As of July 1 the North Santiam Chamber of Commerce plans to change the format of its visitor information services, moving from a “brick and mortar” visitor center to a web-based program.
Based on feedback from a member survey the chamber board of directors decided it will no longer require the use of the building along Hwy. 22 in Mill City. It plans to move out by the end of June and relocate its visitor and business displays throughout the canyon.
“At this point, we can start using the funds once used for utilities instead toward enhancing our website and building satellite information kiosk in key places throughout the Canyon,” chamber board president Eric Ortiz, said.
“Having the brochure displays in businesses will be beneficial to both the customer and the local proprietor. We think this will be a win-win.”
Both Green Mountain Real Estate in Mill City and Trexler Farm in Mehama have agreed to adopt the Chamber brochure racks and provide visitor information.
“Based on the two years of experience in this facility, we have found that people are less likely in this day and age to use an in-person visitor information center, and are more likely to research and book their travel online.
“In addition, our business members have indicated that more promotion online is a priority for them,” Nicole Miller, chamber executive director said. In a membership survey distributed in February, nearly 75 percent of those responding said that they would like to see the chamber develop an enhanced website with more services.
The board figured that honing in on the website, but keeping the service of brochure displays would be an appropriate next step.
Since April 2009, the North Santiam Chamber has used a building owned by Santiam Memorial Hospital.
“The Hospital is a terrific partner to our organization. We thank them for allowing us the use of their building in Mill City for the past few years,” Ortiz said.
For more information, contact Chamber President Eric Ortiz at 503-897-2393.
