April 12--Orland is continuing its quest for a hotel chain to come to town.

That mission is on the Economic Development Commission's agenda this year and is viewed as critical to expanding business, officials said.

EDC Chairman Gary Campbell said Wednesday finding another motel is a commission goal for 2013. He said Orland is in need of more lodging for visitors.

The Orland Inn off South Street and another one off Walker Street are the only two motels in town since the closure of the Amber Light Inn two years ago. Walgreen's Drugs replaced the Amber Light.

"We are committed to getting a hotel chain here," Campbell said. "We are working diligently on that."

He said Glenn County Fair Manager Susan Taylor has told the commission more motel space would help the fairgrounds host more events.

But demonstrating the need for rooms also is a key factor in getting a chain to move in, City Manager Peter Carr said.

"I am confident we will demonstrate demand and bring a hotel here," Carr said, "but it will take some homework."

He said between the fairgrounds, the school district and community events, there is plenty of demand for motel rooms. However, currently people must get lodging elsewhere.

In order to attract major hotels, a consultant advised the commission and city officials Orland needs a 24-hour restaurant with a brand name to locate next to Interstate 5, Carr said.

These chains also like to build near other motels, Carr added.

Carr also said the owner of the Orland Inn has indicated interest in wanting a second motel, so he does not seem opposed to more locating here.

Attracting overnight visitors is part of the reason Orland wants to upgrade its recreation facilities, he said, so more tournaments can be scheduled.

Swim meets, softball and soccer events all come to mind, officials said.

The Economic Development Commission also discussed Orland's Transient Occupancy Tax at its Tuesday meeting.

The city typically receives about $40,000 a year, Carr said, but lost around $20,000 annually after the Amber Light Inn closed.

If it can get more motels, the TOT tax money can come to the city's general fund for police and fire services, and other important functions, Carr said.

Orland's TOT tax is less than Willows, Campbell said. Orland charges 10 percent, while Willows recently raised its tax to 12 percent.

"That's a 2 percent savings," he said, "so there are some advantages in Orland."

Orland's traffic counts also are higher in town than Willows, Campbell said.

Traffic running through Walker Street or Highway 32 runs about 10,800 cars a day, he said, compared to the 8,700 counted at Highway 162 and Interstate 5 in Willows.

There also are approximately 58,000 cars a day driving past Orland on I-5, Campbell said.

He believes Orland has the advantage of people driving to Chico, Hamilton City and other points east.

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