Impacts of Hospitality B2B

The hospitality industry is good at tracking key performance indicators that illustrate the economic impact visitors bring to the region. This includes metrics like direct spending, employment, tax collections and more. What can go unnoticed is the economic impact from local businesses that support our hospitality partners. Hotels and restaurants spend thousands to millions of dollars to upgrade existing facilities and equip new facilities. 

One local business has been supporting our hospitality partners for more the 60 years! Curtis Restaurant Equipment has been working with hospitality businesses since 1963 and today they are stronger than ever. I had an opportunity to pose several questions to Dan Curtis, son of founder Bob Curtis, in a recent industry blog. 

Grant Opportunity from Tourism Cares 

Tourism Cares' North American Travel Summit comes to Eugene September 30 - October 2. The Summit is open to all travel professionals across the entire industry - from destination managers and travel advisors to senior executives and community-led organizations - all with the common purpose of building a better future for the travel industry. As part of the program, attendees will explore the Willamette Valley region and engage with local changemakers through facilitated networking opportunities, educational sessions, meaningful experiences, tours, and more. 

In conjunction with the Summit and aligned with Tourism Cares' vision - “We believe we can change the world through travel” - $10,000 to $15,000 in grants will be funded. The grants will be directed to tourism-related social enterprise/community-level businesses within the Willamette Valley community. Click here to apply and note that the application deadline is August 30, 2024.

Member News

Welcome New Visitor Services Staff

Travel Lane County is pleased to welcome Clarissa Warrick, Visitor Services Manager, and Nicolle Anderson, Visitor Services Outreach Specialist. 

Travel Lane County Board Welcomes Tim Smith

We are excited to welcome new Board member, including Tim Smith, Vice President of Operations at Mereté Hotel Management. 

Local Hearing Advocates Go National

Sue Prichard and Ginevra Ralph formed Loop Lane County nearly eight years ago. The group has advocated for people with hearing loss while being a driving force behind many hearing loop projects in Lane County. Their work grew to become statewide and beyond. This has led to a national initiative called the Center for Hearing Access (CHA). Ginevra will serve as CHA's first director. Congratulations Ginevra and thank you for your dedication to supporting people with hearing loss. 

Overtime Rule Webinar

On Thursday, August 8, 2024 at 12 p.m. (PST) the Restaurant Law Center will host a webinar to review the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) changes to the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) overtime rules. Angelo Amador, Executive Director of the Restaurant Law Center will moderate a panel including Jordan Heiliczer, Labor and Workforce Policy Director for the National Restaurant Association, and Jim Paretti, Shareholder at Littler Mendelson P.C. Jordan will give an overview of the Final Rule and address what restaurants should be doing now. The Final Rule increases the salary threshold, determining whether employees are exempt from overtime pay under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). Register here to join the webinar.

Oregon Destination Association 

Oregon Destination Association (ODA) selected Mackenzie Ballard to replace long-time Managing Director Alana Hughson. Mackenzie comes to ODA from Visit Central Oregon where she spent the past seven years. Following the recent ODA board retreat, Mackenzie noted, "The board’s passion for creating an exceptional organization that supports Oregon’s tourism industry is inspiring and I look forward to the great work we will do together."  Samara Phelps, incoming Travel Lane County President/CEO, will serve as the 2024/25 ODA President. 

Travel Portland CEO Announces Retirement

Jeff Miller, President and Chief Executive Officer of Travel Portland for the past 18 years, announced his retirement effective in December. Miller noted, "As I prepare to embark on this new chapter of my life, I am confident that Travel Portland is positioned well for continued success."

Eugene Council Decarbonization Work Session

The Eugene City Council's decarbonization July work session ended with two motions. The first motion, "Move to direct the city manager to return to council prior to the end of 2024 for a discussion of the potential revenue sources that were identified by the revenue advisors for funding decarbonization and GHG emission reduction efforts with an emphasis on serving low-income households, BIPOC and other disadvantaged households,” passed 7-0. The second motion, "Move to direct the city manager to return to council prior to the end of 2024 to discuss a potential pathway forward and potential consequences for implementing the strategies presented by staff to decarbonize homes and buildings in Eugene and monitoring regulatory actions being taken by other jurisdictions for possible local adoption,” also passed 7-0. 

Inclusion & Diversity

Welcoming a Deaf Visitor 

Travel Lane County worked with dozens of Lane County hotels, performance venues and attractions to install hearing loops for people with hearing loss. The businesses that took advantage of this program have a tool that works for people with hearing loss, but what would your front line employees do for a visitor who is deaf? It's a good idea to be familiar with the variety of available tools and methods and train your staff to effectively use them. This will ensure deaf visitors have a great experience. The tools available range from a simple notepad and paper to apps like Google Live, which converts speech to text on your phone or tablet. This TravelAbility Insider article offers additional options you and your team can use.

Federal Funds Help Oregon/Washington Recreation Sites

The U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Region is investing $27.4 million in 23 individual Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA) projects across National Forests in Washington and Oregon. These investments are made possible by the National Parks and Public Land Legacy Restoration Fund (LRF) established by the Great American Outdoors Act.

Read more information about Forest Service implementation of the Great American Outdoors Act. 

The Travel Lane County Charitable Fund is an inclusive public benefit nonprofit organization organized and operated exclusively for charitable and educational purposes. By donating to the Fund, you will help bring projects to life that will have a lasting positive impact on our community as a place to live and visit for years to come.

Trail Accessibility Enhanced

Fundraising continues for a second David's Chair to be permanently located at Mount Pisgah!

With generous support from Lane County, McKenzie River Trust, Travel Lane County, David's Chair, and Mount Pisgah Arboretum, funds to cover the first chair plus annual maintenance have been secured. 

A donor is offering a chance to match their gift of $10,000 to get a second chair. Think how wonderful it will be to have two people out exploring the mountain together. 

 Donate today to help fund a second all-terrain track chair at Mount Pisgah and your gift will be doubled!