Business owners in Lincoln County will soon have the opportunity to learn about a powerful tool for understanding customer behavior and local market trends. The Oregon Coast Community College (OCCC) Small Business Development Center (SBDC), in partnership with the Lincoln City Chamber of Commerce, will present a one-hour evening workshop on Placer.ai at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, November 14, at OCCC’s North County Center, located at 3788 SE High School Drive, Lincoln City.

Placer.ai is a cutting-edge data analytics platform that offers businesses detailed insights into foot traffic patterns, visitor demographics, and market trends based on anonymized location data. For small and medium-sized businesses on the Oregon Coast, where access to detailed consumer behavior data is often limited, this platform provides an invaluable advantage. Business owners can track not only their own visitor trends but also compare them with competitors or local attractions. This can help businesses in rural areas like Lincoln County make more informed decisions about marketing, store layout, and customer engagement.

“Tools like Placer.ai can help local businesses gain the kind of competitive edge that larger businesses with access to advanced analytics have enjoyed for years,” said Dave Price, VP of Engagement at OCCC. “For small business owners along the Oregon Coast, it’s a game-changer in understanding not just their own customer base but broader market conditions that can inform their operations.” Price added that the SBDC has secured access to Placer.ai for a limited time and businesses wanting to schedule a meeting to learn about the tool and perhaps even their own business’ data should register for business advising at oregoncoast.edu/sbdc.

The Nov. 14 workshop will provide an overview of how Placer.ai works and practical applications for businesses in retail, hospitality, and other sectors.

Space for this event is limited, and early registration is encouraged. Interested attendees can register through the Lincoln City Chamber of Commerce at lcchamber.com.

Oregon Coast Community College serves Lincoln County with locations in Newport, Waldport, Toledo, and Lincoln City, offering a variety of degree programs and career-focused certificates. Learn more at oregoncoast.edu. Learn more about the Small Business Development Center, and register for free advising – including a review of your business’ Placer.ai report – at oregoncoast.edu/sbdc.