FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Oregon's Mt. Hood Territory to Host Tourism Seminars and Annual Awards Banquet

Public relations and events seminars on April 5 are open to all regional tourism partners
Annual awards banquet will recognize tourism initiatives and partners at The Resort at The Mountain on May

Clackamas County solidified its commitment to tourism more than 10 years ago through the creation of the Tourism Development Council (TDC).  Now promoted under the Mt. Hood Territory name, the destination marketing organization receives support from partners throughout the region.  This spring, the TDC will host several tourism seminars along with its Annual Dinner Auction & Awards event, which recognizes individuals and attractions for outstanding efforts to increase or improve tourism in Oregon’s Mt. Hood Territory.  Interested partners should call 503.655.8490 for additional information or to register for these events.

Tourism Seminars – Tuesday, April 5, 2005

The TDC has hosted various educational seminars for Mt. Hood Territory tourism partners over the years.  This April provides two opportunities for the mangers of local attractions, sites, events, lodging properties, restaurants, and more to learn about how they can position themselves to attract more visitors to their destination, and the region as a whole.  Both seminars will be held at the Lakewood Center for the Arts in Lake Oswego.

PR Seminar: Sharing Your Story with the Media – 2-5 p.m., cost $5
Partners can learn how to promote their attraction or event through local and regional media relations.  Topics will include: working with the Mt. Hood Territory staff; PR tools/templates; how to best position your topic with the media; and a small-group session for attendees to develop pitches to share with a panel of local print and broadcast media representatives.

Special Events That Make Memories and $ense – 5:30-8:30 p.m., cost $15 (light dinner and seminar)
Guest speaker, Ms. Travis Tatham, director of planning and special events for the Biltmore Company in North Carolina, will address ways to generate visitor interest in an attraction and ways to create a special event that will boost attendance and encourage repeat visits.  The Travel Industry Association’s National Council of Attractions endorses this presentation by Tatham, an industry veteran for more than 20 years.

Annual Dinner Auction & Awards – Friday, May 6, 2005
The TDC will recognize outstanding work at its Annual Dinner Auction & Awards: A Feast for Your Senses at The Resort at The Mountain in Welches.  Guests will sample culinary delights created by ProStart* students and The Resort at The Mountain, listen to music by members of the Oregon Youth Wind Symphony and peruse art, travel and epicurean items available for auction purchase.  The price for the evening, $30, includes a

wine/appetizer reception, entertainment, and dinner.  Tables of eight can be purchased for $230 and special room and golf rates will be available for attendees by calling The Resort at 800.669.7666 and mentioning Clackamas County TDC.

Awards will be given to regional tourism partners for Quality Customer Service and Innovative Marketing.  In addition, the Chairman’s Award will recognize an outstanding project, event, business, individual or partnership that supported tourism development and epitomized the spirit of Oregon’s Mt. Hood Territory over the last year.  This year, the Clackamas County Arts Action Alliance also will present an award to a regional business that has supported cultural activities in the county.  A different Mt. Hood Territory artist is selected each year to create a piece of art for the recipients.

The TDC was established in 1993 as the Clackamas County destination marketing organization.  The ongoing goal has been to promote regional offerings such as outdoor recreation, heritage and agriculture to visitors.  The council's efforts are funded solely by the Clackamas County lodging tax. 

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* The Oregon Restaurant Education Foundation ProStart Program allows high school students to earn credits while learning practical hospitality industry skills.