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<br />~ <br /> <br />e <br /> <br />e <br /> <br />-- We've started marketing Eugene to the rest of the nation. We've developed <br />good informational brochures and materials which we never had before. <br />Through our Ambassador Program, Eugene residents are helping to make <br />contacts throughout the country. Some of those contacts are bringing new <br />businesses to Eugene and will continue to do so in the future. We've also <br />joined forces with the City of Springfield and the Eugene and Springfield <br />Chambers of Commerce in a metro marketing program so that we can better <br />attract outside industry. And we've participated in the formation of the <br />Southern Willamette Research Corridor--a partnership of 12 organizations <br />including the University of Oregon, Oregon State University, Lane and <br />Linn-Benton Community Colleges, five cities, and three economic develop- <br />ment organizations. Working together, we can attract new business and <br />boost the economic vitality of this entire area. It is a long-range <br />approach which promises long-range benefits. <br /> <br />-- The Hult Center for the Performing Arts is proving itself to be a good <br />economic investment for our community. A market study of the center's <br />first 9 months of operations showed a direct spinoff of $2.5 million and <br />an indirect economic impact of over $10 million. Each sellout performance <br />at the Hult Center generates $30,000 for our local business coffers. The <br />council still must address long term financing of the Hult Center opera- <br />tions. The management study, which will be completed next month, should <br />give us the information we need to make that decision and help us to <br />capitalize on this fabulous community asset. <br /> <br />In 1984, our economic development efforts will focus more on building tourism <br />and making Eugene an even more attractive location for conferences and conven- <br />tions. By increasing our local room tax by one percent, we were able to increase <br />funding for tourism and convention marketing and promotion by $126,000 this <br />year. Eugene is now experiencing the beginnings of a healthy conference business. <br />The Eugene-Springfield Convention and Visitors Bureau booked 137 conferences in <br />1983--nearly twice as many as in 1982. Those conferences now booked through <br />1986 will directly contribute over $9 million to this community. Our challenge <br />in 1984 is to draw up a cultural and leisure plan that will coordinate community <br />efforts and make the most of our resources. <br /> <br />Downtown development received a lot of attention in 1983. This year, the <br />Downtown Commission will complete work on an updated plan for our downtown. The <br />Commission has worked extremely hard to address the downtown's problems and the <br />Council is pleased with their work thus far. <br /> <br />Airport expansion is also high on our economic development list. Over the past <br />5 years, the airport has undergone $8 million of improvements, prim~rily for <br />runways. Securing Federal financing for terminal expansion is a prime concern <br />of this council for 1984. <br /> <br />The success of our economic development efforts in 1984 and beyond depends on <br />teamwork between the public and private sector and a sound game plan. This <br />community has taken great strides forward in both areas. We are now well <br />positioned to take advantage of an improving economy. <br /> <br />It is important to remember that our economic development programs are built <br />around the Metro Plan and Eugene's other long-range plans which provide a <br /> <br />MINUTES--Eugene City Council <br /> <br />January 9, 1983 <br /> <br />Page 3 <br />