Meet the Candidates
Board of Directors Election 2020

The HDKP Board of Directors is made up of volunteers, who share a strong commitment to representing the membership and champion the growth and development of Downtown Kennewick. We are thrilled to introduce this year’s slate of candidates for the 2020 HDKP Board of Directors Election.

This year there are 4 vacancies to fill. Those elected will serve from January 2021 to December 2023. Every effort has been made to provide a slate of candidates who represent a variety of businesses and passion for Downtown Kennewick. Candidates were vetted and interviewed by the Nominations Committee, which is comprised of current members of the HDKP community. Each of these candidates possess a wealth of experience and enthusiasm. Learn more about how the following five candidates wish to use their skills on the board to support the growth of Downtown Kennewick.

Members are a crucial part of this process as you directly elect our board members. Ballots will be sent out November 13th. Make your voice heard and vote for 4 candidates to represent you in Downtown Kennewick.

Theresa Buckendorf. Works at Apollo Mechanical Contractors (Construction, Columbia Dr)

Why would you like to be involved in HDKP as a Board Member:
I believe that the downtown area is such an important part of the area. I would love to be able to have some involvement in its further development. I have a long history of volunteering and service in the community, and I believe it is important to lend my help to causes that make a difference in the lives of our residents. 

What is your vision of downtown Kennewick in the next 3-5 years?
I would love to see further growth and revitalization. With the wine village coming into its full vision, I believe there is so much opportunity for further development in tourism, dining, and entertainment as well as shops and other services.

What can you do/are willing to do to help make that a reality? What resources can you bring?
I have lived in Kennewick for over 40 years. I have relationships in the community and am in a position in my company to offer resources from my company as well.

Gary Earp. Retired Real Estate, Owns Cascade Building (Kenn Ave/Cascade St)

Why would you like to be involved in HDKP as a Board Member:
I have tons of business experience to offer. As I am recently retired, I have tons of time 2 work on HDKP projects. I would like to continue with the outreach effort that I see to attract more customers to downtown and overall identity Downton Kennewick as a palace to visit and shop.

What is your vision of downtown Kennewick in the next 3-5 years?
I would like to see the continuation of updating storefronts. I can share my experience and background in appropriate and effective signage. 

What can you do/are willing to do to help make that a reality? What resources can you bring?
I have a background in marketing and I would love to support the outreach efforts of HDKP using my business background, my network, and my people skills.

Shaun Ehlers. Owner of Free Culture Clothing (Retail, Kenn Ave)

Why would you like to be involved in HDKP as a Board Member:
I want to be the face of HDKP. I am passionate about Downtown Kennewick and see great opportunities for growth. I can be a great asset with my knowledge of finance and branding and provide knowledgeable information to improve events and grow downtown.

What is your vision of downtown Kennewick in the next 3-5 years.
I want downtown to be trendy. Encourage an increase of arts and fashion to tie in with the new wine village. I see an opportunity to re-inspire new talent and bring them to downtown, an increase in foot traffic, and a place for people to hang out.

What can you do/are willing to do to help make that a reality? What resources can you bring?
Willing to step-up and bring attention to what is impactful and profitable. I can bring visibility, marketing, and a voice for the people. Very in touch with small business and a very well rounded business owner. I have a very positive outlook for downtown, am very social, and can be a very supportive team member for the group. I have successfully opened a second location and plan on continued growth by opening five new stores.

Jasmine Howell. Works at Banner Bank (Banking/Business Services, First Ave)

Why would you like to be involved in HDKP as a Board Member:
Since relocating to the Downtown branch of Banner Bank I have noticed how many of the businesses get involved and help. I want to be a part of helping downtown grow and be prosperous.

What is your vision of downtown Kennewick in the next 3-5 years?
I would like to see increased foot traffic to bring more people to Downtown. Marketing ideas, contribute my time to be involved with HDKP sponsored events.

What can you do/are willing to do to help make that a reality? What resources can you bring?
Of course, bring financial knowledge and input. In addition to my 10 years of banking experience, I bring my willingness to take on any task. I am always looking for ways to help in any way I can.

Kevin Osborn. Co-Owner of Secondhand HeAVEN (RETAIL, KENN AVE)

Why would you like to be involved in HDKP as a Board Member:
I have been a business owner in HDKP since 2010. I have watched as the area has changed through the hard work of so many. I recently finished my online schooling and completed my bachelor’s degree, which has freed up time for me to work to continue the improvement of downtown Kennewick. I have helped bring many businesses to the downtown but have also seen too many others close-up. I want to be part of helping each business tap into their potential and see success. I am not afraid to coach people and tell them hard things when it needs to be said.

What is your vision of downtown Kennewick in the next 3-5 years?
The most important aspect of the downtown is creating a safe atmosphere for business owners and residents to live, while also creating an inviting place for people to come and shop. I see improvements to the facades of the buildings, the increase in grant money to make that possible, as well as increased events that will draw people into Kennewick to shop, dine, and linger longer with us. People like the small-town feel of the Parkade, which can be increased to draw out the history of our area and the remarkable architecture we are blessed with. I see those things being expanded to include a broader area the defined area of the Parkade.

What can you do/are you willing to do to help make that a reality? What resources can you bring?
I have managed in retail for 20 years, managed my own business for 10 years with my wife April, and worked in law enforcement for 9 years. I have learned how to work with people to get the results that benefit everyone. I graduated from BYU-Idaho in July 2020 with a degree in Business Management with an emphasis in entrepreneurial management. I have the skills to bring together people from different ideologies and to help them become a cohesive team. Part of the package I bring is the ability to use social media and other electronic opportunities to increase our traffic and to improve the atmosphere of the Parkade for visitors and residents. 

Joel Watson. Owner of Just Joel’s (Restaurant, Kenn Ave - North of Fruitland)

Why would you like to be involved in HDKP as a Board Member:
I bring something to any group that I‘m a part of. I am from Kennewick and I want to be a part of helping bring life to downtown Kennewick. 

What is your vision of downtown Kennewick in the next 3-5 years?
I’d just like to help any way that I can or that is possible. I started cooking in downtown Kennewick and one day I hope to locate my own business in the heart of historic downtown and help bring more people, spending their money and time downtown.

What can you do/are willing to do to help make that a reality? What resources can you bring?
I have a special set of skills. I can get attention and support to almost any event or fundraiser that I am part of. My greatest asset is myself. I believe in giving back and showing love to my community.