WALDPORT – The Waldport Chamber of Commerce is using a three-year tourism grant from Lincoln County to hire a half-time executive director.
The contract is being used to have Laura Furgurson split time between the Waldport and Depoe Bay chambers of commerce. In Waldport, Furgurson will focus on tourism promotion, membership support and economic development.
In a news release, the Waldport chamber said Furgurson has more than 30 years experience with starting and leading for- and non-profit organizations, in marketing, branding, research, volunteer management, organizational development, tourism and hospitality.
Waldport collaborated with chambers in Toledo and Depoe Bay to get the county grant to hire staff.
“There will be a lot of synergy between the two positions,” Furguson said in the news release. “Although the needs and objectives will be different, I am excited to leverage learnings and resources to support both communities.”
The Waldport chamber said regional tourism organizations also supported the combined roles.
“Having a singular person dedicated to establishing processes and building marketing assets will ensure efficient use of resources, as well as ease of collaboration, not only between communities, but also with the Oregon Coast Visitors Association and Travel Oregon,” said OCVA director Marcus Hinz.
