What's Brewing | Tourism & Taxes: What's in it for you?

Description

PRE-REGISTRATION FOR THIS EVENT IN NOW CLOSED. PLEASE JOIN US AT THE DESCHUTES BREWERY TAP ROOM (DOWNTOWN) TO REGISTER AT THE DOOR.

It?s no secret. Tourism rebuilt our economy, locally and statewide. Evolving from a once predominantly forest and agricultural economy, Oregon has morphed into a strong agricultural and tourism economy. It brings in billions of dollars and thousands of jobs. Yet, it comes with unintended consequences like traffic, crowds, vacation rental issues, wear and tear on our roads and added stress on our resources, to name a few.

At the next What?s Brewing, panelists will cover the state of tourism, including the role of transient room taxes. Known also as TRT dollars, how are they used and why? What are the benefits and impacts of the proposed statewide increase? Can we deal with the unintended consequences in a constructive way?  

Panelists will include:  

Alana Hughson, Central Oregon Visitors Association, president/CEO & Oregon Tourism Commission chair
Doug LaPlaca, Visit Bend, president and CEO   
Dave Rathbun, Mt. Bachelor, president and general manager
Erik Kancler, Govt. Relations Consultant 
Barb Campbell, City of Bend, councilor

For the past twenty-four years, Alana Hughson has held the role of CEO of the Central Oregon Visitors Association. In 2010, Hughson was appointed by the Governor to serve as one of nine Oregon Tourism Commissioners.  The Oregon Tourism Commission is charged with the policy oversight for Travel Oregon. Hughson was elected to chair the Oregon Tourism Commission in 2015 and presently continues in that role.
 
Doug La Placa has served as the president and CEO of Visit Bend since 2007. In this role, La Placa oversees Bend's tourism promotion efforts and sports commission operations. Prior to taking the helm at Visit Bend, La Placa worked in various business development roles within the tourism industry; including positions with Disney World, Heavenly Ski Resort, Steamboat Ski Resort and the Grand Traverse Resort & Spa. 

Dave Rathbun is president and general manager of Mt. Bachelor, overseeing all aspects of the resort?s management and operations. He serves on the board of directors and is a past chairman of the Pacific Northwest Ski Areas Association. Rathbun also currently serves on the boards of the Mt. Bachelor Sports Education Foundation and the Central Oregon Visitors Association, and is a former director and past chairman of the Bend Chamber of Commerce.

Brought to you by the Advocacy Council of the Bend Chamber of Commerce.