Supporting neighborhood businesses and community safety top the list for Beaumont Business Association (BBA) President Wesley Callaway. It was such a pleasure to meet and interview Wesley (at a neighborhood restaurant, of course). As BBA president, Wesley has a lot on his plate and a real passion for our community.
After Wesley spearheaded the Roloff Construction booth project for the 2019 Fremont Fest, it was a natural step to become more involved with the business association. He joined the board in 2020 and was elected president in 2021.
Navigating his first year of presidency during a pandemic was definitely challenging at times. This last year Wesley was a huge supporter of bringing back the Fremont Fest in a way that was safe and comfortable for all. Once Wesley received the go-ahead from the city, BBA had only six weeks to get organized for the event. Having this tradition back brought a lot of smiles to our neighborhood. BBA also hosts the Fun Run, Fright Night, and Holiday Fest.
Wesley has worked closely with Venture PDX, a nonprofit organization that supports Portland’s neighborhood business districts. Thanks to this organization, Wesley has been able to attain grants for BBA to fund staffing, marketing, and—most importantly—street improvement. As we all know, Fremont Street has become a safety concern, and BBA believes it is our right to feel safe. To that end, BBA is collaborating with BWNA any way it can to facilitate improvements.
In further enhancement of neighborhood livability, BBA foots the bill for the garbage collection service that provides the garbage cans on the street and for the BEAUTIFUL flower baskets that last year stretched even farther down Fremont Street.
Wesley’s positive energy and can-do attitude are just what this association needs. This local business community is in good hands.