Salem to Host League of Oregon Cities Event

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Wed., Sept. 19, 2012

CONTACT:

Nicole Miller, Public Information Manager

City of Salem – Urban Development Department

Tel: 503-540-2415

Email:  nmiller@cityofsalem.net

Website: www.cityofsalem.net

Salem to Host League of Oregon Cities Events

            Salem, Ore. – The City of Salem is hosting the League of Oregon Cities 87^th Annual Conference, Thurs., Sept. 27 – Sat., Sept. 29, 2012, at the Salem Conference Center.  600 conference attendees and their guests, from cities all over Oregon, will be in attendance.

“We are delighted to welcome the League of Oregon Cities Annual Conference back to Salem.  The conference will provide a wide range of training and networking opportunities for both elected officials and city staff from all over the state.  We encourage attendees and guests to experience all that Salem has to offer.  Our many shopping, dining/ entertainment and recreational sites are rolling out the red carpet for our visitors,” said Salem Mayor Anna Peterson.

In addition to training for the attendees at the Conference Center, the City of Salem has partnered with area artists, businesses, and organizations to create a special evening event in downtown Salem on Fri., Sept. 28, from 5 – 9 p.m.   The Meet the Artists Tour is open to Conference attendees and the general public and will feature artists, galleries, wine tasting, photo exhibits, and live music in downtown Salem. 

The Meet the Artists Tour will include:  Salem Conference Center Art Gallery & Sculpture Garden, Red Raven Gallery, Elsinore Framing & Fine Art Gallery, Roger Yost Gallery, NW Comic Gallery, Mary Lou Zeek Gallery, Reed Opera House – World Beat Gallery, and Clockworks Café & Cultural Center.  In addition to galleries, other displays will be featured on Liberty and Ferry Streets (including window and sidewalk displays).  Participating downtown businesses will be staying open extended hours. 

For more information on the artist tour, the event supporters, and to see a map of participating locations, please go to www.artdowntownsalem.com or call Rebecca Maitland at 503-391-4481.  Si necesita ayuda para comprender esta información, por favor llame 503-588-6178.

The Urban Development Department administers and oversees a variety of programs and services aimed at strengthening Salem's economy including Salem's eight urban renewal areas.  In addition, the Department provides loans and grants to finance activities that create emergency, transitional and permanent affordable rental housing for low and moderate income families in Salem and Keizer; allocates funds to non-profits to provide emergency services to homeless and families at-risk of being homeless; facilitates economic opportunities and reinvestment; invests in economic empowerment for individual prosperity and small business growth; issues commercial loan and grant programs; performs real property management, acquisition, sales and leasing services for the City; manages downtown parking services and revitalization; manages Salem's Municipal Airport; and functions as the liaison to community organizations, businesses, and City Council and Agency Board appointed advisory groups.