5/31/2024
Coos Bay, OR. – Official Release: I attended the final Wednesday Business Connection of the season this week. This weekly gathering is a Bay Area Chamber of Commerce program and a long-standing networking tradition, connecting businesses within the community with a bit of education tossed in each week. We had great fortune to hear from both Janice Langlinais (Executive Director of Coos Bay-North Bend-Charleston Visitor & Convention Bureau) and Todd Davidson (Chief Executive Officer of Travel Oregon) who spoke about tourism in our community and throughout Oregon, following last week’s National Tourism and Travel Week.
From these discussions, we are reminded of the positive impact tourism has on our local economy. Some quick details from the information shared by Ms. Langlinais included (local 2023 tourism data):
Mr. Davidson shared details on Travel Oregon’s development of the statewide strategic plan, along with the core values that stand behind that plan: integrity, equity, community and destination stewardship. He shared the statewide economic impact of tourism is $14 billion added to the economy and supports the employment of over 118,000 individuals throughout the state.
These reminders are timely as we head into the summer season, where our best weather and community events encourage visitation. We all play a role in preparations and the welcoming of those who come to enjoy the area we are fortunate to call home. This busy season will also include the added celebration of Coos Bay’s 150th birthday, giving a boost to each event held in the Coos Bay area over the coming months, culminating with a birthday party in October. The Coos Bay Downtown Association is helping to coordinate this Season of Celebration.
Finally, I’ll close with reminder that Saturday evening, Star of Hope will be holding their annual Dancing with the Stars event at the Egyptian Theater at 7 p.m. This fundraising event couples six local Stars with six professional dancers for a night of fun and performance. There is still time to get your tickets and join the community in support of the Star of Hope. You might even consider casting your vote for one of the Stars; Coos Bay’s City Manager Nichole Rutherford will be one of the Stars on stage, vying for the trophy.
-Joe Benetti, Mayor of Coos Bay
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