November 19, 2020 3:40 a.m.

Governor Kate Brown has announced the launch of the “Give the Gift of Oregon” campaign, as part of a comprehensive effort to support local businesses statewide.

A release said shopping local is more important than ever due to the significant economic hardships that COVID-19 has created for businesses across the state.

Brown said, ”Oregon’s businesses are the backbone of our communities and our local economy and I am encouraging all Oregonians to shop locally this holiday season”. She said residents can help by spending locally to keep dollars “…with our homegrown businesses that are run by our neighbors, family and friends”. Brown said many local retailers are offering online, curbside pickup, and “take-out” shopping options, “…making it easy for Oregonians to shop safely”.

The release said Travel Oregon and Business Oregon, the state’s tourism and economic development agencies, are collaborating to carry out this consumer campaign, which will run through the end of the year. Oregonians will be able to find featured businesses across the state, along with gift ideas, at www.traveloregon.com/giftoforegon.

The campaign also highlights the Oregon Wine Board’s “ The Giving Season” efforts: https://industry.oregonwine.org/resources/toolkits/the-giving-season/ as well as the Built Oregon Marketplace: https://www.builtoregon.com/, an online platform that provides consumers with an opportunity to discover products from Oregon makers.