REGISTRATION FOR THE 2025 TSOC NETWORK CONFERENCE IS NOW LIVE & EARLY-BIRD RATES APPLY!

The Mill Casino Hotel & RV Park in Coos Bay will host the 3rd Annual Travel Southern Oregon Coast Network Conference on February 24-25, 2025. Registration is now open, and early-bird rates apply!

The TSOC Network Conference brings regional tourism partners together to learn, build relationships, and find solutions to the challenges we face as an industry. TSOC will host an exciting opening network reception on Monday evening, February 24, followed by a full day of valuable insights, networking opportunities, and collaborative sessions on Tuesday, February 25.

The first two conferences were sold out, so be sure to secure your spot early.

TSOC SPONSORS THE WILDFLOWER INN FOR KIND TRAVELER'S "EVERY STAY GIVES BACK" COMMUNITY IMPACT PROGRAM

Pursuing our goal of enhancing sustainable and regenerative tourism on the South Coast, TSOC proudly invested in The Wildflower Inn, facilitating their participation in the Kind Traveler's “Every Stay Gives Back" program. This initiative enables hotel stays to positively impact local communities by funding local nonprofits and addressing community and environmental challenges.

In collaboration with Kind Traveler, The Wildflower Inn in Gold Beach supports the Elakha Alliance. This organization is dedicated to restoring a healthy population of sea otters along the Oregon coast, thereby enhancing the resilience and robustness of Oregon’s marine and coastal ecosystems. Through this community impact program, Kind Traveler contributes $1 per night of each stay, up to two nights, to the Elakha Alliance.

Learn more about how travel dollars spent at The Wildflower Inn positively impacts the local community.

TSOC CO-AUTHORS A "JOURNAL OF OUTDOOR RECREATION AND TOURISM" STUDY ON MOUNTAIN BIKERS' POST-TRIP TRAILS RECOMMENDATIONS

The Journal of Outdoor Recreation and Tourism has published a research paper co-authored by Julie Miller, TSOC Executive Director, and Miles Phillips, TSOC Board Member from Oregon State University. The study examines the desire of mountain bikers to recommend their favorite trails to friends. Focusing on the Whiskey Run Trail System near Bandon, the study explores how bikers' cognitive processes—their thoughts and emotions—influence their intention to share their favorite biking spots.

The findings highlight the significance of both satisfaction and emotions. While emotions play a role, satisfaction is a powerful predictor for post-trip recommendations. Essentially, the more satisfied riders are with their experience, the more likely they are to rave about it. These insights can help us create better management strategies for mountain biking destinations, focusing on what truly enhances the biker’s experience. 

Other co-authors include Javier Parada Torres from Travel Oregon, Jeffrey Kline from the USDA, and Ian Munanura and Randall Rosenberger from Oregon State University.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR "RIDE THE DIRT WAVE" AT WHISKEY RUN BIKE TRAILS

Ride the Dirt Wave is right around the corner, and they need your help! Volunteer now for various positions, such as event setup, guiding rides, and race course marshaling.

Key positions still needed include a beer server (OLCC license required) and someone to work the road, preferably with experience dealing with the public, as some folks get a little grumpy about road closures!

If you're not able to volunteer, but want to participate in the guided rides or enter the race, head over to their website, and get registered.

TSOC & 7 DEVILS BREWERY JOIN FORCES TO SUPPORT THE WHISKEY RUN BIKE TRAILS

TSOC is again teaming up with 7 Devils Brewing to celebrate Ride The Dirt Wave and support Whiskey Run Trails. Join us at 7 Devils Brewery and Tap Room in Coos Bay on Saturday, July 20, for the Gnome Wrecker Release Party.

The Gnome Wrecker IPA beer can features a watercolor painting of Whiskey Run trails by artist Chris McNally. Travel Southern Oregon Coast specially commissioned the map as part of our year-long brand campaign to promote the trails.

The festivities begin at 5:30 PM. Enjoy brewery tours, sample 7 Devil's latest brew, strike a pose in the photo booth, test your skills in a friendly game of cornhole, and groove to live music starting at 7:00 PM.

By joining us, you'll not only have a fantastic time, but also contribute to the maintenance of the Whiskey Run Mountain Bike Trails.

HAVE A QUESTION ABOUT TOURISM OR STEWARDSHIP? ASK AN EXPERT!

Travel Oregon has identified and vetted consultants who are available to provide free one-on-one consultations and resources to Oregon's tourism-related DMOs, businesses, and non-profits.

These consultants are equipped to provide industry partners with critical tourism stewardship and development information, technical assistance, and resources to elevate key tourism niches. Any Oregon tourism industry partner can access these consultations free of charge by completing an Ask an Expert form.

AN INCREASE IN OREGON'S MINIMUM WAGE TAKES EFFECT

On July 1, Oregon implemented a new minimum wage increase to support its workforce. This adjustment aims to enhance workers' financial well-being by addressing rising living costs and helping employees meet their basic needs. The increase impacts sectors like hospitality, retail, and service industries, providing a crucial boost for the lowest-paid workers.

Employers across Oregon must now comply with the updated wage standards, which vary by region. The minimum wage for counties on the South Coast is now $13.70 per hour.

"TASTE OF THE WILD RIVERS COAST" INVITES YOU TO BECOME A SPONSOR OF THIS EXCITING EVENT

The organizers of "Taste of the Wild Rivers Coast" invite you to become a sponsor for this exciting event scheduled for September 7, 2024, from noon to 5:00 PM at Buffington Park in Gold Beach. The celebration will highlight the rich culinary delights and handcrafted goods of the Southern Oregon Coast, strategically presented under the Wild Rivers Coast Food Trail brand.

Attendees will enjoy local food, beer, wine, and unique handcrafted items, all while enjoying live music from local bands. With an expected attendance of 200 people, including locals and tourists, this event offers a fantastic opportunity for visibility and community engagement.

Sponsorship opportunities are available at Gold and Silver levels. Additionally, there are Partnership opportunities through in-kind donations or volunteer support. If you are interested in becoming a sponsor, please contact Anna Marie at 541.251.0119 or by email.

Travel Southern Oregon Coast Network

541-297-2821

julie@oscrtn.com

www.OSCRTN.com

PHOTO CREDITS: The Wildflower Inn courtesy of The Wildflower Inn, Whiskey Run Riders & Gnome Wrecker by Hornbecker, Blueberries by Elisabeth Joly