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Big Opportunity!
Entrepreneurs in the Tourism Industry
Oregon's Rural Tourism Studio, to be offered by Travel Oregon this April in Wal-
low County, is now open for registration. With tourism industry workshops and
education specialized for Wallow County, the program will help rural communities
stimulate their local economies, protect and enhance local resources, and foster
pride in the place they live. Community leaders, tourism entrepreneurs, farmers,
Pat Wortman, President
bikers, event producers and anyone with an interest in strengthening the local econ-
Doris Woempner, Vice President
omy through tourism are invited to participate.
Brian Greer, Treasurer
Sam Summers, Past President The Rural Tourism Studio brings seven days of training on:
Shannon Novakovich, Director ♦ tourism development and strategies for creating genuine visitor experiences from
Adrian Harguess, Director existing local assets
♦ sustainable tourism that is sensitive to the “triple bottom line” of business, community
Linda Bauck, Director
and environment
Ron Woodin, Director ♦ the rapidly expanding niche market of bicycle tourism
Rod & Linda Childers, Director ♦ agri-tourism, or expanding agricultural enterprises with unique visitor experiences
Cynthia Warnock, Director ♦ marketing destinations on a shoestring
♦ fundraising to support regional tourism development
Roy Garten, Director
Chris Geyer, Director Participants will be given opportunity to tour their region as a visitor for deeper insight on
John Williams, Director local tourism liabilities and assets, and to foster communication among tourism
David Harman, Director entrepreneurs.
Nancy Rudger, Director
The following workshops and events will be offered as part of the program:
Mike Hayward, Ex Officio
April 3 Program Kick-Off [REQUIRED]
CHAMBER STAFF Tourism Industry Overview; Setting Tourism Development Priorities
Vicki Searles, Executive Director April 9 Tourist for an Afternoon!
Keithanne Boeve, Admin. Assist. Explore your community from the visitor’s perspective.* (location TBD)
April 10 Bike Tourism Development - Workshop I – Part 1
MARCH 2009 April 11 Bike Tourism Development - Workshop II – Part 2
May 1 Agri-Tourism Development - Workshop III
May 1 Evening PubTalkTM for Tourism Entrepreneurs* (location TBD)
Tourism Studio Workshop 1
Visitor Report 2 May 2 Developing High Quality Events & Festivals - Workshop IV
Red Carpet Recipients 3 May 28 Tourism Marketing on a Shoestring
Program Announcements 4,6,7 May 29 Fundraising for your Project & Teaming for Success [REQUIRED]
New Businesses 5
Continue on page 2
HC Mule Days Scholarships 8
Continued Oregon's Rural Tourism Studio
All workshops, except where noted (*), will take place 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Hurricane Grange near Enterprise.
Participants attending all workshops and events will receive a certificate of completion.
Space is limited to 35 participants. Course registration will be on a first come, first serve basis for participants who meet
baseline criteria. To register, please contact the Wallowa County Chamber of Commerce at 541.426.4622 or send an
email to: info@wallowacountychamber.com.
Oregon's Rural Tourism Studio program is designed to assist Oregon’s rural communities that have identified tourism de-
velopment as one of their priority economic development strategies. The program will assist with the development of the
tourism industry in a way that will help stimulate the local economy, protect and enhance local natural and cultural re-
sources, and foster pride in the place they live. As a result, Travel Oregon hopes to see an increase in high-value, authen-
tic tourism offerings and experiences across the state that reflect the ethos of Oregon, contributing to community livability
and our state's reputation as a premiere tourism destination in North America.
Oregon’s Rural Tourism Studio is offered in partnership with the Eastern Oregon Visitors Association, Wallowa County
Chamber of Commerce, the Northeastern Oregon Development District, the City of Enterprise and Wallowa Resources,
and with support from the Hurricane Creek Grange. For more information about the program, please contact Travel Ore-
gon Tourism Development & Sustainability Manager, Kristin Dahl, at Kristin@TravelOregon.com or 503.378.2104.
*The Chamber encourages those with an entrepreneurial interest in bicycling, rural agi-heritage and event planning to be
sure to attend these studio workshops—this is a great opportunity for our county.
Chamber of Commerce Committee Chairs:
♦ Chris Geyer, Business and Education Committee ♦ David Harman, Membership Committee
Email: cgeyer@eoni.com Email: david.harman@wchcd.org
♦ Adrian Harguess, Shop Local Campaign ♦ Doris Woempner, Public Relations
Email: aharguess@communitybanknet.com Email: Woempner@eaglecap.net
Visitor Center Report
Source of Referrals: CENTRALIZED COUNTYWIDE COMMUNITY CALENDAR
Do you want a calendar where you can check on local dates for meetings & events?
Other/Friend 34 The Chamber has started such a calendar. The more local information we receive;
Sunset 0
the more useful this calendar becomes for everyone. Check it out!
Triple A Via Magazine 1
www.wallowacountychamber.com click community Calendar.
Oregon Travel Guide 5
Oregonian 0
Info. Requests February—09 January 09 YTD February —08
NW Travel 12
Brochures 3
EOVA 7
Walk-In’s Visitors/Bus. 161 282 443 54
Travel Articles 0 Visitor Packets Sent 106 223 329 15
Telephone Directory 44 Incoming phone/email contacts 256 412 668 258
Internet (30) Letters 0) 110
Conference/Reunion/wed 2 Relocation packets 3 3 6 3
Other Chambers 7 Total Contacts 526 920 1446 330
Oregon Business 0
Other 5 Member Referrals Made
DOES NOT INCLUDE THE
1620 1559 3179 43
Page 2
Congratulations!
2009 Red Carpet Program Recipients
Right
BLH, Inc.
Owners: Dean Himes & Bill Bronson
PO Box 176
Enterprise, OR (541) 426-6072
Below (Phone Etiquette)
Wellens/Farwell, March 1, 2009
Owners: Troy Farwell & Keith Wellens
PO Box 658/62884 IRA Pratt Road Red Carpet Recipients
Enterprise, OR (541) 426-4071
Wellens Farwell (Below) Mystery Shopper statement:
“Did an excellent job! I asked about office hours in case we happened to
come into town and needed to meet with them, Lacy Gordon replied by giv-
ing me Keith and Troy’s cell numbers. She said they can meet with you at
any time and any where.” Lacy did her best to get a lead for her business.
Above BLH, Inc. Mystery Shopper statement:
“Very friendly—both Dean Himes and Terry Bronson. They an-
swered all of my questions and offered me a brochure and the ad-
dress of their website. Dean answered all of my questions in regards
to the wood used, design, and manufacture of furniture. Really
pleasant atmosphere—made me want to do business with them!”
Creating a Strong !
Economy Together
The Wallowa County Chamber of Commerce Team
Welcome Our New Members to the Chamber
pcdpages Email: mlederer@chdinc.org
Contact: Trina Barkle Description: Northeast Oregon health collaborative.
PO Box 2777/135 S. Mountain Way Drive
Orem, Utah 84058
Alegre Travel
(800) 443-0801 Owner: Peggy Weishaar
Website: www.pdcpages.com 101 Depot Street
Description: Yellow Page Publisher La Grande, OR 97850
(800) 323-7330
Northeast Oregon Network Email: travel@alegretravel.com
Contact: Miriam Lederer Website: www.alegretravel.com
1100 K Avenue Description: Travel agency and tickets for the
La Grande, OR 97850 Eagle Cap Excursion Train.
Page 3
You are invited
By northeast Oregon network NEoN
To an informative, innovative community meeting
Health Reformation
NEoN is a rural health collaborative of providers, agencies and community members from Union, Baker and Wallowa
counties in the areas of primary care, long-term care, public health, mental health, alcohol and drug services, and acute
care. In August of 2004, NEoN was created for the purpose of focusing on the diverse health needs of its rural community.
Our purpose: To strengthen the rural healthcare system in Union, Wallowa, and Baker Counties
by integrating the expertise and efforts of existing resources within the three counties —
expanding available resources and reducing overlapping ones.
Our members believe that a unified collaborative voice, which NEoN provides, can create a critical mass and the strength to
influence policy formation and increase resources.
We want your input!
A Survey will be forthcoming
Once we receive your completed survey, you will be entered into
A DRAWING TO WIN CHAMBER MONEY!
The drawing will take place at the community meeting:
When: Thursday, April 9th, 6:30 pm.
Where: Community Connections Dining Hall
You must be present to win!
Safety Begins with You!
For the 2007 work year Wallowa County had 30 disabling claims filed. 7 in Agriculture & Forestry, 4 in Construction, 3 in Manufactur-
ing, 4 in Retail, and 2 in services. That is almost a claim every other week for the entire year. Enterprise had 14 claims, Joseph had 9,
and Wallowa had 5.
Oregon OSHA has a mission statement, which is “To advance and improve workplace safety and health for all working Oregonians”.
To do this Oregon OSHA has different sections that are engaged in this pursuit.. Consultation is a confidential service to assist em-
ployers in maintaining a safe and healthful workplace.. Enforcement is a service to ensure that employers follow minimum standards
of safety and health.
Standards and Technical Resources assure that all information regarding rules that can be provided to the employer is provided. This
section of Oregon OSHA also helps employers to consider any unique circumstances and conditions that might exist in the work-
place. Public Education and Oregon OSHA's conference section are responsible for conducting safety and health seminars, onsite
workshops and rule forums. All of these are totally free services. Oregon OSHA even has a lending library and research facilities to
help employers gather information about hazards and safe practices.
The Wallowa County Chamber is sponsoring a one hour workshop on how Oregon OSHA can help you create a culture of safety in
your workplace. Allen Freauff of Oregon OSHA will be providing information on how the formation of safety training programs as well
as establishing safety committee's. This workshop will take place a noon on Tuesday, March 17th at the chamber office in Enter-
prise. Lunch will be provided. Space is limited, so please contact Keith Ann at 426-4622 to sign up.
Submitted by Chris Geyer, Chairperson, Chamber Business and Training Committee
Page 4
Welcome new businesses to Wallowa County!
October 1st—February 29th
Above
Zel’s Full Service Hair Salon
Owner: Shala Kassahn
107 SW 1st Street (professional mall)
Enterprise, OR (541) 426-9357
Top Right
US Cellular Dealer
Above Owner: Sam Summers
108 West Main Street
Motivations Fitness Center, LLC
Enterprise, OR (541) 426-3777
Owner: Randy Mammenga
202 West Main Street
Enterprise, OR
(541) 398-2339
Below
TLC Bookkeeping, LLC
Owners: Lacey Daggett & Tanya Baquet
PO Box 103
Lostine, OR (541) 263-1543
Above
Enterprise Country Inn
Owners: Darrel Anderson
402 West North Street
Enterprise, OR
(541) 426-4986
Right
Stephanie Williams Counseling
Trauma Counseling
Owner: Stephanie Williams
100 North Main, #2
Joseph, OR
(541) 398-0577
Left
June’s Local Market
Owner: June Colony
Corner Wallowa & State Streets
Lostine, OR
(541) 569-2388 (after hours)
grassjune@hotmail.com
Page 5
Being Proactive, Not Reactive
The Chamber's Business Education and Training committee is please to announce that the spring workshop "Being Proactive, Not
Reactive" is scheduled for Thursday, April 30th from 4 PM to 8:30 PM at the Toma's Conference Center in Enterprise.
This incredibly important workshop is designed to help all businesses, local government agencies, educational institutions and non-
profit organizations understand the basics of labor and industry guidelines as it relates to employees.
Participants will gain a better understanding of employee benefits, employee privacy issues, compensation levels, employee leave
policies, workforce conduct rules, civil rights laws, policies relating to discipline and discharge and guidelines around layoffs. In
addition, you will have an opportunity to learn about the importance of a written policy manual. You will have an opportunity to learn
the importance of employee reviews and evaluations and better yet, how to perform one in a correct manner. Participants will learn
about paydays, work schedules and when to schedule employee breaks.
Additionally, employees depend on a clear understanding of their roles and responsibilities as well as the nuts and bolts of their
daily workplace life. Employers also derive many benefits from clear and consistently applied policies and guidelines.
Finally, the cost of not following state and federal policies can often be costly. A clear understanding of policies will help minimize
the time taken up with confusion and misunderstandings. Instead, that energy can be focused on developing and maintaining a
more productive workforce.
The cost of the workshop will be $25 for chamber members and $30 for non-members. We have sponsorship opportunities avail-
able as well.
For addition information, please contact Chris Geyer at cgeyer@eoni.com.
Submitted by Chris Geyer, Chairperson, Chamber Business and Training Committee
Are you passionate about small business and entrepreneurial
development in Wallowa County?
Help plant the seed of opportunity for emerging entrepreneurs. Join the Board of Wallowa County Business Facili-
tation and join us in providing a network of support for local businesses.
Formed in 2001, Wallowa County Business Facilitation, an all volunteer nonprofit organization, began offering business coaching to anyone in
Wallowa County who had a dream of opening their own business, or expanding an existing one. Since then, our Business Facilitator, Myron
Kirkpatrick, has coached 630 people.
The key philosophy of our program is that business success depends not only on markets and efficiency but on management, on the dedica-
tion and skills of the entrepreneur, who must see that the three essential functions of marketing, financial management, and production of the
goods or services are well executed.
So far his coaching has helped with the creation of 75 new local businesses, 24 expansions, 71 business plans/financial models, and 142
new jobs. There are an estimated 511 existing jobs that have been touched by this service.
Local businesses are the backbone of the local economy. Without local business, we would lack basic services such as medical care, educa-
tion, and law enforcement. The character and livability of our area is in large part contributed by small, entrepreneurial, and local businesses,
and the people who work in them and run them.
The coaching and facilitation are available free of charge to anyone with an idea and the motivation to pursue it. A volunteer board runs the
organization that supports Myron's work. We are funded by private donations, contributions from the cities and county government, and by a
few foundation grants.
Wallowa County Business Facilitation
If you are interested in joining please contact Marya Nowakowski at 426-2500.
Page 6
101 NE First St, Ste 100
Enterprise, OR 97828
Phone: 541-426-3598
www.neoedd.org
Growing business :: Strengthening communities
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Get Fit! Financially Fit!
Have trouble managing your finances? Do you want to save money but don't know how? Do your spend-
ing habits align with your values? Do you want to save or borrow money for your business and need to
get your personal finances in order?
This four session class, taught in Baker, Wallowa and Union Counties will help you make budgeting deci-
sions, organize your financial records, improve your credit and involve your family in your efforts to
manage your finances. A great way to tune-up your finances in a friendly, low-stress environment.
Cost: $50
Cost with Scholarship: Free!
Dates: Monday nights in La Grande, March 2nd-March 23rd, 6pm-8pm;
Location: Zabel Hall Room 204
To register: 541-426-3598, 800-645-9454
Foundations Business Plan Development Class
Need a business plan? Want to formalize your thoughts about your
business idea, pricing and marketing? This seven session business plan development class will give you
input and provide the structure to complete a written business plan. "As a participant you will receive
detailed, constructive feedback as you go through the business plan process, step by step. Instructors
act as facilitators, using interactive activities and drawing on the expertise and experiences of class par-
ticipants," says instructor, Lisa Dawson. Past participants have given this course high marks as useful
and engaging. The class will be offered in Union, Baker and Wallowa Counties.
Cost: $100
Cost with Scholarship: Free!
Dates: Tuesday nights in La Grande, April 7th-May
26th, (skipping May 19th) 6pm-9pm
Location: Zabel Hall Room 204
To register: 541-426-3598, 800-645-9454
Do It Yourself Marketing
This day-long, hands-on workshop led by sales and marketing expert Stacy Green, is coming to Baker
City. The workshop will take you through a simple, yet very effective template to create a marketing
plan that will help you increase profitable sales. Stop wasting time and money on marketing and adver-
tising that doesn't work. Learn the simple do's and don'ts to make marketing a successful investment in
your business. For more information on Stacy Green, visit her website at
www.stacygreenmarketing.com.
Cost: $125.
Cost with Scholarship: $25.
Dates: Thursday, March 17, 9am-4pm.
Locations: Baker City, Location TBA.
To register: 541-426-3598, 800-645-9454
Page 7
Compassionate Communication
Video Presentation
Basics of Nonviolent Communications
March 10th March 17th, 7-9:00 pm
Fishtrap’s Coffin House
April 6th and April 13th, 7-9:00 pm
Joseph Methodist Church
April 23rd and April 30th, 7-9:00 pm
Wallowa Methodist Church
Contact: Glenn Franz, 541 432-4036
Erin Donovan, 541 263-1443
Area Directors
FOR IMMEDIATE PRESS RELEASE
Enterprise
Shannon Novakovich,
Hells Canyon Mule Days Max Walker Memorial Scholarship: Wallowa Mountain Prop.
Joseph
The Hells Canyon Mule Days Board of Directors is pleased to announce that there will be three Adrian Harguess,
Community Bank
$1000.00 Wallowa
scholarships awarded to three Wallowa County high school seniors this spring. Linda Bauck,
L&L Backroads
The first annual Max Walker Memorial Scholarship was given in 2005 for one scholarship in the Wallowa Lake
amount Ron Woodin,
Flying Arrow Resort
of $1000.00 and was awarded to Wallowa High School student Lindsay Easom. The 2006 scholarship was Education
awarded to Enterprise High School student Tricia Kunkle. John Williams
WC Extension Office
With the growing success of the Hells Canyon Mule Days event and the mule days board of directors Health Care
(At Large)
being focused on giving back to the community, the decision was made to increase the number of scholar‐ David Harman
ships to three $1000.00 awards for 2006‐2007 school year. The 2007 recipients were Matthew Exon, Toviyah WC Health Care Dist.
Rural/Outlying
Lowe, and Margaret McClaran. The 2008 recipients were Emma Survis, Ben Garnett, and Kayann Layton. Cynthia Warnock,
The scholarships are open for application by any Wallowa County high school senior with a GPA of 3.0 WC Soil & Water CD
Farm/Ranch
or better, who will be attending college in the fall of 2009. Applications can be obtained from the high Rod & Linda Childers,
schools or can be downloaded from the Hells Canyon Mule Days website, http:// RL Cattle
Timber
www.hellscanyonmuledays.com Applications must be postmarked by April 21, 2009. Applications may also Roy Garten
be hand delivered to Sondra Lozier at Thompson Auto Supply in Enterprise no later than April 21, 2009. Forest Capital Partners
Small Business
The Max Walker Memorial Scholarship is funded by the Max Walker family, Hells Canyon Mule Days, (At-Large)
Max Walker Memorial Cowboy Poetry Gathering , businesses, and individuals. Any donations to the scholar‐ Chris Geyer,
Tourism
ship fund will be welcome. You may send your tax deductible contribution to: Hells Canyon Mule Days, Attn: Nancy Rudger,
Scholarship Committee, PO Box 50, Enterprise, OR 97828. For more information contact Sondra Lozier‐ 426‐ Wallowa Mountain
Visitor Center
3271 or cell # 263‐0104
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