DDBA to Recognize 25 Downtown Businesses, Feature Keynote by Luther College President

It's your town. Your lives. Your stories. Make sure someone's telling them—donate to Decorah News now. DECORAH — The Downtown Decorah Betterment Association (DDBA) will hold its annual meeting on Wednesday, March 18, at 5:30 p.m. at Vesterheim Commons, welcoming members and the public. The meeting will recognize 25 businesses and individuals for their contributions to Decorah's downtown district, including new businesses, expansions, remodels, and façade improvements since March 2025. The event will also feature a keynote presentation by Luther College President Brad Chamberlain. The recognized businesses and projects include: Chrysalis Children's Center, NE IA Behavioral Health – New location, remodel On Point Permanent Cosmetics – New business Edward Jones – New location, remodel ArtHaus Collective – Business extension KD Refillery – New location Twisted Gnome – New location Mercantile 1028 – New location RB Web Development – New business Aura Beauty Studio – New business Lizzie's Lofts – New business, remodel Perfect Edge – Façade improvements Dragonfly Books – Façade improvements Impact Coffee – Façade improvements Vesterheim – New forging studio Meyer, Lorentzen, Nelson & Benzschawel – New business T-Bock's Sports Bar & Grill – Building improvements Blooming Backdrops & More – New location Sissa | Embodied Living + Soulful Goods – New business Rooted Radiance Esthetics – New business Revive & Thrive – New business Holistic Pathways – New business The Elks – Façade improvements Danny & Chelle Meyer – Building improvements Fridley Viking 3 Theatre – Building improvements David Lester – Building improvements DDBA President Jenny Harman shared, "We commend these businesses for their dedication to Decorah's downtown district. Their investment gives our community the unique charm that makes this town a special place to live and a great place to visit. They help maintain a positive momentum that makes our community a viable place to start and grow a business. We're happy to have this opportunity to recognize them." Guided by a 12-member volunteer board, DDBA supports the downtown district through special improvement projects and annual initiatives, including Hanging Flower Baskets, the Lawn Chair Night Summer Series, the Rooftop Lighting program, and downtown informational kiosks. The organization also partners on projects to enhance the downtown aesthetic experience. For more information, visit www.downtowndecorahbetterment.com. Get the inside scoop! Subscribe to the free DecorahNews.com newsletter and receive local news, expert analysis, and stories that matter most—straight to your inbox.