|
|
Aufderheide Drive Designated Oregon's 18th Scenic Bikeway
Aufderheide Drive, also known as Forest Service Road 19, is named after Robert Aufderheide, who served as the supervisor of the Willamette National Forest from 1954 until his passing in 1959. This stunning 60-mile bikeway winds through Lane County, connecting Oregon Highways 126 and 58. It follows the McKenzie and Willamette Rivers, showcasing the beauty of the Willamette National Forest.
Over a decade ago, Travel Lane County began collaborating with local advocates to promote the designation of this route as a scenic bikeway. In early 2024, they renewed efforts alongside Cycle Oregon, the U.S. Forest Service, area cycling enthusiasts, and the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department. Together, they successfully secured approval from the Oregon Parks and Recreation Commission.
The Aufderheide Scenic Bikeway is now the fourth scenic bikeway in the Eugene, Cascades & Coast region, joining the Willamette Valley Scenic Bikeway, the Covered Bridges Scenic Bikeway, and the McKenzie Pass Scenic Bikeway. Scenic bikeways in Oregon provide significant economic benefits, contributing to the more than $1.5 billion generated annually by Oregon's recreational cyclists.
Stay tuned for details about the official opening of the Aufderheide Scenic Bikeway, scheduled for spring 2025.
|
|
|
| |
|
Florence Public Art Receives Award
Each year, the Oregon Economic Development Association (OEDA) recognizes organizations and individuals for their contributions to positive economic development in Oregon communities.The City of Florence has been recognized with the Oregon Economic Development Association’s 2024 Urban Renewal Project of the Year for their Art Exposed ReVision Florence project. The Urban Renewal Project of the Year Award honors a project that has successfully transformed or revitalized a community by using tax increment financing. For this award, the Florence Urban Renewal Agency’s investment of $16,000.00 covered the cost of plinths, labor provided by the Florence Public Works Department, marketing, and coordination of the call for art. Additionally, $1,500.00 stipends were awarded to each of the six artists, valuing the project’s total display in Florence at $112,445.00. Congratulations to the City of Florence.
|
|
|
|
Golden Yellowstone by Rick True
|
|
|
| |
|
Members Giving Back
Robin Brown-Wood is a woman on a mission, leading with a big smile and a heart for serving others. For seven years, she has organized Thanksgiving meals for over 114 veterans and 74 family members - a collaboration involving corporate donors, small businesses, and volunteers. Together, they provide hearty meals for veterans across Lane and Douglas Counties.
As a Black, female business owner, Robin brings over 30 years of culinary experience in both commercial and private settings. Her love of food and community inspired her to establish Alma Catering. “Alma,” meaning “soul” in Spanish, reflects her commitment to soulful menus and exceptional service.
Cooking runs in Robin’s family. As a child, she assisted her mother, who loved entertaining, sparking a lifelong passion for the culinary arts. For Robin, cooking is more than feeding hunger—it’s an experience that nourishes the body and soul. At Alma Foods & Catering, Robin combines vibrant flavors, textures, and colors with high-quality, local, and seasonal ingredients. While she enjoys making all kinds of dishes, she has a special love for crafting tapas-style appetizers, offering a wide variety of flavors.
For Robin, cooking is more than a career—it’s a celebration of connection and creativity.
|
|
|
| |
|
Liz Doyle and Diamond Woods Honored
Congratulations to Liz Doyle,co-owner of the Inn at Diamond Woods and the Diamond Woods Golf Course, for being honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award by the Tri-County Chamber of Commerce. Diamond Woods Golf Course was the recipient of the Large Business of the Year award Thank you for your past service on the Travel Lane County Board of Directors.
|
|
|
|
|
Cedric Rudd Promoted
Cedric Rudd has recently been promoted within VIP Hospitality to Sr. Director of Sales & Marketing. In addition to leading the sales and marketing efforts at EVEN Hotel, Cedric will also support The Rayland, which is formerly The Dalles Inn. Congratulations Cedric!
|
|
|
|
|
Eugene Marathon Hosts National Championship
The Eugene Marathon and the USATF Oregon Association are proud to announce the 2025 Eugene Marathon and Half Marathon will be the official USA Track & Field Oregon championship races in 2025. Both events will take place at Hayward Field on Sunday, April 27, 2025 with a combined 7:00 AM start.
|
|
|
|
|
Bike Share Surpasses 1 Million Trips
PeaceHealth Rides Bike Share reached the 1 million trip milestone in November. The program launched in 2018. These 1 million trips have covered approximately 1.4 million miles – the equivalent of over 50 laps around the equator! Congratulations Cascadia Mobility!
|
|
|
|
|
Travel Oregon Grant Window Opens December 2
Letters of Intent will be accepted from December 2, 2024 - January 5, 2025. Those who qualify will be asked to submit applications by February 27, 2025. Grant recipients will be announced on June 17, 2025.
Travel Oregon’s 2024-2025 Competitive Grant program is designed to increase access and equity for those who may have experienced barriers to visiting our great state — whether by better addressing various mobility challenges or celebrating the diversity of people and communities who live in and travel to Oregon.
The total funding available for this grant cycle is expected to be $5.2 million. Read the grant guidelines to see eligibility requirements, funding parameters and application questions.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
U.S. Travel Sees Shifting Political Climate
The political landscape continues to move and change as we prepare for a new federal administration. U.S. Travel notes a few key topics that may affect the travel industry. These include:
Opportunity: Focus on Competitive Positioning – Over the last 20 years, the United States has seen its global market share of travelers erode. A recent Euromonitor report ranked the United States 17th out of 18 prominent travel destinations in policy and facilitation—a wake-up call we can’t ignore. There is an opportunity to work alongside the Trump administration to improve America’s standing as a travel destination, and this focus is timely with the 2026 World Cup, 2028 Summer Olympics and 2034 Winter Olympics on the horizon.
Challenge: Protecting Critical Travel Programs – The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) and Brand USA are essential to growing international inbound travel. Both initiatives could be under threat by policymakers that have long opposed one program or the other. The industry will need a compelling strategy to ensure that Brand USA and the VWP are clearly recognized as key components of security and economic development.
Opportunity: Less Travel Policy Populism –The Trump administration has an opportunity to focus on underlying issues that create traveler frustrations, such as a shortage of air traffic controllers and outdated Federal Aviation Administration systems. The Biden administration often pursued a populist policy approach to address consumer concerns, including seeking to eliminate so-called “junk fees” and a recent assault on frequent flier programs—a continuous distraction.
Challenge: New Workforce Pressures – The travel industry is particularly reliant on a diverse and often immigrant workforce. Even today, the industry is one million workers short of optimal. Immigration policy was at the heart of campaigns for the House, Senate and White House and we anticipate decisive legislative action and policy enforcement.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
