Dear Chamber of Commerce Members:

The 2015 Burning Man event will open its gates to the public on August 30, at 10:00 a.m. PDT, and will run through September 7, 2015. Volunteers on the Black Rock City setup crew will begin moving through Klamath Falls later this week en route to the event, and the real rush of Burners will move through Klamath Falls late next week and return September 7-8. There are huge opportunities for local businesses to assist the Burners, especially those on their way home. They have been out in the desert for a week, are sick of eating the same old food, and are looking for: 1) coffee; 2) breakfast; 3) car wash (or people to wash their cars); 4) shower; 5) cold beverages; 6) and a place to rest. Last year, many Main Street businesses likely did not benefit from the Burner exodus, since many were closed, perhaps because of the Labor Day weekend. However, businesses that served breakfast on South Sixth Street did brisk business, as did gas stations and convenience stores. Because some of these travelers parked overnight at places like Walmart, businesses in those areas also did well last year as travelers on their way to and returning from Nevada passed through Klamath Falls.

If you think your business would benefit from the stream of visitors that will be in the area in the coming weeks, we encourage you to hang a welcome sign in the front window of your business (a PDF version of the sign is included) and consider keeping your doors open at a time when you normally might be closed for business. Also, if you would like a larger welcoming banner to exhibit in your business, please feel free to call Heather at the Chamber (541-884-5193) to check on availability.

Last year, many weary visitors spent their dollars in town, and were very grateful for the services provided by the local business community.

Thanks for your consideration.

Dan Keppen

President

Klamath County Chamber of Commerce