• Spring Break Fun at the Willamette Art Center
  Added March 2, 2010
• Historic Vote in Congress to Boost Inbound Travel to the Salem Area and Stimulate Local Economy
  Added March 2, 2010
• Travel Salem project wins Merit Award for CB|2 Architects
  Added February 2, 2010
• Closing the Generation Gap topic at Marketing Exchange Luncheon
  Added January 20, 2010
• Travel Salem Receives $65,000 from Marion County for Regional Tourism Promotion
  Added December 21, 2009

Spring Break Fun at the Willamette Art Center

SALEM, ORE. –– Registration for spring break classes that take place at the Willamette Art Center from March 22-26, 2010 is now open. Available classes for kids include:

• Hand Building Class – Students will explore a few of the basic skills of pottery. They will work with extruded clay, slab forms and coils. Pieces will be decorated using colored slips, glazes and stains. Projects may include rattles, birdhouses, picture frames, bowls and platters. Open to ages 7 and up. Classes limited to ten students - $90.00
• Wheel Throwing Class – Explore the basic skills of making pottery on the wheel. Students will make bowls, plate, vases and mugs. Pieces will be decorated using colored slips, glazes and stains. Open to ages 10 and up. Classes limited to 8 students - $90.00

Register by calling the Willamette Art Center at 503-365-3911 or by going online at www.willametteartcenter.com. You can also stop by the studio which is located at the Oregon State Fairgrounds — 2330 17th St. NE, Salem.

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***Travel Salem is a non-profit organization that promotes Salem and Marion and Polk counties for leisure tourism and convention and event business. The local annual economic impact of the greater Salem area visitor industry is $496 million. Travel Salem manages the Official Salem Area Travel Café/Visitors Center located at the historic Grand Hotel building (181 High St. NE, Salem), two I-5 satellite visitor information locations located at the Best Western Mill Creek Inn (3125 Ryan Dr. SE) and the Red Lion Hotel (3301 Market St. NE), and the Official Salem Area Website www.TravelSalem.com***

Historic Vote in Congress to Boost Inbound Travel to the Salem Area and Stimulate Local Economy

SALEM, ORE. –– Travel Salem welcomed news today that the U.S. Congress passed legislation to create economic growth and thousands of new American jobs by welcoming millions more international travelers to the United States. The Travel Promotion Act will allow the United States to establish a multi-million dollar promotion program to compete on the global stage for the billions of dollars and immeasurable goodwill that would come with overseas travelers. The bill is expected to become law within 10 days.

“The Salem area is an international destination with visitors from all corners of the globe,” said Angie Morris, president and CEO of Travel Salem. “International travelers seek out Salem for its authentic experiences, abundant and unique outdoor recreational opportunities, culinary bounty and rich historic amenities. This monumental legislation establishes a new revenue stream necessary to compete on the global stage. Travel Salem will continue its partnership with Travel Oregon as we look for new ways to attract international travelers and leverage this new legislation.”

“This is a historic victory for the U.S. economy and the one in eight American workers whose jobs depend on travel,” said Roger Dow, president and CEO of the U.S. Travel Association. “The United States Congress has sent a clear message that travel is a high priority to our nation and that tangible steps must be taken to increase travel to and within the United States. We are extremely grateful to the bill’s champions: Senators Reid, Dorgan, Ensign and Klobuchar in the Senate and Representatives Delahunt, Blunt and Farr in the House.”

The Travel Promotion Act establishes a public-private partnership to promote the United States as a premier international travel destination and communicate U.S. security and entry policies. According to analysis by Oxford Economics, the bill is estimated to drive $4 billion in new consumer spending annually, provide $321 million in new federal tax revenue each year and create 40,000 U.S. jobs nationwide. Further, it is expected to reduce the federal budget deficit by $425 million over the next 10 years, according to the Congressional Budget Office.

Overseas visitors spend an average of more than $4,000 when they visit the United States.

The Travel Promotion Act is modeled after successful state-level initiatives and is funded through a matching program featuring up to $100 million in private sector contributions and a $10 fee on foreign travelers who do not pay $131 for a visa to enter the United States. The fee is collected once every two years in conjunction with the Department of Homeland Security’s Electronic System for Travel Authorization. No money is provided by U.S. taxpayers.

The U.S. Travel Association is the national, non-profit organization representing all components of the $770 billion travel industry. U.S. Travel’s mission is to promote and facilitate increased travel to and within the United States. For more information, visit www.ustravel.org.

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***Travel Salem is a non-profit organization that promotes Salem and Marion and Polk counties for leisure tourism and convention and event business. The local annual economic impact of the greater Salem area visitor industry is $496 million. Travel Salem manages the Official Salem Area Travel Café/Visitors Center located at the historic Grand Hotel building (181 High St. NE, Salem), two I-5 satellite visitor information locations located at the Best Western Mill Creek Inn (3125 Ryan Dr. SE) and the Red Lion Hotel (3301 Market St. NE), and the Official Salem Area Website www.TravelSalem.com***

Travel Salem project wins Merit Award for CB|2 Architects

SALEM, ORE. –– The American Institute of Architects (AIA) Salem Chapter awarded Travel Salem’s Travel Café a merit award during the 2009 AIA Salem Design Awards banquet at the Northwest Viticulture Center on January 21, 2010.

A jury of three distinguished architectural professionals selected Travel Salem’s Travel Café, designed and built by CB|2 Architects & Construction in Salem, for its demonstration of a consistent hand in the development and execution of an idea of reuse and renovation. The design provided a level of attention and refinement that was successful in creating a welcoming area for people to gather and obtain information about the Salem area. A kiosk area was established using existing wood columns, and the existing brick walls brought warmth and material expression to the space and also gave further reference to the existing structure. The jury further comments that the design of the ‘Jewel Box’ glassed-in conference area feature successfully extends and unifies the space.

“The 2009 architectural design award of the Travel Salem interior, places this elegant space; one that brings historic preservation and modern design together into a seamless and well-thought out design, into the top tier of Salem and Portland architectural interiors,” said Peter Strauhal, AIA Salem president-elect. “Salem is truly blessed to have such a well-crafted public space to learn more about the vibrant communities and diverse activities and attractions in the region.”

Travel Salem’s Travel Café is one of only four projects to win an award. A design-build process with CB|2 Construction allowed the project to meet the demands of a limited budget and tight schedule. The design vision was to express the character of the historic building by opening up the space and exposing brick walls and wood columns that had been concealed from past renovations in what use to be a downtown bridal shop. CB|2 Architects created a bold, progressive expression with a central reception pavilion, glass conference room, and rich material and color palette. The Travel Café was designed with sustainability in mind, including: use of recycled materials saved from demolition; earthfriendly options when purchasing new materials; electrical and HVAC zoning changes to conserve energy and maximize resources; and creative use of natural light to minimize energy consumption. The design creates a variety of spaces that can evolve depending on use and function. Diligent attention to details and craftsmanship was a goal, which is reflected throughout the project.

“The Travel Salem project provided an opportunity to celebrate key Salem-area sights and businesses in a prominent historic downtown location,” said Garth Brandaw, principal of CB|2 Architects. “Angie Morris came to us with the vision, and we were committed to making sure it reflected the quality and character of our community.”

“This award reflects and comments on Travel Salem’s desire to blend the old with the new in visioning the Travel Café,” said Angie Morris, president and CEO of Travel Salem. “While the project was intended to reinvent how our community could connect with the visitor through a vibrant and dynamic space, it also reflects Travel Salem’s continued commitment to the tradition and history of our region. CB|2 brought extraordinary talent and vision to masterfully blend old with new and design a space that takes form and function to a whole new level.”

Travel Salem’s Travel Café is a full service visitors center aimed at connecting with visitors and consumers in new and exciting ways. This one-of-a-kind visitors center offers a wide array of services — personal assistance, event ticket sales, wine tasting, GPS rentals, free Wi-Fi — and provides the platform for innovative partnership, events, and technology to mash up and ultimately drive economic impact for the Salem region.

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***Travel Salem is a non-profit organization that promotes Salem and Marion and Polk counties for leisure tourism and convention and event business. The local annual economic impact of the greater Salem area visitor industry is $496 million. Travel Salem manages the Official Salem Area Travel Café/Visitors Center located at the historic Grand Hotel building (181 High St. NE, Salem), two I-5 satellite visitor information locations located at the Best Western Mill Creek Inn (3125 Ryan Dr. SE) and the Red Lion Hotel (3301 Market St. NE), and the Official Salem Area Website www.TravelSalem.com***

Closing the Generation Gap topic at Marketing Exchange Luncheon

SALEM, ORE. –– Travel Salem’s Marketing Exchange Luncheon will be held at the Keizer Renaissance Inn (5188 Wittenberg Lane N, Salem) on Thursday, January 21, 2010 from 11:45 a.m. to 1:15 p.m.

The topic of this luncheon is “Close the Generation Gap: Integrated Marketing Strategies to Tap into Purchasing Power for Unique Generations.” The keynote speaker is Jennifer Larsen Morrow, President of Creative Company — a strategic branding and communications firm that has been providing marketing strategy and highly successful branding programs to a wide range of businesses for more than 30 years. Morrow will present insights on the perspectives of each generation and provide guidance in reaching each of those groups.

This luncheon is a great educational opportunity and forum for attendees to promote their business by displaying literature and network with other attendees. Travel Salem’s Marketing Exchange also features a drawing for a premier give-away. Attendees could win a gift basket from Keizer Renaissance Inn.

As part of Travel Salem’s “Absolutely Giving Back” program, attendees are encouraged to bring canned or non-perishable food items to this event. Travel Salem will donate the contributions in a timely manner to various local charities or aid organizations.

Those interested in attending this luncheon should contact Travel Salem at 503-581-4325, ext. 30 to reserve a seat! RSVPs and prepayment of $18 is required if purchased by January 15 / $23 at the door with limited seating available.

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***Travel Salem is a non-profit organization that promotes Salem and Marion and Polk counties for leisure tourism and convention and event business. The local annual economic impact of the greater Salem area visitor industry is $496 million. Travel Salem manages the Official Salem Area Travel Café/Visitors Center located at the historic Grand Hotel building (181 High St. NE, Salem), two I-5 satellite visitor information locations located at the Best Western Mill Creek Inn (3125 Ryan Dr. SE) and the Red Lion Hotel (3301 Market St. NE), and the Official Salem Area Website www.TravelSalem.com***

Travel Salem Receives $65,000 from Marion County for Regional Tourism Promotion 

SALEM, ORE. –– Travel Salem was awarded $65,000 from Marion County for 2009-2010 regional tourism promotion efforts. This funding leverages public relations and marketing efforts, and supports overall economic development initiatives for the county. Collected through Oregon lottery dollars, the Marion County funds will support Travel Salem’s objective to be competitive in the region and state; promoting Salem and Marion and Polk Counties as a destination for tourism, meetings and conventions.

"I’m excited about Travel Salem’s new strategies, and support their innovative approach to bring new dollars and necessary diversity into our economy,” said Marion County Commissioner Patti Milne. “Smart economic development is critical in these challenging times. Their hard work and new strategies will reach far beyond the previous goal.”

“Marion County’s partnership allows Travel Salem to implement regional programs targeted at increasing jobs and visitor expenditures benefiting the entire region,” said Angie Morris, Travel Salem’s president and chief executive officer. “Tourism is a very competitive industry, and by working together we can enhance this region’s profile and attract new business, visitors and events.”

Travel Salem’s funding through the City of Salem’s transient occupancy tax (TOT) revenues, also known as lodging tax, is restricted to promoting businesses inside Salem city limits. Marion County’s partnership enables Travel Salem to serve as a regional destination marketing organization supporting county-wide tourism promotion.

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***Travel Salem is a non-profit organization that promotes Salem and Marion and Polk counties for leisure tourism and convention and event business. The local annual economic impact of the greater Salem area visitor industry is $496 million. Travel Salem manages the Official Salem Area Travel Café/Visitors Center located at the historic Grand Hotel building (181 High St. NE, Salem), two I-5 satellite visitor information locations located at the Best Western Mill Creek Inn (3125 Ryan Dr. SE) and the Red Lion Hotel (3301 Market St. NE), and the Official Salem Area Website www.TravelSalem.com***