By Colleen Bormann & Faris Tanyos

May 21, 2008

GOLD BEACH, Ore. -- Curry County is a popular destination for those hoping to hit the beach this summer.

A
majority of local businesses rely on tourism, but the fear of a
weakening economy is forcing the county to make some changes. City
officials are changing their marketing techniques.

"We
are looking at our marketing, and placing it in areas that are closer,
rather than putting it in San Francisco. We are targeting the Rogue
Valley, Roseburg and Eugene," says Elizabeth Kuljis of the Gold Beach
Visitor Center.

Jerry's
Rogue Jets is a popular tourist attraction. Starting in June, they will
be raising their prices to keep up with the price of gas.

"When
you run a jet boat with a 250 gallon tank, you use a lot of gas. We
take two to eight trips a day. It will impact us severely," says Kim
Wykoff of Jerry's Rogue Jets.

Local fishermen have also had to deal with the recent ocean-fishing ban on Chinook salmon.

The
Curry County Chamber of Commerce were granted additional funds for
marketing by county commissioners. They usually advertise in the
spring. However, this year they are planning to advertise through the
summer, something they haven't done before.