WARRENTON – The Warrenton Business Association held its annual goal-setting workshop Feb. 3. Members came up with 16 ideas during the brainstorming session.

The top three ideas included a beautification project from Pat O’Grady, owner of Warrenton Auto & Marine Repair. His suggestion is to place 12 large self-watering flower planters along Main Avenue and 12 large self-watering flower planters along Pacific Drive near the Hammond post office.

Cindy Yingst, WBA secretary and owner of The UPS Store, suggested a community newsletter, which would be sent monthly or quarterly to area businesses either in print form or via e-mail.

Krista Bingham, owner of Serendipity Deli Caffe, recommended the formation of nonprofit community groups that would organize the annual Old Fashioned Fourth celebration and raise money for and organize the installation of Christmas decorations and the annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony.

Ideas given a lower priority include establishing an outdoor amphitheater at the Hammond Marina, installing outdoor power outlets at Warrenton City Park, assisting the Warrenton Trails Association and community gardens groups with their projects, developing more family-friendly events such as barn dances and outdoor basketball tournaments and organizing an annual community bonfire/debris removal party early each spring after the winter storms.

The WBA is a nine-member advisory group appointed by the city commission to oversee the expenditure of the city’s business license fees and advise the council on business issues.