West Plains Chamber boosting tourism

The West Plains Chamber of Commerce is in the third year of a publicity campaign to draw attention to the tourist opportunities and special events in Cheney, Airway Heights, Medical Lake and surrounding areas.

The Spokane County Commissioners recently approved a $12,000 grant from tourism promotion funding, which is collected by area hotels as an add-on to room prices. That will be added to sponsorships and public service announcements worth an additional $26,000.

Joelean Copeland, executive director of the chamber, said the goal is to increase overnight stays at area hotels and motels by 400 individual nights.

The campaign is targeting television stations, including Northwest Cable News channel, that reach 2.4 million households in the Pacific Northwest.

Events to be highlighted include the Cheney Rodeo, Blue Waters Bluegrass Festival, Medical Lake Founders Day, Airway Heights Community Festival, Fairchild Air Show and Inland Empire Ford Unlimited Car Show and West Plains Community Fair.

The advertising also will call attention to some of the area’s recreational assets, including its lakes and parks, Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge and Columbia Plateau Trail. Bird watching will be promoted, too.

Eastern Washington University football is also a big draw for visitors.

“Normally, these events have small advertising budgets,” Copeland said. Any publicity is likely to boost attendance. Promotions the past two years have brought more people to the events, and apparently have helped increase overnight stays at lodging facilities, she said.

Copeland said West Plains communities have the advantage of being close to the shopping, restaurants and night life of Spokane while maintaining its small-town feel. “It’s relaxed. It’s quieter. It’s the best of both worlds,” she said.

The promotional campaign is expected to last for seven months.

“By providing this support, the Chamber is fulfilling its overall mission of supporting the businesses and communities of the West Plains,” according to the Chamber’s grant application.