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By Damian Mann February 04. 2016 4:02PM Events threatened by lack of Travel Medford contract A delay in hammering out a new contract between the city of Medford and Travel Medford has put a big question mark on upcoming events that bring local tourist dollars. “The delay in getting a contract signed with Travel Medford is costing our community money and opportunity,” said John Larkin, owner of Roxy Ann Lanes and chairman of the Travel Medford Advisory Committee. “Hoteliers and event planners must make contract offers for proposed events months, or even years, in advance. The ability to do so currently is compromised.” Larkin read a letter signed by 15 Rogue Valley businesses urging the council to renew a four-year contract with Travel Medford so that it can take steps to ensure upcoming events are promoted and scheduled effectively. One of the events is the weeklong American Junior Golf Association tournament in July. A major sticking point has been the city’s desire for Travel Medford to operate more autonomously from the Medford/Jackson County Chamber of Commerce, an organization that takes stances on political issues. Travel Medford is housed inside the chamber offices and shares staff with the chamber, which includes chamber President Brad Hicks. Some local businesses have complained Travel Medford is more interested in promoting chamber members than all the businesses in the valley. For instance, the Gypsy Blues Bar isn’t listed on Travel Medford’s website for local dining options. “Travel Medford’s operation shouldn’t be beholden to the chamber membership,” said Councilor Clay Bearnson, who owns the Gypsy Blues Bar. During a council meeting Thursday, Bearnson asked Larkin, “Do you think Travel Medford should be operated autonomously and separately from the chamber?” Larkin said he thought it was an issue that should be looked into but also encouraged the council to not wait much longer before signing the contract. Councilor Kevin Stine said he shared the same concerns as Bearnson. “I want to sign the right four-year contract,” he said. Councilor Dick Gordon said it is important for the city to continue to promote economic development on a continuous basis. “It is really embarrassing for the city and the chamber to be involved in this situation,” Gordon said. Last May, the council agreed to extend the contract for one year to resolve some of the issues, including creating more autonomy between Travel Medford and the chamber. Travel Medford receives about $750,000 a year from a 25 percent share of the lodging taxes received by the city. The council had previously questioned the accounting method used to detail Travel Medford expenses and asked that the organization align its reports with those used by the city. Last May, councilors said they wanted a clearer picture of Travel Medford’s finances, particularly how much of its budget goes to staff. Anne Jenkins of Travel Medford referred any questions about the contract issue to Hicks at the chamber. Hicks couldn’t be reached for comment Thursday afternoon. Reach reporter Damian Mann at 541-776-4476 or [email protected] . Follow him on Twitter at @reporterdm . http://www.mailtribune.com/article/20160204/NEWS/160209819 © 2016 Copyright © 1995-2011 Crain Communications Inc. All Rights Reserved. Terms of Use Privacy Statement -->