Travel Data Shows Recovery Varies 

The Eugene, Cascades & Coast region, along with the State of Oregon, saw travel spending rise dramatically in 2022 according to the Dean Runyan and Associates analysis commissioned by Travel Oregon. Check out Lane County specific data to see how travel spending touches nearly all parts of our local economy. Travel Lane County is  leveraging data on traveler movements and spending through a company called Zartico. Recently, Zartico presented a broader look at the industry and found some interesting takeaways. The data shows that national averages can misrepresent what's happening in a specific area because the data sets are very complex. Not surprising is that not all areas have bounced back quickly in this post-covid era. This was particularly the case in urban area vs more rural destinations, which may be a key factor for our region. Feel free to dig a little deeper into the Zartico analysis to learn about the other key takeaways and watch for more insights into how our team is utilizing Zartico data to target our marketing campaign spending. 

Return on Investment Analysis Requested for Proposed Stadium

Local businesses and citizens have joined together as Taxpayers for Transparency to request analysis be shared with the public on the potential development of an outdoor multi-use baseball stadium. See 100milliondollarstadium.com for information from Taxpayers for Transparency and view the Board of Commissioners work session materials and the meeting recording to understand the funding proposal and the next steps under consideration by the Commissioners. County staff have asked the Commissioners to make a decision at their August 22 meeting to; 1) pause the project until additional funding is identified or, 2) continue spending funds provided by the State legislature on further design work. 

Partner News

Staff Departures

Travel Lane County has amazing staff and so it's always bittersweet when someone moves on to the next chapter in their lives. Eugene, Cascades & Coast Sports Commission marketing coordinator Matthew Towers recently got engaged and he's heading back to his roots in New Jersey. Mary Ann Reilly, director of partner development, will be staying in the region as she begins a new role with our partners at the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce. Best wishes to Matthew and M.A.

George Rogers Named General Manager of Graduate Eugene

Welcome home and congratulations to George Rogers for being selected as the new General Manager at the Graduate Eugene. George is a former GM in the area and a former Travel Lane County board member. Joining George, in the role of Assistant General Manager, is Dana Young.  

Partner Collaboration Leads to Exciting Packages

It's exciting to hear how Travel Lane County partners are connecting to develop visitor products that are unique and which will leave our visitors and residents with a lifetime memory. Last month we reported on Dark Sky outings offered by Cascades Outdoor Center, but did you know that Sip, Savor, Explore  Oregon has partnered with Cascades Outdoor Center to provide transportation to these experiences? Sip, Savor, Explore Oregon has also connected with The Eugene Dome to offer Forest Bathing excursions. The more we know the more our content team can share these amazing opportunities with visitors researching the Eugene, Cascades & Coast region, so be sure share how you are collaborating with Travel Lane County partners. 

Google Business Profile Boot Camps

RAIN is offering boot camps focusing on developing and maximizing your Google Business Profile, search engine optimization and more. 

Florence:  August 10 at 6 p.m. at the Empowered Living Wellness Center, 38 Maple St, Florence, OR 97439 Networking starts at 5 p.m. for an extra hour of time with entrepreneurs. Contact: Ellyn Mole (ellyn@raincatalysts.org) or Jade Redher (jade@raincatalysts.org)

Oakridge: August 23, 5 p.m. -- Site to be determined. Contact: Melissa Prestinario - melissa@raincatalysts.org

OCVA Adds Travel Impact Calculator for Visitors

Are you curious how your personal travel impacts the environment? The Oregon Coast Visitors Association now offers an online calculator that will help you assess your impacts. OCVA is offering opportunities to mitigate these impacts through donations to coastal stewardship non-profit groups. View the Travel Impact Calculator to learn more.

Lane County Activates New Emergency Alert System

Public safety partners in Lane County are updating their emergency alerting service to the statewide alerting system OR-Alert, which will be called Lane Alerts locally, to send emergency alerts – including evacuation notifications – to residents and visitors. 

Residents should go to www.LaneAlerts.org to create a free Lane Alerts account and select where and how they would like to receive emergency alerts. Residents can also text their ZIP code to 888777.

Lane County Employees are the Healthiest

Congratulations to Lane County for being recognized as the #1 healthiest employer in Oregon (1500-4999 employees) by the Portland Business Journal. 
 

Inclusion & Diversity

Showing You're Looped 

For our lodging and attraction partners who have installed hearing loops through the Travel Lane County Hearing Loop Program, letting visitors know you are looped is an important next step. View our Amplify Your Hearing Loop blog to learn how to add this information onto your Google Business Profile. Partners should go into their Google Business Profile and add their hearing loop information as soon as possible and be sure to add it to your Travel Lane County online business listing amenities tab via our partner portal. Visitors with disabilities plan their experiences in locations that best meet their needs, so let's show the world how you are making the Eugene, Cascades & Coast region even more accessible. Our staff is here to help if you need assistance.

Food Waste Options for Springfield Food Businesses  

Lane County Waste Management staff is reaching our to food businesses in Springfield with information on food waste reduction. Programs include reduce wasted food either through food donation to local nonprofits and/or commercial composting provided by Sanipac. Staff will conduct kitchen assessments to identify food waste reduction areas as well as provide resources and connect you to food recovery nonprofits and composting options. Contact Tatum Flowers at Tatum.FLOWERS@lanecountyor.gov to schedule your assessment.

Arts Commission Meets in Florence

On Friday, August 11, the Oregon Arts Commission will hold its first-ever quarterly meeting in Florence. The commission meeting will be preceded by a community reception from 5 - 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, August 10, at the Florence Regional Arts Alliance (FRAA) located at 120 Maple Street in Florence. The reception is an opportunity to showcase Florence and allow local community members to meet Arts Commissioners. To attend the reception, RSVP or click on the Featured Item on the Oregon Arts Commission website homepage.

Eugene City Council Repeals Natural Gas Ban

In early July, the Eugene City Council voted unanimously to repeal the ban on low rise residential buildings. Here is a link to the city council work session and a meeting summary published in the Register Guard. Watch for additional updates as the council works on its climate action plan in the coming year.

Willamette National Forest Proposes Fee Increase

The Willamette National Forest is proposing fee changes at multiple campgrounds, group campgrounds, cabins, and lookouts. The comment period is set to end by close of business on September 15, 2023.  To ensure that your comments are considered, please send your comments no later than the above date or Willamette National Forest, Attention: Matt Peterson, 3106 Pierce Parkway, Suite D, Springfield, OR 97477. Comments can also be provided online. Click here for more information. 

The Eugene, Cascades & Coast Sports Commission assists local event organizers develop and grow their events and actively markets our region to sports planners throughout the nation. Stay abreast of Sports Commission activities by signing up for this monthly e-newsletter.

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