As we begin the new year, Curry County’s economy remains stable, but stretched. Businesses across sectors continue to navigate rising operating costs, workforce constraints, and broader market shifts, while still showing resilience and steady activity.

Recent news, including the sale of South Coast Lumber, serves as an important reminder that our local economy is interconnected and continually evolving. These transitions reinforce the importance of long-term planning, diversification, and coordinated support for businesses and workers across the county.

This newsletter is intended to keep our partners informed and connected. Below, you’ll find information on upcoming grant and sponsorship opportunities, conferences and training, event applications, business licensing updates, and resources to support accessibility, workforce readiness, and compliance. Our focus remains on practical tools and transparent communication.

We are exploring the opportunity to host the Curry County Career Fair again in 2026. While last year’s event did not meet all expectations, employers across the county have expressed strong interest in continuing the fair as a workforce recruitment tool.

At this time, a date has not been finalized, though we are targeting spring 2026. We are actively seeking feedback on:

If you are interested in participating or providing input, please contact: [email protected]

The Planning Department now requires new and renewing businesses that are moving locations to complete a Business Change of Occupancy Checklist before being eligible for a business license.

This step ensures compliance with zoning, building, and safety requirements prior to licensing.

Please plan accordingly if your business is relocating or expanding.

The annual Business License Audit has been completed to ensure accurate records and identify discrepancies.

At this time, over 100 businesses have not renewed their 2025–2026 Business License (July 1 – June 30).

We have partnered with Visitable again this year to offer free accessibility training to lodging facilities, restaurants, and other front-facing tourism businesses.

This training is ideal for front desk, service, and guest-facing staff, helping them:

Additional incentive:
The first three stakeholders who wish to certify their entire facility will be sponsored by Travel Curry Coast.

The training is available for one full year, making it a valuable onboarding tool for new and seasonal employees.

Gold Beach Main Street is hosting an in-person town hall to discuss Ellensburg Avenue and the downtown corridor, including updates on the Gold Beach U.S. 101 Community Connections Plan.

This meeting provides an opportunity for community input, questions, and discussion. Feedback gathered will be shared with the project team.

Travel Curry Coast is now accepting 2026 Event Sponsorship Applications.

Curry County is currently developing a Tourism Reinvestment Grant Program to thoughtfully reinvest lodging tax revenue generated from the 3% increase implemented July 1.

The program is intended to support:

While no final decisions have been made, this work reflects a commitment to transparency, collaboration, and responsible destination management. Additional details will be shared as planning continues, including a public Q&A period before applications open.

TSOC NETWORK CONFERENCE AGENDA NOW AVAILABLE — REGISTER TODAY FOR THIS HIGHLY-ANTICIPATED EVENT

Join us as we Co-Sponsor this now premier conference for all south coast stakeholders in the tourism industry on February 23-24 for the TSOC Network Conference at the Ko-Kwel Casino Resort in North Bend. Now in its fourth year, the conference brings together tourism professionals, community leaders, business owners, and partners from across the Southern Oregon Coast. It’s a chance to connect, collaborate, and generate ideas to strengthen our region’s visitor economy. The full agenda is available now — don’t wait to secure your spot, as the conference sells out every year. We will be giving out conference sponsorships, please inquire at [email protected].

TSOC invites all DMOs, Main Street & Downtown Associations, and Government Agencies to apply for the South Coast Whale Tank, held during the TSOC Network Conference.

Presenters will pitch innovative project ideas, receive expert feedback, and compete for funding:

🗓 Application deadline: January 15, 2026

We have made updates to the TLT Remittance Form to improve accuracy and reduce reporting errors.

We have seen an increase in late remittances over the past two quarters without penalties applied. Moving forward:

A 10% penalty is applied if payment is received more than 30 days after the end of the reporting month:

Brookings was recently featured on PBS’s travel series Refresh Quest in the episode “An Act of War / A Mission of Peace.”

The episode explores:

The episode aired on KLCS-PBS, reaching more than 15 million viewers in Southern California, with plans for nationwide distribution.

CCD Business Development will host the inaugural Women in Business Leadership Conference on April 2–3, 2026 in Coos Bay.

This regional event brings together women professionals and small business owners from Coos, Curry, and Douglas counties for learning, networking, and leadership development.

For more information or service opportunities, contact:
Kemberly Todd – [email protected]

The South Coast Writers Conference returns Presidents’ Day weekend, bringing writers from across the Northwest to learn, connect, and create.

Highlights include:

Curry County Economic Development will sponsor one writer from each town to attend.

To express interest:
[email protected]

Winter Waters is a new, multi-community event celebrating regeneratively farmed seaweed and local seafood, created by regional food system advocates and producers.

We are excited to bring a unique event this winter to all three towns on the coast for a wild weekend of food and fun! Winter Waters was created when passionate seaweed advocates Alanna Kieffer and Rachelle Hacmac teamed up with Oregon Coast food systems value-chain coordinator Kristen Penner.

Events include:

Programming includes tours, educational events, and seafood-centric menus across participating communities.

Until next time,