Last week, 56 grant recipients learned they received funding aimed at enhancing local economies and communities through accessible and inclusive visitor industry improvements and promotions. This impactful grant cycle reflects the agency’s ongoing commitment to equity and to enhancing local economies, creating jobs and strengthening communities across the state by investing in the creation and promotion of remarkable visitor experiences.

See the press release and learn about the projects here. 

The 2024 Oregon Governor’s Conference on Tourism will feature its annual celebratory showcase of travel and tourism industry award winners for work done in 2023. Submit your best work or nominate other organizations or individuals for recognition in the following categories: Rising Star; Diversity, Equity, Accessibility and Inclusion; Leadership; Partnership; Hospitality; and Stewardship.

Nominate yourself, your organization or others here before Nov. 30 at 5 p.m.

How your business appears online matters. It’s the first thing customers see when they search online. Locl helps you simplify your Google Business Profile updates, create posts, engage with customer reviews, monitor business performance and act on insights.

On Jan. 10, join Tommy Chipman of Locl for a one-hour webinar to learn more about using Locl. Register here.

Portland City Council has made outdoor dining a permanent option for local businesses. The new Outdoor Dining Program will feature four different types of permits: Sidewalk Café, Seasonal Street Seat, Street Seat with Platform, Street Seat with Platform and Roof. The new permit program aims to prioritize safety for all road users while also being supportive to small businesses.

In addition to this good news, Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) announced a new funding program to support outdoor dining installations. Portland businesses can apply to receive $2,500 to build or upgrade year-round street seat installations.

The application form with additional information is available here.

Last week, at the National Tour Alliance (NTA) Travel Exchange in Shreveport, Louisiana, Dawnielle Tehama, executive director of the Willamette Valley Visitors Association, received NTA’s 2023 Woman of Vision award. Dawnielle was honored as a champion of diversity, equity, and inclusion, along with sustainability and regenerative travel. She currently chairs NTA’s DEI Advisory Group. The NTA Woman of Vision honors a woman in travel and tourism who has contributed significantly to the growth and prosperity of the industry as a whole and to NTA specifically.

“Dawnielle is a thoughtful and passionate advocate for change, and she is so deserving of this award. I know firsthand from working with Dawnielle that, as a member of NTA’s DEI Advisory Group, she contributed significantly to the development of the association’s updated Mission and Values,” said Catherin Prather, NTA president.

Congratulations, Dawnielle!