Who We Are
Our Mission
The Talent Business Alliance supports local businesses at every stage of development. We foster a thriving and equitable business environment. We offer technical assistance, networking, marketing, and advocacy to create social and economic opportunities that expand the vitality of the community of Talent.
Vision for the Future
The Talent Business Alliance envisions a healthy and livable community where residents and stakeholders are empowered to build sustainable family wealth through small business ownership and a local supportive network.
Our Story
The Talent Business Alliance (TBA) of Talent, Oregon has been active since 2005 (formerly the Talent Chamber of Commerce). After a period of volunteer inactivity due to COVID-19, a new board reactivated TBA in the spring of 2022 and is working to support the small business and nonprofit community in Talent, Oregon.
​
Talent lost 60% of our businesses in the Almeda Fire, and the remaining 40% (mostly small businesses) are struggling in the wake of incredible losses from the fire and the COVID-19 pandemic.
​
The Talent Business Alliance is building connections among local business owners, supporting their access to financial aid and business grants, increasing the customer base, and providing technical assistance to support the recovery of the business community.
“El Mercadito has been a success so far and we are grateful for the sponsorship and support of Talent Business Alliance that has allowed us to fund cultural events that center Latinx and BIPOC community."
Erica Ledesma, Coalicion Fortaleza
Board of Directors
Meet The Team
Darby Ayers-Flood
Executive Director
Darby serves as the Executive Director for the Talent Business Alliance, and previously served on the board from 2022 - August 2024. Her passion for micro-enterprise and emerging entrepreneurship drives her interest in business and business ownership.
Darby was formerly a Regional Operations Manager for a hotel and commercial development company. Darby’s experience with business at all levels and her lived experience losing a business in the fire brings focus for the Talent Business Alliance, and helps lead TBA’s mission to provide support for economic revitalization.
Cecelia Bagnoli
Destination & Tourism Strategic Planner
Cecelia was born in Berea, Kentucky, an artsy college town nestled in the Appalachian mountains, and raised in Grinnell, Iowa, a small prairie town in the middle of rolling cornfields. Growing up in these distinct communities shaped her passion for social justice, sustainability, and community development.
She earned a bachelor’s degree in Communication Studies and Environmental Studies from the College of Wooster. Her commitment to advocacy led her to work on various community engagement initiatives, including her role as Community Engagement and Enhancement Coordinator, where she organized local events and strengthened community connections. She also served as a Health Coach, where she facilitated public health programs to support community wellness for low-income groups.
In the fall of 2024, Cecelia joined the RARE (Resource Assistance for Rural Environments) AmeriCorps program and currently serves as the Tourism and Destination Coordinator with Talent Business Alliance. In this role, she collaborates directly with local businesses and community stakeholders to promote sustainable tourism and foster economic growth in Bear Creek Valley.
Cecelia is dedicated to advocating for affordable housing, food security, and public transportation to create more equitable communities. She also spent six months in rural Thailand, where she studied sustainable food systems and explored much of what Thailand has to offer.
In her free time, Cecelia enjoys exploring the outdoors, traveling across and outside of the country, and spending time with loved ones.
Colette Pare-Miller
Administrative Coordinator
Colette is the Administrative Coordinator for the Talent Business Alliance and has been deeply active in its recovery efforts since the fire. Her background is in nonprofit administrative support, and in her position with TBA, she supports the business community with marketing, events, municipal process navigation, grant outreach, and grant applications support.