Page 47 - Southern Oregon Magazine Winter 2015
P. 47
Southern Oregon
AND THOSE WHO MARKET THE REGION’S MANY ATTRACTIONS
Katharine Cato, director of marketing, sales and Paula Smith, vice president of marketing and sales for The
Ashland’s Visitor Bureau Chamber of Medford/Jackson County
Photo credit: George Rubaloff
much of that success to the many independent business owners and Ashland Chamber of Commerce—to the valley, where she quickly
creative collaborators who work to make each element of the commu- found Ashland to be an inviting place to stay, work and connect.
nity a success. “These people put their heart and soul into what they “The sense of community drew me in,” she recalls. Along with com-
offer,” says Balfour. munity, the range of experiences keeps her always on the lookout for
“I believe in our community,” says Anne Jenkins, senior vice presi- new opportunities to build relationships and promote the talent and
dent at Travel Medford. “The people are wonderful, and it’s very well innovation of the region. As an example, Cato personally spearheaded
rounded.” From artisan events to cycling, wine tasting to theater, she Ashland’s Culinary Festival, now in its 8th year, as a way to connect and
says, “our diversity provides something for everyone.” showcase the growers and producers of the region. “I love the abun-
For many people, first impressions can lead to life-long involvement. dance we have here,” says Cato, not meaning just in natural resources.
A native of New Hampshire, skiing brought Katharine Cato—now “It’s the quality of life and the strength of our relationships,” says Cato.
director of marketing, sales and Ashland’s Visitor Bureau through the “It’s our friendly people and amazing businesses that make a great
experience for those that visit and those that live here,” agrees Paula
winter 2015 • southernoregonmagazine.com 45
AND THOSE WHO MARKET THE REGION’S MANY ATTRACTIONS
Katharine Cato, director of marketing, sales and Paula Smith, vice president of marketing and sales for The
Ashland’s Visitor Bureau Chamber of Medford/Jackson County
Photo credit: George Rubaloff
much of that success to the many independent business owners and Ashland Chamber of Commerce—to the valley, where she quickly
creative collaborators who work to make each element of the commu- found Ashland to be an inviting place to stay, work and connect.
nity a success. “These people put their heart and soul into what they “The sense of community drew me in,” she recalls. Along with com-
offer,” says Balfour. munity, the range of experiences keeps her always on the lookout for
“I believe in our community,” says Anne Jenkins, senior vice presi- new opportunities to build relationships and promote the talent and
dent at Travel Medford. “The people are wonderful, and it’s very well innovation of the region. As an example, Cato personally spearheaded
rounded.” From artisan events to cycling, wine tasting to theater, she Ashland’s Culinary Festival, now in its 8th year, as a way to connect and
says, “our diversity provides something for everyone.” showcase the growers and producers of the region. “I love the abun-
For many people, first impressions can lead to life-long involvement. dance we have here,” says Cato, not meaning just in natural resources.
A native of New Hampshire, skiing brought Katharine Cato—now “It’s the quality of life and the strength of our relationships,” says Cato.
director of marketing, sales and Ashland’s Visitor Bureau through the “It’s our friendly people and amazing businesses that make a great
experience for those that visit and those that live here,” agrees Paula
winter 2015 • southernoregonmagazine.com 45
