We are Athena Mainstreet Association

Athena Mainstreet Association is a non-profit organization focused on revitalizing Athena’s downtown, creating community partnerships, and improving the quality of life for our citizens.

Founded in 2013, the Athena Mainstreet Association is a non-profit volunteer group organized for the purpose of revitalizing the historic downtown core in Athena, Oregon. We achieve this through beautification efforts intended to increase economic vitality, while encouraging community engagement and improving the livability of our town for all.

The AMA is a member of the Oregon Main Street Network, which offers expert training and guidance to support and grow our organization.

In 2020, the Athena Chamber of Commerce merged with our organization creating and larger, stronger Board of Directors. With the merger, the AMA also agreed to take up the events previously organized by the Chamber, which was a natural fit and closely tied to our mission. Our work is driven directly by the community, and we strive to respond to local concerns and objectives. We partner with local organizations and businesses on every project and event that we coordinate, working to build strong connections and empower volunteers.

A prime example of this grassroots connection is the purchase of the Historic Stahl Building on Athena’s Main Street in 2017. In an effort to avoid an empty storefront in the heart of downtown, and with generous private donations from the community and several grants, the building was purchased. The Athena Mainstreet Association agreed to manage its restoration and coordinated the development of a business plan for the space. Built in 1904, the building most recently housed a Pendleton Grain Growers hardware store. In 2020 we moved our AMA office to its permanent location in the building, and upon completion of Phase 1 (getting the building usable), the building will become an event and gathering space for the community. 

OUR MISSION

Athena Mainstreet Association is a non-profit organization dedicated to rejuvenating Athena’s downtown, encouraging economic vitality and providing ways for our community to build relationships.

OUR VISION

In the future, Athena will have a balanced growth that will maintain its livability, small town identity while preserving its heritage and providing a healthy local economy. Athena Mainstreet Association will build on a strong sense of pride by improving the appearance and attractiveness of our City. To achieve this vision, the Athena Mainstreet Association will partner with others to leverage opportunities to ensure successful projects that enhance the community.

AMA Milestones

2013 – Athena Mainstreet Association founded, non-profit status established

2017 – AMA purchases historic Stahl Building from PGG

2019 – AMA awarded $171,000 Oregon Main Street Revitalization Grant for Phase 1 renovations to the Historic Stahl Building

2020 – AMA moves its headquarters to the Historic Stahl Building, Athena Chamber of Commerce dissolves and merges with AMA

2023 – AMA hosts first Athena First Citizen Banquet at the Historic Stahl Building

2024 AMA Board of Directors

Katie Zmuda
AMA President

Amy Rogers
AMA Vice President and
Stahl Building Steering
Committee Chair

Nicole McLouth
AMA Treasurer / Secretary

2024 AMA Board Members

April McKenna
Member At-Large and
Events Steering Committee Chair

Alaina Mildenberger
Member At-Large

Heidi Stiers
Member At-Large

Brenda Vorhauer
Member At-Large