INSIDE THIS ISSUE

Fireworks 1

Outdoor Recreation 2

Visitor Report 2

Outdoor Recreation 3

EXPLOregon 4

Special Happenings 6

Event Announcements 7-8

4th of July Contributors 9

Dragons on the Wallowas 10

Wallowa Lake Triathlon 10

WALLOWA COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 309 South River Street, Ste B PO Box 427 Enterprise, OR 97828 Phone: (541) 426-4622 Email: info@wallowacounty.org

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Jessie Cunningham, President

Jenni Word, Vice President

Cynthia Warnock, Treasurer

Nancy Rudger, Past President

Brooke Pace, Joseph,

J.R. Collier, Wallowa Lake

Kathy Casper, Wallowa-Lostine

Susan Gilstrap, Small Business

Lawrence McBurney, Public Relations

Shannon McNerney, Education

Jenni Word, Healthcare

Mike Hayward, Rural Areas

Jennifer Cooney, Tourism

Cheryl North-Coughlan, Arts

Jerry Hustafa, Outdoor Recreation

CHAMBER STAFF

Vicki Searles, Executive Director

Diane Knox, Admin. Assistant

August 2019

As a result of public outpour to support the fireworks we made our 2019 goal of $14,000. The chamber will plan for next year’s fundraising to sustain the program. We want to keep the 4th of July fireworks alive in Wallowa County. There is overwhelming support.

As the Executive Director of the Chamber, I can’t describe how heartwarming it is to see so many businesses and individuals contribute to this event so local families and visitors can enjoy Shake the Lake Fireworks at Wallowa Lake.

The Chamber has fundraised for this event since 2004. Tom Carroll, from Wallowa County, shot off the fireworks in 2004 (first year for the Chamber) and it cost ~$6000. For a couple of years we contracted with Entertainment Fireworks out of Olympia, WA. In 2007, the cham-ber started contracting with Homeland Fireworks out of Ontario, OR. Homeland Fireworks was previously owned by Bruce Lawson and sold in 2019 to Mike Eicher. Mike has worked with Bruce for many years.

The chamber has been very satisfied with Homeland Fireworks. They love coming to Wal-lowa Lake and are easy to work with in terms of accommodating our needs. We have not found any companies more competitive and/or less expensive within our price range.

I invite input from membership. Right away I want to say, we have yet to figure out how to harness funds/fees from visitors coming to the lake for the fireworks. A few ideas have been tossed around the table; unfortunately none have led to a reasonable path for success.

For anyone who would like to know more about Homeland Fireworks you can directly con-tact Homeland Fireworks, Mike Eicher 541 473-2717.

We may not have the biggest show in Oregon, but we do have the best! Again, Thanks to all for the incredible support of dollars, time, and resources.

Shake the Lake Fireworks:

With All of Your Support We Reached the 2019 Goal:

$14,000 for the Fireworks

List of Contributors and Volunteers on Page 9

New! Why do Visitors

Come to Wallowa County

Wallowa Lake 91

Wallowa Lake Tramway 127

Joseph, Arts & Galleries 79

Hells Canyon & Over Looks 127

Hells Canyon Scenic Byway 89

Wallowa Mountains 34

Wallowa Valley & View Points 17

WC Events 69

Fishing, Hunting, Outdoor Rec. 78

Visit Family & Friends 3

Family reunions, wedding, etc. 5

Barn Tour 14

Other, Zumwalt 9 Geocache 22 31

Chamber Visitor Report for July

Information Contacts July 2019 June 2019 Year to date July 2018

Walk-ins: Visitors/Business 339 360 1288 347

Information & Relocation Packets Mailed Out

39 50 241 71

Phone Calls, Website Requests & Emails

333 346 1846 302

Total Contacts 711 756 3375 720

Website Visits

12,789 11,984 53,608 14,574

Membership Referrals 1981 1698 7,671 1818

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Oregon Outdoor Recreation For Oregonians, a strong connection to our great outdoors is in our DNA and is part of our identity.

Snake Dancer Excursions Contact: Gabe Cassell 1550 Port Drive, Ste B Clarkston, WA 99403 509 758-8927 https://snakedancerexcursions.com/

Fun River activities on the Snake!

Hells Canyon is the deepest river gorge in North America and therefore attracts many visitors with a desire for adventure in the wild. To the right, are 4 regional outfitters providing jet boat trips in Hells Canyon — and they are members of the Chamber. Hells Canyon Adventures provides jet boat trips from the south entrance of Hells Canyon out of the Oxbow area. This section of the Snake River has the largest run of rapids in Hells Canyon. The other 3 outfitters have easy access to the river from the Lewiston-Clarkston area. These excursions occur north of the Hells Canyon Dam. All excursions include the rich

history, wildlife, and geology of the area.

From hikers to anglers, mountain bikers to hunters, loggers to biologists, ranchers to miners, to outfitters, guides, mountain lodge operators and outdoor equipment producers, many of us rely on Oregon’s bountiful natural resources for our livelihoods and recreation.

From June 2016 to February 2017, a 25-person Oregon Outdoor Recreation Initiative leadership team developed a 15-year vision for outdoor recreation in Oregon. The initiative launched with sev-eral goals in mind: to build capacity and synergy to expand outdoor recreation opportunities for residents and visitors; to create sustainable economic vitality for Oregon’s communities; and to make Oregon a world-class outdoor recreation destination for all.

The WC Chamber is focused on local outdoor recreation this summer. Businesses will be featured in our newsletter all summer: attractions, outfitters, and guides that have an interest in Wallowa County or the region. We will then post these businesses on social media—Facebook—to push these attractions out to the greater social media audience. The purpose of this focus is to share information with all members and to better cross market between us and also increase referrals.

Hells Canyon Adventures Contact: Brandie Lincoln

4200 Hells Canyon Dam Road

Oxbow, OR 97840. 800 422-3568 http://www.hellscanyonadventures.com/

Beamer’s Landing Contact: Jim & Jill Koch 1451 Bridge Street Clarkston, WA 99403 800-522-6966 https://www.hellscanyontours.com/

Snake River Adventures Contact: Justin Luther

4832 Hells Gate Road

Lewiston, ID 83501 800 262-8874 https://snakeriveradventures.com/

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Sit back and enjoy the sights and sounds of a train ride on the Eagle Cap Excursion Train. Journey back in time on a sec-

tion of the picturesque and historic Joseph Branch rail line in Northeast Oregon. Discover untamed territory as the train

follows the Grande Ronde River downstream through rugged cliffs and timbered ridges, then travels up the Wild & Scenic

Wallowa River. Whether you are a rail fan, a nature and wildlife enthusiast, a history buff or a vacationer looking for a fun

and relaxing way to enjoy the spectacular beauty of region, a ride on the Eagle Cap Excursion Train is sure to please!

The train operates from the Elgin Depot, 300 Depot Street, Elgin, Oregon. The depot was built in 2012 in a style reminis-

cent of the original historic depot. It contains a gift shop, ticket office and historical railroad artifacts and is open to visi-

tors Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., opening extended hours on train days and with some alterations to the

hours and days during the off-season. Please call 541.437.3652 to speak with the depot attendant. Entire cars can be re-

served for groups. Charter the whole train for unforgettable special events. Motor coach parking is available at the north

end of the depot. For further information visit: https://eaglecaptrainrides.com/

Wallowa Lake has marvelous fishing and boating opportunities. The Marina pro-vides kayaks, fishing boats, paddle boards, pontoon boat, etc. for water sports.

For anyone who take a moment in the early morning or evening to enjoy the lake and feel the quiet serenity — this can be a most memorable experience.

The wild life is astounding. Deer, eagles, osprey, and several varieties of ducks are great to observe. It really brings nature up close and personal. What can be really amazing is; when the fish is on your pole.

The Marina carries tackle, bait, ice, snack food, drinks, RV supplies, souvenirs, clothing and camping supplies. They also sell Fishing Licenses.

In addition, the latest road and hiking information is available. Visit :

Eagle Cap Excursion Train 300 Depot Street, Elgin, OR (Depot location) 800 323-7330

https://www.facebook.com/EagleCapExcursionTrain For reservations call 800 323-7330

https://www.facebook.com/JOPaddle/ or for further inquiries call 541 432-9115

Wallowa Lake Marina 72214 Marina Lake, Joseph, OR 541 432-9115

https://wallowalakemarina.com/

Great Opportunity to Get in Front of the Eyes of Tourism

The Chamber is investing in a media project with ExplOregon. This is the year of social media for the Chamber. We are turning the corner and placing more resources into new media opportunities with Instagram, videos, and other media types. There is a wonderful opportunity to partner in this program and be a visual part of these videos.

We are not asking anyone to pay for this project. What we are asking is help in putting the “Giveaway & Swag” package to-gether. Baker City invested into ExplOregon and have provided very high marks on the outcome. The Chamber is investing $3300 to bring Rick and Kathy Dancer to the County. Below is a description of the Rick Dancer Media Service LLC.

I invite you to give me a call at the Chamber for further discussion, 541 426-4622.

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Sunrise Iron Antique Tractor—Heritage Day, August 3, ALL DAY!

Exhibit opening August 2nd at the Josephy Center

7 p.m. and running through September 9

Special Exhibit catalog available for sale online

and at the Josephy Center!

The Wild and Scenic Lostine River is an iconic Oregon landscape. The river begins amid the rugged peaks, placid lakes, and weather-beaten white bark pines of the Eagle Cap Wilderness. Its clear, cold waters follow a glacially-hewn valley for 31 miles to the confluence with the Wallowa River, where it nurtured an important Nez Perce summer encampment. The ridges along its watershed are places of alpine splendor, home to Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep, Rocky Mountain goats, and other iconic wildlife. The river harbors bull trout, steel-head and rainbow trout, Chinook salmon, and recently restored Coho salmon, whose first returns occurred in 2018. This exhibit will portray the entirety of this extraordi-nary wild watershed and its wild inhabitants, river, for-ests, and alpine setting, from sources to mouth, ridge-top-to-ridgetop, in words and images. It is the 30th year of the river’s official designation as a Wild River. Photographer Ellen Bishop, Upper Lostine River

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Creating a Strong Economy Together

Please Welcome New Members to the ChamberPlease Welcome New Members to the ChamberPlease Welcome New Members to the Chamber

Chamber Mission Statement: Promote Business Development in Wallowa CountyPromote Business Development in Wallowa County

Page 6

2018- 2019

Buy Local Season

$38,875

Eagle Cap Nordic Club

Contact: Jerry Hustafa PO Box 13 Enterprise, OR 97828 (541) 398-0958 Website: https://onc.org/ecnc/

Description: The Wallowas offer a unique backcountry skiing ex-

perience. The newest Oregon Nordic Club chapter, Eagle Cap Nor-

dic Club, may not have groomed trails, but you can’t beat the fun

we have. It’s break-your-own trail, but maps of trails are available

and the trail itself is marked with blue plastic diamonds along the

route. Come join us for winter fun.

Alder Slope Nursery & Gardens

New Owners: Nathan Slinker

64980 Alder Slope Road

Enterprise, OR 97828

(541) 426-3317

Website: http://alderslopenursery.com

Description: Alder Slope Nursery has proudly served Wallowa

County for over 40 years. This year, Pam and Randy Slinker are

transitioning ownership and management of the nursery to their

son and daughter-in-law, Nathan Slinker and Asch Humphrey. Be

sure to stop at the nursery for your gardening needs.

Panini’s Mobile Cuisine

Owners: Casey Jones PO Box 220

Joseph, OR 97846

(541) 263-1098

Description: Mobile kitchen featuring grilled paninis, gyros, house

-made tzatsiki, falafel, hummus, tapenade and pesto. Panini’s

offers catering for your events. Location may vary due to it being

a mobile kitchen, most regular location 309 S. River St. Enterprise.

David Brunkow Photography

Owner: David Brunkow 207 N. Main Street Joseph, OR 97846 (503) 784-2566 Description: Wallowa County Imagery, Put your photos on ce-

ramic mugs, coasters, magnets, tile murals, prints and cards—

they are fade resistant.

Photos By Orion

Owners: Kathryn & Orion Davidson

213th Street SE

Salem, OR 97302

(503) 385-1435

Website: www.photosbyorion.com

Description: Star quality photography, videography, and drone.

We help clients get beautiful portraits, amazing fine art photos,

and dynamic personal and commercial videography.

Josi Fire Control, LLC

Owners: Ernie & Karen Josi

701 Donald Street

Wallowa, OR 97885

(541) 263-1926

Description: Josi Fire Control LLC was founded by Ernie and his

Father, Bob Josi in 2002, as Wildland fire fighting contractors in

Wallowa, Oregon. JFC now is owned and operated by Ernie and

his wife Karen Bates-Josi. They have expanded their business

from wildland firefighter contractors to contracting in govern-

ment and private work. JFC specializes in vegetation manage-

ment, barrier/fence construction, along with fire suppression /

defensible space land clearing.

Significantly More Money Re-circulates In Wallowa County.

When we shop at locally owned, independent businesses more money is kept in the community. Local businesses

often purchase from other local businesses, service providers and farms.

Buying locally helps grow other businesses as well as our region's tax base.

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A Special Thank you to the

Supporters of the 2019 Shake the Lake Fireworks

$3000-$2000 GRAND FINALE SPONSOR: STEVE ALLISON FAMILY AND

BRENT & CONNIE MCKINLEY, TRIPLE CREEK RANCH

$1000-CONTRIBUTORS: Debbie Surface, Steve & Paula Krieger, Joseph Chamber of Commerce,

and Wallowa County Chamber of Commerce

$500-$999 CONTRIBUTOR: Wallowa Lake Tramway, Wallowa Lake Marina

$100-$499 CONTRIBUTORS: Wallowa Lake Resort & Flying Arrow Resort, Gary Anger/Edward Jones, Wallowa River RV Park, Wilderness Inn, Ponderosa

Inn, Eagle’s View Inn & Suites, Eagle Cap Chalets, Alder Slope Nursery, Wayne & Marilyn Bloom, Hancock Forest Management, Wild Carrot Herbals, Thompson Auto Parts, Trouthaven, Wallowa Mountain Properties, Bank of Eastern

Oregon, Copper Creek Mercantile, Tram Party, Mad Mary’s, Jolene & Timothy Cox, Ronald & Trudy Jett, Kurt & Heather Melville, Glen Martin, Jerry King, Jim & Judy Rygg, Carolyn Gilbert, Dale & Katherine McGriff, The Sports Corral, Wallowa

Valley Networks, Wallowa Lake Vacation Rentals, Jacob & Catherine Cambier, John & Marcia Page, Barton & Karen Nelson, Wallowa County Grain Growers, Dorothy Pace, Matterhorn Village, Cabin Rentals at Wallowa Lake

and the Wallowa County Chieftain.

UNDER $100 CONTRIBUTORS

Farmers Insurance/MacKenzie Rodgers Agency, Hillock Insurance, Railriders Cycling Joseph Branch, Vicki & Kerry Searles, Bob & Stephanie Williams, Joe, Rita and Heidi Ehrler, Dianne Mitchell, Rayanna Mitchell, Patrick & Colleen McDonald, John & Elaine Isley, Mike & Diane Witherrite, Les & Ava Bridges, Patricia & Brian Adelhardt, Marcy’s Skin Care, Five Peaks RV Park, Marty & Marcy Hamilton, John Gorsline, Karen Josi, Sally B. Farms/Wendy McCullough, David Brunkow, Richard & Sandra Richelderfer, Lynn Wolf, The Sheep Shed, First Street Suites, Bollman Funeral Home, Casey Tippett, Charles & Charleen Haines, Annette Christoffersen, Gail Swart, Phinney Gallery of Fine Art, Terry & Cheryl Hughes Gaulk, MM&G

Properties, Chris & Christina Lozier, Rhonda & Adrian Harguess, Wallowa County Nursery, Steve & Betty Wilcox, Dolo Cutter, Wheatland Insurance Center, Perry & Associates, Radiant Massage, Mel Witters Lab, Nancy & Bill Rudger, Patricia Ryan,

Good Time Properties/Stangel, Lynnie Appleton, and John & Connie Darrah and Rahn Sanitary Service.

The Chamber reached the 2019 goal of $14,000 – Thank You!

Without volunteers doing the ground work there would be no fireworks:

Reserve Deputy Lawrence McBurney provided a boat for the fireworks crew, Moving of Docks and Dock Preparation: Deputy Kyle Hacker, Reserve Deputy Lawrence McBurney

Crew: Shannon Poach, Jameson Poach, Finn Magelssen, and Keelan McBurney

Cleanup of the Fireworks Public Area, Wallowa County Park: A Special Thank You to the Wallowa County Public Works

Appreciation to the WC Sheriff Department for their ongoing support of the Fireworks

Page 9

309 South River Street, Ste B PO Box 427 Enterprise, OR 97828

Northeast Oregon Economic Development

NEOEDD Newsletter

Dragons in the Wallowas

https://wallowa7wonderscup.com/

Wallowa Lake 7 Wonders Cup

Date of Race: August 24-25, 2019

A fun-filled, family-friendly, low-key sprint triathlon and a 5K walk/run in beautiful Wallowa County. Perfect event for first-timers with a quick 250 meter swim in brisk but refreshing Wallowa Lake, a 12 mile road bike ride to the city of Joseph and back, and a 5k run through the Wallowa Lake Resort area. This event is a fundraiser for Safe Harbors, providing services for victims of domestic and sexual violence in Wallowa County.

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