Read More]]> Join Oregon Travel Experience, the Confederated Tribes of the Coos, Lower Umpqua and Siuslaw Indians, the city of Coos Bay, and Three Rivers Casino at 11:00 a.m. on May 19th as we dedicate the latest in the Regional Historic Marker series.

The dedication will take place at the Coos Bay Visitors Center, 50 Central Ave, near US Hwy. 101.

A formal unveiling of the marker during the dedication will be supported by presentations from the Tribal Council, Coos Bay Mayor Crystal Shoji, OTE CEO Cheryl Gribskov, and Oregon Historical Marker Committee Chair Richard Engeman.

The Southern Coast Regional Marker interprets the cultural history of the tribes who lived in the region. It also depicts how early gold prospectors built their homes and businesses within the Coos Bay area; from the first commercial salmon canneries in the 1850s to modern tourism in the 21st century.

Download a pdf of the invitation to print and take with you.

For media, download a pdf version of the OTE press release.

For more information on the Regional Marker Program, visit our Web pages.

Read More]]> OTE’s CEO, Cheryl Gribskov, recently sent the following letter to our sign customers updating them on the status of the proposed sign fee increase: 

May 3, 2012

Dear Valued Customer:

On March 29^th we sent a letter informing you that Oregon Travel Information Council (dba Oregon Travel Experience) was considering raising the highway business sign fees to address the rising operational costs of our sign program.

Out of 2,378 letters sent, 45 customers responded.  Those responses gave us valuable information about the challenges you are facing.  We especially appreciated some of the offered solutions to solve our budget challenges in a way that would cause less stress on your own.

When dealing with policies that affect our customers, we operate under the guidelines of the Secretary of State.  As part of those guidelines, a public hearing was held April 30, 2012.  No one from the public attended.  The time assigned for the hearing gave the council an opportunity to review all of the facts available.  The council asked that staff pursue other funding formulas to add to those previously developed.  They also asked that we do further research into signs that will need replacing in the next five years.  In addition, they asked that we outline locations where we should build new signs or enlarge current signs to allow more businesses to be displayed on logo boards.  Many potential sign customers have been on the waiting list for many years.  That list continues to grow.

We want to find the best solution to all of these issues.  The council will not be making any decisions about our fee schedule until all of the requested data is in.  We will definitely keep you informed.

Thank you for your willingness to keep us informed and educated.  Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you have questions or additional concerns.

Sincerely,

Cheryl Gribskov, CEO

503-373-1042

Cherylg@oregonte.com

Print a copy of the letter for your personal records.

Read More]]> Oregon Travel Experience is pleased that Senate Bill 1591 was passed by the 2012 Oregon Legislature. The bill makes changes to membership and powers of the agency’s council. Additionally, the legislation will amend the 2009 Jobs and Transportation Act as it relates to highway rest area supervision.

“We are pleased that the Legislature recognizes that our staff’s hard work is transforming the rest areas that were entrusted into our care two years ago and giving us even more opportunities to serve the motoring public. Our goal is to make Oregon a national leader in rest area management and quality service,” said OTE’s CEO Cheryl Gribskov.

Firmly rooted in transportation, OTE helps motorists with essential services. Its rest area supervisors have helped motorists with problems ranging from minor mechanical failures to life threatening emergencies. By teaming with law enforcement, private businesses and non-profit organizations, OTE rest area supervisors work diligently to oversee public safety.

In January 2010, OTE assumed managerial authority over nine Oregon rest areas; six along Interstate 5 and three along Interstate 84. OTE immediately hired fulltime rest area supervisors, addressed deferred maintenance, and crafted a solid plan to refurbish the stops.

Under SB 1591, Oregon Travel Experience will oversee management of two additional rest areas immediately: Government Camp on US Highway 26 at Milepost 54, and Tillamook on US Highway 101 at Milepost 70.

Over the next two years, nearly all rest areas located along Interstate 84 and Interstate 5 will be transferred from the Oregon Department of Transportation to OTE’s managerial authority.

A summary of rest areas and locations are included in the full press release:  SB 1591 Press Release

Read More]]>

The Gorge White House Oregon visitors and motorists are truly lucky—in fact, one might pose the following question: where on the planet is there a more scenic place for a drive than Oregon? Heading east from Portland on I- 84, the scenery transitions quickly from urban jumble to a motorist’s first sightings of Rooster Rock, Multnomah Falls, and the awe inspiring Columbia River. If you happen to make the journey from Portland to Eastern Oregon and beyond, a great stopping point is Hood River. Four miles past downtown on the Mt. Hood Scenic Byway, the Gorge White House has stood as a landmark for more than a century. “We are a 103-year old ‘house-wine-tasting-room,’” said Camille Hukari, whose family has owned the working farm and National Historic Register home since 1947. Hukari runs the business with husband Jerry Tausend at her side. Read the full story Tree to Tree Adventure Park High atop the pinnacle of a giant fir tree is a place usually reserved for nesting birds or licensed arborists. Most people don’t scamper along suspension walkways or shoot across the treetops 30-feet above ground—unless you’ve found your way to Tree to Tree Adventure Park in Gaston, Oregon. Tree to Tree (or T2T as it’s called by co-owner Julie Beres) is an aerial paradise that encourages people to step outside their comfort zone in a safe and certified, outdoor environmental “classroom.” Beres’ family started the business in 2010 following a visit to a friend’s tree adventure park in the Adirondacks. “My daughter, Marissa Doyle, was the brainchild behind getting the business established in Oregon. Once we had our plans in hand, we put on a big search for land, looking for just the right mix of trees, topography, and location.” Beres and Doyle found the talent for design and construction within their own family. “We’re fortunate that all of our family members are so full of talent,” said Beres. Read the full story Customer Appreciation Issue This is a particularly happy issue for us. What’s so special you might ask? For one thing, it’s an opportunity to give back to some of our great highway business sign customers. In the March E-news, we asked OTE sign customers to step forward and be interviewed in customer spotlights for the new“Places to Stop” feature on our website. We were able to catch up with several busy owners and are delighted to share their stories with subscribers. OTE customer spotlights are provided free of charge to our highway business sign customers. If you missed the open call last month and are just finding out about this service, make sure to contact us to arrange for your own business story. Fish Lake Resort When OTE’s off-Interstate sign customers tell us their signs really work, we believe them. In the case of rural Fish Lake Resort near Upper Klamath Lake, highway business signs are essential for directing motorists and alerting visitors to the resort’s open status. Owners Jim and Debbi Blodgett have owned and operated the resort for 10 years. At an altitude of 4,600 feet and nestled near Mount McLaughlin’s base, the resort is accessible and open year-round via Highway 140. The drive from Medford, Oregon to Fish Lake and old growth forest can be made in under an hour. Debbi describes the resort’s ambience as a family-style resort that people come back to visit year after year. “I always say we are the ‘Cheers’ of the resort industry,” said Debbi. “We get to know a good portion of the customers by name and feel as though we have established long-lasting friendships.” Read the full story Cannon Beach Vacation Rentals From rugged cliffs to mile long sandy beaches perfect for gathering seashells, the Oregon Coast invites exploration. Many Oregonians are feverish in their love for the beach and highway traffic leading to the coast moves in a continuous westward direction at all times of the year. Cannon Beach is probably one of the most loved spots for both natives and first-time visitors. With its easily accessed beaches or boutiques and galleries filled with locally crafted treasure, this gentle small town has big time appeal. Brian Olson is General Manager for Cannon Beach Vacation Rentals, an OTE highway business sign customer who promotes his community with gusto. “I think Cannon Beach has to be one of the best beaches on the Oregon Coast, and that’s saying something since I grew up in another coast town north of here,” said Olson. “Cannon Beach is the kind of place where you can find the perfect quiet spot or be right in the middle of the downtown action. And it’s only a day trip to many other destinations along the Oregon Coast like Tillamook, Astoria, and Seaside.” Read the full story Where’s my business? Feeling left out? Don’t! If you are one of our sign customers, you qualify to be featured on our website and linked to from our Facebook and Twitter pages. This service is always free of charge but does require a small time committment from you. The first step is to contact us. Then we set up a mutual time for a phone interview. The interview takes about 10 minutes. Our Communications Office prepares the article and posts it to our site. That’s all there is to it.Ready to get started?

Update your profile or unsubscribe from this email listThis email sent by Oregon Travel Experience at 1500 Liberty St SE, Suite 150, Salem, OR, 97302.

Read More]]> We thought you might enjoy this story by our receptionist Sarah Flores. It shows just what kind of employees work at OTE and how much they are committed to making life better for everyone (animals too), whether on duty or off.

Salem duck rescue

By Sarah Flores

I wanted to share a story with everyone that happened to me over the weekend.

On Saturday about 1pm, I was driving home from shopping on Center Street and headed west.

All of a sudden I noticed a momma duck with about six to eight babies waddling behind her. As most Salem residents know, that intersection at Center and Hawthorne is a major traffic zone. Cars were everywhere and as the duck family was crossing the road there was danger all around for those little babies. My heart started thumping in my chest and I knew I had to do something.

As the family crossed Center Street, there was an older couple walking who saw what was happening. The husband attempted to guide the family to the sidewalk, but the little ones couldn’t get up the curb, they were that small. Most of the babies ended up in the sewer drain. My heart sunk into my stomach. I turned my car around to block the sewer and do whatever I could to save the babies.

The elderly gentleman jumped into  the sewer with no hesitation and started grabbing them one at a time handing them to me and I ran them one by one to their mom as she slowly made her way down Hawthorne.

They were so adorable and had no idea what was happening. Cupping them in my hands I noticed how fuzzy they were and their little wings sticking straight out no more than an inch long and their little quacks sounded like “beep, beep, beep.”

The sad part of it is we weren’t able to save the last two, they were not reachable. On the happy side of this whole event, we saved four babies and got them back with their mom. I felt like a hero.

Thanks Sarah. In our eyes, you are a heroine. We’re pretty grateful that you work with our OTE customers and that we have the pleasure of working alongside you.

Read More]]>

Oregon Travel Experience (OTE) and the OTIC Council will hold a special meeting on Monday, April 30, 2012 at 9:00 a.m. to collect public testimony on a proposed fee increase to the agency’s Highway Business Sign Program. The meeting and hearing will be held at OTE’s Salem offices located at 1500 Liberty St SE, Suite 150, Salem, OR 97302.

The agency’s governing council will formally convene the meeting and provide steering responsibility for hearing testimony from OTE customers. Download an agenda in PDF format.  (If you would like to view the agenda in alternate format, please contact the council assistant.)

OTE is the state agency responsible for administering highway business signs along major interstates and highways. Since the agency is semi-independent, its Highway Business Sign Program operates much like private industry: the revenues generated from business sign permits fund the program. Since 1972 OTE has managed to keep permit fees lower than the national average.

The last permit fee increase was in 2006. However, since 2007, costs for materials such as steel, aluminum, treated wood posts and reflective sheeting needed to manufacture the signs have continued to increase. The permit fee increase is necessary to cover those costs.

OTE is proposing a permit fee increase to its customers of:

• Museum and non-profit signs: 10 percent per year
• For all other businesses: 20 percent per year

Public comment will be accepted in person at the hearing on the 30^th, as well as in writing or via email. Members of the public wishing to submit or share printed materials in person are requested to provide a copy of their testimony to OTE. Testimony length may be limited, depending on the number of citizens signing up to testify. All testimony, written or verbal, will be reviewed.

If you need special accommodations for the hearing, please contact Jenn Smith, 1-800-574-9397 at least 48 hours in advance of the special meeting. Email: Jenns@oregonte.com

Read More]]> Oregon visitors and motorists are truly lucky—in fact, one might pose the following question: Where on the planet is there a more scenic place for a drive than Oregon? Heading east from Portland on I- 84, the scenery transitions quickly from urban jumble to the first sightings of Rooster Rock, Multnomah Falls, and the awe inspiring Columbia River.

If you happen to make the journey from Portland to Eastern Oregon and beyond, Hood River makes a great stopping point. The town is a favorite recreational destination for boaters and windsurfers. Four miles past downtown on the Mt. Hood Scenic Byway, the Gorge White House has stood as a landmark for more than a century.

“We are a 103-year old ‘house-wine-tasting-room,’” said Camille Hukari, whose family has owned the working farm and National Historic Register home since 1947. Hukari runs the business with husband Jerry Tausend at her side.

“It’s a grand old Dutch colonial with almost no remodeling, so it qualified for the historic registry. We did remodel the kitchen slightly in the 1950s, but really nothing otherwise. It’s hard to find one of these beauties whose interior woodwork has not been painted all white.”

OTE signs help point the way to local wines

“This is our sixth year in business as a wine tasting room and U-pick farm, and we’ve been an OTE highway business sign customer since 2008. We have several signs on Highway 35, directing traffic to our farm.  We also decided to integrate the farm business with the wine tasting business, since it just seemed to make good business sense,” said Hukari.

Hukari is understandably proud of her region’s bounty. “The wine industry completely exploded in the Columbia Gorge area and I wanted to feature everyone’s products, not just our own. Our tasting room generally features 10 or more varieties from local vintners and growers, and also micro-brews and hard ciders.”

In addition to showcasing local wines, ales and hard ciders, Hukari said the walls inside the White House accommodate local artwork. “The house still retains its original sliding picture rails, so we can hang art or photographs very easily,” said Hukari. “We host an artist’s reception on the first Sunday of each month at 1:00 p.m. and serve complimentary wine and beer samples.”

Hukari and her family continue to operate the farm portion of the business and specialize in producing Bosc pear wine and D’Anjou pear vinegar from a 17-acre orchard. Hukari also grows U-Pick flowers, strawberries and table grapes on another eight acres. The Gorge White House Farm Stand is operated seasonally and sells locally crafted cheeses, honey, artisan vinegars, jams, syrups, granola and organic water buffalo jerky.

“Prior to 1919 almost the entire Hood River Valley was planted with apples, but a horrific freeze decimated the industry,” said Hukari. “After they lost everything, growers decided they needed to find a more temperature hardy crop and that’s when pears became so popular in our area. We planted our pears about 17 years ago and they are doing extremely well.”

Local: not just a buzzword

As part of Hukari’s commitment to the Hood River community, the wines and other value-added food products featured at the Gorge White House are truly local; they are sourced within a sphere from Hood River to Lyle and Mosier. “I figured there are so many wonderful products produced within a five mile radius,” said Hukari, “that we really don’t need to go any further.”

The scenic backdrop of the Gorge White House is magnificent and lends itself easily to romance. White House wedding packages are popular with couples who want to exchange vows in a casual setting but also be surrounded by commanding views of Mt Hood and Mt Adams. Hukari makes it easy for couples to plan weddings at the White House by suggesting several local professional event planners and caterers. The property accommodates up to 75 guests.

For more information about the White House Gorge Farm wine tasting, farm stand, U-pick offerings, or to plan a special event or bus tour, visit http://www.thegorgewhitehouse.com. Hukari and her staff can be reached by email as well info@thegorgewhitehouse.com or by phoning 541-386-2828.

Interested in Tourist Oriented Directional (TOD) signs for your winery, tasting room, or other destination-styled business? Check out our TOD Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) page or contact Harry Falisec by email. Phone us toll-free at 1-800-574-9397 to speak with our experienced sign staff.

Read More]]> When OTE’s off-Interstate sign customers tell us their signs really work, we believe them. In the case of rural Fish Lake Resort near Upper Klamath Lake, highway business signs are essential for directing motorists and alerting visitors to the resort’s open status.

Owners Jim and Debbi Blodgett have owned and operated the resort for 10 years. At an altitude of 4,600 feet and nestled near Mount McLaughlin’s base, the resort is accessible and open year-round via Highway 140. The drive from Medford, Oregon to Fish Lake and old growth forest can be made in under an hour.

Fish Lake Resort features 11 rental cabins—from rustic studios to fully equipped, two and three bedroom lakeside cottages, completely stocked with linens and kitchen tools. If cabins are not your thing, 45 recreational vehicle sites (with electricity) are available. Tent sites for backpackers, hunters, and cyclists accommodate more adventurous outdoor enthusiasts. Amenities include shower and laundry facilities, and boat rental and moorage.

Although the resort is located some distance from incorporated development, guests will not be without access to the essentials. “We operate a grocery store, gift shop, game room, and a fulltime café,” said Debbi. “At our Tadpole Café, we only do home-style cooking—nothing ever comes out of a can! We serve breakfast, lunch and dinner and always have daily specials. It’s really good food.”

Debbi describes the resort’s ambience as a family-style resort that people come back to visit year after year. “I always say we are the ‘Cheers’ of the resort industry,” said Debbi. “We get to know a good portion of the customers by name and feel as though we have established long-lasting friendships.”

Highway business signs do more than point the way

Fish Lake Resort is open year round—rain, snow, or sunshine. However, depending on the time of year, hours vary. Getting the word out to potential customers about changes in seasonal hours can be a challenge for many business owners and Fish Lake Resort is no exception.

“Before we realized OTE offered seasonal signs, we used to let people know we were still open during the winter by spray-painting the message onto the snow,” said Debbi. “That really was not the best solution. Then someone at OTE let us know that our highway signs could be changed when the seasons change. It’s an incredible help to us and we really appreciate the service. OTE will even phone and remind us that it’s time to switch the signs and ask if it’s an okay time to do it.”

Off-interstate customers like Jim and Debbi Blodgett rely heavily on their highway business signs to drive new and existing customers their way no matter the season. Snow might be piled deep along Highway 140 in the spring, but if the road is plowed and passable, Fish Lake Resort is open to provide food, lodging and relaxation.

For more information about Fish Lake Resort, phone 541-949-8500, or email fishlakeresort@aol.com Fish Lake’s website posts examples of the many outdoor activities available on the property, plus a web-tour of the cabins, RV sites, and camp grounds at www.fishlakeresort.net.

If you think your business might be the perfect fit for an off-Interstate highway business sign, call Harry Falisec at 1-800-574-9397 or email Harry. You can also take a peek at the sign application and rates on our website Off-Interstate FAQs page for more information.

Read More]]> High atop the pinnacle of a giant fir tree is a place usually reserved for nesting birds or licensed arborists. Most people don’t scamper along suspension walkways or zip across treetops 30-feet above ground—unless you’ve found your way to Tree to Tree Adventure Park in Gaston, Oregon.

Tree to Tree (or T2T as it’s called by co-owner Julie Beres) is an aerial paradise that encourages people to step outside their comfort zone in a safe and certified, outdoor environmental “classroom.”

“The course is designed to meet our guest’s challenge,” said Beres. Beres’ family started the business in 2010 following a visit to a friend’s tree adventure park in the Adirondacks. “My daughter, Marissa Doyle, was the brainchild behind getting the business established in Oregon. Once we had our plans in hand, we put on a big search for land, looking for just the right mix of trees, topography, and location.”

Beres and Doyle found the talent for design and construction within their own family. “We’re fortunate that all of our family members are so full of talent,” said Beres. “We have engineers, architects, builders and marketers who managed to combine their skills and make this park a success.”

Located a short distance from Portland (off Highway 47 near Hagg Lake), T2T appeals to families, corporations, schools, and other groups who want to combine thrilling outdoor activity with team and confidence building skills. Beres said the individual courses are designed to accommodate the most timid to all-out tree-top champion.

“You can progress from easy to hard if you like. It’s really entirely up to the individual. You get to direct the challenge and go as high (or as low) as you want. But safety is our first concern and no one goes forward on any of the courses unless they’re harnessed in.”

T2T provides a licensed facilitations director who tailors challenge-courses for every style of group experience whether a bachelor party or professional organization with several hundred participants.

“The goal is to build loyalty and trust,” Beres said. “All of the programs are outdoor team-building courses. Absolutely no dry erase boards are ever used here! Even if a business comes to us with 200 employees, we can break them into smaller groups and move them through the various obstacles or zip-lines at different stages.”

New this year to T2T, is the May 1st launch of a new 1,250-foot long zip-line. “We got a little delayed in opening the new zip line because of our wet weather,” said Beres. “It’s an amazing addition, because you get to experience the awesome canopy of the park. These are mammoth trees and the zip travels over ravines and close to the lake.

“We even have a special “Zip, Sip, and Stay” package, where you can come enjoy the line and then visit the nearby wineries, restaurants and the lake. It’s also the perfect stopping point for people on their way to the Oregon Coast.”

Healthy trees equal safe trees and safe courses

Forest health is paramount to the success of any tree adventure park. Not only does T2T employ certified arborists and foresters, but all of the trees in the course were hand selected for their strength, health and safety. Beres said the park was constructed by Synergo in Portland, Oregon—a professional course design and installation company—whose experience in the field helps ensure safety.

“We also make certain that our guides are safety and course certified. They have to know what they’re doing and take an active part in making sure our participants are safe. We have a lot of pride and faith in our staff,” said Beres.

Although Beres and her family are relatively new OTE sign customers (they applied for their permits in 2010), their Tourist Oriented Directionals (TODs) help bring new visitors their way each season.

T2T is open March 3rd through the last Saturday prior to Thanksgiving. Reservations are required for anyone wishing to visit the park. For more information, visit T2T’s website at www.treetotreeadventurepark.com or phone 503-357-0109 for reservations.

Interested in a TOD for your unique business? Call Harry Falisec at 1-800-574-9397 or email Harry. You can also learn more by visiting our TOD frequently asked questions web page.

Read More]]> From rugged cliffs to mile long sandy beaches perfect for gathering seashells, the Oregon Coast invites exploration. The water may not be skinny-dipping temperature, but all of the amenities can be found: lodging, dining and shopping. Many Oregonians are feverishly in love with the beach and highway traffic leading to the coast moves in a continuous westward direction at all times of the year.

Cannon Beach is probably one of the most loved spots for both natives and first-time visitors. With its easily accessed beaches or boutiques and galleries filled with locally crafted treasure, this gentle small town has big time appeal. Return visitors often stay several days to dine on local seafood, shop, hike, bike, and explore surrounding coastal destinations. Although hotels remain a popular venue with overnight or extended “stay-cationers,” many visitors choose privately owned vacation rentals as a more peaceful way to soak up local atmosphere.

The “go-to” agency for perfect accommodations

Brian Olson is the general manager at Cannon Beach Vacation Rentals, an OTE highway business sign customer who promotes his community with gusto. “I think Cannon Beach has to be one of the best beaches on the Oregon Coast, and that’s saying something since I grew up in another coast town north of here,” said Olson. “Cannon Beach is the kind of place where you can find the perfect quiet spot or be right in the middle of the downtown action. And it’s only a day trip to many other destinations along the Oregon Coast like Tillamook, Astoria, and Seaside.”

Olson’s agency is owned by Linda Beck Sweeney and has been open for 14 years. Olson and his wife run the day-today operations. “We manage about 70 properties,” said Olson. We handle everything from studio-sized condos to six bedroom houses. Our business is very much family based, which is apparent by the types of people who return year after year.

“We see so many people who fell in love with this beach years ago—grandparents and parents—who came here as children, and then bring their own kids and grand-kids back to experience Haystack Rock or the Columbia River Maritime Museum,” Olson said. “They call us up and we help them find the perfect sized rental property for their family.”

Cannon Beach Vacation Rentals range from modest $80.00 per night cottages on up the scale to luxury homes with half-acre grounds. Many of the rentals are located at, or just steps away from the beach and shops. Most feature views, full kitchens and furnishings—everything a vacationer could need for a weekend or two-week long Oregon adventure.

Olson also has the perfect “insider” information when you make reservations with his agency.

“One of the greatest hidden secrets about Cannon Beach is our city-owned preserve. It’s a 1200 acre forested area where you can see bald eagles and other wildlife like elk. The City of Cannon Beach has worked hard to make the property more accessible for recreation. Right now, the public can hike, bike and walk leashed dogs on the trails. It’s such a great place to explore if you stay for three or four days or want to get past any weekend crowds.”

To make Cannon Beach your own special get-away, contact Cannon Beach Vacation Rentals at 503-436-0940 or email: gm@visitcb.com. To view the many properties available, visit their website at www.visitcb.com.

What can OTE offer your business? An off-Interstate highway business sign just might be the ticket to driving more traffic to your hotel, restaurant, gallery, or campsite. Contact OTE Sales Director Harry Falisec at 1-800-574-9397 or feel free to email Harry. You can also review the Off-Interstate sign application and rates on our FAQs page.