Summer is here and that means our team is gearing up for our series of The Great Umpqua events. When I came to the Partnership back in February 2016, our Board of Directors asked me to take a hard look at what UEDP’s future should look like. First stop on this path was to write a new strategic plan and as a result, six strategic pillars rose up with one of those pillars branding Douglas County. The Partnership took the initiative to boost branding of Douglas County through creating events that would draw tourism to our community. The Great Umpqua brand was started in 2017 with the July 4th Food Truck Competition. When over 20,000 people showed up, we realized our community and surrounding areas were hungry (pun intended) for new exciting events. We are approaching the third year for this event which now includes the Battle of the Bands, a car show, the Roseburg Hometown Fireworks and it keeps getting bigger and better! Last year we added a first ever mountain bike race on the North Umpqua Trail called the NUTCracker (The NUT) and also added a community Bash in Stewart Park where beer, wine, food, music and race awards took place. The NUT drew over 80% of the racers from outside of Douglas County with more than 50% out of state. Putting on these events takes a lot of manpower and resources, but we feel these events are important to help build a better Douglas County brand. None of the above would be possible without support from our Commissioners, the Douglas County Industrial Development Board, the City of Roseburg Economic Development Commission, Roseburg City Council, the many awesome sponsors and all of the in-kind advertising groups. One of the most notable traits we have here in Douglas County is wonderful community support.
|
|
CELEBRATE AMERICA'S BIRTHDAY IN THE GREAT UMPQUA
|
|
As we near the month of July, we want to thank all of our sponsors for their incredible contributions. For three years now, Douglas County, the City of Roseburg, and a countless number of local businesses have come forward to donate money and resources that enable us to put on The Great Umpqua July 4
th
Food Truck Competition. With a large variety of food, live music, activities for the kids, fireworks, and the addition of a car show this year, there’s a little something for everyone. General entrance is free and VIP tickets can be purchased
here
. This Great Umpqua event continues to improve with each passing year, and we can’t wait to celebrate with you out at the Douglas County Fairgrounds on July 4
th
!
|
|
SATURDAY, AUGUST 31
NORTH UMPQUA TRAIL | STEWART PARK
|
|
 |
NUTCRACKER
MOUNTAIN BIKE RACE
On Saturday, August 31, we bring back the opportunity for mountain bikers to traverse 55 miles of some of the most scenic and challenging terrain in the western United States. Stretching from the High Cascades to the lower reaches of the North Umpqua River, this IMBA Epic Trail provides a much greater variety of terrain and difficulty levels than the most well-known river trails in the West. The 2nd Annual Great Umpqua NUTcracker mountain bike race will feature 14 miles of gravel leading into 37 miles of pure North Umpqua Singletrack! With registration capped at 150, it is time to race and celebrate on Labor Day weekend in the Great Umpqua.
Do you have what it takes to “Crack the NUT”? Registration is now open! A special thanks goes out to
Mudslinger Events
. This race would not be possible without their tremendous effort and hard work.
|
|
|
|
THE GREAT UMPQUA BASH
NUTcracker racers, locals, and visitors unite in Stewart Park for a fun, yet laid-back community event featuring the race awards ceremony, local food trucks, a beer and wine garden pouring local craft brews and wines made right here in the Umpqua Valley, and activities for the kids. We are excited to announce the band,
Roseburg, will be performing live and kicking off their national tour with us! There will be a special guest appearance from Wildlife Safari and more! Bring your blanket, your family, and come hang out with us as we celebrate all the Great Umpqua has to offer!
|
Listen to "Be Good", the leading single off their upcoming debut album, "Righteous Punk",
now available on all digital platforms.
|
|
|
|
As the lead economic development organization for Douglas County, it’s clear that our #1 focus would be economic development and figuring out ways to enrich the economy of Douglas County. Last month National Travel and Tourism week was celebrated May 5-11. The theme this year was “Travel Matters”, putting a spotlight on why travel is so important for workforce development, economic growth and personal well-being. Here are a few highlights from a recent report released in March of this year by Dean Runyan and Associates as they relate directly to the economic vitality of Oregon and Douglas County:
|
|
Travel matters to the economy.
- Travel generated $12.3 billion in revenue for the state of Oregon in 2018. A 4.2% increase in spending compared to the previous year and a ninth straight year of growth for Oregon.
- Here in Douglas County, the travel industry generated $72.6 million, also a steady 3.8% increase over the last nine years.
|
|
Travel matters to our jobs.
- In Oregon, the travel industry added more than 3,200 new jobs in 2018, a 2.9% increase over the prior year, bringing the total statewide travel industry jobs to 115,400.
- Here in Douglas County, the travel industry supported 3,140 jobs in 2018.
You can read the full report
here
.
|
|
|
|
|
Carissa Miller, an eCampus student attending Oregon State University, is working toward a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration with a concentration in Business Marketing. Carissa expects to finish her college degree in December of 2020. Carissa and her family are originally from Arizona, but her parents, Dr. Bruce and Faith Roman, moved their family for work and fell in love with the area. Carissa is married and has a son. She looks forward to taking advantage of the adventures that Douglas County has to offer.
|
|
|
|
An economic impact analysis was completed in May by ECONorthwest, the largest economic consulting firm in the Pacific Northwest. The assessment was funded by Douglas County and the City of Roseburg to determine the effects of bringing an allied and mental health university to Roseburg. The study focused on economic impact, measured in terms of employment, income, and tax revenues; economic value based on workforce development and access to healthcare; and Return on Investment. Information from this study will be brought to the State of Oregon Weighs and Means Committee to accompany a funding request. A copy of the full report will be handed out to UEDP Board of Directors at the July meeting.
|
|
PITCHFEST
The Partnership has started a Pre-Seed Fund to stimulate innovation and entrepreneurship in Douglas County. Applications have been submitted and are being reviewed. Six participants will be selected and given the chance to pitch their idea at the Umpqua Pub Talk in July. We are excited to see what new business ideas are being cultivated in Douglas County! There is still time to submit your application.
|
|
We are a 501(c)(6) nonprofit
serving Douglas County as the lead
economic development organization.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
