• Travel Salem Named Top 100 Best Green Companies to Work For in Oregon
  Added June 7, 2010
• Businesses Recognized at Travel Salem’s “Absolutely Fabulous” Awards Event
  Added May 21, 2010
• Absolutely Fabulous Awards Luncheon to Recognize Outstanding Tourism Industry Partners
  Added May 14, 2010
• Salem-Keizer Volcanoes Stadium Set to Erupt with the 2011 Pacific Northwest Regional Babe Ruth Tournament
  Added April 23. 2010
• Spring Art Show theme for First Wednesday at the Travel Cafe
  Added April 6, 2010
• The Serious Business of Having Fun topic at Marketing Exchange Luncheon
  Added March 16, 2010
• 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

Travel Salem Named Top 100 Best Green Companies to Work For in Oregon

SALEM, ORE. –– Travel Salem has been selected as a “Top 100 Best Green Companies to Work For in Oregon” by Oregon Business magazine. The rankings were unveiled at a luncheon held at the Hilton Portland & Executive Tower on Tuesday, June 1, 2010. Travel Salem was one of only five Salem businesses recognized — and the only nonprofit — ranking 80th overall.

Travel Salem’s “Green Team,” a group of employees in charge with making the workplace more sustainable, led the way in developing an eco-savvy culture that buy-in to sustainable practices. Travel Salem is certified EarthWISE through Marion County’s business environmental assistance program; incorporating sustainable practices in the business such as recycling, reducing waste and saving energy. Travel Salem’s Travel Café and administrative office was designed with sustainability in mind; using recycled and earthfriendly materials, natural light, among other features. Last March, the Travel Café received an award for “Green Building Retrofit of the Year” at the 2010 Mid-Willamette Valley Green Awards.

Based on its widely recognized “100 Best Companies to Work For in Oregon” project, the 100 Best Green Companies were determined by an anonymous employee survey and an independent assessment of the employers’ sustainability practices. There were 503 organizations and more than 26,000 employees participating in the project. Companies must enter either the 100 Best Companies survey or the 100 Best Nonprofits survey to be eligible for the 100 Best Green ranking. Last year, Travel Salem was recognized as the 16th best small nonprofit and 21st overall to work for in Oregon. The next 100 Best Nonprofits rankings will be announced in September.

The “100 Best Green Companies to Work For in Oregon” is featured in the June “Green Issue” of Oregon Business magazine, which is out now.

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Businesses Recognized at Travel Salem’s
“Absolutely Fabulous” Awards Event

SALEM, ORE. –– Travel Salem announced the recipients of their “Absolutely Fabulous” awards at the First Annual “Ab Fab” Awards Luncheon Thursday, May 20, 2010 at Willamette Valley Vineyards.

The Ab Fab awards recognize tourism industry partners who have gone above and beyond in 2009-10 to increase the economic impact of visitors. These award recipients have pushed the envelope; they are “traditional” rule breakers; they have turned ideas upsidedown and inside-out to get the maximum return from marketing, collaboration and partnerships, innovation, vision, awareness, environmental initiatives, product development and regional strategies. They are Absolutely Fabulous!

Listed below are the winners of the 2010 Ab Fab award in each category:

“Absolutely Green” Award
Salem Conference Center —
For their numerous green initiatives to reduce their carbon footprint.

“Absolutely Innovative” Award
Digital City Guide & HospitalityVision —
For creating a mechanism to promote the Salem area to visitors in more than 700 hotel rooms.

“Absolutely Heads in Beds” Award
Salem Area Lodging Association —
For their constant promotion of the Salem area as an overnight visitor destination.

“Absolutely Big Picture” Award
Marion County Oregon 150 —
For the ability to unite 20 communities to organize the “150 Miles for 150 Years” relay and passport promotion.

“Absolutely Pioneering” Award
Oregon Travel Information Council —
For their pioneering effort to create “I” signage to direct visitors to key visitor information resources.

“Absolutely Top of the Barrel” Award
Willamette Valley Vineyards —
For their commitment to sustainability and tourism industry partnerships.

“Absolutely Thinking Big” Award
Willamette Heritage Center —
For their ability to think big and create an umbrella organization that will benefit a number of heritage resources.

“Absolutely Smokin’” Award
Woodburn Company Stores —
For their red hot domestic and international marketing efforts that benefit the entire region.

“Absolutely ‘Gets It’” Award
Austin McGuigan, community development director for Polk County —
For his understanding of the local tourism industry as an economic generator.

“Absolutely Fabulous” Award
Statesman Journal —
For their relentless effort to inform Salem area residents and visitors about all of the wondrous assets of the region; and the economic and quality of life impact of tourism.

As the awards luncheon concluded, Angie Morris, Travel Salem’s president and CEO, expressed: “I’m humbled today to be here, surrounded by folks who day in and day out, follow their dreams and pour their hearts into their work, making the Salem area one of the best places on the planet to call home. Not only do we applaud the achievements of our award recipients, we also applaud each of you, our inspiration and our partners in the tourism industry. Thank you!”

In attendance were Mayor Janet Taylor and Marion County Commissioner Janet Carlson. Commissioner Carlson accepted the “Absolutely Big Picture Award” for her work with the Marion County Oregon 150 campaign. Travel Salem also recognized Mayor Taylor — to astanding ovation — as a champion for tourism. Mayor Taylor has opened doors, created connections and advocated on behalf of tourism-related issues. Her leadership, marketing savvy and foresight have helped shape the economic development landscape of the Salem region.

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Absolutely Fabulous Awards Luncheon to Recognize
Outstanding Tourism Industry Partners

SALEM, ORE. –– Travel Salem’s Marketing Exchange Luncheon just got a bit more…fabulous. The inaugural Absolutely Fabulous Awards Luncheon will be held on Thursday, May 20, 2010 from 11:45 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. at Willamette Valley Vineyards (8800 Enchanted Way SE, Turner).

The “Ab Fab” awards recognize tourism industry partners who have gone above and beyond in 2009-10 to increase the economic impact of visitors. These award recipients have pushed the envelope; they are “traditional” rule breakers; they have turned ideas upside-down and inside-out to get the maximum return from marketing, collaboration and partnerships, innovation, vision, awareness, environmental initiatives, product development and regional strategies. They are Absolutely Fabulous!

This year’s awards will feature the shockingly funny antics of On Your Feet, an out-of-the-box consulting firm. On Your Feet uses improvisation and other experiential techniques to help organizations create, relate and communicate…all while having a ridiculously good time.

Enjoy the ambiance of Willamette Valley Vineyards while networking and celebrating National Tourism Month. The $496 million generated by visitors each year to the Salem area along with 5,600 jobs is significant and worth commemorating!

In the Spotlight Photobooth will be on hand to capture the fun with a Gold Pioneer photo opportunity, and Woodburn Company Stores has provided $300 in shopping gift cards for several fortunate winners in a premier drawing giveaway.

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 “Absolutely Fabulous” luncheon should contact Travel Salem at 503-581-4325, ext. 58 to reserve a seat! RSVPs and prepayment of $18 is required if purchased by May 14 / $23 at the door with limited seating available.

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Salem-Keizer Volcanoes Stadium Set to Erupt with the
2011 Pacific Northwest Regional Babe Ruth Tournament

SALEM, ORE. –– Travel Salem assisted the Salem-Keizer Volcanoes to secure the 2011 Pacific Northwest Regional Babe Ruth Tournament to take place on August 1-6, 2011 at the Salem-Keizer Volcanoes Stadium. Eight teams from different states around the region will converge in Keizer to vie for a spot in the Babe Ruth World Series. The tournament will bring roughly 115 players and coaches, along with countless supporters, family and friends.

The Pacific Northwest Site Selection Committee gathered during a two-day regional meeting in Reno, Nev. in mid April to determine which community would be awarded the 2011 tournament. Travel Salem worked closely with the Salem-Keizer Volcanoes to coordinate presentations and materials required to showcase regional amenities and convention services necessary to secure the tournament.

“It was a pleasure to work with Jerry Walker and his team and be awarded the tournament,” said Debbie McCune, Travel Salem’s director of sales. “With letters of support from Mayor Taylor and Mayor Christopher, we were able show that we have great community support in Salem and Keizer. The Salem-Keizer Volcanoes are an amazing asset to have here in our community, and it is a great opportunity to share the stadium with families from the Pacific Northwest,” said McCune.

“Hosting the 2011 Babe Ruth Regional Tournament is a tremendous honor,” said Jerry Walker, owner and general manager of the Salem-Keizer Volcanoes. “Babe Ruth Baseball is a long-standing and highly respected organization with an incredible reputation and a terrific following. This tournament isn't the typical weekender with a night or two in a hotel. We're talking multiple days and evenings for the players, their families, friends, and fans to enjoy our community for an entire week,” said Walker.

Babe Ruth baseball was founded in 1951 to provide wholesome amateur baseball for 13- to 15-year-old players. It originally began with a four-team league that was designed to follow Little League baseball, which at that time only involved players in the five to 12 age category. In 1953, the Pacific Northwest Region of Babe Ruth Baseball was established with the creation of a 13- to 15-year-old division.

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Spring Art Show theme for First Wednesday at the Travel Cafe

SALEM, ORE. –– You don’t have to have a distinctive eye for art to enjoy yourself at Travel Salem’s Travel Café (181 High St. NE, Salem) during First Wednesday on April 7th from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

• Brownell Photography will have a display of photos ranging from portraits, weddings, business/commercial and general events. Photographer Marlin Brownell will be sharing information on photography and videography.
• Oregon Garden Resort is providing a sampling of sweet and savory appetizers, along with the Moonstone Spa who will be on hand for free consultations for facial services. They will also be raffling off a Tulip Festival Package.
• The Oregon Garden will be there to talk about the garden blooms and plants, and upcoming events.
• Salem Art Association is featuring samples from their upcoming shows: “Art in Poetry” and “Assembled: Narratives in Wood and Metal”.
• Willamette Art Center will be demonstrating pottery skills and techniques you can learn in the classes they offer.
• Willamette Valley Vineyards has two features this month. Patrick Spencer will be educating visitors on cork reharvesting and Willamette’s cork recycle program, and of course we will have tastings of their delicious and sustainable wines. First Wednesday Special: Build Your Cellar. Buy two bottles and receive a third bottle for only $5.00! You can also bring in your recycled cork and receive a COMPLIMENTATY wine tasting. (Does not include Riedel glassware.)

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The Serious Business of Having Fun topic at Marketing Exchange Luncheon

SALEM, ORE. –– Having fun is serious business. Just ask Jennifer McCormick, marketing specialist at the Oregon Parks & Recreation Department. McCormick will be the keynote speaker at Travel Salem’s Marketing Exchange Luncheon which will be held at Marco Polo Global Restaurant (300 Liberty St. SE, Salem) on Thursday, March 18, 2010 from 11:45 a.m. to 1:15 p.m.

The topic of this luncheon is “The Serious Business of Having Fun.” McCormick has the inside success story on how Oregonians can experience Oregon’s state parks while connecting to people through meaningful outdoor experiences — all in the name of having fun!

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 spa package from Today’s Hair Salon and Day Spa valued over $100.

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. 58 to reserve a seat! RSVPs and prepayment of $18 is required if purchased by March 12 / $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***

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***