Annual District Celebration
The Annual District Celebration is our signature event, bringing together business owners, community leaders, and neighbors to celebrate our shared accomplishments and look ahead to the future of the Central Eastside Industrial District. This highly anticipated gathering showcases the resilience, creativity, and collaborative spirit that define our district, culminating in the presentation of the Community Catalyst Award to an outstanding leader whose visionary leadership ignites positive change and strengthens the fabric of our community.
Our next Annual District Celebration will be held on Tuesday, December 8, 2026. Join us for an evening of inspiration and connection in the Central Eastside. More information about sponsorships, tables, and tickets coming soon!
2025 Event Highlights
In December 2025, we celebrated another meaningful year with:
Networking Opportunities: Guests connected while sharing a delicious meal, featuring a thoughtfully crafted menu by Vibrant Table.
Keynote: Cornell Wesley, Executive Director at Prosper Portland, shared his perspective on equitable growth and the future of Portland’s economy.
Panel Discussion: A thoughtful conversation on the next chapter for the Central Eastside, moderated by Andrew Proctor, Executive Director at Literary Arts. The panel featured:
Dave Kauder, Senior Vice President at New Seasons Market
Jonathan Malsin, Principal at BEAM Development and CEIC Board President
Alexis Sanal, Architect and City Design Director at Open Urban Practice
Michi Slick, Principal at Killian Pacific
Community Catalyst Awards: We recognized two leaders whose work strengthens the district:
Alex Murrell, Executive Director at Dream Big City [watch the video]
Brooke Cabatic, Property Manager at SPP Properties [watch the video]
A special thank you to our event sponsors for supporting our mission of advocating for a strong and thriving Central Eastside.
Get Involved
We invite our members and partners to play a key role in making this event a success. Whether you choose to contribute as a sponsor, volunteer, or attendee, your involvement is vital in celebrating our collective achievements and building momentum for the exciting things ahead. Your support means the world to us, and we’re deeply grateful for your partnership.
Stay tuned for more details, and feel free to reach out to admin@centraleastside.biz with any questions or to get involved!