About the DDA.
The Downtown Development Association was founded by a group of downtown enthusiasts who saw the opportunity to enhance the downtown area. The founding members were Jonathan Holth, Sarah Horak, Jill Proctor, Matt Winjum, Anne Zimmer, Nicole Johnson, Matt Norby, Emily Montgomery, Sadie Gardner, Matt Jacobson, David Thompson, Tim Knight, and Jason Schaefer. Since its inception in 2013, the GFDDA has grown to a full-time staff of four, a board of fifteen, and is supported by over 175 partners, sponsors, and Downtowners from Greater Grand Forks and East Grand Forks.
Through DDA’s numerous events and activities that attract visitors to the area and their advocacy for good urbanist principles to grow the downtown area, there have been major investments in the community that provide many opportunities. The DDA has been at the forefront of innovation in the heart of the Grand Forks/East Grand Forks bringing ideas from paper to our streets and activating the underutilized spaces.
Whether you are dancing at concerts, shopping at your favorite stores, having dinner at one of our family-owned restaurants, or biking on the greenway, you are contributing to the vibrancy of our amazing downtown area.
The mission of the Downtown Development Association is to advocate for, promote, grow, and improve THE downtown COMMUNITY.
Staff
Our office is located in the heart of downtown, at 23 N 3rd St, Suite 2, Grand Forks, ND 58203
Our regular business hours are:
Monday - Friday: 9:00AM - 5:00PM
Office Phone: 701-757-4051
Jill Proctor
President/CEO
jill@gfdda.com
As the President/CEO, Jill brings her passion for building vibrant, connected communities to life. With a deep commitment to fostering local development and engagement, Jill has been a driving force behind initiatives that enhance the cultural and economic vitality of the downtown area to connect people to the heart of our city and played a pivotal role in shaping the organization's mission as a founding board member. In her free time, Jill loves spending time with her family, listening to vinyl, learning new plant tricks, and exploring other downtowns.
Svea Benefield
Vice President of Marketing
svea@gfdda.com
Svea thrives on creative marketing in the non-profit and economic development sectors. Her experiences at the Grand Forks Region Economic Development Corporation, the Downtown Development Association, and through serving on the board of Greater Grand Forks Young Professionals have created a love for bettering the community she lives in. Svea was born and raised in Grand Forks and she enjoys walks with her dog and watching crime TV shows.
Sierra Jenson
Vice President of Events & Activation
sierra@gfdda.com
Sierra loves bringing people together for fun, new, and unique experiences! She is a North Dakota Native who's a graduate from Minnesota State University Moorhead, majored in Communications with an emphasis in event planning, has played collegiate volleyball, and is proud of her humanitarian projects and abroad studies. Her background in parks and recreation as well as marketing at the Grand Forks Air Force Base has helped her develop a deep appreciation for fostering a happy, healthy, and inclusive community. Sierra can be found enjoying live music, traveling, and out meeting new people!
Board of Directors
Our board consists of movers, shakers, and members of the community that care about creating a healthy and vibrant Downtown Forks!
Curtis Regan
Co-Chair
Dakota Commercial
Tricia Lunksi
Co-Chair
HB Connects
Janelle Boppre
Treasurer
Widseth
Ken Hanson
Secretary
Altru Health System
Alyssa Konickson
UND Alumni Foundation
Matt Bonzer
Bonzer’s Sandwich Pub
Denae Grove
Grand Forks Air Force Base
Bridget West
Grand Forks Region EDC
Downtown Resident
Rachael Eider
RH Standard
Dave Badman
Bd
Abby Berg
Abigail's Book & Gift Shop
Lisa Johnson
Downtown Resident
Justin Larocque
The Spud Jr.
Andrew Budke
JLG Architects
David Thompson
David C. Thompson, P.C.
Honorary Members:
Jonathan Holth
Toasted Frog
Sarah Horak
Brick & Barley, Level 10, O’Really’s Irish Pub, Real Good Cookies
Emily Montgomery
Empire Arts Center
Matt Winjum
Rhombus Guys
Nicole Johnson
Kittsona
Anne Zimmer
Avant Hair & Skin Care Studio
Matt Norby
Norby's Work Perks
Jason Schaefer