Travel Lane County shows receipts
■ Samara Phelps, Travel Lane County President & CEO, presented the FY24 Annual Report to the Lane County Board of Commissioners late last month. Highlights from FY24 include:
• County topped $1 billion for calendar year 2023
• Softening in lodging demand was offset by a strong rate of growth
• Transient lodging tax receipts will set a record when the final quarter payment arrives this fall
• Tourism marketing recorded 1.7 billion impressions through paid, owned, and earned media efforts
• Convention activity continues to grow back from pandemic lows – 32 events confirmed
• Sports confirmed 21 events for an estimated economic impact of $36 million
• Destination development efforts led to greater accessibility for people with hearing loss
Webinar set for disability employment opportunities
■ Oregon joins in the celebration of National Disability Employment Awareness Month this October. It’s a time to celebrate the contributions people with disabilities have made in workplaces and recognize businesses that support employees with disabilities.
This year’s theme, “Access to Good Jobs for All,” specifically addresses Oregon’s commitment to expanding the number and quality of employment opportunities for people with disabilities.
In 2022, 46% of Oregon residents with disabilities ages 18 to 64 were employed, compared with 80% of people without disabilities — about a 34% gap. State programs, including Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) are working to help more people with disabilities enter and stay in the workforce.
This month, the state is hosting a series of webinars about resources and services available for job seekers with disabilities and businesses looking to diversify their workplaces. The webinars are scheduled from noon-1 p.m. on Tuesdays in October. For details on each session and accessibility information, go to the state’s NDEAM event web page.
• Oct. 22 – Beyond the classroom: Career paths for students with disabilities
• Oct. 29 – Good jobs for all with Vocational Rehabilitation
These events are hosted by Oregon’s Department of Human Services Office of Developmental Disabilities Services and Vocational Rehabilitation program, the State Rehabilitation Council, the Oregon Commission for the Blind, and the Oregon Department of Education.
LTS earns top honors in workforce development
■ This month, Lane Transit District earned high honors in the public transportation industry, winning the Grand Award for “Best Marketing and Communications on Workforce Development.”
The recruitment campaign already won two first-place awards in the 2024 AdWheel competition in February. These awards recognize the marketing and communications efforts of the American Public Transportation Association members.
LTD collaborated with Eugene-based Turell Group to share the stories of current and former employees to support LTD’s recruitment and retention effort. “The success of this campaign speaks for itself. LTD is about to start training its next group of bus operators. This class is one of our largest since the pandemic,” said Eric Breitenstein, LTD’s Director of Marketing.
This year’s Grand Award was presented to LTD’s Chief Executive Officer Jameson Auten at APTA’s TRANSform Conference & Expo on Oct. 1 in Anaheim, Calif.
Springfield mayor talks business at Chamber Roundtable
■ Springfield business leaders gathered late last month for a Springfield Chamber Roundtable featuring mayor Sean VanGordon as part of the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce‘s Roundtable series.
The discussion began with questions about Springfield’s economic challenges.
The permitting process for new construction contracts was an early conversation, with contractors asking about more efficiency. VanGordon stressed the importance of collaboration between the city and businesses, noting that Springfield’s flexibility and pro-business environment are crucial to its growth and resilience.
A significant portion of the discussion focused on infrastructure and housing. VanGordon emphasized the critical need for long-term planning to support growth, particularly in transportation and industrial expansion.
– Compiled from Chronicle news services
Business Calendar
THURSDAY, OCT. 17
■ Cottage Grove Business After Hours, 5:30-7 p.m., 1425 Daughter Ave., Cottage Grove. A Cottage Grove Chamber of Commerce networking event hosted by Magnolia Gardens.
■ Eugene Chamber Business After Hours, WAFD Bank and Brenner’s Furniture & Mattress, 5:30-7:30 p.m. at Brenner’s, 151 W. 8th Ave.
TUESDAY, OCT. 22
■ Springfield Chamber of Commerce roundtable and tour inside Rosboro’s $120 million expansion, 4-5:30 p.m. Rosboro, a cornerstone of Springfield’s timber industry since 1939, is the largest manufacturer of glue-laminated timber products in North America. Rosboro is making a $120 million investment in its Springfield facility expansion. The facility location will be announced at business.springfield-chamber.org/events.
WEDNESDAY, OCT. 23
■ RAIN: Etsy 101 for Entrepreneurs: How to Launch and Grow Your Online Store, 5-7 p.m. at Banner Bank on Oregon Avenue in Creswell or on Zoom by RAIN Catalysts and the Lane Small Business Development Center (SBDC). Taught by Casie Brabham, the class will cover everything from setting up your Etsy shop to marketing strategies that will drive traffic and sales. There will be time for Q&A at the end. Free. More info: Ellyn Mole, at [email protected]
THURSDAY, OCT. 24
■ Ribbon Cutting and Open House – JC Insurance Group, 3 p.m. at 1014 Harlow Road, Springfield.
FRIDAY, OCT. 25
■ National Active and Retired Federal Employee Association Luncheon, noon, Sizzler Restaurant, 1010 Postal Way, Springfield. About aannual Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) and the new Postal Service Health Benefits (PSHB) programs Health Fairs. Federal Health Insurance vendors will be participating in person and via Zoom. Open to the public.
TUESDAY, OCT. 29
■ Springfield Chamber open house, 5-7 p.m. at Springfield Chamber, 101 S. A St. Celebrating new members and the 75th anniversary of the Chamber.
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