Letter from our CEO, Dave Parulo
Dear Partners:
With our summer season winding down, it’s time to look forward to an upcoming “Cozy Season”.
And Cozy Season is our theme to highlight Tualatin Valley’s cozy attractions—think scenic drives through colorful foliage, visits to local wineries and farms, and enjoying warm, hearty meals at local restaurants. Or dream of outdoor activities like hiking in the crisp air or enjoying a pumpkin patch. We look forward to sharing how we will share this concept with visitors.
We also hope you enjoy all the staff and organizational updates, below. It’s been a busy summer for the Explore Tualatin Valley team and our regional partners, we look forward to our cozy months ahead.
As always, Keep Exploring,
Dave Parulo
President & CEO
It’s “Cozy Season” in Tualatin Valley
September marks the launch of ETV’s newest campaign, Cozy Season. This advertising campaign runs from September through January, and celebrates what makes the fall and winter season “cozy.” The campaign will include billboards along I-5 in Seattle, as well as paid social, print and digital advertising in Seattle and Oregon.
STAFF UPDATES
Sylke Neal Finnegan Earns Two Tourism Certifications
ETV’s vice president of communications and public relations recently earned two professional certifications. She earned the Travel DEI Practitioner (TDP) certification through Travel Unity, an organization that is focused on increasing diversity in travel and tourism. The TDP program is a program designed for people in management roles in the travel industry to develop and apply knowledge of diversity, equity and inclusion within the travel industry and to their respective organizations. She also earned the Professional in Destination Management Program (PDM), a certification conferred by Destinations International, one of the tourism industry’s top membership organizations.
ETV Team Joins Tualatin Riverkeepers for a Paddle & Learn
Staff members of Explore Tualatin Valley set out on the Tualatin River for a morning paddle trip with the Tualatin Riverkeepers (TRK). The tour, led by Mark Fitzsimons, the river experiences program manager, and three volunteers, gave the ETV team a deeper understanding of the river, the recreational opportunities, including fishing, and advocacy around the preservation of the river.
PROGRAM UPDATES
Spring Sips Marketing Report
Explore Tualatin Valley’s inaugural Spring Sips promotion was a month-long celebration of Tualatin Valley’s wineries during Oregon Wine Month. The promotion included a series of events to promote Tualatin Valley’s wine and culinary offerings and culminated with the 3rd annual Pink Rosé Festival at Hillsboro Ballpark.
PARTNER SPOTLIGHT
New Hillsboro Stadium Breaks Ground
Dave Parulo, ETV’s president and CEO, took part in the groundbreaking of the new stadium in Hillsboro, the future home of the Hillsboro Hops. The presentation and groundbreaking included representatives from Major League Baseball, Arizona Diamondbacks, City of Hillsboro, Washington County, State of Oregon, Hillsboro Hops and Mortenson Construction. ETV awarded a $2 million strategic investment for the construction of the new ballpark.
PARTNER OPPORTUNITY
Save the Date: ETV Cozy Season Holiday Open House
Come and join us for a cozy season open house celebration which will include cozy food and drinks, partner networking, prizes and surprises, and a chance to give back to the local community. Check your inbox for an invitation in the coming weeks. More to come!
When: December 5, 2024, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Where: Explore Tualatin Valley office – 12725 SW Millikan Way, Suite 210 (second floor), Beaverton, OR 97005
We look forward to celebrating our partners’ 2024 successes and toasting to the new year…cozy style!