Members of the Hillsboro Economic Revitalization Organization (HERO) voted Apr. 10 to send one of the group to meetings of the Hillsboro Community Development Authority (HCDA).
HERO member Sherry Jones, who made the successful motion after an initial proposal from Liz Parish, said that “it would be advantageous” for the two groups to assist each other, as both groups share an objective of promoting industry and business in the city.
The HCDA’s purpose, according to its promotional brochure, is to “stabilize, protect, improve and support the industrial and commercial base within the City of Hillsboro and to preserve the quality of life for all residents of the City.”
HERO’s objective, stated in its bylaws, is to revitalize Hillsboro and the surrounding area by promoting and developing industry and business, as well as agriculture and tourism.
The assembled members–Jones, Parish, Treasurer Arda Kolowrat and President Marti Graham–tabled until an unspecified later date a related proposal to communicate with other civic groups about attending HCDA meetings.
They also tabled until next month’s meeting a proposal to raise funds by co-sponsoring a food stand at the city’s farmers market, which is held from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturdays from June-October in the parking lot of Royal Bank’s Hillsboro branch office on Water Ave.
Jones outlined a plan under which HERO would provide food, while another non-profit organization, such as Hillsboro High School’s FFA chapter or Spanish club, or either the Boy Scout or Girl Scout troops–would set the food stand up each week.
Graham explained that under current state law, non-profit organizations such as HERO do not require a license to operate a food stand.
She added that a weekly food stand would require “people power,” which HERO does not have enough of, as well as an investment in equipment.
The farmers’ market heads into the upcoming season without a food stand because caterer and former Hillsboro grocer Greg Helgerson will be unable to operate one, as he has in recent years.
Jones also announced the members of HERO’s foursome for the Apr. 27 golf scramble at Spring Valley Golf Course in Union Center.
She and Royal Bank agriculture lender Ryan Witt, along with attorney Garth Hitselberger and Eugene Parish–Liz Parish’s son–will participate in the fundraiser, which will raise money to purchase Chromebook laptops for low-income
Hillsboro Middle School students who do not have computers of their own, yet need them to complete online homework assignments.
The event is planned by the Hillsboro Eighth Grade Leadership.
Jones said during March’s meeting that under the plan, students would check out the computers from the school, as they would books from the library, and return them the following morning.
Because Graham will be absent May 8–the second Wednesday of the month, when HERO meets–the group scheduled its May meeting for May 1 at 11 a.m. at Royal Bank’s Hillsboro branch. Members also set May 15 as a backup date.
The public is invited.
