President

Loene Gossett

Loene has had a varied career. She taught dance for over 20 years, having put herself through college (BA in Mathematics with 2 Teaching Credentials) while teaching and performing as a soloist with the Redwood Concert Ballet. She met her late husband, a local contractor, while choreographing for a new project (The Junior Miss Pageant) of the Jaycees of which he was a member. A son and a daughter joined the family and Loene kept teaching dance.

She also taught dance for Humboldt State (now Cal Poly) and for College of the Redwoods.

She choreographed for many plays for FRT and NCRT. She then closed her dance studio and started substitute teaching for local Humboldt County Schools for about 5 years. After that she started working at Horizon Business Products. After about 20 years there, she bought the business when her boss retired. Her business burned to the ground with 4 other businesses in January of 2015. Horizon Business Products has weathered many ups and downs, but we’re still going. She is on the board of 5 organizations and is treasurer of her church, so she believes everyone should give of their time to help others. She has been the presiding officer of many organizations, most recently of the Downtown Merchants’ Association. She enjoys working with all of the downtown merchants, planning and putting on events for Fortuna.

Vice President

Cindy Daetwiler

I have lived here in Fortuna for most of my life. I own and run Ferndale Jewelers located at 1020 Main Street, Heart of Downtown Fortuna.

As Vice President of the Downtown Merchants, I am dedicated to making downtown a valued shopping destination.

Treasurer

Tyler Hutton

I serve on the Downtown Merchants board to contribute to a greater cause and make a positive impact within our community. I enjoy assisting with downtown Fortuna events such as the City-Wide Yard Sale, Fortuna’s First Fridays, and the Apple Harvest Street Fair.

Secretary

Mavis Amen

Having built several small businesses in Fortuna and now opening one in the downtown area, I joined the board to help strengthen and grow our community. I truly believe it takes a village, which is why I also serve on several other local boards that share the same goal—supporting Fortuna’s growth.

Although I have only lived here for four years, I feel grateful to have already made a positive impact, and I look forward to continuing to serve our town in every way I can.