Portland Oregon newspaper 2003 archives



FEATURE ARTICLES	Memo Calendar	Memo Pad	Business Memo's	Loaves & Fishes	Letters	Home


		Mid-County legislators’ tackle funding problems in Salem

		Sun and Mun rise together in Menlo Park

		Budget cuts hit Mid-County services and people hardest

		Gateway leaders wrestle with housing goals, strategies

		Fun O Rama

		Mid-County scholarship program gives local women a chance to earn and learn

		Senator Frank Shields Introduces Bill to Use Gas Tax Revenue to Fund Schools

		Mid-County’s state Senator Avel Gordly tours mobile classroom

		Now is the time to think about lawns

		About the MEMO
		MEMO Archives
		MEMO Advertising
		MEMO Web Neighbors
		MEMO Staff

© 2003 Mid-county MEMO
Terms & Conditions

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What are some activities?
• Sponsor monthly membership meetings with meaningful speakers on business, community and related subjects and issues.
• Meet and cooperate with governmental agencies on matters of concern to the Gateway business area.
• Support and participate in area Neighborhood associations.
• Publish an annual Business and Membership Directory listing all members by name and address, and business classification. Quantities of these directories are given to members to distribute to the public.

Why should we join GABA?
• To develop and encourage working together to promote each other and to ensure the success of our business and community goals.
• Opportunity to network with local and out-of-area business owners.
• Help to provide a larger base and stronger voice in matters of civic and community activities and concerns.
• As a member, you may discover personal goals that will enable you to achieve collectively what is more difficult to achieve alone.

How can I join the Association?
Call us for information at 503-256-3910 or go to the GABA website (www.gabanet.com), click on the “HOW TO JOIN” tab, download the membership application, fill it out and mail it to Gateway Area Business Association at 11124 NE Halsey St, PMB 478, Portland, Oregon 97220.

History of the Gateway Area Business Association
The Gateway Area Business Association was started in 1950 as the Woodland Park Merchants, with 15 charter members. The purpose was to promote the area with services to the community. One of the first activities was the organizing of a parade in 1951. The community was eagerly involved as participants and as spectators. A highlight of the parade was the annual appearance of the Senior and Junior Rose Festival Courts.

The first Fun-O-Rama days were held in 1952, with a carnival used as a fund-raising event. The Gateway Keystone Cops appeared and stole the show, thereafter appearing in many local and regional events.

In early 1954 construction of the Gateway Shopping Center began, to be completed August 17th of that year. Founder and owner Fred Meyer incorporated an arch as part of the center, demonstrating in a highly visible and meaningful manner the importance he felt for the future of the area. In 1991 the arch was removed because of deterioration to the structure.

In 1957 the Menlo Park Plaza shopping center was opened with Kienow’s food store. The following years saw the construction of San Rafael Center, Mall 205, Glisan Street Station and 111th SQUARE.

In 1958, as the name Gateway grew in recognition, the group changed its name to Greater Gateway Boosters. In 1993, it became the Gateway Area Business Association.

In 2002, the Fun-O-Rama Parade and Carnival returned to Gateway along with the Community Fair.

These events are re-kindling the sense of identity and pride in the area. Gateway is changing and the synergy with business and the residents is developing. Portland recently designated Gateway as an urban renewal district, part of a decade-old plan to turn Gateway’s business district into a regional center. Gateway Area Business Association is in the forefront of the effort to revitalize business in the neighborhood.

The Association serves Gateway Shopping Center, Mall 205, 111th SQUARE, Menlo Park Plaza, Glisan Street Station, San Rafael and businesses in between.

The free to the public Fair highlights entertainment, music, a raffle and exciting, interactive displays by Gateway merchants. Space is free for Association members. The fee for non-member merchants may be applied to GABA’s membership fee.

Portland Police Bureau in conjunction with Legacy Emmanuel Trauma Nurses and Police Cadets distribute and fit bicycle safety helmets at the GABA Community Fair. Portland Fire Bureau trucks, an ambulance, DARE cars and other Police cars participate in the Gateway Community Fair.

Keystone Kops
The Keystone Kops have been revived after several years of hibernation. Using skits, subtle humor, old police uniforms, these GABA members are the public relations arm of Gateway Area Business Association. Their reputation for positively portraying law enforcement, helping charities and promoting good will has earned them an impressive place in the Gateway area. The Keystone Kops are always lookin’ for a few good recruits. If you’re brave enough to join them - call Brad at Realty Brokers (503) 256-3910 or Alan at Postal Place (503) 255-6245 for laughs and rip-roaring fun.