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‘Change is the name of the game’

By Sierra Lauder
Director of Events and Downtown Promotions

With the passing of Labor Day, it seems like change is the name of the game. The fall and winter phase of the highway project has brought a new footprint for the traffic pattern, which will continue to shift and adjust as crews focus on different areas downtown. There is a weekly email that we send out to help inform folks about the progress of the construction, and I would encourage you to be in touch if you would like to be added to the email list. You can also sign up for that email or view past emails on our Chamber website: www.tillamookchamber.org/highwayprojet. Often people will pop in to the Chamber office to talk about highway project or other matters, and that is one of my favorite ways to interface with people. We are open at 208 Main Ave. (next to the Dutch Mill Diner) Monday through Friday, and you are welcome to park on Ivy and use the rear entrance, especially now that parking on Main is closed.

While we welcome and encourage dropping by anytime, we continue to host the Mornings on Main Street gatherings each month, 8-9 a.m. on the third Tuesday of the month. These events are always casual, and full of representation from many businesses, agencies, and non-profits in the community. It’s a great chance to meet and visit with others. This month, Anna Shapiro from the SBA will be joining us. We’re excited have her and build a connection with the SBA, who offers some really great resources for new and established businesses. Anna sent me this quick description:

“The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) provides critical support and resources across every state and in every congressional district to help small businesses grow and create jobs. SBA’s core operations are focused around what we call the “Three C’s”: Capital, Contracting and Counseling.

Additionally, SBA plays an increasing role in helping to spur innovation and strengthen the nation’s competitiveness through successful investment and research and development (R&D) focused programs, as well as export and trade assistance. Finally, SBA also serves as one of the leading federal agencies providing assistance to businesses of all sizes, homeowners and renters following natural disasters.”

This Saturday, September 16th, the Tillamook Area Chamber of Commerce will also be at the Tillamook Farmer’s Market! We will of course be happy to talk highway project, Mornings on Main Street, or any business, but what we really expect to be popular is much more light hearted: the second run of our “Umbrella Swag!” We sold out of our new sweatshirt designs at the Fair this year, and local printing company PSI has been working hard to get us another round. Anyone who has pre-ordered will have their order set aside, and if you miss us at Farmer’s Market this Saturday, don’t despair! We will have everything available at our office.

Planning has started for the fall and winter downtown events schedule, and we anticipate many fun activities in the coming months, including Tillamook classics like Downtown Trick-or-Treat, Small Business Saturday, and The City of Tillamook’s Christmas Tree Lighting Celebration. A quick reminder to all to be safe and patient and keep in mind that there is lots of parking available along Ivy.

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Get ready, Tillamook – more traffic changes are headed our way quickly

By Justin Aufdermauer
Executive Director

The number one question that Sierra and I get about the Hwy 101/6 construction project is when will it be finished? I know that at this point it feels like it’s been a part of our daily lives for a lifetime, but the simple answer is that the project will be completed in Fall of 2018. That has been the projected completion date since the beginning and hasn’t changed.

That means we have a little over a year to patiently maneuver around construction crews and carefully pay attention to traffic flow changes so that we all stay safe and get through the next 16-18 months.

First up is you’ve probably noticed that north- and south-bound traffic are now both traveling over the new Hoquarton Slough bridge. The old bridge will be demolished so that the west half of the bridge can be constructed. Duringthe first few months of this phase, the new bridge will be closed to all pedestrian traffic. If you regularly walk across the bridge to get to work or go shopping, you will need to be aware that for your safety you cannot cross the bridge on foot.

Fortunately, ODOT has partnered with the Tillamook County Transit District to provide a few shuttle for pedestrians who need to get across. Northbound pedestrians can catch the shuttle at the Post Office, and southbound travelers can hop on just north of Rosenberg Builders Supply. The shuttle will be available from approximately 7:30 a.m. until approximately 6:30 p.m.

If you need a ride earlier or later than that, you can call 503-457-7009 to be picked up at one of the locations listed. This service will remain in effect until the ADA accessible connection is completed on the east side of the new Hoquarton Slough bridge, scheduled for mid-October.

Along with the bridge completion project, Main Avenue will also be getting a facelift. Wider lanes and brand new sidewalks between First and Fourth are coming to match the work that was done on Pacific.

Work will begin on the east side of the street, replacing the sidewalks one block at a time starting at Second Street, before jumping across the street to the west side. Of course during this time period there will be very limited parking on Main Avenue between First and Fourth Streets, and Third Street might potentially be reduced to one lane again between Main and Pacific.

But before you start groaning, I want to bring to your attention a few reasons why we believe this next section will be much smoother than Pacific:

  • There is significantly more parking available off of Main than there is off of Pacific. If you own a business on Main, or frequent one, you shouldn’t have a difficult time finding a place to park nearby.
  • We are also expecting significantly less rain this winter, according to the Farmer’s Almanac, and with any construction project that is impacted by weather this prediction is good news.
  • The sidewalk improvements will begin between Second and Third Streets because of the vaults, and crews want to get those finished before we are in the depths of winter.
  • Many of the things that held up the Pacific side have already been completed and don’t have to be done again. All of the engineering tasks have been checked off and the work along Main should wrap up prior to next summer.

We are also getting new sidewalks on the southern side of First Street, and will see the completion of the cross-town connection path at Goodspeed Park and Hoquarton Slough that will be built over the highway.

As always, we appreciate your patience and our business community appreciates your patronage as we head into another fall and winter impacted by construction.  

If you would like to stay up-to-date on all the highway project news as it happens, sign up for our weekly e-newsletter at http://tillamookchamber.org/highwayproject.

 

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Heading back to school

By Justin Aufdermauer
Executive Director

It was American author Napoleon Hill who once said “the mind becomes withered, stagnant, narrow and closed unless it searches for new ideas.”

The same can be said for an organization like the Tillamook Area Chamber of Commerce. Unless we are always searching for new and innovative ways to add value to our members and increase the livability of our community, we will become stagnant and irrelevant. 

With this in mind, we recently facilitated a number of meetings with groups of large and small businesses in our area. Our goal was to talk about the Chamber somewhat candidly and learn directly from our stakeholders about what we as an organization are doing well, and what we need to be doing more of. During these meetings, we were able to hear feedback from both members and non-members about our role in the community. We always want to ensure that what we are doing is aligned with what the business community needs, after all they are what sustain the organization – and sometimes the only way to do that is to ask.

It seems as if everyone is heading back to school this fall.

One of the many things we heard from our stakeholders is that they are also wanting new education opportunities – like social media basics, bookkeeping dos and don’ts, creating and maintaining websites, and different types of funding opportunities – the types of things that directly affect small businesses that may only have a handful of employees wearing a multitude of hats. What to do if you can’t afford to hire a professional bookkeeper? Or a social media manager? How can the Chamber help bring some education around these and other topics?

Now we feel as if it is also back to school for us, as we take that information and relearn some of our best practices and methods to meet our stakeholders’ needs. We will be educating ourselves on the most efficient ways to bring these trainings and resources to our small business community, likely relying on local professionals,and hopefully our business owners take it upon themselves to participate and keep working on their “education.”

So, as our teachers prepare for students and the upcoming school year, we will also be preparing to refocus our energy and to meet these types of needs for our smaller businesses. We will be continually searching for new ideas, new opportunities, and new partnerships. Stay tuned for these educational trainings coming in the near future.

If you are interested in future educational opportunities or if you are a local professional that has an area of expertise you would love to share with small businesses, please don’t hesitate to email us. Feel free to contact us anytime at info@tillamookchamber.org.

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Hy 101/6 Project Update Aug. 24

The summer construction season is wrapping up quickly, and we will be seeing some big changes on the ground throughout the Highway 101/6 project. Definitely expect night work- paving on Pacific is a priority, and this week we will be navigating single lane closures as paving begins, with a full detour in place Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday night next week. Pacific Ave. will be closed from fourth street north to First St. at night, and traffic will be detoured using Laurel and Fourth Street as alternatives to Pacific and Third.

The bioswales along Pacific will be drained, and, once all of the liners are down, the filtration pipe installed and the first layers of fill will be placed in the coming weeks. This should cut down on the standing water and make cleaning and maintenance simpler. A downtown cleanup effort is set for Friday, September 1st, from 9-noon. Organized by Tillamook High School Senior River Veek, this event is part of his larger Senior Project, in which he has mapped the downtown and recruited service organizations to adopt blocks during community clean up days. The debris build up in the bioswales has underscored how important these community cleanup efforts are.

Parking on Main Street will close on September 5th, immediately after Labor Day. Construction in that area is getting a jump start on the parking closure- crews will be tearing in to the underground vault on Third St just east of Main starting next Monday. Businesses intend to remain open and access to them is guaranteed by ODOT throughout the work on Main Street. This is a great time to check out the public parking lots along Ivy, as the reasons to visit the construction zone just increased by the release from Pacific Restaurant that they plan to open almost in tandem with the parking closure.

Bridgework will also get serious after Labor Day. The southbound bridge between Rosenberg Builders Supply and Front St will be closed, and traffic will be reconfigured over the new bridge to accommodate both north and southbound traffic. There have been many creative discussions about managing access to Rosenberg’s, and conversations continue. Pedestrian traffic through the area will also be challenging, and we are hoping the final pedestrian plan will be released early next week. Chief Wright continues to encourage people to be patient and vigilant as they navigate the area, whether on foot or behind the wheel.

Despite the stress and challenges that the coming months will bring, take heart in the fact that we are now essentially halfway through this project. The next few months will be especially tough as crews scramble to take advantage of the weather window and get a jump start on this next phase.

If you have any questions or concerns about the project or the next steps, feel free to contact us at the Tillamook Area Chamber of Commerce. We are open at our new location at 208 Main St., right in the thick of all this, Monday through Friday 9-5.

 

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Head downtown, where summer is still in full swing

by Sierra Lauder

Despite the passing of another spectacular fair and the school registration deadlines last week, summer is still in full swing on Main Street. Our Visitor’s Center is officially open at 208 Main Ave., and the last month has been a flurry of activity as visitors and locals alike have come to see us to talk about eclipse glasses, camping opportunities and upcoming events. We have been blessed with the weather this summer, and I am personally crossing my fingers that luck and sun continue to shine down on us as we look to September.

Construction downtown will begin on Main Street this week, and as a person who is working and living right in the middle of it – I get it. It’s not that fun. I want to share my top-secret insider tip: park off of 101. The lots along Ivy – just one very thin block west of Main – have spaces available all day, every day. Businesses are open and there is so much to do and see all around downtown in the coming weeks.

Saturday, August 26th, at 6:30 in the evening, Art Accelerated is hosting their monthly Open Mic night at Yo Time. If you haven’t made it to one of these I would totally suggest it. Each month new and different performers come and share music, poetry and stories that remind us of all the best things about being human. That night is also movie night! Join your neighbors and friends to see the “Princess Bride” on August 26th at 8:15 p.m. in front of City Hall. This is the last movie of the summer, and it’s a good one. Did you know it’s the 30th anniversary of the Princess Bride this year?

It’s also time to get your tickets for Oktoberfest! The Monday Musical Club of Tillamook presents this celebration of food, drink, music and dancing on the Second Street Plaza in downtown Tillamook, raising money for their annual cultural events series and high school scholarships. Don’t let the name “Oktoberfest” fool you – this event is actually set for Saturday, September 9th, from noon to 6 p.m., and tickets are only $10.

Pelican Brewing Company is also hosting a huge event in September, the “Salmon Run.” Set for Saturday, September 23rd, the 5k/10k run/walk will begin and end at the Tap Room on the corner of 1st and Stillwell, and they have been planning this block party for months! Even if you are not a runner, this event promises to be a blast. We are expecting more than one thousand people to turn out for the fundraiser event. Registration is open all the way up to the day of the big event.

Amid all of these bigger events, individual businesses continue to host their own events and sales. So Chic Boutique is hosting their summer clearance sale, Pacific Restaurant is on the verge of opening any day, and Lucky Bear Soap Co. has some great summer deals. If you need cupcakes for a party, Sarasota’s continues to amaze with both beautiful and delicious treats. Anderson’s Florists and Sunflower Flats are cranking out gorgeous arrangements in the height of wedding season. I regularly pass families taking advantage of the milkshake happy hour at The Dutch Mill, and Fat Dog Pizza and The Local Dog House keep the pups around here well fed. Thank you for supporting these downtown businesses, and I hope you take a moment to pop in to Chamber Headquarters when you’re in the neighborhood.

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There is still so much to do this summer

By Justin Aufdermuaer
Executive Director

What a week! The Tillamook County Fair and the Tillamook Bay Run have all come and gone. It was a busy time for our Chamber staff, board and volunteers who all help out at both the fair booth and the Bay Run, making sure that both are successful and fun.

The fair in particular is always a fun and informal time to see people, catch up and eat some delicious food. It’s also traditionally the last hurrah of the summer before the kids pack up and head back to school – no doubt dragging their feet a bit and dreaming of next summer. And while the days are rapidly getting shorter and the nights are cooling off, there is still a lot of summer left in Tillamook, with plenty of things to do for the entire family.

First up is the Old Iron Show at the Blue Heron on Aug. 18 – Aug. 20. This is a fun event each year as hundreds of antique tractors and tools, engines, and old-time farm and logging equipment take over the entire field. Roughly 40 exhibitors from all over the Pacific Northwest travel to Tillamook to display their collections.

Admission is only $3 a day or $5 for all three days to this unique living museum that gives visitors an opportunity to see a bit of working history. Plus, you can enjoy a variety of vendors selling everything from woodcrafts to jewelry and clothing.

Right after the Old Iron Show is, of course, the Total Solar Eclipse on Aug. 21. Don’t forget to pick up your eclipse glasses if you’re planning on watching, and keep them on the entire time to avoid any eye damage. Be extra cautious and patient while driving that day, as we will have a lot of people visiting our area to enjoy this natural phenomena.

And while September might not traditionally be considered “summer,” the nice weather and activities still continue all month. On Sept. 9, the Monday Musical Club of Tillamook is hosting the second annual Oktoberfest at the Second Street Plaza from noon – 6 p.m. Throughout the day, guests will enjoy an authentic celebration of food, drink and music. Local dancers, The Polkatones, and students from Oregon Coast Dance will be entertaining audiences again this year, and the Tirolean Dancers of Oregon, a professional traditional Bavarian dance troupe, will also be performing.

This event is a fundraiser for the club’s cultural event series that brings four professional musical entertainment each year to Tillamook High School. (The first concert of the year is Swing Fever, a swing and jazz band out of San Francisco, on Oct. 15 at 2 p.m. at Tillamook High School.) Tickets are only $10 and can be purchased here at the Chamber office or through the Monday Musical Club’s Facebook page. The first 100 people through the gate will receive a commemorative beer mug.

Also in September is Pelican Brewing Co.’s inaugural Salmon Run 5k & 10K on Sept. 23. The race begins at 10:05 a.m. at the Tap Room on First Street, and runners will be treated to a scenic race course that winds through pastoral Tillamook and ends back at the Tap Room.

Runners receive an official race shirt, pint glass, and those 21 and over will also get a pint of Pelican Brewing Five Fin West Coast Pilsner. Stay for the post-race bash at the Brewery, featuring live music and tours. You can register for the run at  www.pelicansalmonrun.com. A portion of the proceeds benefit the Salmon SuperHwy and help their efforts to restore access to almost 180 miles of blocked habitat.

And of course, we have several more Saturdays to enjoy the Tillamook Farmers Market, which won’t be wrapping up its season until Sept. 24. So come down and enjoy fresh produce, flowers, baked goods and artisan gifts from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Don’t let summer pass you by without enjoying one or all of these family-friendly events headed our way.

 

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Coming THIS Thursday: Major Traffic Changes

The following is a press release from the Tillamook Police Department:

During the nighttime of Thursday, August 3rd, 2017, THIS THURSDAY Night, there will be traffic changes in the construction zone that WILL impact you. These are scheduled changes in the project. This pattern will be for about a month. There will be other changes in the future that will impact everyone. You can also access the current Chamber diagram for information on the project and upcoming changes at http://tillamookchamber.org/highwayproject.

The first major change is eastbound 1st Street, going towards Main Street from Stillwell Avenue. For at least the next month, when you get to Main Street, you can only turn right, south on Main Avenue through Downtown. You cannot turn left to go to North Main Avenue towards Fred Meyer, Northbound. If you are on First Street, the only way to go north is to go south to Third Street, through Downtown then left on Third Street and left on Pacific Avenue.

If you can avoid 1st Street and get onto Third Street, at least from Stillwell, and go east to Pacific, it will save you trying to drive Downtown and try to get from the right lane to the left lane on Main Street to turn left on 3rd in a few short blocks of heavy traffic. We will add back a second lane to 3rd Street between Pacific and Main to add stacking room. We are also working with ODOT to add time to the eastbound traffic to clear more vehicles.
The second major change will be at Pacific and First. The new connector from First to North Main will open. If you are on Pacific and want to go north to north Main, when you get to First Street, when you have the green light, you can just drive straight through the intersection on the new connector, through the project area. If you are westbound on First Street, approaching Pacific, in the right lane, you will turn right at Pacific onto the new connector and not have to go all the way to Main to turn right. There will now be only one light change conflict and not two like it is now at Main and First.

Most importantly, you need to focus driving through the construction zone now. There are going to be minor changes and delays constantly. The contractors are desperately trying to get as much done before it starts raining. The more they get done now, the less delays there will be in the future.

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Enjoy our new business lounge and meeting spaces

By Justin Aufdermauer
Executive Director

I love walking into the Chamber’s new building at 208 Main and seeing a group of people gathered around the conference table upstairs engaged in a discussion, or their heads down pouring over materials. This is why we created this space, and it was an integral part of the Chamber Board’s vision from the beginning.

If you’ve come to visit us recently, then you know we have a few nice tables with benches by the front window, some couches and oversized chairs towards the back and a conference table that seats about six. And of course there is also the space upstairs that is a work-in-progress business lounge. We did all of this on purpose to create meeting and workspace for businesses and contractors who need a place to gather with potential clients, or collaborate on projects. We felt that this was a need in our community that the Chamber could easily and efficiently address with our new location and a way to continue to foster downtown activity.

Originally these clusters of meeting spaces were geared toward non brick-and-mortar businesses, and while that is still our primary focus, it’s a useful space for anyone who doesn’t have their own conference room or who needs a quiet, clean location to conduct some business. Just last week a marketing group from Pacific Seafood was upstairs working around the table.

Our Chamber staff is also enjoying the new space and have been able to host meetings and events that would have been impossible at our former location. Mornings on Mainstreet happens here every month, and our last informative meeting regarding the Ireland trip was also held in our office. We helped the Rising Tide host a presentation and recruitment opportunity for new members – and in the future would be willing to potentially partner with other groups who need a functional space for their meeting or event.

For now, both our upstairs lounge and downstairs work spaces are on a first-come, first-serve basis. It’s pretty low key, and we are excited to watch business grow in Tillamook and help stimulate that in any way we can. If you need to reserve the upstairs conference room, we will of course work with you on that. And eventually we will enclose the upstairs portion for added privacy for those groups.

My hope is that you will feel like this is your space and take advantage of it when appropriate – and that our business community will feel taken care of. It might alleviate the stress of not always having a place to meet clients, or provide a place to work for a few hours between projects. I encourage you to come check it out and see how it might be beneficial for your business or group.

For more information, contact the Tillamook Area Chamber of Commerce at info@tillamookchamber.org or call 503-842-7525.  

 

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July 20 Highway 101/6 Project Update

Greetings All,

Each week, the entire Highway Project Team of engineers and contractors gathers to review a three week look-ahead schedule, which allows them to brainstorm how to mobilize specialists into different areas of the project with a kind of choreography that only a community that hosts three dance studios can truly appreciate.

All this coordination is further complicated by things like weather, state and federal regulations, fabrication of project elements, and possibly the biggest tourist event of the decade: the solar eclipse. ODOT has been tuning in to the extensive planning efforts around the state, and the decision was made to halt all construction during the height of the anticipated frenzy on August 21st and 22nd, giving folks an opportunity to clear out of town a bit prior to moving in to what all parties hope will be the paving cycle on Pacific. More information about the paving schedule will be available as we come closer, but we can anticipate single lane closures, night paving and a few short days of detouring.

On the immediate horizon, the (intentional) demolition of the wall adjacent to the Post Office will take place Thursday. Out of respect to their delivery schedule, special arrangements have been made to have a contractor onsite on Sunday to trench and lay drainpipe through the Post Office parking lot. Paving repair will take place overnight next Thursday, July 27th, in tandem with the paving of the new stretch of Pacific that goes from First St. to the bridge, and the removal of the sign bridge. Expect flagging along with night work on the 27th.

I have inserted below a photo of the map that hangs on the wall above the table where the weekly meetings take place. You can see some of the code language I referred to last week in the image. This week, I thought it might be a nice visual aid. Thank you for your ongoing interest in this project, and I look forward to sharing some before and after pictures next week!!

 

 

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Tillamook Bay Run returns Aug. 12

 

by Justin Aufdermauer
Executive Director

As you plant one foot confidently in front of the other, the ocean breeze sends a refreshing gust of wind that cools your face. A crowd of people have gathered to watch as you cross the finish line. Your eyes linger a moment on the time, but what you’re even more eager for is that filling cup of Schooner clam chowder and cold Pelican brew calling your name.

If you’ve participating in the Tillamook Bay Run before, you know this feeling of satisfying accomplishment for completing one of the most unique trail runs in the state. And if you’ve yet to ever join us, maybe it’s time to mark this one off your bucket list.

The Tillamook Bay Run returns this year on Aug. 12. Registration is currently open at www.bayrun.org. Those who pre-register will receive a complimentary t shirt. You are also welcome to register the day of, however it is likely you won’t receive a runners shirt.

Each year we look at ways to improve the Bay Run, but one thing that has remained consistent is the natural beauty – and challenge – of the trail. Both the 5k and 10k begin on the wet, sandy beaches north of Cape Meares. Runners advance for several kilometers beside the ocean, before being directed inland and cutting through the natural foliage of Bayocean to the bayside of the trail. Runners and walkers will travel over wet sand, dry sand, hop over tree roots and around shrubs, and finally finish on gravel. The trail goes up and down several hills and often narrows to a single lane.

As you may know, Bayocean was once a resort-style dwelling with several homes and large structures like a natatorium, hotels, a movie theater, bowling alley and much more.. However, due to unfortunate geological issues, the integrity of the spit was compromised and buildings were washed away with the erosion. The residents of Bayocean left long before the last building fell into the sea, and much of what remained was looted. Although much of the land is still privately owned, the County oversees itsprimary use as a natural recreation area. The Tillamook Bay Run is a unique opportunity to explore this area that was once considered the Atlantic City of the West.

And of course, at the end of your endeavor, that piping hot bowl of clam chowder courtesy of the Schooner Restaurant in Netarts and cold Pelican Brewing microbrew (21+) will be waiting you!

Scovel Racing will be coordinating and tracking the results of the race again this year. Prizes are handed out by age divisions and include cash, medals and gift baskets courtesy of local businesses.

The race begins at 10 a.m. To register before the race or to learn more, visit www.bayrun.org.

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Networking opportunity set for July 18

 

By Justin Aufdermauer
Executive Director

Living in a small, rural community like Tillamook, the Chamber of Commerce – along with all our residents and business owners – faces both unique challenges and opportunities. One example is the increasing  number of small businesses and entrepreneurs in our area without a traditional brick and mortar building. We have a surprising number of freelance and independent contractors that offer valuable services while operating sometimes with just one person. These businesses – much like traditional small businesses – don’t always have access to the resources that large companies do, and survive based simply on their talent, the useful services they offer, and of course networking and mutual support from other small business and business owners.

One avenue of support that has sprouted in our community under the guidance of photographer and owner of Imago Dei Photography Xiomara Guard is our local chapter of the Rising Tide Society. This professional group gets together once a month for Tuesdays Together to discuss topics picked by the national organization and to learn from industry experts. Their goal is to emphasis collaboration over competition and encourage education and community support – because a rising tide lifts all boats. The Rising Tide Society believes there is no reason why each of our independent and creative businesses can’t be successful, and that success will come in the way of relationships and collaborations.

At the Chamber, we are partnering with the Rising Tide Society to offer a networking and social gathering on July 18th at 5:30 here at the Chamber office. This evening of learning and connecting is open to all business owners and independent contractors and is a way to learn more about the Rising Tide Society as well as the other services in our community. Come learn if this group is a good fit for you, and discover ways you can partner and grow in conjunction with other small businesses. If you’re already a member of the Rising Tide Society, consider this an opportunity to network and reach out to other businesses about your services and skills to see how you can help each other flourish. And of course since this is a Chamber-hosted event, it will be casual and fun.

That same day is our monthly Mornings on Mainstreet. These morning get togethers are drop in from 8-9 for our Chamber members to stay connected with one another and with the Chamber. It gives us face time to hear from our members and learn how we can continue to serve them and our community in the best way possible. This gathering is always the third Tuesday of every month, and as we’ve continued to host this quasi-membership meeting, we’ve been encouraged to see new members appearing every month to learn what is happening in the business community. Help us spread the word that this monthly resource is here for our members and is a great way to stay involved.

The Chamber has some more networking, educational, and informative ideas coming down the pipe and we would love the business communities feedback on gaps they feel we can fill in regards to formats and topics. You can get in contact with the chamber by emailing info@tillamookchamber.org or just giving us a call at 503-842-7525.

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Why July is the perfect time to register for Ireland

 

By Justin Aufdermauer

Executive Director

July is a particularly special time along the coast, where we have not one but four incredible firework displays, and equally as many parades and festivals happening all over the county. From Wiener Dog races to the Dory Days Celebration, there is almost always something fun going on.

July is also the perfect month to register for our Ireland trip in April of 2018. If you sign up before the end of July, you can take advantage of our July promotion and receive $100 off your registration costs. We already have 22 people registered and spots are filling up quickly. So if you’ve been on the fence about whether or not you want to come with us, don’t hesitate much longer. My advice would be to find someone who attended our recent China trip and talk to them about their experience. Or just come in and talk to Sierra and myself, because we could go on for hours about what a beneficial trip it was – both as a Chamber fundraiser, but more importantly as a community- and friendship-building excursion. It turns out when you take 65 people from Tillamook to a foreign country, great things can happen. We anticipate our Ireland trip will be no different in terms of the number of people, but what is different is the amount of flexibility built into the trip. You can add additional stops or tours, and even use your frequent flier miles to get there. Or, stay a couple of extra days after the official tour wraps up. It’s an opportunity to travel as a group and still individualize the trip to fit your personal preferences. You will have the option to customize your trip for additional costs, and may decide to visit a traditional Irish music and dance show while we’re in County Kerry, or attend a banquet dinner in a 17th-century castle overlooking Galway Bay.  

Our 11-day tour of Ireland will explore the island’s rich culture by visiting several of its cities and exploring the beautiful landscape.  The tour includes nine nights in handpicked hotels, breakfast served daily, a private deluxe motor coach and guided sightseeing. Travelers will be treated to 40 shades of green in Ireland, local pubs and fresh pints, friendly locals, and historical sites.  

We will begin in historic Dublin, that includes the opportunity to step inside St. Patrick’s Cathedral and view the remains of a 6th century church.Then, the tour group will spend two nights in County Cork. We will see a world-class racehorse farm, and tour the iconic Rock of Cashel that dates back to the 12th century. On the second day, the group will visit the town of Cobh and experience the Cobh Heritage Centre. Then, we’ll make a stop at Blarney Castle to kiss the Blarney Stone. And while kissing the stone isn’t a requirement, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and you can bet a bunch of us will be puckering up.

From there the group will spend two nights in County Kerry, stopping along the way to tour a Victorian mansion. On day seven, we will make our way around the Ring of Kerry, a 112-mile coastal route that covers Ireland’s most spectacular scenery. Next comes a two-night stay in Galway, with more chances to visit historic castles, and a walk along the coastline of the Cliffs of Moher. Here we also get a full free day to explore on our own and soak in the Irish culture.

And finally, the trip concludes in Dublin, stopping at the historic Kilbeggan Distillery for an Irish whisky tasting – because no trip to Ireland is complete without a bit of whiskey.

For more information about Ireland and how to take advantage of our special July promotion, contact Sierra Lauder at sierra@tillamookchamber.org, or call our office at 503-842-7525.

 

 

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Cork & Brew Tour – get your tickets before they sell out

 

By Justin Aufdermauer
Executive Director

If the air smells slightly hoppy downtown, that would be thanks to those boxes of beer we are storing in our temporary downstairs office as it awaits its debut on June 16. And before you even ask, no, we haven’t taste tested a single bottle – it’s all for the 2017 Cork & Brew Tour.

This promises to be the best Cork & Brew Tour yet, so whether you’re a regular or a newbie, come Friday evening you are in for a fun treat – literally and figuratively.

All the fun begins at Pelican Brewing Co’s new bottling facility on the corner of Front Street and Grove Avenue, with interactive brewery tours, uncorking contests, a blind taste test, a professional photo booth and friendly games of corn hole and ring toss. We’re excited to announce that Jazzitude will be performing during the launch party! Be prepared to check in to this awesome kickoff at 4:30 p.m. and spend some time enjoying the music and all the fun activities. A huge thank you to our sponsors, Warrenton Kia, Coast Real Estate Professionals in Manzanita, and Werner Meats in Tillamook.

Then, with your passport and complimentary tasting glass in hand, join the official self-guided tour that starts at 6 p.m. Wander through downtown to 12 locations, each with its own beer and wine to sample and delicious, locally-sourced appetizers and finger foods that compliment each beverage.

We are excited to bring back Anderson’s Florist as a tour stop this year, and of course the new Chamber office at 208 Main Avenue. Our other participating stops are Rob Trost Realty, Lucky Bear Soap Co., Sunset Tans, Sunflower Flats, Madeline’s Vintage Marketplace, Homelife Furniture, Diamond Art, YoTime, Remax, and Toth Art Collective.

This year’s beer list includes Pelican Brewing Co., Werner Brewing Co., Reach Break Brewing, Ft. George, Buoy Brewing, Rusty Truck Brewing Co., Two Towns Cider, Rogue Ales & Spirits, Wolves and People Farmhouse Brewery, Ninkasi Brewing Co., and McMenamins. So far, wines will include Provincial Vineyards, Blue Heron, and Renee’s Tasting Room in Rockaway Beach. Thirsty yet?

However, there is more fun on this tour than just wine and beer. The people make the tour, and we love to see friends laughing and talking as they explore all of the downtown shops. June 16th will also be the debut of live music on the Second Street Plaza! The Plaza will be open and ready for action, and we are excited to align the live music downtown with the Cork & Brew evening. If you have not been able to get your feet on the new space yet, this will be a great chance to try it out, and maybe even do a little dancing.

Since we want to be sure you can remember what an awesome evening it is going to be, we’re also coordinating a number of fun “selfie stations” along the tour routeUse #tillamookcork&brew to tag your photos on your favorite social media accounts, and be sure to tag the Tillamook Area Chamber of Commerce.

Tickets for this event are $35 a piece and can be purchased online at www.tillamookchamber.org or by visiting the Chamber office, Pelican Brewing Co.’s downtown Tap Room, or Sunflower Flats. The event is expected to sell out again, so be sure to buy your tickets in advance.

For more information, contact the Tillamook Area Chamber of Commerce at info@tillamookchamber.org or call 503-842-7525.

 

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June 7th Hwy Project Update

The plaza is open for walk-throughs and that means that the Blue Moon Café has returned to its storefront and is open for business.  Now with one of the best views in the downtown!

Another grand opening of the plaza will occur on Friday the 16 with the Cork’n Brew festivities and there will also be music on the plaza that you can enjoy even if you weren’t lucky enough to score a Cork’n Brew ticket.  Of course, the weekend after that will be the June Dairy Parade with its own set of events scheduled for the new plaza.  The place is going to be hopping.

There are still a few items to be installed on the plaza but they will probably show up after the June Dairy Parade.  July should have us sporting a new informational kiosk in front of the electrical meters, decorative rails around the landscape wells, and bollards at each end of the one-way street, as well as in front of each parking space.

The other July unveiling should include the realignment of Pacific Avenue north of First.  Next week is scheduled for prepping all of the subgrade stabilization on the new approach while the lightweight concrete crews set-up for pouring.  They will be pouring not only the south side Pacific Avenue connection to the new bridge, but also the new City sidestreet that will be known as the Hoquarton Landing, with a picnic area, transit stop, and parking at the Hoquarton Park and bike/pedway entrance.  Tentatively, the paving of the new Pacific Avenue connection will be targeted for July 24th but that is dependant on getting all the pipework, water quality features, drainage, and everything else into place before that time.

In other construction news, on the bridge itself, the rails and pylons are being formed with a target to pour in two weeks, which should then allow the decorative rails, now in the process of being powder-coated, to be placed on top of the concrete ones.

The nightwork continues for this week in order to get the street conduit crossings and boxes placed so that the new vertical signal poles can be set next week.  The electrical interconnections for both the signals and the lights can then proceed.  The horizontal signal pieces will arrive in the following week or two.

The Eastside sidewalks are in the process of forming and pouring the water quality curbing so that the north end sidewalk can start pouring next week.

Our Highway Project E-news bulletin is created by Jeannell Wyntergreen, Highway 101/6 Project Liaison for the Tillamook Area Chamber of Commerce.   If you have any questions or would like to share a comment with the Chamber, contact her at hwyproject@tillamookchamber.org

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May 31st Hwy Project Update

The bridge switch went off without a hitch, West First Street is paved and smooth, and the Memorial Day traffic load of tourists did their usual clog-up but nothing more, the project focus, other than some forming of bridge rails, is back to Pacific Avenue.

The sidewalk demolition work has cleared the way so that tonight will launch a couple of weeks of nightwork in the downtown area in order to minimize the traffic impacts of cutting in the utility crossings, manholes, storm drain inlets and beehives on the east side of the road.  The heavy equipment required for this work will take up one of the travel lanes for maneuvering and so northbound traffic will be restricted to one lane on the left.

Ear plugs have deposited at key residential locations downtown in recognition of the impending disturbance.

On the west side of the street, next week will see Northwest Liners arriving to line all of the deep holes along the new sidewalks that are meant to catch storm water run-off.  After lining, these will be filled with soil, and eventually plants, to filter the water before it runs into the Hoquarton and Bay.

There will also be a Water Quality vault installed this week in the area immediately downslope of the former Shell Station as the contractors prepare the ground for the south approach to the bridge which will connect the bridge with the north end of Pacific, thereby bringing the final highway configuration into reality.  The tentative date for getting this paving work done, along with the paving of the new City street alongside it, which will be named Hoquarton Landing, is currently targeted for July 12th.  Once this Pacific Avenue extension is in place, the area around the former station will become Shell Island and will be difficult to work in.

Last but not least, the multi-textured festival plaza work is wrapping up with a crosswalk tie-in being poured on the Main Street end and plywood being placed over the tree wells so that nobody trips on them during the Cork’n Brew festivities on Friday, June 16th.

Our Highway Project E-news bulletin is created by Jeannell Wyntergreen, Highway 101/6 Project Liaison for the Tillamook Area Chamber of Commerce.   If you have any questions or would like to share a comment with the Chamber, contact her at hwyproject@tillamookchamber.org

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May 23rd Highway Project Update

Tonight’s the night that the switch gets flipped.  The asphalt crews will be working on the bridge from 7:00 PM until 2:00 AM at which time the night flaggers arrive so that the stripers can begin their work of grinding out the old striping and laying down the new travel lanes.  Come tomorrow morning, Wednesday the 24th, the new bridge will be accepting its first traffic.

One lane of northbound traffic will be wiggled around the old Shell Station and guided up main to tie in over onto the new bridge come Wednesday morning.  For the duration of Wednesday, there will also be a single lane southbound on Main as the contractors complete the transition.  Once Thursday rolls around, traffic can return to two lanes southbound.

With all the adjustments, the two lanes of westbound coming into downtown on East First Street, otherwise known as Highway 6, will remain open in order to serve the anticipated heavy Memorial Day traffic.  The sewerline paving work on West First Street should be complete and freeflowing for traffic.  The accesses to the Third Street Shell Station will also remain open through the weekend even though eastside sidewalk demolition work is already launched along Pacific Avenue.

The typical holiday snarl may be slightly hyper-typical this year, especially since we’re going to have good weather, but the construction project and the City are attempting to clear as many routes through the City as possible.  Regardless of everyone’s best efforts, there will be stacking and tempers will be tried, but please pack plenty of patience and it should be a beautiful weekend.

As for the work crews, they will rest too.  There will be no work on Memorial Day.

Which brings us to the summer.  The multi-textured Plaza work will be wrapping up this week and the facility should be ready for the Cork’n Brew festivities on June 16th.  We will have some awkward pinches compared to our usual comfort zone, such as there won’t be any parking on First Street for the Farmers’ Market, but these are just growing pains that won’t stop our forward motion.

Our Highway Project E-news bulletin is created by Jeannell Wyntergreen, Highway 101/6 Project Liaison for the Tillamook Area Chamber of Commerce.   If you have any questions or would like to share a comment with the Chamber, contact her at hwyproject@tillamookchamber.org

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Expect a ‘whale of a time’ in Ireland

 

By Justin Aufdermauer
Executive Director

The first thing anyone planning a trip to Ireland should do is brush up on his or her Irish phrases. Why? So that you can be sure to converse with locals and have a whale of a time while you’re there.

If you’ve been practicing your Irish phrases for donkey’s years, but still have never made the trip across the sea to visit the Emerald Isle, then you will be excited to know that the Tillamook Area Chamber of Commerce is planning a trip in April 2018.

We had such a great time visiting China that it seemed like a no brainer to do it again. The amount of relationship building and networking that occurred when 65 people from Tillamook County took a group trip to China was hugely gratifying. We got to know each other better, made new friends, and took the conversation about how to improve the livability of Tillamook to a whole new level – literally and figuratively. The trip, which served as a fundraiser for the Chamber, cemented friendships and provided opportunities for conversations about community, commerce and placemaking, with a new perspective on culture. It was community building extreme edition, and we anticipate a similar number of travelers with a similar experience in Ireland.

In Ireland we will spend 11 days exploring the island’s lush, green landscape, quaint cities, and rich culture. The tour includes nine nights in handpicked hotels, breakfast served daily, a private deluxe motor coach and guided sightseeing. Travelers will be treated to 40 shades of green in Ireland, local pubs and fresh pints, friendly locals, and historical sites.

We will in historic Dublin with a sightseeing tour lead by a local expert, that includes the opportunity to step inside St. Patrick’s Cathedral, view the remains of a 6th century church, and journey through County Wicklow into Glendaslough.

Then, the tour group will spend two nights in County Cork, with several stops along the way. See a world-class racehorse farm, and tour the iconic Rock of Cashel that dates back to the 12th century. On the second day, discover the town of Cobh and visit the Cobh Heritage Centre. Then, we’ll make a stop at Blarney Castle to kiss the Blarney Stone (only if you want to).

From there the trip spends two nights in County Kerry, stopping along the way to tour a Victorian mansion. On day seven, we will make our way around the Ring of Kerry, a 112-mile coastal route that covers Ireland’s most spectacular scenery.

Next comes a two-night stay in Galway, with more chances to visit historic castles, and a walk along the coastline of the Cliffs of Moher. Here we also get a full free day to explore on our own and soak in the Irish culture.

And finally, the trip concludes in Dublin, stopping at the historic Kilbeggan Distillery for an Irish whisky tasting. From there, travelers have the option of heading home or continuing on to Belfast for a post-tour extension. In fact, there are several options to customize your trip for additional costs. For example, you might decide to visit a traditional Irish music and dance show while we’re in County Kerry, or attend a banquet dinner in a 17th-century castle overlooking Galway Bay.

The entire trip is built with flexibility in mind and a variety of ways to experience Ireland. There are lots of options for this tours and we would love to explain the itinerary and options in full to you! We did a lot of research to make sure we were booking a trip with great value and we feel that we have booked a great trip! The trip will cost $3,225 (including airfare) for registrations in the next 60 days. On May 22 from 6 – 7:30 we are hosting an informative introductory meeting about this trip at Tillamook Bay Community College, room 214/215. Here is your chance to register early, get your questions answered, and talk to some of our recently-returned China travelers about their experience and the benefits of this Chamber-style group traveling.

For more information about Ireland, contact Sierra Lauder at sierra@tillamookchamber.org, or call our office at 503-842-7525.

 

 

 

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May 17th Highway Project Update

In addition to flowers and tourists, the sunshine that is on its way is going to be coating the town with asphalt.  When the sun burns through tomorrow morning, expect to see the project crews swarming over the bridge this entire weekend as they ready the new structure to accept traffic on the 24th of this month (Wednesday of next week).

To do that, the balance of the bridge sidewalks, rails, and overlook need to get poured in order to ready everything for the pavers, who are coming on Monday.  Once the pavers arrive, plans are to work right through Monday and Tuesday nights getting the bridge paved in two three-inch lifts and a temporary tie-in laid back to Main Avenue.  Late on Tuesday night, the flaggers and stripers will take over, realigning the lanes so that northbound traffic up main will be guided over onto the new bridge come Wednesday morning.

It may be a bit rough on Wednesday as the finishing touches are put on and everyone gets used to the new alignment but by the end-of-day, the switch should be complete with two lanes open for the southbound on Main over the old bridge and one lane running north over the new bridge.  This so-called ‘Memorial Day Configuration’ will  probably be in place until the middle of July when the south approach should be completed and northbound traffic will no longer have to take the dogleg around the old Shell Station, but can roll directly off of Pacific onto the new bridge.

While all of that is underway, starting tomorrow, the flatwork crews will be finishing up the decorative quilted concrete panels on Second Street in a series of four pours working from Main toward Pacific.  This should complete the puzzle and enable the streetscape pieces such as the kiosk and covered bike rack to be installed shortly thereafter with the bollards completing the plaza once they arrive in the next few weeks.  The Cork’n Brew festivities on June 16th will inaugurate the Plaza, as it will then be ready for summertime events.

Now that the traffic has been shifted to two lanes on the west side of Pacific Avenue, work on the east side sidewalks is also in full swing.  To get portions of the demolition work done, there will be some nightwork required in the next few weeks that will close one of the lanes, but for the most part, construction can otherwise occur using the parking bays without limiting the two northbound lanes.

As if that weren’t enough to deal with, this intense ODOT construction schedule is going to be matched by the paving of the last of the City’s sewerline project on First Street.   The grinding of First from Stillwell to Cedar and then around the corner to 4th and west is set to happen this Friday so that overlay paving can follow behind starting next Monday.  Please beware of the manhole covers and other obstructions sticking up along that route over the weekend and expect to be rerouted in that area beginning of next week.

Our Highway Project E-news bulletin is created by Jeannell Wyntergreen, Highway 101/6 Project Liaison for the Tillamook Area Chamber of Commerce.   If you have any questions or would like to share a comment with the Chamber, contact her at hwyproject@tillamookchamber.org

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Support our schools and libraries this election

Justin Aufdermauer

by Justin Aufdermauer
Executive Director

A lot of things in life may not have a direct impact on you, yet affect you more than you may know. You might not have children in school or ever use the library, but what you don’t realize is that they are still impacting your life. The Chamber believes the stronger our school and library systems are the stronger our community will be. The Chamber Board supports both the Tillamook schools and Tillamook library bonds.

The quality of the local school system is not only important for the student’s health and safety but also for business. A quality district with adequate facilities is often a priority for new hires who are looking to move in the area, or if a local couple is deciding whether or not to stay and raise their family. Recruiting and retaining a skilled and diverse workforce is going to determine the great of our economic growth (it already is). The reward is great and the cost is minimal. Regardless the amount of your property tax statement, the total cost of this bond, after the increase in three extensions, is less than the original Bond passed by voters in 2002 at $0.97 per thousand. This is because of proactive management by the school district to refinance that bond in 2010. Plus, this time the bond comes with a match of up to $4 million.

The library is much more of a community resource than many understand. For the sake of argument, we could forget the community events, Children’s Parade and all the books, and yet it would still have significant value. Did you know there is a vast amount of databases and programs available to local businesses (and everyone) and all you need is a library card? These databases help save businesses such as our local mechanics thousands of dollars every year. Also, a literate workforce is one of the most important and valuable tools. The library serves many people each year in literacy, a basic skill that many of us take for granted.

The Chamber Board is made up of local small business owners and individuals who are passionate about enhancing economic vitality of the Tillamook area and we support the local school and Library bonds.

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May 9th Highway Project Update

Now that the sun has finally arrived from wherever it was vacationing, safety orange is blossoming everywhere.  The crews, whether ODOT contractors or City’s, or even the telecommunications cablemen, are out there working on just about every other street downtown, making hay while the sun shines.

And just when you were getting used to it, the northbound traffic on Pacific Avenue will switch to the other side tonight after the nightwork crews sweep the lanes, throws some asphalt mix in the conduit trenches across the road, and restripes the travel lanes.  You will be driving on the west side of Pacific Avenue tomorrow morning and that will allow the contractors to start sawcutting the eastside sidewalks on Thursday.  The whole thing is getting rather breathless in its pacing.

The future realignment of Pacific is beginning to be recognizable as the cellcrete approaches have been mixed and formed up so that you can see the new curve wrap around the old Shell station on the south side of the bridge as it chases the excavation up the hill.  The long lines of concrete trucks have been pouring their hearts out getting the deck laid on the bridge itself.  On the north side, the widened road will be ready to be paved next week so that the contractors can tie-in the old road to the new on the night of the 24th and switch the traffic over on the 25th.

With ODOT’s announcement of delays last week, the work on the east Pacific sidewalks will be extending through June.  While we were all hoping that such activity would be cleared out of the way by Memorial Day, it will not impact the June Dairy Parade because it has been rerouted this year to come from the south and turn east up Third in order to avoid the construction area.

The westside sidewalks are getting their finishing touches as the bi-colored unit pavers are being carefully-placed in geometric patterns down the curbside.  Unfortunately, the trees and shrubs won’t be planted for another year, but all of the rest of the streetscape features can be installed even while traffic has been shifted to that side.

The Second Street Plaza, with its mosaic of different colored pours, is nearing completion.  The decorative lights are due to arrive next week.  The Cork’n Brew and the June Dairy Parade are already planning multiple events on the new centerpiece.  All that is needed is six more dry days for six more pours.  That is all that is needed to get it wrapped by Memorial Day!

Our Highway Project E-news bulletin is created by Jeannell Wyntergreen, Highway 101/6 Project Liaison for the Tillamook Area Chamber of Commerce.   If you have any questions or would like to share a comment with the Chamber, contact her at hwyproject@tillamookchamber.org

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May 3rd Highway Project Update

The project crews continue to push six and seven days a week in an effort to keep the progress steaming forward.  The buff-colored decorative concrete is set to be poured tomorrow between the dark ribbons and the terra-cotta accent pads that are already in place; the concrete quilt is coming together.  The driller’s in town working the corner by the Wells Fargo Bank and moving up Pacific in order to ensure that all traffic signal foundations are set in the next two weeks.  The bridgework assembly is clicking together in rapid production with a projected asphalt course being applied on the 22nd of this month.  All this without any additional nightwork in the next couple of weeks.

That said, the Chamber was informed on Tuesday that ODOT would be issuing a press release today with an important scheduling announcement regarding the bridge approaches.  We will forward that release to you once it is received, we anticipate this to be a short-term project delay notice.

In order for the contractors to position for the demolition of the east side sidewalks, the traffic will be flopped to the west side of the street next Monday, presuming that the weather materializes as forecast so that the restriping can be done.  This will still leave some work to be done next week on the west side walkways between 2nd (Blue Moon) and 1st (Rodeo) but that will be handled by a temporary lane closure for that short-term work.

With the work swinging over to the other side of the street, the Chamber has requested that ODOT ensure open parking on the west side of Pacific.  The parking bays are only six foot deep, but if the contractor can find enough slack that avoids the wheel ruts developing in the Pacific travel lane, the prospects are good for getting that parking back.

Recent schedule adjustments presented by the contractor show the west side of Pacific being completed by the original date of Memorial Day, however the east side of Pacific is now scheduled to be fully wrapped up by the end of June.

The extended sidewalk work on the east side will surely have an impact on the beginning of summer business, but hopefully, the completion of the plaza, and the west side of the street, and possible parking, this will allow for a vibrant tourist season. The final touch will be the paving crew looking at overlaying Pacific from 4th to 1st before the Fourth of July.  That should put a fine finish on the roadway for the rest of the summer traffic.

Somewhere between all of this hubbub, we will celebrate.  The Cork’n Brew is set for the first event on our new Plaza on June 16th followed by the June Dairy Festival activities on the 24th.  We may have to be careful navigating the crowds through the bits of sidewalk construction as they move from the Farmers’ Market down 2nd to the Plaza and points beyond, but after this long haul, it will all seem worthwhile.

Our Highway Project E-news bulletin is created by Jeannell Wyntergreen, Highway 101/6 Project Liaison for the Tillamook Area Chamber of Commerce.   If you have any questions or would like to share a comment with the Chamber, contact her at hwyproject@tillamookchamber.org
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Tickets on sale for 2017 Cork & Brew Tour in downtown Tillamook

Tickets are on sale for the 2017 Cork & Brew Tour, hosted once again by the Tillamook Area Chamber of Commerce.

Patrons of this annual event on June 16 will notice a few exciting changes this year. Most notable is the expansion of the launch party at Pelican Brewing Co.’s brand new bottling facility on the corner of Front Street and Grove Avenue. The launch party kicks off at 4:30 p.m. and “tour-ists” will be treated to live music, games, and brewery tours. Several of Pelican’s pro-brewers will be on hand to show guests around the expanded facility and provide samples and tastes of the different grains, malts and hops that define each style of beer. Tours are aimed to shed light on the brewing process and what goes into making their award-winning beer for the last 20 years.

At the launch party, each guest will receive a “passport,” that contains a list of the stops on the tour and highlights the breweries, wineries and restaurants that will be served. Several wineries will be on hand with bottles available for purchase of your favorite vintages- if you decide to fill your cellar, have no fear! Hosting businesses have agreed to hold any purchased bottles for pick up another day.

The official tour will begin at 6 p.m. and includes up to 12 downtown stops, each with a different wine or beer to sample and scrumptious appetizers to complement the beverages. New this year will be a stop at the Chamber’s new downtown location. This is a perfect opportunity to see the remodel up close and personal, view the new Visitor Information Center, and welcome the Chamber to downtown.

“We get excited for this event every year,” noted Sierra Lauder, the Director of Events and Downtown Development for the Chamber. “This year feels particularly exciting because we at the Chamber get to participate on a new level by being a tour stop and welcoming people to our downtown office.”

Lauder added that the goal of the Cork & Brew Tour event is to get people to experience downtown in a memorable way.

“You don’t have to go downtown to buy things,” she said. “We all know that you can do all, or most, of your shopping online. But you come downtown because it’s fun and it’s an experience. This event is both of those things – it’s a fun experience and hopefully it kindles your desire to come back to enjoy our downtown again in the future.”

In addition to Pelican, early confirmations have arrived from Fort George Brewing (Astoria;) Buoy Beer Company (Astoria); newcomers Werner Brewing Co. (Tillamook); and Reach Break Brewing out of Astoria, as well as McMenamins, Provincial Vineyards and DavenLore. In addition to these sponsors, the Chamber wants to make a point to thank Warrenton KIA, who is a Presenting Sponsor for the event.

Art Accelerated has graciously agreed to host the passport drop box right downtown, where they will host music, coffee and tea and some of the latest creations of local artists. All completed passports (one stamp for each participating location) can be dropped off before 9:30 p.m. and entered to win a prize.

Tickets are $35 a piece and can be purchased online at www.tillamookchamber.org or by visiting the Chamber office, Pelican Brewing Co.’s downtown Tillamook Tap Room, or Sunflower Flats. The event is expected to sell out again, so be sure to buy your tickets in advance.

For more information, contact the Tillamook Area Chamber of Commerce at info@tillamookchamber.org or call 503-842-7525.

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A new parade route and more fun surprises this June Dairy Parade

Oregon Tillamook June Dairy Parade

By Justin Aufdermauer
Executive Director

Check your weather app folks, because summer is finally starting to poke its head through from behind the clouds. So don’t be surprised to hear that we are amping up for the annual June Dairy Parade and Festival. This year’s theme is “60 years on the MOOVE.”

There are a couple of major changes to the parade this year, some of which you may have heard about already and hopefully this will answer any questions you may have. The biggest change is that the parade will be moving in reverse from what it has historically done in the past. In other words, the official starting point will be at Main and 11th, and it will end at Goodspeed Park (see the route map.)

We’re doing this for a variety of reasons but the largest is to help accommodate traffic along Hwy 101, which typically starts to build up by 11:30 a.m. We worked with both the City Police Department and the Sheriff’s Office to brainstorm a solution that would eliminate that annual traffic gridlock. Now we can get the parade entries off of Highway 101 quicker and open it up sooner to traffic.

We also will be turning down Third Street, instead of rounding the corner at Second Street, which has been the tradition. That’s because that section of Second Street (soon to be the plaza) will be the stage for this year’s Dairy Festival. The Festival will begin promptly at 11:45 and go until 4 p.m.

This year’s Festival will again have several fun family activities hosted by local businesses, including live music and a community barbecue co-hosted by Chef Nelia and the Tillamook Fire Department and sponsored by Warrenton Kia. Other fun activities include a Tillawheels car show, the ever-popular Penny Scramble, and a special appearance by Tillamook’s budding roller derby league. Come learn more about this grass roots roller derby movement in Tillamook and meet some of the skaters. We are also working with the Farm Bureau to coordinate a petting zoo for that day as well. Hoping that comes to life, after all it is a dairy festival.

As always, plan to make a day of celebrating The Dairylands in one of our first community event of the summer. If you need a parade float application, you can pick them up at our office, located at 208 Main Street.  Please have your entry returned by May 30th.

We are also seeking nominations for both Grand Marshal and Honorary Grand Marshal. If you have a friend or family member that you think deserves this honor, please submit either the Grand Marshal Application 2017, or the Honorary Grand Marshal Application 2017. Both can be found at www.tillamookchamber.org/junedairy.

(Insert Map Here)

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April 26th Hwy Project Update

Second Street Plaza
The Second Street Plaza is blooming in the rain.  The revelation of the new stamped and colored concrete corners on Pacific Avenue have already brightened up the dreary weather.
Now the forms are being set for the pouring of the striking dark gray “tactile paver strip” that will serve as the visual “curbing” on the street to differentiate the pedestrian from the vehicular areas when cars are using the westbound one-way.    When the plaza is blocked off from traffic for special events, the flat strip will not trip dancers or audience members.
Between the patterns established by those two colors, the variously-scored pebble-color concrete sections which form the base lines of the plaza will be poured over the next three weeks.  Then during the week of the May 21st, the benches, bollards, and light poles will be placed in order for the entire plaza to be ready to open by the weekend of Memorial Day.  And then be used as part of the June Dairy Parade festivities.
Multiple local companies have been helping in the plaza construction including Bros and Hoes Landscaping, Westwind Concrete, and CoastWide Ready Mix.  The landscapers will also be laying the unit pavers between the curb and sidewalk all the way down Pacific from My 12 through the 21st, adding another strip of color down the road.
The other project piece that is tracking well with being completed on schedule is the Hoquarton Bridge itself.   The excavator crews and lightweight concrete crews will be flipping back forth between the North and South bridge approaches over the next month, grading, tying in water & sewer lines, and installing the curb, gutter, driveways, & bio-retention ponds to make way for the sidewalk crews to move in on the approaching sidewalk pours.
Atop the bridge, the electrical is now going in along the east side with the forming of the overlook getting finished up next Wednesday and sidewalks/overlook being poured during the next week.  And then the magic happens as the bridge rail base and pylons take shape and the bright orange handrail is installed in the week before Memorial Day.
All this despite our record-setting rainfall which has turned a series of contractors’ schedules into unreadable wet rags.  While it has been trying, the patience of the Tillamook community during this difficult process has been phenomenal.

Our Highway Project E-news bulletin is created by Jeannell Wyntergreen, Highway 101/6 Project Liaison for the Tillamook Area Chamber of Commerce.   If you have any questions or would like to share a comment with the Chamber, contact her at hwyproject@tillamookchamber.org
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April 19th Highway Project Update

In an effort to catch up with the schedule, the project crews have been working six-tens in most locations.  Westwind, the concrete flatwork subcontractors, will be jamming on the sidewalks with the Rendezvous on track to be completed by this Friday and the ramps by the Phoenix Exchange set to go next Monday, and then on to the sidewalks between Second & First Streets by the end of next week.  Not long after, a concrete crew will be peeling off to start the sidewalks on the north side of the project by the Diesel Repair Shop.  Meanwhile, the concrete stamping work in the Second Street Plaza will be ongoing as weather allows.

There have been the usual surprises with fuel tanks under the sidewalks by the Blue Moon and phone poles without adequate bracing, but each headscratcher is dispensed with as it arises, and the crews shift to work around the problem.

The electrical team is pushing right along with the sidewalk crews, setting the last pole foundation up by the Rodeo by Wednesday next week and then jumping onto the bridge to run electrical for the lighting on the east side.

If you want to see a “Guppy” in action, one is moving in this week on the north side of the bridge to start pouring lightweight concrete off the ends of the bridge.  Once the sewer lines are installed on the south side, the “Guppy” will switch over to start pouring lightweight on that end in a couple of weeks.

Another set of nightwork events will occur on 101 next Monday and Tuesday nights in order to reset barrier pins.

On the bridge itself, while the deck is curing, wingwalls are being poured and next week will see the east side water overlook being formed up.  When the project is done, there will be a cantilevered overlook on each side of the bridge for viewing up and down the Hoquarton, hopefully creating an inviting showpiece in the heart of the community.

With all of this preparatory work coming together, we should finally be able to see the new streetscape take shape in three weeks from now as pavers go down, tree grates are installed, along with decorative fences around the new streetside planters.

Hopefully, as the sun comes out more often, all of this effort should reveal some substantial visible progress like a rainbow at the end of a storm.

Our Highway Project E-news bulletin is created by Jeannell Wyntergreen, Highway 101/6 Project Liaison for the Tillamook Area Chamber of Commerce.   If you have any questions or would like to share a comment with the Chamber, contact her at
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Mornings on Mainstreet

By Sierra Lauder
Director of Events and Downtown Promotion

Last month at the Chamber Headquarters at 208 Main Ave. we had the pleasure of hosting “Mornings on Main Street.” Around 20 people gathered to share coffee, treats and great discussion about all the activity in the downtown area. Lots of the conversation stemmed from the construction along the sidewalks of Pacific and the “Second Street Plaza.” I use quotations around “Second Street Plaza,” because the City of Tillamook’s Beautification Committee is entertaining possible names for the project. They will be narrowing the results at the next Beautification Meeting on April 10th, so if you have an idea to toss in the hat, contact City Hall or let us know at the Chamber and we’ll pass it along. There is some discussion of taking the top four choices and having a public vote. Look forward to that!

Construction projects within buildings were also a big topic of discussion. How could they not be, when the gathering was held within the freshly framed walls of the future offices for the Chamber? The Chamber project is zipping along, with electric and heating work wrapping up this week and sheet rocking kicking off next week. The Visitor’s Center will be fully operational in plenty of time for summer. Art Accelerated Board Chair Neal Lemery shared about the grants that they have been working on for improvements to the Beal’s Building, where they are hoping to start classes and workshops in the near future, as well as open for regular hours for the gallery. After banter about the facelift that is taking place in the old Murphy’s Furniture Building on First St. to accommodate a new T-Mobile store, and a report on the remodeling of the Blue Moon, Phil and Nelia from the Pacific Restaurant invited the entire group across the street and took us through the new restaurant space. Let me just give you this sneak peek: It. Is. Gorgeous.

We very much enjoyed this Mornings on Main Street event. Starting in May, the Chamber will be hosting these gatherings each month, on the third Tuesday of the month. While we invite you to contact us anytime with questions, thoughts or ideas, these member open house opportunities are a really easy way to connect with the projects the Chamber has going on, and a low pressure way to engage with others in the business community.

A quick update on upcoming events: it is Dairy Madness at the Chamber! The June Dairy Parade and Festival is set for June 24th. Entry forms for the June Dairy Parade will be going out early next week, and the coloring contest is OPEN. The parade route will be changing this year, and we will be working hard in the next few months to make sure that the information about the new route is available to everyone. The parade will now be STARTING at the high school, marching north up Main Ave., turning right and heading east on Third St. and disbanding at Goodspeed Park. We will be taking advantage of the open Second Street to host a large family friendly Dairy Festival.

Cork & Brew tickets will go on sale online April 10th! The Cork & Brew Tour takes place on June 16th, the Friday before Father’s Day.

If you have questions about these events or just want to talk Tillamook, feel free to call me at the Chamber (503) 842-7525, or email me at sierra@tillamookchamber.org.

 

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April 5th Highway Project Update

After extended discussion, and multiple schedule revisions, at this week’s ODOT project team meeting, the contractors and agency partners concluded that, in order to expedite the Pacific Avenue sidewalk work, additional crew resources would be put into grading and finishing the last conduit work on the west Pacific sidewalk between 2nd and 3rd this week so that the concrete can start to be poured next Tuesday and then reopened for foot traffic by the week thereafter.

While the flatwork is being poured, all the digging and curbline work would continue across the 2nd Street intersection so that the concrete work could follow right behind.   Work on these first two segments would then lead to the demolition of the remaining west Pacific sidewalks up past the Rodeo.  Once that alignment is complete, the plan is to swing the concrete crews over to the Second Street Plaza, which should be graded and ready, and start them working the full street from east to west.  With the concentrated prep work leading the way, the concrete crews should be able to keep pouring continuously, without having to wait on subgrade stabilization, curb & gutter, or weather.

In order to make this approach function, the access to the Blue Moon Café would be flipped, moving back to their westward door with a boardwalk that would be constructed to Main.  The Phoenix Exchange, which has been struggling along with its limited access, has agreed to limit it even further by closing for a couple of days when the crews pour their access, rather than having their approach poured in halves to allow continuous access to their business.  That way, while the disruption is greater, it is for a shorter period of time as the entire entry would cure all at once.

Because these are going to be tough times for those businesses, please go out of your way to patronize them during this period while the intensity of the sidewalk work around their businesses increases in an effort to get it done faster.

In other project arenas, the installation of the electrical conduits for future undergrounding of wires is nearing completion under the impending plaza, thanks to a partnership of the project contractors, the City, the Urban Renewal Agency, and the Tillamook People’s Utility District.

The nightwork in front of Rosenberg’s has run smoothly so far, enabling the installation of the 18-inch storm drain tie-in crossings to be placed without too much traffic disruption.  There is still some storm drain work to come with the 30-inch and 36-inch tie-ins remaining to be completed on the north end.  The City’s waterline is already installed in the bridge and ready to be hooked up when the storm drains are done.

The bridge itself is going through its readiness checklist in anticipation of starting to pour the deck around the 13th of April.  This major construction element will take about a week to complete.

Our Highway Project E-news bulletin is created by Jeannell Wyntergreen, Highway 101/6 Project Liaison for the Tillamook Area Chamber of Commerce.   If you have any questions or would like to share a comment with the Chamber, contact her at hwyproject@tillamookchamber.org

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June Dairy Parade and Festival

Mark your calendars: this year’s June Dairy Parade and Festival is set for June 24, 2017!!!

“60 Years on the MOOVE” will be the theme for the year, and we are excited to say that parade entries have already begun to roll in! In keeping with the theme, even the parade route will be “mooving” a little bit this year- the parade will stage and launch from the high school and TPUD, and officially be underway as it heads north on Main Ave.. The route will be up Main to Third, where it will make a right and head east along Third Street before officially disbanding at Goodspeed Park. Here is a link to download the ParadeRouteMap.

Want to join the fun?

Here is a 2017 June Dairy Parade Entry Form. If you would like to join the parade, please have your entry for returned by May 30th, 2017 to the Tillamook Chamber office.

We are also seeking nominations for both Grand Marshal and Honorary Grand Marshal. If you have a friend or family member that you think deserves this honor, please submit either the Grand Marshal Application 2017, or the Honorary Grand Marshal Application 2017.

The Tillamook Chamber also hosts a June Dairy Parade Coloring Contest! Children between the ages of 3 and 12 can enter before June 12th to win great prizes in several age brackets. Entry forms are available here: coloring contest, and are due back at the Tillamook Chamber office before June 12th.

Dairy Parade weekend is a big deal in Tillamook! We’re continuing to grow the Dairy Festival, and this year children of all ages are guaranteed to enjoy festival happenings downtown. Second Street will host a car show, community BBQ, and a carnival of family activities hosted by local businesses. Fans of last year’s Penny Scramble will be happy to hear that we will indeed be scrambling again! Be sure to rest up headed in to the weekend; in addition to the parade and festival, the YMCA Milk Run, the Tillamook Farmer’s Market, and the Tillamook County Rodeo are all happening June 24th!!!

 

If you have any questions or need more information about the June Dairy Parade and Festival, please call Tammy at the Tillamook Area Chamber of Commerce: (503) 842-7525, or email info@tillamookchamber.org

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March 31st Highway Project Update

Oregon spring break has thrown more than usual commotion into the traffic mix and next week’s Washington break may add even more, particularly if the weather shows a couple of strands of sunshine.

They’ll be arriving to see the further demolition of the west sidewalk between 2nd and 1st Streets up to the Rodeo.  That will push the envelope with having two blocks open at a time but the hope is to move right in behind them with the curbs, driveways, ADA Ramps, and sidewalks.

The pedestrian bridges and pathways to the entrances along Pacific have taken on the appearance of a maze.  With the underground vaults exposed, the residents and business patrons have found the work beneath their feet quite intriguing.   In this next week however, the lids for those vaults should be poured and the vaults backfilled so that attraction will disappear back underground.

Next door, the Second Street plaza will be getting a lot of attention as the conduits for the future undergrounding of electrical power in the plaza is installed by Just Bucket Excavating, Inc., so that the base for the new roadway and the fine grading can follow shortly behind.

And right behind that, Westwind, the concrete flatwork subcontractors, will be building a 10 x 10 plaza mock-up so that everyone can see a sample of what the future will bring.  At a later point, after everyone is done admiring it, the mock-up will be incorporated into the permanent flatwork on the Plaza.

Similarly, the bridgework is now on a very focused timeline as the decks are being formed up, run-offs are set up, and bulkheads maneuvered into place in preparation for the deck pour that is targeted for Tax Day.  Remember that’s April 18th this year.

Fortunately, Spring breakers will not likely encounter the traffic-stopping drainage pipe crossings by the front of Rosenberg’s as those are set to occur as night work early next week.  These tie-ins will run back to the east side where the main drain has been laid, and getting them across 101 will require flaggers to move vehicles through, so with the holiday traffic and Rosenberg’s business activities in mind, the decision was made to shift the work out of high traffic hours and into the night.

Our Highway Project E-news bulletin is created by Jeannell Wyntergreen, Highway 101/6 Project Liaison for the Tillamook Area Chamber of Commerce.   If you have any questions or would like to share a comment with the Chamber, contact her at hwyproject@tillamookchamber.org
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Cork & Brew set: June 16, 2017!!!

Cork & Brew 2017 kicks off on the evening of June 16th at 4:30 in the Pelican Bottling Room with a Launch Party that will feature several new activities, including an interactive introduction to the brewing process, a blind tasting competition and an uncorking battle. “Tourists” will be set loose at 5pm, passports in hand, to explore downtown and revel in the experiences that each “Tour Stop” will have crafted. The official Tour will wrap up at 8pm. Art Accelerated will be the final stop on the tour at their cooperative member gallery in the Beals Building at the corner of 3rd and Main.  They will not be serving beer or wine, but will be accepting completed passports until 8:30 and will be offering coffee and tea and hosting an art exhibit. Tourists are invited to consider one of the “after-party” options being offered at downtown establishments.

Ticket Sales are OPEN online: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2017-cork-brew-tour-tickets-33168375504?aff=es2

Tickets are available, and we’re announcing the first three breweries that will be sponsoring this year’s Cork & Brew!!!!

Pelican Brewing – Tillamook– What would we do without these guys??? Cork & Brew will once again kick off with a super fun Launch Party in their TIllamook Bottling Room. Pelican brewers will be on hand to give us behind-the-scenes tours of the ever-growing facility and talk about what makes beer, well, beer.

Werner Brewing Company– We love these brothers! If you can’t wait until June for a taste of their tasty balanced IPA and too-easy brown, try them on tap in Netarts at The Schooner Restaurant & Lounge or the Upstairs Bar & Grill. (Look for a Tillamook tap room opening this summer!)

Reach Break Brewing– More brothers! Josh and Jared Allison have recently opened their incredibly welcoming brewery and tap room just up the road in Astoria, Oregon. Centrally located, their tap room features a roll-up wall that allows for you and your family to soak up the sun on the patio during these long spring days. Reach Break explores styles, hops and flavors that assure they will become a primary reason to venture up the coast. Come for the juicy hazy NE IPA’s, stay and be wowed by the rest of the line up. Save me some of the saison- it’s AMAZING.

Cheers!

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March 24th Highway Project Update

The sidewalk on Pacific Avenue between 4th and 3rd Streets by Wells Fargo Bank and Homelife Furniture has been opened up to foot traffic, the fuel tanks have been removed and the Pacific Avenue undersidewalk vaults opened up for repair and reconstruction.  With vault lids being set by the Rendezvous this week and the Blue Moon next, the contractor is pushing hard to get the sidewalk work next to the Tillamook Apartments and the Rendezvous poured and cured so that the folks who traffic that block can return to some semblance of normalcy.

Admittedly, the pedestrian pathways leading to the entrances along Pacific have been confusing for both residents and patrons; hopefully a clear system that everyone can pick up on intuitively will be in place by this weekend.

The sidewalk disruptions will shift to the Post Office frontage along First Street beginning the first week of April as pipework starts to get laid back past Laurel toward Madrona.  There will have to be some carefully coordinated work around the delivery entrance to the rear of the Post Office as everyone knows that, regardless of which way the wind blows, ‘the mail must get through’.

In the meantime, the bridge continues apace.  The steel is being delivered and the decks will be formed up over the next two weeks now that the waterline is tied together in the channels underneath.  The bridge takes on more of its final shape with every passing day.

The drainage work on the north end by the Diesel Repair Shop is ready to stub out the 18” westward laterals next week, which may require some nightwork in the vicinity of Rosenberg’s to get them across the travel lanes. However, the good news is that, with SC Paving’s asphalt batch opening on the 30th, the pothole patching throughout the project should vastly improve.

In a last minute turn of events, a local partnership has cropped up that will lay the groundwork for the future undergrounding of electrical power in the Second Street plaza (soon to be renamed through a citywide contest).  The Tillamook Urban Renewal Agency has joined forces with the Tillamook People’s Utility District, the Tillamook Public Works Department, and Just Bucket Excavating, Inc. to ensure the installation of sufficient conduits and vaults under the Plaza that will accommodate the future pulling of all overhead wires in that area down through those tubes in order to keep the visual clutter in this community centerpiece to a minimum.

Each partner is bringing either money, materials, or labor forward in this last effort before the plaza get constructed with hard surfacing that will prevent the ability to lay these conduits for decades to come.

Our Highway Project E-news bulletin is created by Jeannell Wyntergreen, Highway 101/6 Project Liaison for the Tillamook Area Chamber of Commerce.   If you have any questions or would like to share a comment with the Chamber, contact her at hwyproject@tillamookchamber.org

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Cork & Brew Tour this June

 

By Sierra Lauder
Director of Events and Downtown Promotion

This June 16th marks the fourth annual Cork & Brew Tour coordinated by the Tillamook Area Chamber of Commerce. When we started this downtown wine and beer tasting tour in 2014, I think everyone was a bit skeptical on whether such an event would work in Tillamook. Sure, they did marvelous in larger cities that have more of a “downtown,” but Tillamook had never attempted anything like this before.

And yet here we are four years later, and each year the tour has grown both in attendance and enthusiasm. It has quickly become a summer kick-off event that so many look forward to.

Cork & Brew “Tourists” start the evening at a Launch Party at the Pelican Brewery, which will have some new surprises this year, before being set loose with passports that guide them through destinations throughout the downtown district. Businesses host tour stops, featuring craft beverage tastes and delicious food parings. Tourists receive a stamp in their passport at each stop, and after filling their passport are eligible for a grand prize drawing. Even if you don’t enjoy beer or wine, the deliciously fresh, locally made hors d’oeuvres, live music, and opportunity to visit and catch up with people you know makes it a fun summer evening.

Plus, it gives our community members a chance to congregate in different businesses that they might not normally patronize on a regular basis. The Cork & Brew Tour is really about exploring downtown, enjoying good company, and of course tasting craft brewed beers and Oregon-based wines. You might make new friends, or just discover your new favorite bottle of wine.

I have been eagerly meeting with businesses owners and managers to see who would like to host this year, and we will announce that list a little later. If we haven’t contacted you yet but you know you want to participate, go ahead and give us a call and we will be happy to set something up.

We are also seeking sponsorships for the event. As you all know, events take time and money to do well, and if you are an individual or organization that loves to see the bustle in downtown and wants to help make it another success for our community, there are two great options to sponsor the Cork & Brew Tour:

Tour Sponsor – $200: A Tour Sponsor will receive two tickets for the event; two glassware of your choice (beer or wine), a poster at the event, and an ad in the passport.

Presenting Sponsor – $500: Presenting Sponsors will receive four tickets to the event; glassware for four of your choice; a poster at the event; an ad in the passport; and promotional stage time at the launch party.

Both sponsorships will help secure supplies and entertainment, ensure proper advertising for the event and help cover the crazy amount of necessary permits required to make this event happen.

If you would like to help sponsor the 2017 Cork & Brew Tour, volunteer for the event, or would like to learn more about the event, please contact the Chamber of Commerce at 503-842-7525 or email sierra@tillamookchamber.org.

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March 17th Highway Project Update

When Governor Kate Brown came to town on Wednesday to view the progress of the 101/6 Highway Project, the rain provided a seamless backdrop curtain to the jackhammers and sawcutting as she listened to local businesspeople at Madaline’s Vintage Marketplace talk about their concerns.

While the bridgework is essentially tracking along its projected trajectory, in an effort to accelerate the sidewalk process that has fallen so far behind its original schedule, ODOT and its contractors have agreed to a project revision that allows them to take up two blocks of sidewalk at a time on the west side of Pacific (between 3rd and 1st) so that they can gain some work efficiencies and shorten the overall disruption time.   With this change, jackhammers and sawcutting were in full swing.

This may cause some increased discomfort in the short term for businesses such as the Blue Moon Cafe, but the hope is that it will decrease the total downtime.  As always, such times of duress are when the affected businesses need your patronage the most.

The preliminary digging along Pacific has uncovered a bunker fuel tank, which is being pumped out and removed, but, barring further unknowns, the two-block effort should allow the concrete workers to move along with pouring larger sections at a time.  The tricky timing of ensuring continuous access to businesses and residences is the next major logistic to be surmounted and the ODOT team is applying a variety of tools, such as night work, quick-fixing concrete, and temporary alternate accesses, to ensure that the all sidewalk sections come together smoothly and briskly.

In the midst of all this hubbub, you will see the excavation team jumping back and forth across the Hoquarton as they dash up to the north end next week to close up the drainage work there and then jump back down mid-week to tie the 2nd Street storm drainage into the manhole on Main Street.  This full day’s work will require traffic control that necks down southbound traffic on Main to one-lane from the bridge to just south of 2nd.

When you do get back around to watching the bridge progress, now that the spans and bearings have been set, you will see the deck being formed over the next few weeks.  You will also spot City crews who will be joining the contractor next week to assemble the new waterline across the bridge.  This will be the main that serves the entire north Hwy 101 area up to the Fred Meyer/Goodwill as well as providing a backfeed for Bay City and the Creamery through our intertie system.

The Governor left town with a picture of Tillamook, from the project to the Creamery to the Chamber of Commerce offices themselves, in the midst of a full remodel.  The promises made were that another visit in Fall 2018 would provide an entirely different picture of a community complete.

Our Highway Project E-news bulletin is created by Jeannell Wyntergreen, Highway 101/6 Project Liaison for the Tillamook Area Chamber of Commerce.   If you have any questions or would like to share a comment with the Chamber, contact her at hwyproject@tillamookchamber.org
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March 17th Highway Project Update

When Governor Kate Brown came to town on Wednesday to view the progress of the 101/6 Highway Project, the rain provided a seamless backdrop curtain to the jackhammers and sawcutting as she listened to local businesspeople at Madaline’s Vintage Marketplace talk about their concerns.

While the bridgework is essentially tracking along its projected trajectory, in an effort to accelerate the sidewalk process that has fallen so far behind its original schedule, ODOT and its contractors have agreed to a project revision that allows them to take up two blocks of sidewalk at a time on the west side of Pacific (between 3rd and 1st) so that they can gain some work efficiencies and shorten the overall disruption time.   With this change, jackhammers and sawcutting were in full swing.

This may cause some increased discomfort in the short term for businesses such as the Blue Moon Cafe, but the hope is that it will decrease the total downtime.  As always, such times of duress are when the affected businesses need your patronage the most.

The preliminary digging along Pacific has uncovered a bunker fuel tank, which is being pumped out and removed, but, barring further unknowns, the two-block effort should allow the concrete workers to move along with pouring larger sections at a time.  The tricky timing of ensuring continuous access to businesses and residences is the next major logistic to be surmounted and the ODOT team is applying a variety of tools, such as night work, quick-fixing concrete, and temporary alternate accesses, to ensure that the all sidewalk sections come together smoothly and briskly.

In the midst of all this hubbub, you will see the excavation team jumping back and forth across the Hoquarton as they dash up to the north end next week to close up the drainage work there and then jump back down mid-week to tie the 2nd Street storm drainage into the manhole on Main Street.  This full day’s work will require traffic control that necks down southbound traffic on Main to one-lane from the bridge to just south of 2nd.

When you do get back around to watching the bridge progress, now that the spans and bearings have been set, you will see the deck being formed over the next few weeks.  You will also spot City crews who will be joining the contractor next week to assemble the new waterline across the bridge.  This will be the main that serves the entire north Hwy 101 area up to the Fred Meyer/Goodwill as well as providing a backfeed for Bay City and the Creamery through our intertie system.

The Governor left town with a picture of Tillamook, from the project to the Creamery to the Chamber of Commerce offices themselves, in the midst of a full remodel.  The promises made were that another visit in Fall 2018 would provide an entirely different picture of a community complete.

Our Highway Project E-news bulletin is created by Jeannell Wyntergreen, Highway 101/6 Project Liaison for the Tillamook Area Chamber of Commerce.   If you have any questions or would like to share a comment with the Chamber, contact her at hwyproject@tillamookchamber.org
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Coming Soon – Thanks to the Tillamook Urban Renewal Agency

 

By Justin Aufdermauer
Executive Director

You’ve no doubt seen in the news recently that the Tillamook County Creamery Association plans to rebuild their visitor center to accommodate more people and enhance the entire experience.

Well, TCCA isn’t the only one in the infancy of a remodel. The Chamber was awarded an $80,000 grant from the Tillamook Urban Renewal Agency to remodel and update our current building at 208 Main Street. We estimate that to complete our vision it will take $100,000 and we are committed to making the investment to make this place the best it can be for the community and visitors.

Our goal is to create a first class visitor information center, as well as having staff offices, and work space and a meeting room for our members and community use.

The remodel will include new faux wood flooring, new interior paint, a new roof, HVAC system, office and meeting space addition, ADA restroom remodel, and redoing the front façade. Both inside and out, this new visitor’s center will reflect an industrial farmhouse look and feel to coincide with the authenticity of The Dairylands branding.

This property remodel is possible thanks to TURA, who fortunately saw the importance of creating a downtown visitor and business center that will help brand our community in a professional and inviting way. The generous investment in the new Chamber headquarters will assure that visitors who come to pick up maps, guidebooks and information have a comfortable launching point for their downtown exploration.

Along with our TURA grant, we received a grant through Visit Tillamook Coast to build a reception counter, several industrial style visitor information racks and signage to match our new building. And as you might assume, all the work on our building, as well as the new racks and signage, will be done through local contractors.

The remodel began this Monday with Daniel Werner Construction framing up office walls with lumber donated by Hampton Lumber. We anticipate the full project will be completed by mid-April. You will still be able to reach Sierra, Tammy, or myself at the office working as best we can through the remodel phase, and of course we appreciate your patience and persistence through this process. Just think, by next summer we will have a functioning highway intersection, a Second Street pedestrian plaza, some brand new sidewalks with added curb appeal, a brand new visitor center at the Cheese Factory, and last but not least a fully-functioning Chamber of Commerce office and first class visitor information center. If that isn’t enough to get you excited, I don’t know what will.

The Chamber Board and myself value your input and insight. Feel free to contact us anytime at info@tillamookchamber.org.

 

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March 8th Highway Project Update

The time is fast approaching for us all to cross the bridge to our Rendezvous.

As of Friday of this week, the long-lingering sidewalk construction on Pacific Avenue between 4th and 3rd Streets by Wells Fargo Bank and Homelife Furniture, which has suffered through several technical re-do’s and tenting to allow for flatwork in the rain, will be stripped of forms, coned off where there’s any trip hazards, and opened up to foot traffic.  Then, starting Friday morning, the next stretch of sidewalk from 3rd to 2nd will be torn up.

Which means that the Rendezvous, with its two mid-block doors (and no rear access), will only be available to customers that cross a bridge.  Remember that, with this project, when sidewalk demolition occurs, a pedestrian access to each business and residence must be kept open at all times.  This will include the Tillamook Apartments as well.

After demolition, and after conduits, drainage, and curbs are laid out, the sidewalks on that block will be poured in such a way as to extend past one of the Rendezvous’ two doors (the one without the bridge).  Then the bridge will be moved over the curing sidewalk to the second entrance and the next stretch of the sidewalk will be poured past the initial entrance.  At all times, patrons of the Rendezvous will have the best view in town of the ongoing construction, so please make sure that you don’t miss out on this great opportunity.

As to the other, bigger, but less integrated into daily community life, bridge, on Wednesday we should witness the setting of the first girder span, with two more being placed and the big bearings seated three on each end by the end of next week.  It won’t be too much longer until the bridge deck begins to be formed.

Along the other arms of the project, the drainage work is within 100 feet of its limits on the north end by the Diesel Repair Shop and should complete that last extension and stub out the westward laterals in the next two days so that they can jump off that task and do the Pacific Avenue demo.  Similarly, the electrical work will be adding the junction boxes in the new tree wells in the Second Street Plaza and laying the conduits from 3rd to 2nd in the next week so that they can jump over to begin the work in Goodspeed Park.

ODOT and Oregon State Bridge Construction are still negotiating ideas on how to accelerate the speed of the sidewalk construction.  While they have a concept that appears to be workable at this time, they are still officially paced to work on one blockface at a time.  Hopefully, that will change soon and the project will take off in a flurry of activity so that the Pacific Avenue sidewalks are back open and humming with pedestrians frequenting their favorite businesses again.

But let’s cross that bridge when we come to it.

Our Highway Project E-news bulletin is created by Jeannell Wyntergreen, Highway 101/6 Project Liaison for the Tillamook Area Chamber of Commerce.   If you have any questions or would like to share a comment with the Chamber, contact her at hwyproject@tillamookchamber.org
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Cranes, sidewalks, and walking paths, oh my!

 

By Justin Aufdermauer
Executive Director

Does anyone else feel a little like they are in Seattle or Portland? Our skyline is crowded with cranes lately, moving meticulously around traffic as they set the cumbersome bridge supports. Soon they will be hoisting the bridge bearings up one by one and maneuvering the hefty pieces into place. Next on the list is placing the mammoth girders that will span the Hoquarton.

A little north of Hoqurton, large storm drains and beehives are being installed, and on Second Street the tree wells are finally ready to be formed. Once the storm drainage work is complete, the new pedestrian plaza will be ready for its makeover – in other words they will be pouring the colored and multi-patterned concrete. That should be exciting to see and for many of us it will help to visualize the final picture that we’ve been waiting so long for.

Remember that this month the construction zone might feel like it has expanded a bit as the foundations and electrical trenching begin along the new bicycle/pedestrian trail near Goodspeed Park. We will also see the formation of the interior bays and overhang for the pedestrian walkway over the Port of Tillamook Bay’s Hwy 6 railroad bridge.

For those wondering, this bicycle and pedestrian path will eventually lead back to the Hoquarton Landing park near the Hwy 101 bridge. Then it will cross the highway via a traffic island to join Sue H. Elmore Park, which will be renovated later this summer. The City of Tillamook has plans to continue a boardwalk path westward through Front Street towards the walking circuit around Tillamook Regional Medical Center.

Speaking of walking, the new sidewalk pattern that was tested next to Homelife Furniture has been approved and the rest of the sidewalks are scheduled for pouring. This piece of the project is a tad behind schedule after 90 feet of newly-poured sidewalk had to be torn up when it was discovered it didn’t have the correct scoring pattern on it. This pattern will set the tone for the rest of downtown, where more than 2,000 feet of new sidewalks will be added from First Street to Fourth Street and from Main to Pacific.

There is a lot of questions coming in about if the bridge and sidewalks are going to be done by Summer. Due to some recent revisions to the bridge construction we have received word that ODOT is still committed to opening all lanes of traffic by this summer. The sidewalk schedule is currently being revised and all parties are coming to the table to identify the best timeline revisions to make sure that this stays on track for completion by Memorial Day.

You can stay up-to-date on the highway project be visiting tillamookchamber.org and subscribing to our weekly bulletin. If you have any questions regarding the highway project email Jeannell at hwyproject@tillamookchamber.org.

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March 3 Hwy Project Update

With all of the big crane work underway, and the focus of activity being trained on the Hoquarton Bridge and its surrounds, watching the big bridge puzzle pieces, along with the lesser, more functional components such as the waterlines, get assembled in slow motion, an observer can easily fail to notice that there are flashes of other construction hotspots popping up around the community as well.

Everything is gearing up for the multi-textured and colored concrete pours on Second Street between Main and Pacific.  The treewells are being laid out with electrical junction boxes included so that the community can host events in the new festival plaza that is being created with power available for sound, lighting, and possibly even food carts or other specialties.  An informational kiosk is targeted to land in front of the electrical meterbank on the northeast corner of 2nd and Main and there is a jut-out being formed on the southeast corner of 2nd and Main that will be plumbed for a future fountain.  A covered bikerack will be located on the southwest corner of 2nd and Pacific.

Currently, this future plaza does not have a formal name, but the City’s Beautification Committee is meeting on Monday, March 13 at 4:45 PM to discuss ideas on what to name this plaza, so if you have ideas, please submit them to City Hall in writing before the time of that meeting.  The name, whatever it turns out to be, is going to help set the tone for the future of the downtown and have a legacy that carries forward for decades and so your ideas are encouraged.

Over east, the Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad has completed their review of the plans for the upcoming Port railroad bridge reconfiguration and has signed off on a bicycle/pedestrian bridge that parallels the track that they lease.  The City is excited about this potential future partnership that will eventually tie together at a rail platform in Goodspeed Park next to the Skatepark.  The hope is that someday visitors can get on and off a train there, grab a bus or launch off down the path to the waterfront area for some nature exploring or stopping in at our local downtown attractions.  Or if they are truly adventurous, throw down a skateboard and go sailing.

As to the slow sidewalk improvements along Pacific, ODOT and the contractor are currently investigating options to expedite their construction to ensure completion by Memorial Day.  This will require some alteration of the original projection of one month per blockface.  Both the Chamber and City are pressing for a more aggressive schedule that will meet that original target.

Our Highway Project E-news bulletin is created by Jeannell Wyntergreen, Highway 101/6 Project Liaison for the Tillamook Area Chamber of Commerce.   If you have any questions or would like to share a comment with the Chamber, contact her at hwyproject@tillamookchamber.org
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The Oregon Legislature needs to hear from you

By Justin Aufdermauer
Executive Director

Oregon’s legislature is currently in session and is facing some serious issues such as a funding a much-needed statewide transportation package, adjusting for a $1.8 billion-dollar deficit, and simply figuring out how to work together. The legislature is required by law to adopt a balanced two-year budget. It is no easy feat and requires difficult trade-offs between competing programs and services.  This Friday, March 3rd, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Officers Mess Hall at the Port of Tillamook Bay is the Ways and Means Committee Public Forum. This is your opportunity to tell the Legislature what really matters to you.

Here are some facts to consider while researching or testifying about Oregon’s budget:

  • Since the end of the Great Recession, Oregon revenues have grown faster than almost every state in the nation. Oregon’s state tax revenues are at an all-time high.
  • The State actually has $1.2 billion dollars more to spend this budget cycle than it did last budget. The $1.8 billion deficit being discussed is due to government costs that are increasing faster than the additional revenue.
  • One of the biggest cost-drivers for this and future budgets is the Public Employee Retirement System (PERS), which diverts money away from Oregon’s classrooms and other services.
  • Oregon is the only state in the country where the public employees pension programs are fully funded by tax dollars and there is no requirement for state employee participation.
  • While PERS pension costs are skyrocketing, the PERS system continues to operate a second, 401K-style retirement savings plan in addition to the pension plan. Taxpayers should not be required to pay for two retirement plans, when the pension plan alone is bankrupting our state.
  • If Oregon taxpayers’ contributions to government employee health plan premiums were at the U.S. average, the state could save hundreds of millions of dollars per budget cycle to invest in schools and other services.

Bottom Line: Before making cuts to education, healthcare and other essential services for Oregonians, or before putting additional tax burden on citizens or business, we must curb Oregon’s rapidly rising Public Employee Retirement System (PERS) costs and high government employee healthcare costs.

Individuals who receive or are currently in the PERS program clearly deserve their benefits; those are the benefits that were agreed to when they started their career. However, PERS reforms is a reality that our state needs to face moving forward if we hope to see any balance of between taxes and services.

I encourage you to take a moment to look through the Ways and Means Committee budget framework. You can find it on our website at www.tillamookchamber.org/chamber-chatter by clicking on this story. If you can’t make the meeting and have input for the Ways and Means Committee you can submit testimony via email at waysandmeans.budget@oregonlegislature.gov or email our State Senator Betsy Johnson directly (who is a Ways and Means Vice Co-Chair) at sen.bestsyjohnson@state.or.us.

The Chamber Board and myself value your input and insight. Feel free to contact us anytime at info@tillamookchamber.org.

 

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February 23, 2017 Hwy Update

Now that all of the big girders for spanning the Hoquarton have arrived and are stacked alongside the roadway, the next gigantic arrival will be an enormous crane pulling into town this weekend to be on hand for setting the large pre-cast support caps during the negative tides Monday and Tuesday of next week.

The girders themselves are anticipated to be set the week following, along with the 800 pound bridge bearings that were just delivered to the site.  The bridge will begin to shape over the next month as all of these pieces are assembled.

Also in March, there will be fresh activity popping up at the far eastern end of the project around Goodspeed Park as foundations and trenching for electrical along the new bicycle/pedestrian trail gets underway.  This will be coupled with next week’s forming of the interior bays and overhang on the pedestrian walkway over the Port’s Highway 6 railroad bridge.

Eventually this pathway system will tie back to the Hoquarton Landing park area by the 101 bridge.  The pathway, using a traffic island, will cross the highway to the Sue H. Elmore Park, which will be renovated this summer.  From there, the City’s long-range plans are to continue the path westward using a ‘boardwalk’ system that brings pedestrians through the City’s historic birthplace to additional kayak launch points and then ties into a walking circuit around the Adventist Health complex.

As to other walk areas, the sidewalk pattern for the downtown has been perfected and approved for the trial segment by the side of Homelife Furniture.  The paver slab pour that accompanies it is tentatively scheduled for next week.  Assuming all goes well, this should enable the balance of the sidewalk construction to proceed forthwith from this point on.

However, after all the delays and with the original projection of one month per blockface, there are scheduling concerns about wrapping up all the sidewalk work by Memorial Day.  The Chamber and City are pressing for a more aggressive schedule that will meet that original target.  We will keep you posted.

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February Mainstream Happenings

by Sierra Lauder
Director of Events and Downtown Promotion

February Frenzy! It’s been wild around the Mainstreet District these past few weeks. Enthusiastic teenagers with fully functioning vocal chords have been sharing street corners with sandwich boards full of activities, and yet there has still been plenty of room for shoppers who have zig zagged around town supporting Charity Drive events and Cash Mobs. There are two more Cash Mobs events on the roster- so keep those calendars out! This Saturday, February 25th, we’ll be at The Rendezvous from 4:30-6. Why so early? So we have plenty of time to walk over to Yo Time for the 6:30 Open Mic night hosted by Art Accelerated. Live music acts have signed up, as well as a handful of writers and poets; if you would like to be included in the roster, give the Chamber a call and we can help connect you to the sign-up sheet. March 5th (make a note- this date has changed) is a brunch Cash Mob at The Blue Moon Café. They are currently closed for some unanticipated remodeling, and are hoping to reopen for regular hours soon. It’s hard not to be in awe of our community this time of year, and the Chamber is both proud and honored to be a partner.

Planning has kicked off hot and heavy for the June Dairy Parade and Festival. The Festivals Committee, which meets year-round, is really starting to dig in to ideas, organization, and delegation. The coloring contest, which debuted last year, is about to go live. Check your local library branch for entry forms. You may recall the Pirate Fest and Penny Scramble that took place after the parade last year- this year we are hoping to grow that festival atmosphere and expand the children’s activities. Clubs, businesses or organizations who are interested in hosting or sponsoring an activity in the festival are invited to attend the Festivals Committee or stop by or call the Chamber.

I also recently had the opportunity to attend the Mainstreet Quarterly Workshop in Cottage Grove. It is so fun to visit another community and see how they tackle some of the same challenges we look at here, and compare ideas and strategies. Mainstreet programs from all over the state were present. We discussed strategies for consolidating sponsorships, working with partners, and grant funding opportunities available through the state for development projects in Mainstreet communities. There are a few different grants available for rehabilitation efforts, and we have visited with a few property owners who might be a match for these funds. If you have property that you are thinking of investing in and want to learn more about Mainstreet and the parameters of the grants that are available, please call or email me at the Chamber: (503) 842-7525, sierra@tillamookchamber.org.

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Mid February 2017 Hwy Update

Logs trucks move over; the bridge is arriving.
Starting tomorrow, Friday the 17th, and repeating next Monday & Wednesday, trucks bearing the long bridge beams will be coming to town.  Expect short delays as flag cars stop 101traffic while the trucks make the difficult turns into the work site to deliver the big sticks.
This is all gearing up so that Oregon State Bridge Construction can set the first span on March 7th.  Meanwhile the rest of the bridgework is continuing forward now that the Oregon Transportation Commission approved a Bridge Bent Cap redesign today.   This will replace the original cast-in-place components, poured inside a falsework cofferdam in the middle of the Hoquarton, with a pre-cast bent cap approach that forms up and pours the bridge supports off-site and trucks them in to avoid the trials and tribulations that this year’s heavy storm flows and high tides have brought to bear.
Of course, that means additional long-bed trucks bringing in large pre-cast components for off-loading in the future, with all of the attendant short-term traffic delays, but it carries the added benefit of keeping the overall project on schedule.
As to the overall project, it also received a significant structural support today with the Oregon Transportation Commission approving the needed additional funding to cover the budget shortfalls.  This approval carries the added benefit of keeping the entire project viable so that it can be completed as promised to the Tillamook community.
Meanwhile, the other aspects of the project take two steps forward and then one step back as 90 feet of sidewalk was poured on Pacific Avenue and then had to be torn out as it didn’t have the pre-approved scoring pattern on it that will be matched throughout the downtown.  While 90 feet sounds like a lot, the mistake was fortunately caught right away because it will set the tone for the look of the town center with over 2,000 feet of new sidewalks in the area from First to Fourth and Main to Pacific.
Hopefully, the project has crested the difficult haul upslope over the learning curve issues and the downslope run can now cut loose with new improvements being realized every month.
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Improve your bottom line through a five-series workshop at TBCC

By Justin Aufdermauer
Executive Director

Once again, the Chamber is partnering Tillamook Bay Community College to bring the community a Business Development Series that will focus on reducing costs, decreasing delays and improving the quality of your business.

This five-session series will begin in March and introduces the fundamentals of Lean processing. You may be wondering, ‘what is Lean? How do I know if it’s for me?’

Lean is about increasing your bottom line. If you own or manage a business that could benefit from a more efficient process then you will want a seat at this table. Lean evaluates your current process and finds ways to preserve value through less work.

Each session is two hours and concentrates on an aspect of the Lean process and how to apply it effectively to your own business. While each session builds on knowledge and skills learned at previous sessions, you can choose to attend all five or pick and choose which ones are most relevant to your situation:

Session 1 – Pillars. Principles, & Perspectives (March 3, 2017) This first session will provide an overview of tried and tested Lean methods. Your business will be encouraged to identify how, why and where it could benefit from an improved process and then connect those dots to the Lean methods.

Session 2 – Not all Treasures is Silver and Gold (March 10, 2017) The second session will focus on identifying immediate, easy changes you can be making right away that will help eliminate waste in your process, and developing an orderly and improved process.

Session 3 – Here’s Looking at you Kid (March 24, 2017) Session three will help your business measure future progress and create visual assets to remind your employees of these new, standard procedures.

Session 4 – If you Build it, They Will Come (April 7, 2017) In our fourth session, you will learn how to document processes to ensure that all your employees understand and consistently implement the improved process.

Session 5 – Houston, We have a Bigger Problem (April 21, 2017) Now that you have the basics under your belt, and have implemented Lean processes in some of your basic business practices, we can look at the much larger picture. In session five, we will map out an entire business process to identify future improvements. Remember, Lean is all about continuous improvement so the work is never completely over; there is always room for improvement.

Tom Atchison, the Business Administration Instructor at TBCC will be facilitating the series. Tom is also the Coordinator of Customized Training & Development at TBCC, and has his Doctor of Management.

Register by contacting the Chamber at info@tillamookchamber.org or calling 503-842-7525. The entire series is $200, or individual sessions are $50 each. Sessions are from 9 a.m. – 11 a.m. at TBCC’s main campus, in room 214/215.

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New sidewalks, fixed potholes, and new paver strips all point to progress

 

By Justin Aufdermauer
Executive Director

It’s amazing the difference one month can make on the downtown construction project. The north end of the sidewalk between Third and Fourth streets is being poured this week, and the south side is scheduled to be poured next week. Wells Fargo’s driveway has even been poured!

I know that for many, last fall felt slow and draining, but from here on out progress should be more visible in nearly every aspect of the highway interchange redesign.

Since the beginning of January we’ve seen significant grading, forming and pouring of our curbs, sidewalks and ADA ramps, and I think everyone agrees it will be nice to have those back in action. The pedestrian access points have been a huge help throughout all of this, but there is something exciting about seeing sidewalks again. Thank you to everyone who has braved the demolition and continued to patronize our businesses.

We also saw the annual pothole cluster near the corner of First and Pacific, which was first filled with cold patch, then covered with the steel plate – both unsuccessful. Kudos are in order to ODOT and the contractor, OSBC, for stepping up and digging out the faulty base and asphalt and doing a thorough repair – even though they will be digging this up again soon. Additional roadway markings were also secured throughout the project area to keep traffic patterns distinct and improving travel lanes – especially at night.

Speaking of potholes, we have brought the need for the seams of the Hoquorton Bridge to be patched and have received favorable feedback from ODOT that this will be handled as soon as they have hot asphalt available.

Second Street is also making headway, although from the surface it might be hard to tell. Bases for light posts have been added, structural supports are being poured, and storm drain lines have been laid in. Next comes the electrical conduits, which will be trenched in over the next few weeks. That will also for the pouring of the tactical paver strips. That all might sound kind of tedious and boring to some, but these paver strips will be the first visible elements of the Second Street Plaza between Main and Pacific. This plaza, which will be the backdrop for many town festivals, will begin to take shape over the next few months. (Remember: This plaza is not being closed to traffic, but instead will be a one-way to match to the rest of Second Street).

Just think, by the end of the highway redesign in 2018, Blue Moon Café, The Phoenix Exchange, and the newly relocated Pacific Restaurant will all have a front-row seat to a wonderful new addition of our downtown. While the end result is exciting, let’s not forget that many of our core businesses in the downtown area are still severely impacted by the construction. They need our loyalty now more than ever. As we mentioned last week, we are planning several “cash mobs” this month to support The Phoenix Exchange; Madeline’s Vintage Marketplace; Blue Moon Café; and The Rendezvous. For more information, visit www.tillamookchamber.org.

Also, don’t forget to swing by our new office at 208 Main Avenue to lend your voice to the Wayfinding Sign discussion. We are seeking input on design, placement, and the types of things the signs should point to. It’s been a robust conversation thus far with many of you, and it is our hope that we can continue to get feedback that will propel the discussion further forward, and develop a complete signage plan that will coincide with the end of the highway project in 2018. If you would like to weigh in on wayfinding via email you can do so by emailing Sierra at sierra@tillamookchamber.org

You can stay up-to-date on the highway project be visiting tillamookchamber.org and subscribing to our weekly bulletin. If you have any questions regarding the highway project call Jeannell at (503) 812-8906 or email her at hwyproject@tillamookchamber.org.

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February 3, 2017 Hwy Update

This week the activity has visibly picked up on the Pacific Avenue sidewalk alongside Homelife Furniture and Wells Fargo, in addition to the demolition work on Second Street, and, with the Highway Project now returning to full swing after the holidays, we are now returning to regular bulletin releases again.

We will likely be seeing significant grading, forming, and pouring of the curbs, sidewalks, and ADA ramps occurring in the next few weeks.  Driveways will be poured one half at a time in order to keep access open.  Where sidewalk demolition occurs, a pedestrian access to each business will be kept open at all times.  While this may cause some inconvenience, such as even having customers go around the block to get to the door in some cases, your favorite businesses will always be available to you.

Ahead of the sidewalk construction will be the electrical work drilling in and forming up the lightpole foundations and pouring the vaults for the signal control cabinets.

At the bridge, the foundational support work continues on the east half of the new bridge as the cages are being formed up, and then the individual columns poured and stripped.

The New Year’s work is picking up momentum and, in contrast to last Fall’s seeming lack of forward motion, progress should be more visible now as more surface work commences.  The changes in the streetscape can now be witnessed as the shapes change from day-to-day.

You too can help to change the shape of the downtown.  While the new home of the Chamber of Commerce at 208 Main Avenue (the old Bell’s Office Supply storefront) is in the process of being remodeled to fit its new purposes, it is currently hosting an open house display of ideas for “wayfinding signage” in Tillamook.  This project for the City focuses on a series of guidance signs, for pedestrians and automobiles, that point the way to local attractions.

Exactly where such signs should be placed and what they should say requires your input, because who knows the community better than you?  So please, find your way to the new Chamber office up until February 9th to check out the project information and leave your suggestions.  Your input will be used to develop a signage plan that should be laid out and constructed to coincide with the end of the Highway project in 2018; another part of our ‘total downtown makeover’.   If you have any questions regarding the project, call Sierra at (503) 842-7525 or email her at Sierra@tillamookchamber.org.

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Chamber Chatter: It’s Time to Rally

 

By Justin Aufdermauer
Executive Director

Over the last few months I have watched wide-eyed as you the community have stepped up to bat for your neighbors. Just last month at the Chamber banquet, dozens of you raised your card for Dean Burdick to help his family with their medical costs. We raised more than $7,000, which was just a drop in the bucket of what the community has raised for this family.

And let’s not forget that in October of last year, more than 100 supportive shoppers checked in at Manzanita for the Cash Mob and helped those business owners know they are cared about and appreciated after they experienced a devastating tornado.

We will continue to see this support and dedication for our neighbors in the upcoming weeks as Charity Drive kicks into full drive. Every year our businesses and individuals go above and beyond to support one of our country’s largest Charity Drives in existence. The students at Tillamook High School go all out, raising hundreds of thousands of dollars for local charities and Doernbecher Children’s Hospital in Portland. It’s this tradition of giving and supporting one another that gets our blood pumping.

This year, let’s keep this momentous charity ball rolling by helping support four local businesses who need our attention and love. Here are four ways you can continue to help after Charity Drive has wrapped up:

February 11: The Chamber is hosting a Cash Mob at Teen Challenge, 4192 Hwy 1010 N. A cash mob, if you’ve never participated in one, is when a group of people assemble at a local business to make purchases. The purpose of these mobs is to support both the local businesses and the overall community. Our local Teen Challenge store has been informed by their corporate office that without a financial turn over, they won’t be able to keep the doors open. This would be a huge loss for those in the community who are in need of affordable clothes, furniture, household items, and more. Not to mention the employees who rely on Teen Challenge for a source of income. Join us on February 11 from 12 noon to 3 p.m. while we “mob” Teen Challenge with financial support.

And in case you don’t remember, this strategy worked wonders for our local Franz Bread Bakery in 2013 when they too were on the verge of shutting down. United States Bakery in Portland had announced they were closing the Tillamook branch, which resulted in a “Save the Store” rally. The store hadn’t been doing well for years, and that coupled with the Third Street construction at the time had apparently sealed its fate. But community members decided to show up and show their dedication to the Tillamook branch, prompting the corporate office to reconsider the closure and keep the store open. We did it once, and we can do it again!

February 18: The Phoenix Exchange and Madeline’s Vintage Marketplace are literally surrounded by the downtown construction, and as such they are feeling the impact. With little parking or useable sidewalks right now, it has made it more difficult to shop these stores. Plan to show up and spend some cash on February 18 from 12 noon to 3 p.m. and help sustain these ladies.

February 25: The Rendezvous is also feeling the effects of major construction, so we are hosting a “dinner mob” from 4:30 – 6:00 followed by open mic night at YoTime at 6:30 (hosted by Art Accelerated). Make an evening of dinner, dessert and entertainment, all while encouraging our downtown businesses.

February 26: Blue Moon Café will have a Sunday brunch from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m with guest chef Nelia Seratista of Pacific Restaurant. Stay tuned for the price of the brunch! Proceeds will help support the Blue Moon Cafe, yet another business in the middle of a construction zone.

So enjoy Charity Drive – get out and cheer on your favorite class, but be sure to keep the momentum rolling into the local community as we spread the love and joy to four local businesses who could use an extra boost during the slow season.

 

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January 23, 2017 Hwy Update

Welcome to the New Year.  It is our fervent hope that 2017 brings a brisk pace to the construction now that many of the roadblocks that stalled progress last year have been cleared away and resolved.  We know that the businesses would love to see it move along and produce the benefits that will make the pain worthwhile.

Many were happy to see that, at last, after the breakdown of a critical piece of equipment during the holidays; the sidewalk work on Pacific Avenue got underway today as the electrical contractors were out there in the cold drilling holes for the lamppost foundations.

With the drilling now done, the rebar formation and conduits will follow behind shortly, to be poured in the next week and joined by the storm drainage and curb & gutter.  This will be followed by additional electrical work drilling and pouring the foundations for the new traffic signals.

If the good, but cold, weather holds through Friday, you may also see work on the storm drain piping down by the Hoquarton coming up the hill again.  Once done, this will free up another logjam, enabling various other pieces of the project near the new bridge to go forward.

On a more personal note for those of you who have been bouncing your tires off that plate on the corner of Pacific and First, that creeping sinkhole that has emerged out of the north and south ends on the plate will be filled in with heated patch material this week in the hopes of stopping the sinkhole.

Finally, the contractor will be putting down additional roadway markings over the next week in the interest of keeping the traffic patterns distinct and improving the travel lanes obvious at night.

We hope that we are all building a road to a Happy New Year!

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Chamber Chatter: It Takes a Village

 

By Justin Aufdermauer
Executive Director

It’s been hard to find the right words to explain just how amazing the Chamber Banquet was this year. Maybe it is just me, or maybe the nearly 300 other people who attended feel the same way. Either way, there was a common theme at the Chamber’s Annual Awards Banquet on Saturday: “It takes a village.”

As Whitey Forsman said when he accepted the award for Pacific Seafood in the category of Large Business of the Year, “Without our village, we could not survive or be able to do the things we do.”

Natalie Reiger, who accepted the award for Sunflower Flats in the category of Small Business of the Year echoed this sentiment and added, “Our family has been the biggest part of our village.”

Perhaps the night was best captured in the words of Paul Daniels, as he accepted the award for Developmental Project of the Year for the Garibaldi Village Apartments:

“We believe in Tillamook County,” he said. “Can you feel the energy? Tillamook County is reviving and coming to life and it is because of all of your people here tonight.”

This idea that it takes all of us participating in order for one of us to be successful couldn’t be more true in a small, rural community like ours. We need to reach out and take care of each other. We need to support, refer, and respect our fellow businesses and neighbors.

It was evident that this sentiment was shared as I stood on stage and watched our community raise money for Dean Burdick and his family. Dean just recently returned home after emergency surgery to remove a brain tumor, and we were blessed that he and his family could join us at the banquet. As a surprise we asked everyone who wanted to help with his medical costs to make a donation of any size. In a room with just under 300 people, we raised $7,585 for the Burdicks. It left me speechless to see that level of love and support for one of our citizens, and yet honored to be a part of a community that takes care of its own the way we do. Thank you.

We were also able to pay tribute to LeeAnn Neal, who passed away last year. LeeAnn was a beacon of journalistic integrity in our community and one who will be severely missed by many of us. If you didn’t know LeeAnn personally, you likely knew of her work with the Tillamook County Pioneer, which has become a go-to place for local and immediate news.

“LeeAnn was my friend, and a friend to so many people in this room,” said Mary Faith Bell, Chamber Board President. “She was the heart and soul of the Tillamook County Pioneer.”

In honor of LeeAnn’s life, we named her the Exceptional Citizen of Tillamook County, and the Chamber has agreed to sponsor a bench in her name at Kilchis Point Reserve. You can look for her bench this Spring.

And last but not least, Connie Green was named Citizen of the Year. Connie has been a personal mentor of mine, and someone our community has turned to time and time again for her wisdom, her generosity, and her passion. She has been a teacher, an optimist, a leader and a shepherd. As Mayor Suzanne Weber said, the benefits of Connie’s actions will sustain us long after her retirement. Connie has been a member of our Chamber Board for many years now and we can’t thank her enough for everything she’s done for our community.

I would also like to especially thank our sponsors of the evening: Pelican Brewing Co.; Visit Tillamook Coast; Pacific Seafood; Hampton Lumber Co.; The Griffin House; US Bank; and the Tillamook County Creamery Association.

 

 

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New Year, New Board Members and a New Building

Quilt Trail

By Justin Aufdermauer
Executive Director

Welcome to 2017!

We are eager to announce three new Board members joining the Chamber team. It’s always a pleasure to have new energy, new ideas and new faces around the table and these three new members bring a rejuvenated enthusiasm to the New Year and the Chamber.

Natalie Rieger is a co-owner of Sunflower Flats in downtown Tillamook. For 15 years she has taken care of the family business in several ways, including financially and technologically as well as handling all the marketing and personnel. To say she is business-savvy would be an understatement. Natalie is also incredibly community-minded. She’s always the first to volunteer to help at Chamber events and other functions, and has stepped up to the plate as a Board member with the same enthusiasm and gusto.

Sarah Absher is the studio owner and dance coach of Dance Zone, which has been a roaring success since it opened in 2013. She too is a small business owner and is passionate about growing and supporting the small business community in the Tillamook area. As a land-use planner for Tillamook County, Sarah has an extensive knowledge about the issues that all small business owners must overcome and is an advocate for all small business owners.

Adrienne Allen also joins the Chamber board. Adrienne and her husband own and operate Victor Dairy, a 400-cow grazing dairy and member of the Tillamook County Creamery Association Co-Op. Farming runs deep in Adrienne’s family and we love having that aspect on our Board. However, we are very fortunate to add her because of her dedication to our community and exceptional volunteerism.

Our other returning members are Board President White Forsman with Pacific Seafood; Vice President Kayla Craycraft with US Bank; Past President Mary Faith Bell with Adventist Regional Medical Center; Secretary Lexie Hampton with The Griffin House; Eric Lessor with Computer Support & Services; Carlos Mendez with La Mexicana Restaurant; Kaylan Sisco with the Tillamook County Family YMCA; and Sheila Zerngast with Tillamook Coliseum Theater.

At the end of December we held an all-day Board retreat to get to know one another better and do some goal setting for the New Year. If you want to move mountains in life you have to start one shovel at a time. Fortunately, we had an excavator last year and really got things moving.

In 2016 our Board and staff worked incredibly hard establishing relationships with other organizations and laying the groundwork for several successful projects. It was a lot of “behind the scenes” work that will come to fruition in this year and you will soon see it come to life.

We purchased a building at 208 Main Avenue, thanks to a generous contribution from the Tillamook County Creamery Association, and will be remodeling and building it into a new Visitors Center to open later this year.

Our newest team member, Sierra, has been working with the Tillamook Urban Renewal Agency on their application process, and the City of Tillamook on wayfinding parking signs. Both of these projects will be finalized and put into application in 2017.

Our newly remodeled Chamber website, www.tillamookchamber.org, is up and running. As the year progresses we will continue to make that site a center for communication and information with weekly ODOT reports and updates and Chamber news and events.

Our Tillamook Living Calendar, which was created last year, is starting to increase in engagement and entries. As the year progresses keep looking to tillamookliving.com to find things to do near you.

We exceeded our expectations on taking travelers to China and will be taking off in April. Sierra and I are working on potentially planning a trip to Ireland as well, so keep your eyes peeled for more information about that in the months to come.

While we are continuing to build on the framework we put in place in 2016, we are also investigating new ideas and new possibilities. At our retreat the Board agreed to move forward this year with the feasibility and planning of a large food event (Let your imagination roam about how cool this could be).

We will also be focusing on intentional outreach to our members and bringing back networking opportunities and membership meetings so that we can all find new ways to grow and learn together as a team and as a community.

And don’t forget to join us on Jan. 14 for the annual Chamber Banquet and Awards Ceremony. Tickets can be purchased by calling the Chamber at 503-842-7525 or email info@tillamookchamber.org.

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Chamber Chatter: And the Nominees Are…

By Justin Aufdermauer
Executive Director

First of all, I would like to say thank you to everyone who took the time to nominate a business, project, or citizen. We were thrilled with the entries that came in, along with letters of support from all over the community. Our selection committee has their work cut out for them!

And now, without further ado, the nominees are:

In the category of Large Business of the Year:

  1. Pacific Seafood. With 75 years of experience, Pacific Seafood continues to specialize in bringing its customers high-quality seafood, while giving back to the communities it serves in way of jobs, donations, and opportunities.
  2. Zweifel Custom Farming. From hauling manure, to running a dairy cow daycare, to bailing 13,000 round hay bails each summer, Zweifel Custom Farming rents and owns 300 acres and works hard to make things a little easier for our county’s dairy farmers.

In the category of Small Business of the Year:

  1. Tillamook County Pioneer. The brainchild of the late LeeAnn Neal, the Tillamook County Pioneer has become a widely respected and reliable online news source for Tillamook County, bringing us daily news that is free to read.
  2. E&E Auto Body Inc. Family owned and operated, E&E Auto Body Inc. has been providing reliable and high quality automotive and auto body repair services since 1975.
  3. La Tea Da Tea Shop. Since 2001, co-Proprietors Terry Mizée and Suzanne Petty have created a unique experience in the heart of Tillamook, attracting visitors from across the world (as well as many loyal local customers) to experience the “tea life” and enjoy an exquisite gift shop.
  4. Garibaldi Portside Bistro. A newer addition at the Port of Garibaldi, this family restaurant specializes in creating affordable, mouth-watering culinary creations that use locally-sourced products and ingredients.
  5. Sunflower Flats. Family owned for 15 years, Sunflower Flats is a full-service, all-occasion florist that specializes in creating unique wedding and funeral designs and offers county-wide delivery. Their downtown gift shop is well stocked with home décor, garden and gift selections, local artists, candles, cards and much more.
  6. YoTime Frozen Yogurt. It’s hard to believe Yo Time only opened in June, and since then has become a family-friendly gathering place for birthday parties, after-hour school functions, and other community events, all while offering a refreshing treat loved by visitors and locals alike.

In the category of Developmental Project of the Year:

  1. Helping Hands Reentry Outreach Centers. Active in three other counties, Helping Hands branched into Tillamook County just over a year ago when they bought the Naval Command Center at the Port of Tillamook Bay and renovated it to serve as an emergency shelter. Since last April they have served more than 200 individuals.
  2. Garibaldi Apartments/ Paul Daniels. After selling his commercial fishing business to Pacific Seafood, Paul Daniels decided to reinvest his funds into the community by building the Garibaldi Apartments. This 18-unit apartment complex is the only new affordable-housing development in our county.
  3. Sheltered Nook Tiny Homes. Already an established Bed & Breakfast, Sheltered Nook has evolved into six tiny cabins, creating a unique vacation perfect for those who are looking to explore the tinier side of life. Sheltered Nook is also home to the only Disc Golf course between Newport and Astoria.
  4. Pelican Brewing Co. To meet the growing demand, Pelican Brewing Company constructed a 14,000-square-foot bottling/packaging facility next to the Tillamook Tap Room, allowing them to increase their production from 60 cases an hour to 300 cases an hour – making Pelican the second-fastest growing beer brand in Oregon in retail beer sales.

In the category of Citizen of the Year:

  1. Jerry Dove. Founder and President of the Tillamook Anglers, Jerry Dove has been instrumental in the management of the Whiskey Creek Volunteer Salmon Hatchery, as well as educating youth about the reproduction and care of our local fisheries.
  2. Evelynn Von Feldt. When you reflect on the work that the Tillamook County Master Gardeners has accomplished, it is hard not to think of Evlynn VonFeldt, who has dedicated her time not only to the Master Gardeners, but the Tillamook County Farmers Market, and OSU Extension as well.
  3. Roger Weeks. As the Principal and General Manager of Tillamook Motor Co., Roger has been instrumental in its growth over. Under Roger’s leadership, the dealership has continued to expand both its new and used car lots and has increased the garage’s capacity to serve all manners of cars.
  4. Dee Dee Haliski. Dee Dee is a nurse for Adventist Hospice, where she has provided care and comfort for hundreds of patients and their families. She is a resource for our elderly residents and an advocate for services that improve their quality of life.
  5. Connie Green. President of Tillamook Bay Community College since 2010, Connie Green has been an integral part of our community, serving on a variety of boards, committees, and of course most recently building the Partners for Rural Innovation Center on Third Street as a way to connect more resources in our county.
  6. Nick Troxel. Tillamook Police Detective Nick Troxel continues to be a positive figure in our community, particularly with youth and high school students. He participates each year in Shop with a Cop; is an active Rotarian who helped implement their Flag Program; and is on the Board of Directors for Helping Hands Reentry Outreach Centers.

The winners of each category will be announced at our annual Chamber Banquet on January 14th. To purchase a ticket, contact the Chamber at 503-842-7525 or email info@tillamookchamber.org.

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Stay informed at tillamookchamber.org

By Justin Aufdermauer
Executive Director

It’s been a pleasure these last several months to bring you weekly updates from the Chamber of Commerce. Based on comments and conversations I’ve had with both Chamber members and the general public, I think everyone is enjoying a chance to learn more about what the Chamber is up to. We’re thankful for this opportunity and partnership with the Headlight Herald and look forward to continuing to bring news, updates, and information your way.

One thing we haven’t touched on yet is our newly re-designed website, www.tillamookchamber.org. This is a fun one, because our intention with the new layout is to be an ongoing and reliable source of information regarding both the Chamber and its members.

This is where you will find the local business directory, the Chamber’s strategic plan and many other informational aspects of the Chamber, all conveniently located right here so you never have to miss a beat. You can meet our staff, contractors and Boar members. It might come as a surprise, but our Board is so much more than just faces and names. These are business owners, entrepreneurs, and leaders who have been elected specifically for their skills and abilities to help propel the Chamber forward for the business community.

Every Wednesday we are publishing our Chamber Chatter on the blog. If you miss one in print or need to go back and reference something you heard me say, you can find them all on our website, with new ones every week.

If you didn’t know already, the Chamber participates in weekly meetings with ODOT and the construction crew to get the latest and most accurate information regarding the Highway 101/6 project. These weekly meetings give us an opportunity to present any concerns and help find solutions. Each week we write a bulletin that is posted to our website and emailed to subscribers, ensuring that you are always informed about exactly what is going on and we can eliminate any surprises. At tillamookchamber.org you can directly sign up for the weekly Highway 101/6 bulletin email.

There’s more you can do, too. Sign up for our weekly “Monday Memo” (a soon-to-be revamped email sent out each Monday and comprised of local events and news). Join the Chamber in just a couple of minutes by filling out a simple, online application. And of course, browse our comprehensive calendar to keep afloat on all meetings, events, fundraisers, performances, and even more.

This is not just a stagnant website– it is a fun, engaging and informative point of reference for business owners and community members. And as with all websites, we are still working on getting the photography and some information dialed in, but the functionality is there! A big thanks to Tillamook Design for their work on this project, and for making our vision come to life.

 

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Behind the Scenes

Highway 101 - 2nd Street

By Sierra Lauder
Director of Events and Downtown Development

Some of the aspects of the work I do as Director of Events and Downtown Development are much less glamorous than others. Lucky for me, I adore projects that require lots of policy and program analysis! I thought I’d take a moment this week to bring some of those behind-the-scenes activities that I’ve been working on out in to the public eye.

I currently have the pleasure of serving on not just one, but two ad hoc committees for the Tillamook Urban Renewal Agency in which we are reviewing the TURA grant application process and ways to raise community awareness about TURA. TURA is its own entity that operates in tandem with the City of Tillamook- the agency has a unique budget, independent governing board, specific goals and objectives, and exists for a limited amount of time (25 years). The purpose of TURA is to create funding opportunities to assist and incentivize in the revitalization of properties within the Tillamook Urban Renewal District Boundaries. As a community member, you may find yourself surprised at the number of projects that TURA has been involved in, and even more surprised at the potential that exists for future projects.

The Chamber has been invited to partner with TURA staff and board to revise the application process, looking for ways to make the grant and loan funding that is available more approachable for businesses and property owners. Conversations with Chamber members have highlighted that outreach about the TURA programs and a streamlined application process would be welcomed. Through these committee roles, the Chamber is working with TURA to simplify the process to determine if a project is eligible, increase the clarity of the application process, and support strategies to raise awareness about the opportunities TURA has available. We have made some great progress already, and I am hopeful that as we wrap up these committees in the next few months I will have more good news to report.

Another big behind-the-scenes project has been with the City of Tillamook as they review the sign code ordinance and their performance review process. Both of these areas of the city code are extremely relevant to businesses, and the current language can be confusing and hard to interpret. City Council has spent some time in recent workshops considering these and other possible ordinance amendments, ultimately supporting staff in opening a broader discussion as to what the sign ordinance should look like and what criteria might be appropriate to trigger the performance review process. The Chamber has been happy to participate in the discussions and offer perspective from the business community, and is advocating for simple consistent language that reflects the goals of the City’s Comprehensive Plan.

The Tillamook Area Chamber of Commerce is vested in the vitality of the local economy, and we are diligently cataloging resources and options available for pursuing growth and maximizing stability for entrepreneurs. Sometimes we can point to flashy events and public projects, but sometimes the work is in small committees and the review of big documents. We appreciate the responsiveness of our members, who consistently point out ideas for growth and opportunities to adapt to suit their needs, and are grateful for community partners who keep the door open. If you have questions about these or other projects, feel welcome to give me a call or email any time.

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Keeping an Eye on the Oregon Legislature

First, I want to say thank you to those who helped defeat Measure 97 by using their voice and casting a vote. However, the fight is not over. There has been a lot of speculation about what to expect from the Oregon Legislature on the heels of Measure 97’s defeat that will directly affect our local businesses, and I feel a role of the Chamber is to bring awareness of potential issues that may affect our local businesses in the upcoming session:

Tax reform. Senator Mark Hass (Beaverton) has been vocal about his support for a 0.4% Commercial Activities Tax in exchange for eliminating corporate income taxes and lowering personal income taxes. It seems likely that 2017 will be the year that this proposal gains traction.

Property taxes. Senator Hass has also proposed eliminating the 3% annual growth cap on assessed value in exchange for moving to market-value based assessments coupled with a significant homestead exemption. This translates into an increase in business property taxes and would likely be part of a comprehensive tax overhaul proposal in the future.

Corporate Tax Disclosure. For the past several years, the legislature has toyed with the idea of passing legislation requiring C corporations to disclose business and tax information to the Secretary of State to be posted on a public website.  It would not be surprising to see a full-throttle effort to pass this type of legislation next year.

Creative tax increases.  For the past several years, the legislature has utilized a loophole that allows it to both extend existing tax credits (revenue deduction) and raise taxes (revenue increase) in the same legislation, thus allowing it to avoid the 3/5 supermajority requirement for raising taxes. This continues to inflict a significant emerging threat to the business community, and one we will be watching closely.

Supermajority no longer required. The Oregon Supreme Court handed legislative tax-raisers a victory in the past year by ruling that it no longer requires a 3/5 supermajority vote of the legislature to raise revenue through the elimination of tax credits or deductions. For years, certain legislators have eagerly awaited the prospect of scaling back or eliminating tax deductions such as the mortgage interest deduction. Next year will be the first session where this will be possible with a simple majority vote – a huge implication for Oregon businesses.

The Tillamook Area Chamber of Commerce does not have a position on these items but we encourage you to take a look at how they may affect your business and let us know if you have a concern. We will do our best to keep you updated and informed as the legislative session approaches.

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Thankful for opportunities to serve our community

SaraSota's

I hope everyone was able to enjoy their Thanksgiving holiday last week, and that somewhere amongst the festivities and food you found a moment to give thanks for the things in your life that help make it special. I know I did. I found myself thinking of not only my home life, but also my work life, and want to share how incredibly thankful I am for our community and the many partnerships that have blossomed for the Chamber.

It was humbling to see how many of our local restaurants and cafes stepped up to the plate to offer Thanksgiving dinners for those in need. Whether a meal by donation at the Schooner Restaurant and Lounge, or a free meal at the Dutch Mill Diner, or to-go turkey care packages from Muddy Waters, everywhere you look we are making an effort to take care of each other. Thank you to those who went the extra mile and opened their businesses and churches so that no one had to be alone on Thanksgiving.

The Chamber mission is to enhance tourism, business, and economic viability in the greater Tillamook area. We strive to be a resource and an advocate for our members, and we find our success relies on partnerships and relationships. The same immeasurable sense of community that fills bellies during the holidays keeps us running all year long – supporting and challenging us to fulfill our mission in new and greater ways.

Reflecting on all of this, I found myself thankful for the Chamber’s recent partnership with the Manzanita Visitor’s Center and the Manzanita business community during the “Cash Mob” event earlier this month. They welcomed us with open arms and were appreciative of the energy and ideas we brought, and our partnership efforts really paid off. Customers turned out in droves; many Manzanita businesses had a huge day! I look forward to future opportunities in all of our coastal communities.

Small Business Saturday, this past weekend, is another testament to the power of partnership. Our team worked closely with the SBDC office planning the day, and together we built some great relationships with small businesses throughout the county, and drew many shoppers to multiple communities. We facilitated a series of activities in the downtown area of Tillamook that were a collaboration with many small business owners. It was so exciting to see shoppers shrugging off the weather to explore what stores have to offer, and early feedback seems to be that this was a record breaking Small Business Saturday for several of the businesses. The Tillamook Revitalization Association was also a partner in this event (donating funding to help with the advertising), as was Art Accelerated, a burgeoning non-profit who put together the Pop-up Art show many were able to enjoy.

Not all of our partnerships are as visible. We were recently invited to participate in the Tillamook Urban Renewal Agency’s effort to revamp their application process. TURA is housed in Tillamook City Hall, and is essentially tasked with investing in the revitalization of the district. They offer funding opportunities for certain types of projects within their district, and have included the Chamber in their process to weigh in on how to make their programs more approachable for potential applicants. We are excited to be invited to the table, and are optimistic in where the conversations are heading.

We also have a lot to look forward to. By the end of the year, the Chamber will be in our new location downtown. It’s been a great partnership with the Tillamook County Creamery Association to share their space and their visitors, and we know that our relocation is not the end of our relationship. They have reserved space for visitor information within the new facility, and made a generous financial contribution that was essential in securing the building that is currently Bells Office Supply. The owners of BOS, Scott and Mary were thrilled to sell their building and evolve their business, and the Chamber is equally thrilled to be returning to downtown Tillamook after a 30+ year absence.

Thank you Tillamook for the opportunity to serve you.

 

 

 

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Cash mob brings visitors, money to Manzanita

cash-mob2

Over the weekend, a mob hit Manzanita – a cash mob that is. The event was organized by the Tillamook Area Chamber of Commerce as a way to help the business community, which is still recovery after a tornado unexpectedly struck on October 14.

“They’re our neighbors to the north and we wanted to show them a little love and support,” said Justin Aufdermauer, Executive Director of the Tillamook Area Chamber of Commerce.

Participants were encouraged to shop in Manzanita during the hours of 11 am and 4 pm on Saturday and Sunday, and bring their receipts totaling more than $50 back to the Visitors Center for a chance at some prizes.

Ninety-eight people turned in their receipts at the end of the cash mob, which totaled more than $9,850 – or an average of $100.52 a person.

“That was just the total of those who turned in their receipts,” Aufdermauer said. “I have been contacted by other shoppers who told me they didn’t turn in receipts but spent more than $50, so the actual total spent that day is much higher.”

Tspot – an eclectic boutique store at 144 Laneda Avenue – almost broke their sales record on Saturday. “It’s a hard record to break and so to almost hit that record was huge for us,” said Tspot employee Astyn Garvin.

Garvin said that for a good hour or two the store was “shoulder-to-shoulder” customers. “Even for a holiday weekend, I don’t think we ever could have expected to do that much business on a Saturday in November without the cash mob,” she said. “We would have considered half the sales we did to be a good day.”

cash-mob3

And, the mob brought new visitors to Manzanita.

“We had a great deal of customers who had never been to Manzanita before, and that is absolutely great,” said Aprilmarie Eckstrom with Manzanita Sweets. Eckstrom estimated that at least half of her customers on Saturday were participating in the mob.

Brenda Smith, manager of Salt and Paper at 411 Laneda Avenue said they experienced a higher number of people purchasing items rather than just looking. “Usually on holiday weekends we get a lot of window shoppers, but the cash mob crowd was making purchases,” she said. “The number of people we had in our store was quite a bit higher than usual and almost everyone was buying something.”

Nearly each shop participating had a special sale during the hours of the cash mob.

I think the shoppers really appreciated all the deals,” Garvin of Tspot said. “Everyone looked like they were having a good time and seemed to enjoy the experience.”

Aufdermauer said the Chamber intends to keep the cash mob energy flowing.

“We’ve seen what a success it can be and how it can make a difference on our small business community,” he said. “So stay tuned because we will be organizing more in the near future.”

 

 

 

 

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Don’t forget to make your nominations

Tillamook Chamber Recent News

Well folks, the holidays are officially upon us. You can practically hear the Christmas music in the air, and you can definitely see the seasonal displays adorning several local businesses.

For many of us, the holidays are a time to honor Christ and celebrate family traditions – from decorating your tree to roasting chestnuts over an open fire to nominating your favorite business for an annual Chamber Award. [Wait what?] If you’re thinking, that’s not one of my traditions, well then this year is a perfect time to start a new one! This is our chance to come together as a community and tell our local businesses how much we appreciate them.

Those nominated will be recognized at our annual banquet in January. But in order to do that we need you to fill out a nomination form. There are five categories: Business of the Year; Small Business of the Year; Development Project of the Year; Citizen of the Year; and Junior Citizen of the Year (under 20). All nominations are due by December 16th, 2016. That gives you a little over a month to choose a business, project, or citizen that has touched your life in a positive way.

When I stop and think about all of the development and growth we have experienced in the last year it is almost mind-boggling. From new businesses popping up left and right, to a brand new homeless shelter, to buildings being revitalized and a new skate park… The list goes on and on.

Everywhere we look there are people who are working hard to make our lives better here in Tillamook County. Let’s take a few moments to thank them, shall we? It takes time, hard work and commitment to invest in our community and they probably don’t hear “thank you” enough.

Nomination forms are available at tillamookchamber.org/awards or at the Chamber of Commerce Visitor Center. Again, applications must be in by Dec. 16, 2016.

The Chamber Board and myself value your input and insight. Feel free to contact us anytime at info@tillamookchamber.org.

 

 

 

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November 1st Highway Bulletin

Our last bulletin was focused primarily on the major traffic reconfiguration that was implemented a couple of weeks ago.

While some guidance improvements have been made since that time, such as the application of arrows on the new lanes indicating which path to follow for various turns, there are still bugs being worked out.

Another major clarification will be the painting of lane striping on First at the intersections with Main and Pacific, along with the striping of the lanes over the old bridge.

These couldn’t be done until there was a window of dry weather and so now the contractor finally has an opening and has scheduled it for Thursday and Friday of this week.  During this painting operation, the bridge will again be reduced to one lane with flaggers.

The next major element in the construction will be the pulling of the old wooden pilings and setting three new casings for the east half of the replacement bridge commencing tomorrow.  Setting each casing will require 16-to-18 hour days starting at low tide with a couple of days between for curing and preparation of the next one.  So with one being set every third day, these should be complete by next week this time.

In the meantime, the old storm drain outfall for the downtown will be installed next Monday with the old outfall being pulled shortly thereafter, and work will continue on the Pacific Avenue sidewalk area next to Homelife Furniture.

There have been several inquiries regarding the USPS Box next to the Courthouse that had to be removed as part of the traffic reconfiguration.  While it was initially believed that this could be replaced in the next year when the traffic shifts to the other side of the street, it has been discovered that even after the project is entirely completed, that box will not be able to go back in that same location due to the final lane alignment being too close to the curb.  Alternative permanent locations are being sought.

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Let’s Mob Manzanita!

On November 12th, the Tillamook Area Chamber of Commerce is going to release a mob in Manzanita – a cash mob that is!

Why? We know that we have very few Chamber members in the Manzanita area. And it’s a little out of the way of what most would consider our “jurisdiction.” But sometimes you just have to set aside your policies and do what is needed. They are our neighbors to the North and when disaster hits your neighbor we all need to come together and surround them with support.

Even though it’s been weeks since the tornado struck the coastal village, the effects are still being felt by residents and businesses as they try to rebuild and shake the blow caused by the tornado. Nearly all of the businesses have been able to reopen their doors to customers – which is awesome – however, being closed for repairs can have a lasting impact on and we are planning to go up there and give them not only a shot of cash but a much needed morale booster.

This mob will be a little different from the cash mobs we’ve hosted in past years. This time, we are mobbing the entire business community! Sounds pretty exciting, right?

Here’s how it will work: The Cash Mob will run from 11 am to 4pm on November 12th. All open Manzanita businesses are fair game and you are welcome to show up and shop anytime that you please. Myself and others will be meeting first at the Manzanita Visitor’s Center, 31 Laneda Avenue, at 11 am. I encourage you to meet us there and get excited for what we are about to accomplish. Starting out as a large group brings a sense of excitement and collaboration, not only for us but for the businesses owners and employees as well. (Meeting at the Manzanita’s Visitor’s Center together also means we get to leave together and really emphasize the “mob” portion of this event. It’s fun, trust me.)

There are no rules, per say, to how much money you are supposed to spend. We do ask, however, that you spend at least $25. Plus, if you bring $50 or more in receipts back to the Manzanita Visitor’s Center we will give you a ticket for a free entree at one of many participating restaurants good for that day. And did I mention yet that several of the local businesses will be hosting drawings with awesome prizes? Yeah, it’s going to be a pretty fun day showing Manzanita a little extra love.

For more information and to help spread the word, find our Facebook event page: Manzanita Cash Mob.

We are hoping to see our community rally around Manzanita this time, but it doesn’t have to stop there. This could be the start of something awesome where we “mob” each community in Tillamook County. I have a feeling downtown Tillamook will be next – our business owners need it due to the impact of construction. So let’s have some fun, spend some money, support our neighbors, and plan to keep the energy going.

 

 

 

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We’re Moving!

Tillamook Chamber of Commerce location

The Tillamook County Creamery Association recently released their plans to build a brand new visitors center, which will be begin next Spring. This is a very exciting development for our community that will enhance the current experience for our visitors and add more capacity for destination spending.

It also means that we have to move. When you look at the plans for their new Visitor’s Center, which will be nearly 50 percent bigger than the current building, it is quite apparent that they will also need to redesign the flow of their parking lot and can no longer accommodate our building. We’ve been blessed with this location for several years now and it has served us well, but we’re excited about the new opportunities both for the Creamery and the Chamber.

Now for the really exciting part! We are moving back to downtown Tillamook!

Thanks to a considerable financial contribution from the Creamery, we were able to obtain financing to purchase the building at 208 Main Avenue, where Bells Office Supply currently resides. The generosity of the Creamery’s leadership and its Board of Directors has been phenomenal, and we wouldn’t have been able to relocate without their help. Even though they had no obligation to help us, they stepped forward in a very generous way and we are so grateful for their support.

We were able to buy the building from its owners, who have operated Bells Office Supply since 2004. Many of you may know Scott and Mary, who were excited to sell the building to the Chamber and are still contemplating where they will relocate. Scott and Mary have a valuable service to the community and we are going to make sure we do what we can to minimize impact on their business.

So what does all this mean for you? Why is it so exciting to have the Chamber back downtown? It means being able to better assist downtown customers; it means better business relations; and it means bringing the positive energy of having a Chamber in the core of downtown.

We have some exciting additions beyond visitor information for the new location, including a small retail space upfront to highlight locally-made products, a large meeting space and a business lounge.

Wait, what’s a business lounge? It’s a comfortable, open area with tall tables and comfortable seating that allows people to come in and meet with colleagues or clients. It’s perfect for those people who find themselves in town for business or in-between meetings and would love to have a landing place to do some work for a bit or get online. It will be especially beneficial for those businesses that don’t have a brick and mortar location, such as photographers, independent contractors, and so forth.

And while we will miss the opportunity to further assist visitors at the Cheese Factory, the Creamery has announced it plans to include a space for mini “visitors’ information center” inside the new facility.

Overall, I believe this is a positive change for our community and we are eagerly awaiting our move-in date this Winter. There will be a remodel phase, but I hope you’ll stop in and say hi.

The Chamber Board and myself value your input and insight. Feel free to contact us anytime at info@tillamookchamber.org.

 

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Urgent Traffic Update

Due to the large number of concerns received, this interim bulletin is being sent out to try to explain some of the ramifications of the recent midweek traffic reconfiguration.  As with any major change, it takes awhile to:

  1. work out all of the bugs, and
  2. get accustomed to it.

The new signage and signals have caused a fair amount of confusion with vehicles running the new red light on First and Main as some westbound vehicles turn north round the corner where there used to be a free right.  Traffic that is familiar with the intersection is trying to continue to use First Street between Pacific & Main heading west as a 3-lane as prior to construction.  There are now 2 lanes there: 1 right turn only lane and 1 straight through w/left turn arrow.  Drivers also can be frustrated by the lack of free movement as they wait for non-turning traffic in the wrong lane to clear the intersection.

There have been a couple of signage changes attempted to try to clarify this and once striping is in place (OSBC is waiting for a dry day before painting) that may make traffic patterns more apparent.  There are still some issues with the existing signs on the sign bridge, which may lead a driver to believe there are 3 lanes, but those are being examined with ODOT now.

The intersection of First and 101 is just one example from all of the temporary changes that have been put in place; issues such as installing a “No Left Turn” symbol on Main & Front St. on northbound 101 have been remedied, and others are in process.   Working out the turning requirements for business accesses may take some additional fine tuning.

There is still the frustration that comes from the fact that all of changes were put into place within a very short time period as part of an overall project package so that drivers see a variety of new barriers with no construction nearby.  There is a cost effectiveness to doing it this way, but it also appears to constrict certain businesses more than others.

The good thing is, as painful as this process may be, the next major reconfiguration won’t occur until around Memorial Day as the project reshapes itself for the 2017 summer traffic.

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October 19th Highway Bulletin

While there was some frustration last week with all of the lane reconfigurations getting established in the downtown, and then the storm hitting right after set-up so that no work could proceed (you will probably see some drums replacing the cones and candlesticks that were blown away or run over), the project is getting back on course this week and ramping up.  The old intersection traffic signals are coming down and the temporaries are switching on.  This critical preparation piece has been slowing the pace of project construction as a necessary step that must precede the drainage and sidewalk work on Pacific Avenue.

Specifically, tomorrow at 8am they are going to  turn on the signal at 3rd and Pacific, then do the signal at 1st and Main starting at 7pm tomorrow night.  They will have 6 flaggers set up for that signal and striping change tomorrow night.

The next lane reconfigurations will be converting 101 immediately north of the Hoquarton into one lane each direction, going into effect tomorrow, the sawcutting and sidewalk removal work along the westside of Pacific Avenue between 4th and 3rd should also start on Thursday.  This work will continue for about a month before moving north to the block between 3rd and 2nd.

After that second block of work concludes, roughly another month later, the reconstruction of 2nd Street between Main and Pacific into a pedestrian plaza should begin.  While projected to consume approximately three months by itself, this construction element will be used as a staging area for equipment and materials inventory that supports the sidewalk work on Pacific.  Therefore, the full closure of this street may continue to the end of May.

In order to help alleviate some of the impacts on the businesses downtown, the City Council adopted the Temporary Parking Plan this past Monday night.  It has opened up some of the nearby reserved parking areas to the public and placed additional loading areas around the downtown so that businesses can get their deliveries as needed.  We encourage all of you, and your friends and neighbors, to go out of your way to patronize those downtown businesses for the next two construction years so that they can remain viable.

Many people have also expressed concerns about the removal of trees along Pacific.  Again, this is preparatory to all of the sidewalk reconstruction that is about to take place and there is a full plan for replanting the entire affected avenue once that work is completed.  Once established, these replantings will present a coordinated well-colored corridor as you head north through town.

On a side note, a non-highway sewerline project that has just started on the west end of town may also have some traffic impacts in the next month or two as it works its way up Cedar to First Street and ends at the intersection with Stillwell.   As an open cut trench near the middle of a truck route, there will likely be some delays and rerouting involved.  As traffic control plans are developed and released, we will keep you posted.

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Chamber Chatter: Vote No on Measure 97

Last week your voter’s pamphlet was delivered to your home. Hopefully you had a chance to flop through it and educate yourself on some of the important issues facing both our country and our state.

One that is getting a lot of attention lately is Measure 97 – the corporate sales tax. Chambers all across the state are urging voters to vote No on this measure, and I’d like to share with you a few of the reasons why.

First of all, advertisements and letters of support for Measure 97 claim that Oregon will be gaining roughly $5 million for schools, seniors, roads, bridges, public safety and healthcare. However, there is absolutely no language written into this measure that allocates the money to these services. In fact, Katherine Driessen, a spokesperson for the group sponsoring Measure 97, was quoted as saying “If the Constitution requires some diversion away from the will of the voters—directing the money to schools, healthcare, and senior services—that’s for the courts to decide.” When push comes to shove, there is nothing stopping the State of Oregon from using this new revenue for whatever it wants.

Propaganda in favor of Measure 97 claims that Oregon already has the lowest corporate taxes in the entire country. This is a lie. Top statutory corporate tax rates in the country range from 4% – 12%. Oregon ranks 7.6%– already on the high end.

Some are also spinning this proposed hidden sales tax into a workforce issue, claiming that our youth need more and better education (which this measure will allegedly fund but remember, that’s not written anywhere) in order to fill jobs when they are older. While it’s true that we do hear from small business owners around the state that one of their largest concern is a lack of workforce, but it is not because the current workforce didn’t receive enough class hours in grade school. Implying that we aren’t able to fill jobs because our children are uneducated is quite absurd. These are two separate issues and need to be addressed as such.

In fact, the Legislative Revenue Office, a non-partisan State office comprised of economists, reported that Measure 97 would inevitable result in a decrease in private-sector jobs. They also reported that the most significantly-impacted population will be low-income families. Now I ask you, how will job loss help our state’s workforce issue?

But possibly the part that worries me the most is when our leaders at the state level admit that Measure 97 has its problems and needs some “fine tuning.” Why would we pass a measure that is admittedly problematic? And based on the recent sessions, do we trust the current legislation to have the political will to fairly fine tune it after it’s passed? We are fortunate to have a few great elected officials, but as a whole Salem is not operating on behalf of its constituents.

In short, voting yes on Measure 97 is the equivalent of setting yourself on fire because you’re cold. It’s extreme. It’s harsh. And it will get the job done, but at what cost?

The Chamber Board and myself value your input and insight. Feel free to contact us anytime at info@tillamookchamber.org.

 

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2nd STREET TO BE CLOSED EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY

In a last minute change of plans, the scheduled closure of Second Street was moved forward from October 18th to closure today, Wednesday October 12th. Materials and equipment are anticipated to start moving into the block today with the actual removal of the asphalt and other surfaces still a week or more away. The Chamber and City were informed of this change late yesterday; 911 and the School District have been notified. The contractors have gone door-to-door with the businesses on that street to let them know.

Highway traffic will also be placed in its full configuration for Stage 1 on Pacific, 3rd, and 4th Streets at the same time.

The Street will remain closed until it’s complete (approximately 90 days). The project will completely renovate the portion of 2nd between Main and Pacific into a ‘Festival Street’ or pedestrian plaza that will provide a level area for dances or other community events to take place. During times when this block is not shut down for such activities, the traffic will flow from Pacific westbound in a one-lane one-way configuration all the way down to Fir Avenue. The block will also have diagonal parking along its south-side when it is open for traffic.

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October 5th Highway Bulletin

The downtown construction has been getting higher profile these past weeks as the temporary signalization has increased in intensity, along with Tillamook Public Utility District’s work on taking down trees and moving power poles.  This may involve some nightwork during the week of October 10th.

This is all in preparation for the sawcutting and drainage work along Pacific Avenue that is currently scheduled to begin the week of October 17th.  Sidewalk removal should follow shortly behind that.

All this while the drainage and bridgework continues on the northside of the Hoquarton.  Shafts are being drilled, rebar tied, and sheet pilings installed on the north bank, at the same time that lightweight concrete known as cellcrete will be formed and bermed as a supportive base for each end of the new bridge.
October 18th will see the contractor closing down 2nd Street between Main and Pacific and mobilizing in equipment and inventory.  The full tear-out of the street is scheduled to commence the first week of November and continue for approximately three months.

In the meantime, the Temporary Parking Plan for the next two construction years is undergoing some minor refinements and is scheduled for final adoption on October 17th; however, the on-street striping is already underway and is being applied as weather permits.

The directional signage that will accompany this is being prepared as a cooperative effort between the Chamber and the Police Department and, once laid out, will move through the permit process so that our Christmas visitors can easily locate parking.  The Chamber has also recently hired a new Downtown Development Director, Sierra Lauder, who will be helping to promote the parking and business opportunities that will be available during the construction period.

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Chamber Chatter: Welcome to the team, Sierra

It is with great excitement that I announce the addition of a new, full-time employee here at the Chamber. I hope you will all join me in welcoming Sierra Lauder as the Director of Events and Downtown Development.

You may be asking yourself: Why this is such a big deal? I’ll tell you why: for the past five years I have seen what the Chamber has been able to accomplish with just two staff people and our many volunteers, and I can’t help but get excited thinking of what we can accomplish by adding Sierra to our ranks.

Sierra has her Bachelor’s degree is Social Science with an emphasis in Rural Studies and Political Science. For her senior project she wrote a grant, so we are thrilled to have her grant writing experience at the Chamber. She is an avid volunteer and sees the value in community engagement.

Sierra has worked for non-profits, government agencies and small businesses and appreciates the pros and cons of each realm. In her own words she said “I am very excited to tackle this new role that allows for me to indulge my creative energy in event development and implementation while humoring my passion for public process and civic engagement.”

Sierra has lived in Tillamook County for the last 15 years and spent the first 12 in south Tillamook County. She and her kids are often present at many community events and have enjoyed the family-friendly nature of these events. Sierra says, “I am hopeful that, as a team, we are able to continue to grow and expand those events in a sustainable way, utilizing lots of volunteer energy… I look forward to hearing the great ideas circling and finding ways to actualize them in alignment with the goals and strategic plans that exist for the downtown area.”

Sierra’s role will work very closely with the City of Tillamook as she will be managing the Main Street program on a daily basis in downtown Tillamook. If you are a downtown business owner, it is our hope that you will come to know Sierra very well. It is one of her intentions to be accessible and approachable as possible and to be a resource to you. If you are a small business owner you know that securing grant funding and complying with ordinances can be overwhelming sometimes, and one of Sierra’s roles will be to assist in increasing accessibility and providing support for businesses that are looking to grow and/or establish themselves within the community.

“I love the character of our downtown district,” she said, “and I am so looking forward to getting to meet you all in the coming weeks.”

The community is fortunate to have Sierra at the Chamber, and I look forward to seeing her energy and skills be used to make Tillamook a better place to live and do business. Monday, October 3 was her first official day on the job and she already had a to-do list that she put together with little direction from me.

If you would like to get involved in downtown Tillamook events, or just want to welcome Sierra to the team, you can reach her at sierra@tillamookchamber.org or call 503-842- 7525.

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September 26th Highway Bulletin

Temporary Parking Plan

The Chamber’s presentation to the City Council regarding the Temporary Parking Plan for the next two construction years was very productive.  The draft was reshaped from some 20 possible policy and implementation action items down to 15 that are both cost efficient and doable.   Most measures were adopted that night for immediate implementation while some will require additional Council resolutions to change previous policies.

The overall plan is depicted in this link Temporary Parking Plan which shows where new on-street parking will be developed and additional inventories of off-street parking will be made available.  The next step is securing locations for additional directional signage to ensure that the traveling public passing through the project can find places to stop and patronize our downtown businesses.

The Chamber will be developing various informational products to advertise the parking opportunities that will be available during the construction period.  One outlet is this bulletin, but there will be multiple additional digital and on-street outreach efforts to make our available parking easily obvious to our customers.

Again the biggest news this week is not about changes in the contractors’ schedule, which is holding steady with the downtown signalization, the digout around the former Mar Claire area, and the in-water Hoquarton work, but rather about a couple of sideboard stories.

There may be those of you who are wondering about the Hoquarton Park sculpture.  As we have been informing folks at all of our public workshops, that sculpture was intended to remain in place and be integrated into the resulting post-project aesthetic Park landscaping.  However, as storm drainage work was underway in the Hoquarton Landing area, the drainage plan sheets did not clearly indicate protection of the sculpture and it was pulled out, fortunately intact, to allow the storm drain pipes to be placed.

The contractor and ODOT are now developing concepts for replacing the sculpture, whether in the near–term or near the end of the project.   ODOT has promised that one way or another, the sculpture will rise again.

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September 17th Highway Bulletin

As the contractor continues with installation of temporary signals and other preparatory efforts, we are beginning to see more excavation and drainage work starting to occur, along with the removal of the old bridge supports and installation of the temporary work bridge.  The one lane closures have been intermittent and brought about by a combination of the contractor’s intersection signalization and City’s Waterline work.  This week’s three week look-ahead from the contractor didn’t have too many major changes other than the fact that the closure of the Second Street Plaza has been bumped to the first week of October.

The Chamber itself has introduced a bit of news with the presentation of a Temporary Parking Plan for the next two construction years to the City Council on Monday.  The draft contains some 20 policy and implementation action items that should add at least 44 parking spaces to the City’s inventory to make up for those lost during construction.  Once adopted, the various measures will be put into place immediately.

Perhaps the biggest breaking news, however, is the fact that the ODOT and the owners of the Shell Station at First and Main have reached an agreement that will close down the station as of the end of September and decommission the fuel tanks by mid-October, according to Mike Sheldon of Sheldon Oil.  The details of the agreement have not been ‘inked’ as of yet, and the decision making process as to what to do with the property has not yet begun, so this news item has a great deal of unknown ramifications that will be unfolding in the near future.

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September 7th Bulletin

Now that Labor Day has come and gone, the City of Tillamook is finally fully involved in the US 101/OR 6 Highway Intersection Project.  The reader board signs are up, the warnings about night work have been circulated, and the men in orange vests and hard hats are cropping up everywhere.  It is time for this bulletin to go weekly.

Every Tuesday, except for delays during holidays, we will be receiving the contractor’s schedule revisions with all of their proposed activities for the following three weeks.

Today’s three week look-ahead revealed that the night work warnings would not be going into effect right away, but that there will be daytime lane restrictions on Pacific Avenue between 8 AM and 4 PM instead.  It is anticipated that Pacific Avenue will be restricted to one lane of traffic from 4th to 1st Street for the foreseeable future as drilling for temporary signalization poles, preliminary drainage, and other preparatory work commences.  This may cause some traffic queuing, particularly in the afternoons.  The 911 Center has been alerted to this change and emergency adjustments will be made.

The balance of the three-week schedule is focused on tasks in the new bridge area with clearing and grubbing, removal of old non-functioning bridge structures and contaminated soils, and installation of a new work bridge.

The big heads up for the downtown businesses is that the full closure of Second Street between Main and Pacific is scheduled to start on September 26th, the same time that sidewalk demo work on the westside of Pacific Avenue from 4th to 3rd will commence.  The full closure will allow for the total demolition of Second Street and its sidewalks.  While vehicles will be prohibited, one access point for pedestrians will be maintained for Second Street businesses which do not have an alternative access off of another street.

The closure is anticipated to remain in place for over 90 days as the street is rebuilt into a Plaza that allows for downtown events and activities to occur on a leveled curb-free, danceable surface which can be closed off and accommodate performance stages and features such a fountains in the near future.

Hang in there and standby for a little turbulence as we ascend to our construction attitude.

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Work to Begin After Labor Day

The ‘Meet The Contractor’ event last Tuesday was a great launch point for the 33 million dollar Highway 101/6 Project with business owners taking the opportunity to rub elbows with the friendly folks from Oregon State Bridge Construction (OSBC) and ask some direct questions while grabbing a free Pelican Pub/Creamery Association rootbeer float at the same time.

One of the critical announcements at that event was OSBC’s unveiling of their two-year construction schedule, which is presented in a simplified form on the following pages for your review as to how it might affect your operations.  Please remember that the dates are approximate and may change with circumstances.  We will be receiving a three-week ‘look-ahead’ schedule at the regular construction meetings and will try to keep you posted on key changes as the project proceeds.  Click here for Hwy 101/6 Schedule.

A much-discussed topic was maintenance of access to the businesses.  It was highlighted that, throughout the project, sustaining two lanes of traffic on both Main and Pacific is a key goal.  There may be temporary lane closures, but there will not be a bypass around the downtown.  The couplets will flow, but, as noted on the schedule, parking on Main or Pacific may be removed for extended periods of time.  Some side streets, such as Second Avenue where the new plaza is being built, may face extended closure while they are being reconstructed.

There is also a contractual requirement that ADA-compliant pedestrian routes be maintained through the downtown.  The exact configurations of those routings remain to be determined, but, again, as such information is produced, we will strive to get the word out to you as soon as possible.

In summary the project schedule has been developed in response to commitments made to the City and business community. These include:

  •  Avoiding construction that impacts traffic in the downtown couplet area during the summer months.
  •  When working in the downtown area, the contractor is limited to replacing the sidewalk on one    side of the roadway at a time within a city block.
  •  Access must be provided to one corner of a city block at all times.
  •  Access to business doorways must be maintained.

Another recent OSBC announcement was that nightwork will begin on Tuesday the 6th at the intersections of First Street with Main & Pacific.  This will continue into the next week with intersection work on Third and Pacific.  The nightwork is to prepare for the new signal light installations and may involve such noise-producing activities as concrete-cutting, drilling, and back-up beepers, in addition to bright lighting.