Keizer council unanimously backs Chamber letter supporting Marion County tourism grant

The Keizer City Council unanimously approved a motion to write a letter of support for the Keizer Chamber of Commerce’s application to Marion County’s tourism grant program.

Dan Clemons, executive director of the Keizer Chamber of Commerce, presented the request and described plans for an "eat-play-stay" outreach effort and hiring a tourism coordinator to better connect visitors with local restaurants, lodging and events. "The application is for $50,000 a year for three years. That's $150,000," Clemons said, adding that the Chamber hopes to structure the application to meet Marion County requirements and to learn and scale efforts over three years.

Councilors praised recent local investments in tournament fields and other facilities, saying the city is ready to capture more economic activity from visitors. Councilor Christopher noted past efforts to make Keizer a "tournament town" and Councilors said small businesses would benefit from coordinated promotion.

A motion to authorize the city to write a letter of support for the Chamber’s grant application was moved, seconded and passed unanimously.

The city will provide the letter of support; details about any city-administered match, staff time commitment, or formal role in implementing the Chamber’s proposed program were not specified during the meeting.

The council moved next to consider a separate letter request for Travel Salem before adjourning.