Oregon Trail Electric Cooperative Uses 360-Degree Video to Promote Post-COVID-19 Economic Recovery in Union County

 PlaceVR Technology by Golden Shovel Agency Takes Viewers on a Virtual Tour

Travel concerns due to the COVID-19 public health crisis aren’t going to stop people from getting a taste of all that Union County, Oregon has to offer. A new 360-degree video has been launched by Oregon Trail Electric Cooperative that allows anyone anywhere in the world to experience the beauty of the Grande Ronde Valley, the swoosh of skis down a mountain path, and the cheery atmosphere of a local brewery in this picturesque region of Northeastern Oregon.

When viewed through virtual reality goggles, the promotional video simulates the experience of being in each of the featured places in person as it takes viewers on a tour that introduces them to all that Union County has to offer.

“We went all over the county getting the video footage and I was just floored by the positive response we received from local businesses and residents,” said Lea Gettle, Manager of Administration and Strategic Services for the electric coop located in northeastern Oregon. “People were enthusiastic about participating to support our shared goals of increasing business in the region.”

Oregon Trail Electric Cooperative’s vision for helping members with economic development strongly supports their mission. They partnered with Golden Shovel Agency to produce the video, leveraging the agency’s economic development expertise as well as their cutting edge PlaceVR technology.

“By choosing to deliver their message in 360-degree video and virtual reality, the Cooperative is helping this rural county step beyond the boundaries of time and distance,” said Aaron Brossoit, CEO of Golden Shovel Agency. “They can take people on a tour from anywhere in the world just by taking the VR goggles with them, or by sending the goggles to someone across the state, the country or the world.”

In addition to reaching more people, virtual reality provides an immersive experience for the viewer that fires a brain response that is the same as if the person was actually in a new place. The result is that the message is extremely memorable and guides people to action – like booking a trip to visit in person.

Oregon Trail Electric Cooperative partnered with numerous Union County businesses and organizations to create the video.

The video is available to view online here: https://vimeo.com/392227505/6681297a55

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. Learn more at https://otec.coop/

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. Learn how you can bring VR technology to your organization at http://www.goldenshovelagency.com