The Florence Area Chamber of Commerce’s Visitor Center features a different local art exhibit each month. In February the exhibit spotlights a variety of works by local and Northwest artists from The Blue Heron Gallery in Old Town. “Visitors will find a beautiful display of a wide variety of jewelry, sculpture, and artwork in several mediums by locally-, regionally-, and nationally-acclaimed artists,” says Jack Butler, owner of the Blue Heron Gallery, Sticks and Stones Gallery, and Wind Drift Gallery. “It’s exciting to be invited to participate in the Chamber’s monthly exhibit,” he adds. “We appreciate that the Chamber supports our vibrant arts community.” “We are delighted to have a sampling of The Blue Heron’s collection on display at the Chamber’s Visitor Center this month,” says Chamber executive director Bettina Hannigan. “The Chamber is listed in the local art tour map because of our monthly displays of photography, paintings, or three-dimensional […]
Branding – are you? Branding is one of the most productive marketing tools you can use to build your business. Florence “A city in motion”, the chamber’s marketing “Oregon’s Coastal Playground”, Nike – “Just Do It”, ROLAIDS “How Do You Spell Relief?” you get the idea. Personally, I think the most important part of marketing is the actual interactive experience. Are you living up to your branding? Who are you targeting and what is important to them? My mom trained me early, there is a big difference between inexpensive and cheap. This concept extends to a multitude of business tangibles. I’ll share the one greatest tool you can use to brand your business – CUSTOMER SERVICE. When is the last time you’ve heard “The Customer is Always Right”? Can you say Nordstrom? How do you feel when you’re the customer and you’re treated right? That’s what I’m talking about. Customer […]
Last year, nationally, more than half of American workers left 705 million vacation days unused—up from 662 in 2017. Nearly 10,000 of those days were left on the table by Oregonians. That’s why the Florence Area Chamber of Commerce is participating in National Plan Your Vacation Day on January 29. The event, promoted by The U.S. Travel Association, encourages everyone to take 30 minutes early in the year to plan a vacation. “It is proven that those that take vacation time are happier, healthier, and more productive,” says Bettina Hannigan, executive director of the Florence Area Chamber of Commerce. “Vacation is essential to strengthen personal relationships, inspire creative thinking, improve professional performance and promote better health—and Florence should be at the top of your list of vacation destinations for many reasons. “And we think there is no better place than right here in Florence—Oregon’s Coastal Playground.” Research shows that individuals […]
The Florence Area Chamber of Commerce has selected the winner of a $250 cash prize in its 2018 photo contest. The organization was looking for the best photos of the fun, frolic, and iconic buildings and scenery, from Oregon’s Coastal Playground—an area up to 25 miles in any direction of Florence. More than 100 photos were entered. James Dominguez of Eugene, OR, entered the winning photo of daughter Cecelia running barefoot through a stream on the beach at the end of Hobbit Trail just north of Heceta Head Lighthouse. Dominguez’s photo will be featured in the Chamber’s Visitors’ Resource Guide and other printed marketing pieces, on the Chamber’s website, and in social media. A panel of Chamber members selected the winner. “Our family is thrilled,” says Dominguez. “We were on a little family vacation to Florence in May and I was trying out the selective focus feature on my new […]
Last month, the Bureau of Oregon Labor & Industries released their final rules for employers and employees on Oregon’s groundbreaking Equal Pay Act, passed by the 2017 Oregon legislature. The new law that goes into effect on January 1, 2019 requires that employees be paid equally for comparable work regardless of gender or any of Oregon’s ten other protected classes. We believe this will be the most challenging human resources issue for most of our Chamber members over the next year. Further complicating matters – and increasing the level of urgency – is that lawsuits are allowed based on violations of the law starting on January 1st. The guide, which you can view here, provides helpful information for your members as they prepare to comply with the new law. The guidance includes an overview of the law, frequently asked questions, a guide for employers on self-evaluations, a sample checklist of policies […]
The Florence Area Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce that nominations are open for the 2018 First Citizen Awards! This prestigious award is given to an individual who has used their influence, time, talents and resource to serve and improve the Florence Area. Now is the time to recognize the individuals in our community, Toot their horn! The award will be presented at the January 23rd Siuslaw Awards emceed by KEZI’s Matt Templemen. Download the nomination form here.
The recognitions keep rolling in for Florence, Oregon. TripAdvisor, the world’s largest travel website, recently named Florence, Oregon, as one of its 25 Best Family Weekend Getaways With Kids. In introducing their recommendations the site said “From kid-friendly adventures in the great outdoors to classic theme parks, we’re featuring our picks for the best family weekend trips in every US region—so no matter where you live, there’s a convenient spot not too far away.” TripAdvisor touted Florence as a place with “plenty of activities to do with kids—whether it’s a visit to Sand Master Park, the world’s first sandboard park, or spending the day on Heceta Beach. The entire family will love the Sea Lion Caves, a favorite roadside attraction and must-see spot. There’s mini golf, horseback riding on the beach, and giant dune buggy tours, too. With an activity to satisfy every mood, it’s a top choice if you’re […]
The Florence Area Chamber of Commerce is kicking off its annual Holiday Festival on Saturday, November 24. Santa’s arrival, hayrides, lighted boats at the marina, live music, and other performances, and the official lighting of its Christmas tree will take place in Historic Old Town; and shops and galleries will be open for holiday shopping all around town. Beginning at 3:30 p.m. the public can enjoy hot cider and cocoa, hayrides down Bay Street between the Port of Siuslaw and the parking lot west of The River House Inn, live music, and witness Santa’s arrival via firetruck courtesy of Siuslaw Valley Fire and Rescue. C.R.O.W. Theater Kids will perform at 4:30 p.m. Nationally-touring swinging crooner Ken Lavigne performs from 5:30 to 6:00, and at 6:00 p.m. everyone can gather at the Siuslaw Interpretive Park when Mayor Joe Henry flips the switch to light the tree. Lavigne will perform a full […]
Published: November 02, 2018 The Oregon Coast is beautiful in all weather. Hike seaside cliff trails with far-reaching views on sunny days. Watch the light from the brightest lighthouse on the Oregon Coast penetrate banks of rolling fog. Experience the drama of a coastal storm from the comfort of a cozy restaurant. Historic Old Town Florence offers fresh seafood, local art galleries, Siuslaw River views and some of the finest coffee on the coast. Spend the wetter hours browsing the shops and chatting with locals. There is no bad weather, just poor clothing choices! IS IT SUNNY? Learn to sandboard Tour the dunes by dune buggy Swing a club at Florence Golf Links Fish off the pier or from a boat Fly a kite or build a sand castle on the beach Hunt for agates on the beach Whale watch or view the sunset from scenic overlooks Kayak on a coastal lake Go birding along the bluffs IS IT FOGGY? Tour the […]
The Florence Area Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce the 112th Rhododendron Festival Logo Contest. The Florence Area Chamber of Commerce has named the theme “Coastal Canvas” “Art is in our lives everyday whether we see it or not. When the space around you looks good, such as the nature around us, physical types of art, well designed streetscapes, you feel good. People do more for each other, spend money spurring economic development, and provides empowerment to a community. With Coastal Canvas being the Rhododendron Theme for 2019, it opens the door to various types of arts and celebrations! We live in an open canvas and we can use what is around us to build upon to thrive. We have visual arts, culinary arts, theater/performing arts, etc… all here in the Siuslaw Region. Celebrating the Arts and our neighbors (and guests to our area) will showcase our skills, kindness […]