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Prineville, OR 97754

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Survey Reveals Favorable Perception of Tourism In Prineville

  • By Taylor Wilkie

For Immediate Release
March 5, 2024
Contact:  Taylor Wilkie, Explore Prineville, 585-689-3981, taylor@exploreprineville.com

OSU-CASCADES 2023 SURVEY REVEALS FAVORABLE PERCEPTIONS OF TOURISM IN PRINEVILLE

Survey findings align with Explore Prineville’s priority to further develop tourism.
(Prineville, Ore.) – The Oregon State University Sustainable Tourism Lab based at
OSU-Cascades recently unveiled insights from a 2023 survey that provided a comprehensive
look into community members’ perspectives of tourism across Central Oregon.
The findings suggest that Prineville stands to be a promising destination for increased
visitor engagement, aligning with the strategic goals of Explore Prineville, a newly established
Destination Management Organization (DMO) within the Prineville-Crook County Chamber and
Visitor Center.

Conducted through a randomized sampling of 199 respondents in Crook County, the survey
revealed 72% of community members believe the benefits of tourism outweigh or mirror
the associated costs, positioning Prineville favorably compared to other surveyed Central
Oregon communities that are further developed for tourism and more frequently visited.
The concerns that came up regarding the costs of tourism in Prineville highlighted themes like
traffic congestion, community impact, overcrowding, and environmental considerations. By
understanding these apprehensions, Explore Prineville can tailor programming and policy
advocacy to mitigate potential negative consequences.

Contrarily, economic advantages emerged as a dominant theme among respondents, with many
noting enhanced revenue streams and business development opportunities for the community.
Community members between the ages of 65 and 84 demonstrated the strongest support, with
an astounding 90% believing tourism has an overall positive impact in Prineville. Among
them, Dave Fields, a respected figure in the community and ranger with the U.S. Forest Service,

echoed the many tangible improvements he’s witnessed as a result of sustained visitor growth
over recent decades.

“It makes sense that our older generation recognizes the value tourism brings to our community.
We’ve been around to witness the ways our town has grown to welcome unique restaurants and
businesses that we’re now loyal patrons to,” said Fields. “Plus, as we get older and have more
free time, the money from tourism expands recreation access and amenities, making it easier
for us to enjoy them while staying local.”

With an eye toward fostering sustainable growth and community well-being, Explore Prineville
remains committed to leveraging these insights to cultivate Prineville’s status as a dynamic and
welcoming destination for visitors and residents alike.
To learn more about the survey and results, check out OSU Sustainable Tourism Lab’s report on
the Community Sentiment of Tourism in Prineville.

About Explore Prineville
Explore Prineville, representing the local Destination Management Organization for Prineville
and Crook County, was established in Fall 2023 as a new department with the Prineville-Crook
County Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center following their restructure. Explore Prineville
aims to be a catalyst for tourism in our community, by providing positive social, environmental
and economic impact for Prineville and Crook County while sustaining our dynamic culture and
heritage.
For more information on Explore Prineville, please visit our website at exploreprineville.com or
email us at info@exploreprineville.com.

NANCY
NENNIG

Board Member

Meet NANCY.

Prineville Lions Club

My husband and I have lived in Prineville for 17 years. I retired from the Banking Industry after 18 years, most recently working for Oregonians Credit Union. I enjoy the trails and camping in the Crook County
area.

In addition to that, I have volunteered for the Crooked River roundup for 15 years, am the current President of the Prineville Lions, a member of the Prineville Elks and a Member of the American Legion Auxiliary.

I was an active member of the Chamber Ambassador Committee for 15 years and supported all the Prineville-Crook County Chamber events and projects.

The Prineville Chamber represents all of Crook County and its individuals, organizations and business and I feel with my volunteering and networking I am able to support the Vision and Mission of the
organization.

Duane Porter

President

Meet Duane.

Financial Advisor, DFP Financial and Consulting

I grew up on a small cattle ranch in rural Southern Oregon which taught me the values of hard work, family, and a rural way of life.  I made the move to Central Oregon in 1993 for all of its beauty and activities.  Over the last 3 decades in Central Oregon, I have seen and experienced the incredible growth and expansion of this wonderful area.  In 2018 my wife and I decided to return to a rural lifestyle in Crook County.  With its diverse community, wide variety, and ever-expanding industry, the area has maintained a small-town rural feel and culture.


In 2019 after 25 years in Insurance and Investments, my wife and I decided to open DFP Financial & Consulting, a Private Wealth Management, Planning, and Consulting Firm.   We completely enjoy the people, community and all Crook County has to offer.  Being part of the Prineville Chamber is an important focus for us to give back to and help the business of the community.


In our spare time we enjoy our family and grandchildren; camping, riding horses and doing all that Central Oregon and Crook County offers, and fly fishing the Crooked River as often as possible.

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Andrea weaver

Secretary

Meet Andrea.

Recreation Coordinator, Crook County Parks & Recreation

I grew up on the North Oregon Coast in a small tight knit community. About 18 years ago my husband and I started traveling to Central Oregon a few times a year to escape the rain. We always talked about wanting to move to the Prineville area. We enjoyed the small town feel as well as the ranching lifestyle the area offers. In the fall of 2020 we made the move with our  three teenage daughters and we are so glad we did!

In the spring of 2021 I started with Crook County Parks & Recreation. A few months after that I took the Recreation Coordinator position. I love  working with Parks & Rec. I have met so many wonderful people in Prineville which has helped with adjusting to a new environment.

I got involved with the Chamber to learn more about the community and to grow relationships.

In my spare time I love working with my family on our ranch as well as watching my girls play sports and show livestock.

Casie Allen

Secretary

Meet Casie.

Owner - Bayberry Lane

My family has called Prineville home for several generations. Being born and raised in this amazing community, I have always felt so incredibly blessed. I strive to be an active part of the community and volunteer regularly. I am deeply involved in 4H, several youth sports programs, and have served on many other local boards and committees. 

My mom and I own a small downtown boutique called Bayberry Lane. Our motto is local people supporting local people. We enjoy being able to give back and strive to love the people of Prineville well. 

Being on the Chamber Board has allowed me to not only serve and express my opinions as a business owner, but also as a local who wants to foster a community that is able to adapt to change while holding on to their core values.

SHEENA
YORK

Treasurer

Meet SHEENA.

Signet Realty

I am the Owner & Lead Coordinator at Firefly Events and I have been planning and coordinating events for over a decade.   I also recently took on a role as a local real estate broker here in Crook County. 

I grew up around southern Oregon. I made a road trip to Prineville with a cousin, on that trip I was introduced to a handsome young Prineville man that later became my husband. I love Prineville and although I wasn’t raised here over the last 16 years it truly has come to feel like my hometown.

I was working for a business that was a Chamber member and I was looking for opportunities to get involved in the community. After several years of attending Chamber functions I was encouraged to join the Ambassador team and then the Board. It has been a great learning experience and a lot of fun to be part of the Chamber both as a member and on the Board.

I love the weather in Prineville. After growing up in the valley with so many days of rain, I truly appreciated having (mostly) defined seasons. Summertime in Prineville is definitely my all-time favorite! We enjoy paddle boarding at Ochoco reservoir, swimming at the Prineville reservoir, floating the refreshing Crooked River, hiking the Barnes Butte or Chimney Rock trails and riding our ATV’s on the many OHV trails.

Alexandra Greenberg

Board Member

Meet Alexandra

Chiropractor, Slater Chiropractic

I was born and raised in Prineville where I graduated from Crook County High School in 2009.  After that, I moved to Portland where I attended both Pacific University and the University of Western States for Chiropractic School. 

After ten years, I returned to Prineville and am now an Associate Chiropractor at Slater Chiropractic.

Since moving back, I have enjoyed how close this community is and realized how much I missed all that Crook County has to offer compared to the big city.  I started attending Chamber events to become more involved in our community and am excited to continue working with the Chamber as Vice President of the board.

I love spending my free time with friends and family, and enjoy getting out to explore all of Central Oregon.  I enjoy hiking, rock climbing, camping, kayaking and many other outdoor activities available in this beautiful area I get to call home.