COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS: COLLABORATING FOR SUSTAINABILITY AND ECONOMIC GROWTH

Nestled in the heart of Downtown North Bend, Oregon, Wildflour Public House is proudly owned and operated by Chefs Tara and John Moore. As a female veteran-owned small business, Wildflour is more than a restaurant — it's a heartfelt culinary journey rooted in passion, community, and purpose. What began as a shared dream has blossomed into a beloved local favorite, celebrated for its creative dishes, welcoming ambiance, and strong ties to local partners.

With support from Travel Southern Oregon Coast (TSOC), Wildflour was introduced to Captain John of Sharky’s Charter Fishing, resulting in a connection that sparked a meaningful collaboration. Today, freshly caught seafood from Captain John’s boat is brought directly to Wildflour’s kitchen, creating a true ocean-to-table experience that reflects the bounty and values of the Oregon Coast.

One standout result of this partnership is the Blackened Rockfish Po' Boy, featuring freshly caught rockfish, perfectly seasoned and blackened, then served on a house-baked hoagie roll crafted by Chef John himself.

Visitors are not only drawn to Wildflour’s flavorful dishes but also to its story—one of community, sustainability, and local pride. The restaurant has become a culinary cornerstone, driving foot traffic and increasing visibility for neighboring shops and attractions in Downtown North Bend.

By championing sustainable seafood and authentic coastal experiences, Wildflour helps position North Bend as a vibrant, must-visit destination on the Southern Oregon Coast.

With TSOC’s guidance, the collaboration between Wildflour Public House and Sharky’s Charter Fishing has grown into a model for sustainable partnership, cultural preservation, and economic growth. It’s a testament to what’s possible when local passion and purpose come together as a win for the entire community.

BUILDING A MORE ACCESSIBLE OREGON THROUGH COLLABORATION

The Accessible Oregon Coast Film Tour premiered on May 7th at the Egyptian Theater in Coos Bay, attended by a passionate group of community members focused on accessibility.

Three short films were presented, showcasing the efforts made along the Oregon Coast to enhance accessibility for everyone. These films featured how communities, businesses, and tourism leaders collaborated to create a more inclusive outdoor experience.

CELEBRATING NATIONAL TRAVEL & TOURISM WEEK



Travel and tourism industry partners gathered for the Annual Tourism Week Luncheon at The Mill Casino-Hotel’s Salmon Room, where attendees enjoyed a complimentary lunch sponsored by the Coos Bay-North Bend-Charleston Visitor & Convention Bureau (VCB), also known as Oregon’s Adventure Coast.

The event featured a keynote address from Todd Davidson, CEO of Travel Oregon, and remarks from Janice Langlinais, Executive Director of the VCB. Together, they highlighted the economic and community benefits of a thriving tourism industry.

Langlinais shared that in 2024, visitors to Coos Bay, North Bend, and Charleston spent more than $147.3 million on lodging, dining, attractions, shopping, and experiences. She also highlighted a major VCB initiative currently underway, a multi-platform advertising campaign in the Denver market promoting the daily direct flight from Denver (DEN) to the Oregon Coast (OTH), aimed at attracting new and repeat visitors.

Davidson provided a broader perspective on tourism’s statewide impact, noting that in 2024 alone, Oregon welcomed $14.3 billion in visitor spending. The travel industry now supports more than 121,000 jobs across the state, and 95% of Oregon’s visitors cite its natural beauty and opportunities for relaxation as their primary reasons for travel.

DISASTER STRUCK? SEE HOW AMERICAN EXPRESS CAN HELP YOUR BUSINESS REBUILD

Has your local business been impacted by a natural disaster or sudden financial hardship?

You may be eligible for support through the Backing Small Business grant program, created by American Express. Through their Disaster Recovery initiative, qualifying small business owners can receive $10,000 grants to assist with recovery and rebuilding efforts following a natural disaster.

Applications are currently open and will close on Wednesday, May 21 at 11:59 p.m. CT. If you or a business you know has been impacted, apply now.