Harney County Chamber outlines tourism, business outreach after lodging tax cut

Jessica Hedges, executive director of the Harney County Chamber of Commerce, told the County Court on Oct. 1 that she will continue quarterly updates to the court and focus the chamber’s work on tourism promotion, business outreach and visitor services.

Hedges said the chamber’s budget took a roughly $15,000 hit this year after the city of Hines retained transient lodging tax (TLT) revenue that previously went to the chamber. “We took a huge hit this year,” Hedges said, adding that roughly 24 percent of the chamber’s operating budget came from TLT funds that are now redirected. The chamber still receives TLT from the cities of Burns and Hines but said overall grant funding is limited because the chamber is a 501(c)(6) entity and not eligible for many c3 grants.

Why it matters: The chamber runs the county’s visitor center, administers destination marketing and supports local businesses. Hedges said bringing outside lodging dollars into Harney County helps local businesses remain viable, and the chamber is pursuing paid advertising, content creation for an “Adventure Harney” brand and signature events to increase visitor nights.

In the presentation Hedges described three core chamber roles: membership services for local businesses; destination management and advertising tied to TLT-funded activities; and operating the visitor center. She listed ongoing work including the Skull 120 gravel bike event, the Harney County Christmas Jamboree, a chamber auction fundraiser, paid online advertising campaigns and a small grant to create outdoor recreation content.

Hedges said the chamber is working with the Bureau of Land Management on a NEPA environmental assessment for trails near Radar and supports other trail planning efforts that could expand mountain-biking and non-motorized opportunities. “We have a trail system the BLM is working on that I’m supporting,” she said. She also said past plans for bike trails at Moon Reservoir are under review but may need updated feasibility work.

Court members asked how the chamber’s staffing and reduced funding affect countywide outreach. Hedges said she remains the on-site visitor-center contact and still supports scheduling and community events, but loss of funds has reduced staff capacity; the chamber previously had a director and at least one part-time staff position. She said the chamber used short-term interns to increase capacity earlier in the year and is exploring sustainable funding and volunteer help.

Hedges told the court she has increased chamber membership from about 155 to roughly 190 businesses through outreach and changed the chamber’s countywide focus. She said part of her strategy is to market Harney County’s outdoor assets in ways that spread visitor pressure across sites and reduce impacts on sensitive areas such as the Alvord and the South Steens.

The court and Hedges discussed the county’s possible future ballot measure to restore TLT countywide and the chamber offered to help with public outreach. Hedges also offered to coordinate outreach on TLT use and to partner on communicating how lodging tax funds are spent.

Ending: The court thanked Hedges for the update and suggested coordinating future outreach on lodging tax options. Hedges said she will provide materials to the court and continue the chamber’s quarterly presence at meetings.