Letter from our CEO, Dave Parulo
Dear Partners,
I’m thrilled to share that our second annual Tap Season is off and running—and gaining fantastic attention! This year, we’ve introduced the Ale-Pacas, your hoppy guides to more than 40 breweries, cideries, and taprooms across Washington County. Sip local flavors, explore unique craft creations, and discover why Tualatin Valley is a must-visit for craft beverage lovers.
Be sure to read below to learn more about our Ale Trail Passport, featuring exclusive events and tastings!
As always, Keep Exploring,
Dave Parulo
President & CEO
Grab a Pint – It’s Tap Season in Tualatin Valley!
Explore Tualatin Valley, the destination marketing organization that markets Washington County, Ore. as a travel destination under the brand “Tualatin Valley,” invites beer and cider enthusiasts to celebrate its vibrant craft brewing scene during Tap Season, February 1-28, 2025, in conjunction with Oregon Craft Beer Month. This month-long promotion highlights the region’s breweries, cideries and taprooms, connecting beer and cider lovers with the makers and businesses that bring craft brewing culture to life in the heart of Oregon.
ETV’s Foundation Awards Announced!
Explore Tualatin Valley awarded a total of $52,500 to five non-profit organizations:
- Tualatin Valley Creates, an arts service organization for Washington County, for a communications hub and comprehensive artist directory.
- Dauntless Veteran Foundation, which trains and equips veterans to translate their talents from the field to the farm, for a boutique camping experience project.
- Raleigh Hills Business Association, a non-profit organization that supports the community and neighborhoods surrounding Raleigh Hills, for a mural project titled “Raleigh Hills Past, Present, and Future.”
- Hillsboro Parks and Recreation for development of a promotional tourism asset library.
- Forest Grove/Cornelius Chamber of Commerce for development of promotional tourism assets and itineraries
The inaugural Foundation Award is a competitive strategic investment program open to non-profit, government and tribal organizations for tourism-related development projects.
Dave Parulo Showcases ETV’s Role in Sports Tourism
Dave Parulo, president and CEO of ETV, served as a panelist during the Sports Tourism Session at the Oregon Destination Association (ODA) Conference. Dave joined leaders from Sport Oregon, Travel Portland, Travel Lane County and Travel Medford to discuss how sports tourism drives economic growth and fosters community development. The panel explored strategies such as partnerships, event hosting and infrastructure investments that enhance destinations and create meaningful opportunities for local communities.
As highlighted during the discussion, Explore Tualatin Valley has made significant strides in advancing sports tourism, including a $2 million strategic investment to support the construction of a new ballpark in Hillsboro. This project reflects ETV’s commitment to building infrastructure that not only attracts visitors but also benefits the local community by creating vibrant spaces for sports and recreation.
“We are proud to contribute to Oregon’s dynamic sports tourism landscape and grateful to the ODA for hosting such an impactful conference,” Dave said. “Together, we’re shaping a future where sports tourism drives both economic vitality and community growth across the state.”
Wendy Popkin Represents ETV at
Go West Summit in Palm Springs
Wendy Popkin, ETV’s vice president of sales, and fifteen Oregon delegates, including those representing Travel Oregon, Travel Portland, the Oregon Coast and Southern Oregon, attended the Go West Summit, an annual tradeshow for destinations to meet with international travel trade buyers who focus on bringing group, tour and individual visitors to the western United States. During this appointment-based show, Wendy met with 35 potential clients who are highly qualified buyers. Her attendance resulted in at least 20 qualified leads for business in 2026.
Many international tour groups travel by coach to tour sites from Vancouver B.C. to California and Tualatin Valley has the potential to become an overnight stop enroute, which could include a hotel stay, meal or tour in the destination.
Go West is the first tradeshow of 2025. Wendy plans to attend up to nine shows this year, including shows that focus on group meetings and travel trade.
Meet the Native American Mixologist
Behind Harvest Moon Sangria Bar
Julianna Moseley (or Jules, as her friends call her) is proud of her indigenous roots. She named her new venture “Harvest Moon Sangria Bar,” the first and only sangria bar in Oregon, as a nod to her Native American roots. Harvest Moon was among the first businesses that graduated from the City of Tigard’s Launch Pod Business Incubator Program.
Deadline Reminder:
Apply for ETV’s Heart & Inspiration Award by February 28, 2025
ETV is now accepting applications for its Heart & Inspiration Award strategic investment grants. These awards support events in Washington County, Oregon, that drive awareness, overnight stays and cultural and economic growth.
Applications will be accepted now through February 28, 2025. These investments will be awarded by April 30, 2025.
The next Inspiration Event Award Grant cycle opens in June 2025. These investments will be awarded by September 30, 2025.
If you have an event before October 2025, now is the time to apply!