Oregon Trail Electric Cooperative Promotes Agritourism with PlaceVR Technology

360-Degree Video and Virtual Reality Enables Economic Recovery Strategy for Small Businesses

The future doesn’t seem so bleak for Agritourism destinations in Northeastern Oregon thanks to a new 360-degree video produced by Golden Shovel Agency. The video, created in collaboration with Oregon Trail Electric Cooperative and their tourism partners, takes viewers on a virtual tour through a vineyard and winery, three breweries, and numerous small farms that welcome visitors in this Northeastern Oregon region.

“We’re focusing on attracting visitors who can drive here, or people who are local but aren’t familiar with the opportunity to have fun, relaxing vacation in their own backyard,” said Lea Gettle, Manager of Administration and Strategic Services or the electric cooperative.

Small businesses that depend on tourism are struggling due to shutdowns, restrictions on capacity on reopening, and continuing concerns about travel. By promoting Agritourism attractions with virtual reality, the cooperative is using technology to not only gain attention but to give viewers a memorable experience that allows them to stand out from all the other media that might be competing for their attention.

“If I was reading about the Union County Farm Loop and seeing a picture, it might not sound that exciting. When people see the VR video, the response we’re expecting is ‘Wow, that’s beautiful!’ or ‘I would love for my kids to visit the farm!’” said Lea.

360-degree video and virtual reality are immersive technologies that put the viewer inside the message. As you look all around, and up and down, in the scene, your brain responds as though you’re really in a new place and that’s what makes it so impactful.

“The power of VR is not the technology. It’s what happens after the experience,” said Aaron Brossoit, CEO of Golden Shovel Agency. “The physiological response is intense, making the message memorable and it opens up the viewer to consider another action like booking a trip.”

This is the fifth tourism and economic development 360-degree video launched by Oregon Trail Electric Cooperative in collaboration with Golden Shovel Agency. Previous videos take on tours of Baker, Grant, Union, and Harney counties.

OREGON TRAIL ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE (OTEC) is a not-for-profit, member-owned electric cooperative that serves over 31,000 homes and businesses in four counties in Eastern Oregon. Headquartered in Baker City, OTEC has district offices in Burns, John Day, and La Grande.

GOLDEN SHOVEL AGENCY is a Minnesota-based full-service economic development firm specializing in workforce attraction for economic and community development. ?The Economic Gateway Web system includes an expandable and on-demand content management system (CMS) and a robust social media implementation strategy.