McMinnville Chamber reports growth and discusses tourism strategies at Greeters meeting

The Newberg City Council meeting on March 17, 2025, highlighted the ongoing efforts of the local Chamber of Commerce to support both businesses and tourism in the area. During the meeting, representatives from the Chamber shared positive feedback from a recent joint event with the McMinnville Greeters, which attracted over 60 attendees. The Chamber's commitment to maintaining low membership rates was emphasized as a strategy to foster growth and support for local businesses, with 13 new members joining this year.

Council members engaged in a discussion about the Chamber's operational hours, confirming that the visitor center is open Monday through Friday from 9 AM to 5 PM, with additional hours available by appointment. This flexibility aims to accommodate various groups and enhance community engagement.

A significant portion of the conversation focused on the Chamber's dual role in promoting tourism and supporting local commerce. Council members inquired about the distribution of efforts between these two areas. The Chamber representatives estimated that their time is split roughly 50/50 between tourism and business support, with a focus on providing personalized assistance to visitors and event planners.

Concerns were raised regarding the visibility of tourism-related information on the Chamber's website. One council member noted that the site primarily featured business listings, prompting questions about how the Chamber tracks tourism traffic. The representatives explained that website traffic data includes clicks on various community resources and event calendars, although they acknowledged the challenge of identifying whether visitors are tourists or local residents.

The meeting concluded with a call for increased outreach to local businesses regarding tourism opportunities. The Chamber's proactive approach includes networking events and collaboration with local lodging partners to distribute information and resources effectively.

Overall, the discussions underscored the Chamber's vital role in enhancing Newberg's economic landscape and its commitment to fostering a welcoming environment for both residents and visitors. As the community continues to grow, the Chamber's initiatives will be crucial in balancing business support with tourism promotion, ultimately benefiting the local economy.