Ian Kirkland, owner of The Caboose Market and Café, is a long-time champion of Downtown Ashland. Kirkland has owned and operated the business for more than 22 years, and is serving on the board of Downtown Ashland Association for the second time!

*Ian Kirkland behind the bar at The Caboose Market & Cafe. Photo by Brittany Claud Photography.*

“It is really nice to see the evolution of the organization, especially its presence in the community, over the ten years that I’ve been involved,” says Kirkland. “I feel that volunteering my time is one way to give back to the community. The community and the town have been good to The Caboose, and it is just one way that I personally can recontribute.”

Kirkland notes the increased involvement of businesses in the Association. “I feel like now we have a lot more businesses involved. When I first served on the board, there were mostly individual residents serving. It is nice to see the business community take the organization more seriously,” says Kirkland. “I have been very fortunate to work with great people. I have developed some great relationships with various business owners.”

*The Caboose Market at 108 S. Railroad Ave. Photo by Hickory Bow Studio*

We are deeply grateful that Ian Kirkland has been a leader in Downtown Ashland Association’s development over the past decade. Despite juggling family and operating a business, he has continued to dedicate time to help build community.

*The Caboose Cafe’s farm-to-table menu. Photo by Hickory Bow Studio.*

“I think the best part of Ashland is the sense of community,” says Kirland. “I think that is one of the things that works for us as a business. The relationship we have with our customers is what helps us continue to grow and take risks. A lot of people label it “quaint”, but I think it is really the underlying sense of community.”