Downtown Fort Collins is a vibrant and eclectic community, and the DBC was born out of a shared vision to ensure it remains a thriving spot for locals and visitors alike. As small business owners in Downtown Fort Collins, we recognized a need to renew the efforts to bring more events back to our downtown area. Our founders bring experience in retail, hospitality, event planning, and community engagement, united by a love for downtown and a belief in its potential.
We’re downtown business owners joining forces to bring more people to Old Town—one event, one collaboration, one great experience at a time. Our mission is straightforward: to build momentum, drive traffic, and help downtown thrive through local connections and creativity.
The DBC was founded in June 2025 by Jessica Dizmang, owner of the local Ben & Jerry’s Scoop Shop and Lisa Paugh, owner of Walrus Ice Cream. The formation was grassroots, stemming from conversations around shared goals: increasing foot traffic, building seasonal events, and fostering a stronger sense of community engagement.
Jessica is a seasoned entrepreneur and business leader with a track record of building strong, community-focused organizations. She will serve as the organization’s first Chair of the Board. As the franchisee of three Ben & Jerry’s scoop shops in Colorado, she leads an all-female executive team and is known for her hands-on, people-first leadership style. With deep experience in operations, team development, and strategic planning, Jessica brings a unique blend of business acumen and community-minded values to the organizations she builds. She is passionate about empowering others, fostering local connections, and driving positive economic impact through collaborative initiatives.
Lisa is the owner-operator of a 37-year-old locally cherished ice cream shop in Old Town Fort Collins, Walrus Ice Cream. Lisa is serving as the Treasurer of the DBC Board. Her ice cream shop has been a gathering place for generations and maintaining that tradition is a responsibility Lisa takes to heart. Before stepping into ownership, her background was in restaurant management and customer service-fields that taught her the value of consistency, community connection and creating experiences that keep people coming back. These values guide every decision she makes, from the ingredients we use to the relationships we build with our customers and neighbors. Downtown Fort Collins is more than just where she does business-it is her community. Lisa is excited to collaborate with fellow local business owners through this 501c6 to strengthen their shared voice, support one another and preserve the unique character and economic vitality of our downtown. Together we can ensure that Fort Collins continues to thrive as a destination for both locals and visitors now and in the future.
From members and community partners
