The heart of the business community
OUR BEGINNINGS
The Heart of Main Street was born out of a critical moment in time, when the COVID-19 pandemic sent shockwaves through our communities, particularly impacting local small businesses. It was a time when the business landscape faced unprecedented challenges, and many small business owners felt the weight of unjust regulations imposed by the Governor.
In the midst of the pandemic's upheaval, a group of small business owners joined forces with a common purpose – to push back against these unfair regulations and to fight for the rights of their fellow entrepreneurs. The spark of this initiative ignited during the darkest days of the pandemic, as businesses were grappling with shutdowns and restrictions.
FILING LAWSUIT AGAINST GOVERNOR BROWN
In the spring of 2021, amidst a new wave of business lockdowns, this coalition took a bold step. They decided to take legal action against the Governor, challenging her emergency powers to impose business lockdowns. Their determination led to the swift filing of a lawsuit. Within a mere 24 hours of initiating this legal action, something remarkable happened – the Governor revised her metrics, which eventually allowed businesses in all 37 counties in Oregon to operate in some capacity. The group saw this as a monumental win for their cause and a significant victory for small businesses across the state.
CONTINUING THE FIGHT
The Heart of Main Street continues its mission to this day. We remain committed to raising funds to support our cause and to assist pro-business-friendly and pro-public safety candidates in their electoral campaigns. Our aim is to ensure that small businesses have a voice in the corridors of power and that elected officials understand the vital role that small businesses play in our local economy.
As we move forward, the Heart of Main Street remains dedicated to being the advocate and ally that small businesses need. Our journey began in the face of adversity, and we continue to stand strong, united in our commitment to building a brighter future for small businesses in Oregon. Currently, we serve the Portland metro eastside communities of East Portland, Gresham and Clackamas County.
Bryan at Carver Hanger
Bryan and Liz Mitchell require employees to wear masks and have updated their ventilation system with high-quality HEPA filters. They consider their employees as family and believe they have a right to work to put food on their table and pay their rent. And because they can provide a dining experience that is safe for all, they believe they are being unreasonably targeted by Governor Brown’s restrictions.
Melissa at Spud Monkeys
Melissa, the owner of Spud Monkeys is at a crossroads. She cares deeply for her customers, her employees, and the community. Which is why she is so committed to all safety protocols required for her bar to be open. And since there is no scientific data indicating bars and restaurants are causing any positive cases of COVID, she does not understand why they are being targeted. She made the difficult decision to open against Governor Brown’s mandated closures. Why? Because she is going to lose her business anyway. Melissa is so grateful for the support of her customers. If only she could get the same support from her Governor.