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Chamber updates council on visitor services and partnerships; visitor center reports steady demand
Summary
The Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce reported on visitor services at the historic depot, recent accessibility and bike‑rack improvements, and metrics showing online and in‑person engagement; the chamber said its visitor pages drew about 7,500 views and 2,400 unique users in 2024.
Bonnie Mickelson, CEO of the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce, updated the council on the Chamber’s tourism partnership with the city and operations of the visitor center housed in the historic Southern Pacific Railroad Depot.
Mickelson said the Chamber leases the depot building from the city and operates visitor services five days a week, responding to walk‑ins and remote inquiries and maintaining a year‑round website. “The visitor center is housed in the historic Southern Pacific Railroad Depot,” she said, and noted interior improvements and installation of a hearing loop in 2023.
Mickelson described partnerships with the city and regional destination marketing through Traveling County, cited events and sporting competitions that draw overnight stays, and summarized metrics: the Chamber’s tourism pages had roughly 7,500 page views and 2,400 unique users in 2024; the chamber’s broader online news service reported about 30,000 unique visitors.
She told council the Chamber invests in promotions, supports relocation services and recently completed an interior refresh funded partly by Chamber members and grants.
Ending: Council received the update; Mickelson asked the council to continue supporting the tourism partnership and the Transit‑Room Tax (TRT) investments that help promote Springfield.
