Ep 145 - How Tourism Works In McKenzie River • Weddings, Events & Overnight Stays

How does tourism actually work behind the scenes along the McKenzie River — and How do weddings, events, and overnight stays support the entire corridor? Our guests take you inside the layered marketing and funding system that helps position the McKenzie River Valley as a destination for celebrations, recreation, and meaningful travel — without losing the character that makes it special. Whether you're a resident, a business owner, a venue operator, or considering an investment along the McKenzie River corridor, this episode explains how the system works — and how you can plug into it. If you listened to Episode 144, Exploring Weddings Along The McKenzie River , this is the follow-up that explains how those efforts are supported, amplified, and sustained. You'll hear from: Carol Tannenbaum, Email Chair of the McKenzie River Chamber of Commerce Tourism Committee and owner of McKenzie River Lavender, on how local leadership guides tourism funding, wayfinding, storytelling, and community-driven projects. Stephen Hoshaw Email and Megan Temple Email of Travel Lane County (Eugene, Cascades & Coast), on how county-level marketing moves visitors from awareness to booking and supports lodging, venues, and small businesses. Tori Middelstadt, Email Executive Director of the Willamette Valley Visitors Association, on how regional and out-of-state marketing amplifies communities like the McKenzie River and helps fund destination development projects. Together, we explore: • How transient lodging tax dollars are reinvested locally • Why gateway signage, visitor centers, and interpretive projects matter • How layered marketing (local → county → regional → state) increases overnight stays • Why weddings and event travel create ripple effects for restaurants, lodges, and service providers • How business owners and residents can engage in the tourism process • What investors should understand about long-term destination strategy Tourism isn't just about visitors. It's about community resilience, economic stability, and thoughtful growth. Listen in to understand how discovery becomes overnight stays, how overnight stays support local businesses, and how collaboration keeps the McKenzie River strong for generations to come. Entrepreneur & Investor Opportunity For entrepreneurs, hospitality operators, or investors exploring event-driven or lodging opportunities along the McKenzie River corridor, this episode outlines the layered marketing and tourism infrastructure already in place. Properties positioned within this ecosystem benefit from: • Local tourism committee leadership • County-level marketing through Travel Lane County (Eugene, Cascades & Coast) • Regional and out-of-state amplification through the Willamette Valley Visitors Association • Strategic investment funding for destination development • Growing interest in weddings, retreats, and experiential travel A rare opportunity currently available within this corridor is the McKenzie River Inn — a custom-built residential inn designed for retreat, lodging, and event potential. If you are an entrepreneur seeking a hospitality investment aligned with coordinated tourism support and long-term destination strategy, this may be worth exploring. Learn more here: https://bit.ly/McKenzieRiverInn For a confidential conversation, contact Judy Casad, Windermere Real Estate, LC. Prepare to Sell and Know what to do when Buying your next Home ~ Windermere provides a financial product 'Windermere Ready' tailored specifically for homeowners preparing to sell their home. Cover the costs of repairs and upgraded features and defer payment until closing sale.* This means you can invest in enhancing your home's appeal** with nothing due until your home sells.* From minor repairs to staging, you can make your home stand out on the market without worrying about upfront out of pocket costs.* Interested in learning more? Call Judy today! 541-968-2400 TAP Windermere Ready to sign-up today! No cost to you until you

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