TIITC Tourism Director Gary DeYoung presented the latest tourism information and served as emcee
Wednesday, May 6, 2009 Clayton Opera House Clayton, New York
The summit was a success, attracting nearly 100 tourism professionals, business owners and promoters to the picturesque Clayton Opera House.
TIITC Tourism Director Gary DeYoung kicked things off by getting the crowd updated on the latest tourism statistics, trends and forecast. The summit theme, "Enhancing Cultural Connections, Heritage & the Performing Arts," was chosen to demonstrate how commemorating the area's rich history and cultivating contemporary arts improvements can draw visitors to the 1000 Islands for extended stays.
Dr. Tim Abel, president of the Sackets Harbor Battlefield Alliance, and Connie Barone, Site Manager, Sackets Harbor Battlefield, gave attendees a crash-course in the significant role the region played in the War of 1812. It served as a precursor to presentations on plans to commemorate the conflict with events to mark the 200th anniversary. Their "primer" turned interactive when Dr. Abel coaxed four "volunteers" from the crowd to participate in a firing demonstration.
Jan Bonhomme, Executive Director of the St. Lawrence War of 1812 Bicentennial Alliance, Will Baird of Fort Henry National Historic Site, Kingston; Great Lakes Seaway Trail National Scenic Byway President Teresa Mitchell and Ms. Barone detailed the festivals, re-enactments and commemorations planned to mark the bicentennial.
Alan Whitcomb, Port Director, Port of Alexandria Bay, New York, hosted a luncheon discussion on border-crossing requirements and upgrades planned for the U.S. Port of Entry. With new border-crossing requirements going into effect June 1, the discussion was lively. Mr. Whitcomb urged the gathering to pose as many questions as possible throughout the summer.
Keynote speaker Lynn "Spike" Herzig, Geneva, shared his expertise in tourism packaging by letting attendees in on five secrets to cooperation success.
With the beautiful Opera House as the backdrop, it made sense to wrap the day with a tutorial on how the region's theater houses and performance venues have succeeded. Erin Brick, Vice President, 1000 Islands Performing Arts Fund, Clayton; Peter Dunn, Director, Brockville Arts Centre; Greg Wanless, General Manager, Thousand Islands Playhouse, Gananoque; and Brian McCurdy, Cultural Director, Kingston Culture & Recreation Department, shared stories of their success in bringing culture and the arts to the 1000 Islands.
The summit drew much media attention, as news interest is high in how Northern New York and Southeastern Ontario will continue to grow the tourism industry during trying economic times. It was agreed upon that events such as the summit go a long way toward fostering the necessary cooperative spirit.
Panelists drew questions, creating an interactive atmosphere
Media interest was high because of the economic climate
