyes@downtownslo.com

Freya Wilkerson

Promotions Assistant & Social Networking Coordinator

e-mail: freya@downtownslo.com

Joey Chavez

Assistant Market Manager

The Downtown Association, a newly restructured, not-for-profit organization has many opportunities to further goals and opportunities for Downtown as outlined in its guiding Strategic Plan document, adopted by the SLO City Council in 2007. One of those opportunities is presented by proposed developments in the Downtown commercial district, as many of the projects will deliver direct benefits and increased value to Downtown with the amenities they provide.

Overall, the Downtown Association sees this surge in development as a positive, beneficial time for the City’s central commercial district. Investment in the Downtown will provide improved infrastructure, increased focus on residential and hotel for a 24/7 “people presence,” the return of small shops to serve that clientele and a balance of all levels of retail, service, professional and cultural activities.

Inasmuch, the Downtown Association takes this opportunity to publicly support development that provides defined benefits, is sensitive to its Downtown surroundings and is in keeping with the Strategic Plan, Further, the Downtown Association is excited that during a slowdown in the general economy, Downtown is able to attract investors that will keep Downtown strong and beautiful. Adopted by the Downtown Association Board of Directors 9 September 2008

Top Five Strategic Plan Goals:

1. Maintain Downtown as the social center of the community
2. Maintain a diverse mix of uses
3. Maintain retail health
4. Encourage hotel, housing and live-work developments in Downtown
5. Retain and expand on the unique pedestrian character and small town ambiance

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