Medford, Ore — Many business owners in Medford realize how important tourism dollars are to the local economy.
Tonight a decision is made over a group that promotes tourism in Medford.
In a vote of four to two, the City of Medford will extend it’s contract with Travel Medford another two years, but not before a heated debate over the group’s relationship with the Chamber of Commerce.
Despite months of back and forth within the council ranks about the role of Travel Medford and it’s relationship within the Chamber of Commerce, the city council approved a two-year contract that will allow the tourism group to get back to work after months of uncertainty.
With the busiest season for tourism on the way, Chamber president Brad Hicks says it’s a good thing moving forward. However; Mayor Gary Wheeler had his own mixed feelings about the agreement.
“There is no difference abetween Travel Medford and the Chamber and that’s part of the problem and part of the issue I have too,” said Mayor Wheeler.
“We’ve got a lot of work to do, things have been unsettled and on hold and we’ve got a staff and board that’s anxious to get back to work,” said Hicks.
Hicks says the Chamber has offered tourism services for several decades as one of it’s main focuses for the city.
The contract will go to a second reading by the council before a final decision is made.
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