News on Main Street

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This month, we’re celebrating progress, partnerships, and the continued work to strengthen our Gold Beach community…

Regional Learning & Leadership in Action

This month, Gold Beach Main Street continued to stay engaged at the regional and state level, attending several conferences focused on tourism, economic development, and community leadership.

On April 2, we participated in the Travel Southern Oregon Coast (TSOC) Strategic Marketing Meeting, where leaders from Reedsport to Brookings gathered to collaborate on regional marketing efforts. The session focused on sharing promotional strategies, strengthening partnerships, and identifying ways to grow the South Coast’s visitor economy while supporting the unique character of each community.

We also attended the CCD Women in Business Leadership Conference, an inspiring event designed to support women entrepreneurs across the region. The conference brought together business owners, leaders, and professionals for a day centered on connection, learning, and empowerment. For Gold Beach Main Street, it was a valuable opportunity to better understand the needs of local entrepreneurs, while building relationships and identifying ways to support women-owned businesses and strengthen partnerships within our community.

Additionally, Ryan represented Gold Beach Main Street at the Regards to Rural (R2R) Conference in Bend, Oregon, supported by The Reser Family Foundation. The conference brought together rural leaders to openly discuss both challenges and successes across their communities. Through breakout sessions and group exercises, participants explored topics such as infrastructure, housing, community engagement, and funding strategies — all with a strong emphasis on collaboration and shared problem-solving. Opportunities to connect directly with funders and partner organizations expanded access to resources and strengthened regional relationships.

Together, these experiences provide valuable insight, tools, and connections that inform our work locally — helping us bring new ideas, stronger partnerships, and continued momentum back to Gold Beach as we work to build a vibrant and resilient Main Street.

TSOC Whale Tank Results

Gold Beach Main Street is proud to share that we were awarded 3rd place at the TSOC Whale Tank during the recent TSOC Network Conference.

Our project, Courage Lane, was recognized among regional submissions and awarded $1,000 in funding to support continued development of this community-focused space along Ellensburg Avenue.

We were also honored to place alongside Oregon’s Wild Rivers Coast through their Story Lab initiative, with each project receiving a $1,000 award.

These opportunities highlight the importance of regional collaboration and storytelling in promoting our communities, supporting local economies, and investing in meaningful placemaking efforts.

We’re grateful to be part of a network that champions innovative ideas and supports projects that strengthen the Southern Oregon Coast.

What’s Ahead

Important Announcement About Legends Fest

Morning Grind Mastermind Comes to Gold Beach

Starting May 18, Gold Beach Main Street is excited to partner with the Southwest Oregon Innovation Hub to bring Morning Grind Mastermind to Gold Beach.

This peer-driven gathering brings together entrepreneurs, business owners, and startup leaders from across the region to connect, share ideas, and work through real business challenges in a collaborative setting. Each session features one to two businesses presenting a current challenge, followed by open discussion and actionable feedback from the group.

Whether you’re launching a new venture, growing an existing business, or simply looking to connect with a supportive network, Morning Grind Mastermind offers a space to learn, contribute, and build meaningful connections — all over coffee and a light breakfast.

FREE to attend!
Join us upstairs at the Cannery Building,
at the Gold Beach Main Street office.

Improving Ellensburg

Spring is bringing new life to Ellensburg Avenue, and with it, visible progress in our ongoing placemaking efforts. From pocket parks and sponsored benches to seasonal plantings, ornamental grasses, and natural elements like river rock, these enhancements are designed to create a more welcoming, walkable, and vibrant Main Street experience.

Placemaking is a core component of the Main Street Approach and is widely recognized as a driver of economic vitality in small communities. According to Main Street America and supporting placemaking research, thoughtful investments in public space can increase foot traffic, improve perceptions of safety, and strengthen the connection between people and place.

Studies in placemaking and downtown revitalization have shown that well-designed public spaces can significantly increase pedestrian activity and retail engagement, particularly in small and rural communities. Even small-scale improvements — like seating, landscaping, and gathering spaces — encourage people to linger longer, explore more, and support local businesses.

These details matter. As we continue to enhance Ellensburg Avenue, each element works together to create a Main Street that reflects the natural beauty of our region while supporting long-term growth, community pride, and economic vitality.

Main Street Faces

Funders & Friends

The work happening on Main Street doesn’t happen in isolation — it’s part of a larger network of people and organizations committed to the success of rural communities.

This month, we’re especially thankful for partners like the The Reser Family Foundation and Travel Southern Oregon Coast, who continue to invest in leadership, connection, and opportunity across our region.

Their support helps ensure that ideas turn into action, and that communities like Gold Beach remain connected, competitive, and inspired.