Letter from our CEO, Dave Parulo
Dear Partners,
As the season changes—bringing beautiful autumn leaves and shorter days—our Explore Tualatin Valley team is also making a change. We’re updating our emails to better align with our brand, so from now on, you can reach us at our new domain: @tualatinvalley.org.
We’re still here for you, ready to assist and collaborate, now with an updated look! If you’re in the mood for even more change, check out some cozy updates from us in the newsletter below.
As always, Keep Exploring,
Dave Parulo
President & CEO
ORGANIZATION UPDATES
Our Email Addresses are Changing!
A year ago, we changed our name to Explore Tualatin Valley and our email addresses now reflect that change. Effective immediately, our email addresses end with @tualatinvalley.org. Please make sure you add to contacts list to ensure seamless communication.
Nicole Bradin Represents ETV at Destinations International Advocacy Summit
Nicole Bradin, ETV’s community engagement director, engaged in a transformative week at Destination International’s Advocacy Summit and CDME credential classes.
This annual summit unites destination professionals, industry experts and thought leaders from around the globe to champion advocacy in the travel and tourism sector. Attendees, including Kate Baumgartner with Travel Oregon and Natalie Inouye with Travel Lane County, shared innovative strategies and tools that showcase tourism’s value to local communities.
Nicole interacted with leading voices in the industry, exploring how destination organizations can drive impactful advocacy and foster community engagement, boosting economic development and enhancing quality of life.
“Tourism has a unique power to uplift entire communities,” Bradin said. “It’s not just about welcoming visitors; it’s about creating value and vibrancy that benefit both residents and local businesses.”
PARTNER SPOTLIGHT
Pelagic Brewing: Tualatin Valley’s Newest Brewery
Forest Grove recently welcomed its newest brewery: Pelagic Brewing. Brothers Ben and Josh Weber, both avid sailors, started Pelagic, which means “relating to, or living on the open sea,” when they started making the types of beers they love, but had a hard time finding. Located next to Bull Run Cider, this new craft brewery produces Saisons and IPAs, and even pours ciders from its neighbor.
New Children’s Museum Coming to Downtown Hillsboro Will Make You “FLIP”
Downtown Hillsboro will be the new home of a hands-on interactive children’s museum starting in 2025. Founded in 2021 by a group of parents and child advocates who were determined to fill the gap left by the closure of the Portland Children’s Museum, The FLIP Museum will include a variety of experience-based play in art, STEM and cultural experiences and will be geared toward children ages 0 to 10. The addition of the museum to Cultural Arts District accomplishes one of Hillsboro 2035 Community Plan’s initiatives to have a full-service children’s museum as a destination attraction. While The FLIP Museum will cater to Hillsboro community members, the space will be accessible to people from all over the region and is expected to welcome more than 40,000 visitors a year. The museum will open in 2025.
Don’t Miss ETV’s Cozy Season Open House – Dec. 5
Let’s come together for an afternoon of celebration, giving, and holiday cheer! Savor seasonal treats, sip festive beverages, and enjoy the chance to give back while entering to win one of three Tualatin Valley Cozy Season gift baskets, brimming with local goodies.
Date: Thursday, December 5
Time: 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Location: 12725 SW Millikan Way, Suite 210, Beaverton, OR 97005
Travel Oregon Opens Its Annual Competitive Grant Program
Travel Oregon recently announced the opening of its 2024-2025 Competitive Grant program. Designed to increase access and equity for those who may have experienced barriers to visiting our great state, selected projects will support Travel Oregon’s vision of “an Oregon that is a welcoming destination where tourism drives economic prosperity, benefits the natural environment and celebrates rich, diverse cultures” and align with Travel Oregon’s 2023-2025 Biennial Plan.
Eligible applicants include:
• Local governments
• Port districts
• Federally recognized tribes
• Non-profit entities registered with the Oregon Secretary of State’s Office
DEADLINES & COMPLETE GUIDELINES
