The growing interest in destination cycling has led to an award-winning approach to economic development in Gresham. The Gresham Area Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Center, with $95,000 in Metro Regional Travel Options grant funds, has launched a two-year Bicycle Tourism Initiative to engage the region in collaboration to increase economic development and grow jobs through bicycle tourism. Communities from East Multnomah County to Cascade Locks hope to see more visitors on bikes, and the dollars that come with them, in their lodging establishments and businesses.
Last month, the Initiative was recognized for innovation in Chamber programming by the Western Association of Chamber Executives and was awarded the 2013 WACE Core Competency Program of the Year Award for demonstrating outstanding success across economic development, promoting the community and advocacy.
"We are so proud to have our excellence in programming acknowledged by an organization with such a far reach. The Western Association of Chamber Executives recognizes that the Bicycle Tourism Initiative is now a bench mark for Chamber programming around the country," said Alison Hart, CEO of the chamber.
As the project continues, efforts will focus on increasing use and awareness of East Multnomah County’s bike infrastructure and increasing the area’s capacity to market bicycle tourism. Late last year, as part of the research phase for the Bicycle Tourism Initiative, the Chamber conducted outreach in partnership with Travel Oregon, including two public workshops to assess barriers and opportunities.
With this phase of the project now complete, the Chamber shared implementation recommendations. Short-term projects include:
- Championing the Bicycle-Friendly Business program, initially targeting lodging and hospitality establishments.
- Identifying and promoting three bicycle tourism routes and accompanying itineraries for the summer 2014.
- Leveraging regional marketing resources to share the East Multnomah County bicycling experience with target markets.
- Coordinating with partners to install needed short-term facilities that enhance user experiences, such as water, restrooms, and bicycle parking.
- Laying the foundation for one new event in 2015
The Gresham Area Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Center is a private, nonprofit 501(c)(6) business association that promotes the prosperity of the business community. Listed on the 2012 and 2013 100 Best Nonprofits to Work For in Oregon, the Chamber is committed to creating a strong local economy, representing business interests to government, providing networking opportunities and promoting the East Metro community. For more information, please contact Heidi Beierle, Project Coordinator at [email protected] or Alison Hart, CEO at 503-665-1131 or 503-231-5421, or [email protected].