downtown development association downtown grand forks logo

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 headshot downtown grand forks

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.

 
nick headshot downtown grand forks

Nick Green
Downtown Improvement Coordinator

Nick has a passion for creativity and community. As an 8th-grade English teacher, he inspires students to explore the power of language and literature. Beyond the classroom, Nick is deeply involved in downtown efforts, working to make his community better and more vibrant. When he’s not in the classroom or downtown, you can usually find him spending time with his wife and three children, coaching lacrosse, or playing tennis!

svea headshot downtown grand forks

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 headshot downtown grand forks

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