Tourism investments & opportunities in Clackamas County

People are traveling in increasing numbers these days. How can local businesses attract them? Our town offers authenticity, history, great food, beautiful attractions, and an accessible location. What’s not to like? What is on the horizon in the county and region that will attract more visitors?

An expert panel will share their perspectives and highlights.

• Jim Austin, Oregon’s Mt. Hood Territory Development and Community Relations Program Lead will provide an overview of the tourism ecosystem in Oregon – state, regional, and local and share information about OMHT’s key functions, funding opportunities, and marketing assistance programs, and provide examples of investments and partnerships.
• James Graham, Oregon City’s Economic Development Director will share highlights of the evolving Oregon City tourism program.
• Our Metro Councilor, Christine Lewis will share updates on the Riverwalk project, Willamette Falls Locks, Metro parks, and tourism investments in the convention center and expo center to come.

Speaker Info

Jim Austin

Oregon’s Mt Hood Territory Development and Community Relations Program Lead

Jim Austin is the Development and Community Relations Program Lead for Oregon’s Mt. Hood Territory (OMHT), which is the destination organization for Clackamas County. He has been with Mt. Hood Territory (Clackamas County Tourism) since 2010 after having previously worked for Public and Government Affairs.

James Graham

Economic Development Manager, Oregon City

With over 25 years of experience in economic development, James Graham has worked for the federal government, several state governments, county governments, a myriad of local municipalities, regional agencies, and various private non-profit organizations. His work with several communities across the country involved crafting and implementing development strategies that are appropriate for the communities where he has worked. Throughout his career, he has sought to craft win-win situations for business investors, would-be employees, and communities at large. He believes in systemic, sustainable, and tailored economic growth while seeking to collaborate with public and private organizations to proliferate the benefits of appropriate development. Mr. Graham is a certified economic developer (CEcD) recognized by the International Economic Development Council, the premiere, international association of economic development practitioners. He also holds a Master’s Degree in International Affairs with a Specialization Certificate in International Political Economy from the University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from Johnson C. Smith University, Charlotte, North Carolina.

Christine Lewis

Councilor

Christine Lewis represents the communities of District 2 on Metro Council, including Oregon City, Gladstone, Milwaukie, Happy Valley, West Linn, Lake Oswego, Rivergrove, Johnson City, Southwest Portland, and unincorporated Clackamas, and Multnomah Counties. Currently in her second term, her responsibilities and committee assignments span from housing and transportation to parks and nature, solid waste, and regional cultural venues. Lewis serves as the Chair of the Willamette Falls Locks Authority and serves on several community and nonprofit boards including the Willamette Falls and Landings Heritage Area Coalition and the Clackamas County Business Alliance. Christine graduated from Reed College with her Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology and earned a Master of Science in Nonprofit Leadership from the University of Pennsylvania. She and her family live in the Willamette Neighborhood of West Linn.

Councilor Lewis is excited to share updates with the CCBA membership on the Willamette Falls Locks, partnerships focused around the Falls, Metro’s parks investments from a regional tourism perspective, and the cultural venues Metro owns and manages as part of the tourist ecosystem.