Chamber Chat – September 2025
AS THE SUMMER ROLLS ON, the Chamber of Commerce continues to focus on promoting our unique, historic town to the Rogue Valley and throughout the Pacific Northwest using social media and our new website. Our marketing and advertising focuses on Jacksonville as a destination with “must-do activities” when visiting Southern Oregon. We reach folks by telling evocative stories with compelling imagery in the form of sample itineraries that provide a perspective on how to stay, shop, eat, and explore in and around our wonder-filled town.
Fueling this imagery is a recently completed videography project that took place during the Savor Southern Oregon wine event at Bigham Knoll. It captured images and video of historical sites and inns, retail and shopping venues, the wine and history trolley, restaurant and dining opportunities, entertainment venues, and our wineries and vineyards.
These fresh images will be used in multiple ways, including: a Bay Area and Northern California influencer feature story focused on spending multiple days in Jacksonville; a print and web feature in Food and Travel Magazine, and a print and web feature story on historical landmarks in Northwest Travel & Life. Internally, we will be using these assets to create compelling web, social media, and print campaigns that welcome local neighbors and attract visitors from drive-in and fly-in markets.
Funding for these activities comes from a recently won Wine Country license plate grant, specific to the promotion of the wine and culinary industries in Jacksonville. Administered by Travel Southern Oregon and awarded by a selection committee comprised of local and regional business and industry leaders, the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce was awarded the full amount requested for the scope of this project.
More locally, the chamber is actively engaged in preparations for the upcoming Victorian Christmas events, including the annual parade and tree lighting, and the newly created holiday trolley lights tour. It is our plan to expand the lighting on homes along the light tour route to have an even more impressive showing. Victorian Christmas is a hallmark of Jacksonville and a major undertaking that requires significant planning and resources. We could use your help.
We are seeking a community leader with a strong business sense and desire to help our business community grow. Please see our EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR job listing on the Chamber Resources page at www.JacksonvilleOregon.org.
If you have an interest in volunteering to support your local community, from hanging wreaths to developing strategic plans, we have space for you! All voices are welcome.
Our monthly member and community meetings will resume in September. Blessings on a continued safe summer. We will see you around town.