Portland, Ore. – In an effort to provide additional support to retail, restaurants and venues as Portland emerges from the COVID-19 pandemic, the Central Eastside Industrial Council (CEIC) announced they will be extending free membership to these businesses. This is in addition to the Stronger Together program launched in January 2021, which offered sponsored CEIC memberships to small businesses in the Central Eastside.
Retail, restaurants and venues are a pillar of the Central Eastside community and some of the hardest and earliest hit industries. This initiative is made possible thanks to the generosity of both Comcast and Mackenzie, a local architecture and planning firm. Both Comcast and Mackenzie see this initiative as a way to support small businesses.
“We want to make sure that all of our businesses are at the table as we advocate for the Central Eastside community,” said Kate Merrill, Executive Director, Central Eastside Industrial Council. “Our restaurants, retail and venues have established our district as a visitor destination and are an invaluable amenity for our employers. They are also a major part of our district’s distinct identity. We are thrilled to be able to extend this support to them during this crucial time and thank our sponsors for supporting their neighbors.”
“As neighbors we are committed to living our company vision, “Leaders in Design. Partners in our community.” Participating in this initiative reflects our values. We’re honored to take part in supporting local small businesses,” said Dietrich Wieland, President of Mackenzie.
“We recognize it has been a tough year for small businesses. We are dedicated to helping businesses bounce forward and thrive again. Our partnership with CEIC helps us do exactly that. By providing access to free CEIC memberships, we hope to support and advocate for the Central Eastside business community. We are grateful for the opportunity and encouraged by CEIC’s efforts to amplify the voice of businesses in the district,” said Tom Hoesing, Sales Engineering Director of Comcast.
