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ABOUT

The TIRTDC is a New York State 501(c3) nonprofit corporation, whose largest stakeholders are the Thousand Islands Bridge Authority (TIBA) and Jefferson County, New York. The Corporation contracts as the official Tourism Promotion Agency for Jefferson County and receives occupancy tax funds from the county. The TIRTDC works closely with the Ontario-based destination marketing organizations to coordinate international marketing efforts.

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Through an agreement for staff and services with the TIBA, the Corporation has four full-time staff members, as well as seasonal staff. Its overall budget for 2023 is approximately $1.3 million USD.

 

The mission of the TIRTDC is development, promotion, enhancement and retention of the tourism industry and its associated employment base within the territory encompassing generally the County of Jefferson in the State of New York, an area of approximately the same size in the southern portion of eastern Ontario, Canada, abutting the St. Lawrence River and approximately opposite Jefferson County, but extending slightly farther both easterly and westerly for the overall economic benefit of the region.

 

Key program objectives are:

 

  • Create unified marketing effort for the 1000 Islands bi-national region
     

  • Maintain core visitation in traditional tourism seasons
     

  • Attract new visitors to area
     

  • Lengthen average stay, increase average spending
     

  • Promote cross-visitation of communities and attractions within region
     

  • Develop traffic in shoulder and "off" seasons
     

  • Support health and growth of local tourism businesses
     

  • Support introduction new tourism products
     

  • Encourage investment in tourism in region

 

The Thousand Islands Regional Tourism Development Corporation (dba 1000 Islands International Tourism Council) is governed by a nine-member board of directors. The Corporation’s principal supporters appoint members to the board. Five members are appointed by the Thousand Islands Bridge Authority and four members are appointed by the Jefferson County Board of Legislators.




T.I. Council Staff

Corey Fram - Director of Tourism

Corey is responsible for overall administration of the 1000 Islands International Tourism Council.  Contact him regarding the Council's general programming, budget, policies or planning. corey@visit1000islands.com


Betsy Hutchinson - Accounting/Office Manager

Betsy oversees all billing and payables as well as management of the Council's various mailing and distribution programs. For all billing and finance questions, please reach out to Betsy. She should be contacted regarding consumer mailings and databases.  Contact her regarding bulk supplies of Council publications and off-site distribution services. Contact her at office@visit1000islands.com.

Jill Folsom- Marketing & Communications Manager

Jill coordinates the Council's consumer marketing projects and handles publicity projects and media relations.  Contact Jill regarding consumer publications such as the Travel Guide, and Hunting & Fishing Guide.  Inquiries regarding participation in cooperative advertising programs such as TV campaigns, Internet advertising and print ads should be directed to Jill. For editorial needs and earned media opportunities, please contact Jill.  jill@visit1000islands.com


Tillie Youngs - Projects & Sales Manager

Tillie coordinates meeting and travel trade sales and oversees special projects.  Contact Tillie regarding marketing to the travel trade, including participation on the Group Planner and Meeting Planner websites and the Council's attendance at shows such as ABA, NTA, OMCA,PBA.   tillie@visit1000islands.com

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Visitor Services

The Council provides visitor services at the North Country Welcome Center located along Collins Landing Road near Route 12 in the town of Alexandria, near the Thousand Islands Bridge. Staff is available daily (seasonally) from 8am to 4:30pm to address questions on regional attractions and activities as well as those available throughout New York State.

TIRTDC Board of Directors:

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Chair:
Jim Corbin
Program Director (retired)
WWNY/WNYF-TV
Sackets Harbor, New York



Vice Chair:
Jody Pettit
General Manager
Hilton Garden Inn
Watertown, New York



Secretary/Treasurer:
Ron Thomson
Owner
Uncle Sam Boat Tours
Alexandria Bay, New York



Members at large:

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Michelle Caron

Travel Professional

Mallorytown, Ontatio

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Robert Hagemann
County Administrator
Jefferson County
Watertown, New York

 

Jacques Pigeon 

Vice President, Legal Affairs and Corporate Secretary (retired)

Federal Bridge Corporation Limited

Ottawa, Ontario

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Tim Sturick
Executive Director 
Thousand Islands Bridge Authority
Alexandria Bay, New York



Peyton Taylor

District Director

Thousand Island Region

New York Office of Parks, Recreation & Historic Preservation

Alexandria Bay, New York

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Peter Whitmore

​Business Consultant & Adjunct College Instructor

Watertown, New York

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