As we enter into Phase 3 of reopening, ROOST is preparing to launch a “Community Jumpstart” campaign. GOAL: The goal of this campaign is to create a buzz around businesses being opened and to encourage local residents to support them by getting out to “Experience their favorites again.” ABOUT: The campaign will focus on retail, restaurants, experiences, and lodging properties that are offering staycation packages, promotions, and specials. The Community Jumpstart campaign will run from Thursday, June 18 through Tuesday, June 30, 2020. Businesses will be able to highlight their offerings as part of this program. All business promotions will be highlighted on our regional websites, in the weekly Insider emails, and digital ads will be placed within the region to promote the campaign to residents. Businesses will also be provided “Community Jumpstart” flyers that they can download and customize for distribution, hanging in their windows, posting on social media, etc. HOW TO SIGN UP: If you are interested in participating in the Community Jumpstart, please forward us your promotion. This does NOT have to be a discount, it can be as simple as highlighting your most popular product, a local cocktail, beer, burger, etc. Examples: “Local Happy Hour specials daily from 4 - 5 p.m.”“Local staycation packages starting at $________.”“Our famous wings are back!”“Daily local specials offered.”“Locals get first pick at our new inventory of ________” To participate, please submit the following details to updates@roostadk.com or contact your local ROOST representative. Name of Business:Address: Local Jumpstart Promotion: Any special hours/operation info:Please include a photo if possible. The deadline for submission is Tuesday, June 16, 2020, to be included. RESOURCES: Download the Community Jumpstart customizable flyer (PDF).Download Community Jumpstart social images.

ADIRONDACKS, USA - The Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism is launching its Community Jumpstart initiative, meant to highlight local businesses and encourage patrons to enjoy their old favorites. As the North Country continues through Phase 3 of the state’s reopening and nears Phase 4, ROOST is promoting businesses that are reopening, re-expanding operations, offering discounts or staycation packages, and featured products. Businesses of all stripes are encouraged to participate, and there is no charge. As of Wednesday, well over 100 businesses have signed up to take part. The Community Jumpstart effort will be promoted regionally through a multimedia campaign designed by ROOST. As people begin to move around more as restrictions are eased, the Community Jumpstart is meant to get residents back out in the community, supporting local businesses. “As our residents begin to venture out, we want them to revisit the places that make our communities so special,” ROOST CEO James McKenna said. “It’s important for businesses to get the word out on what they’re offering, and the Community Jumpstart is an easy, and free, way to do that. However one chooses to enjoy this phase of reopening, let’s make sure we are following the recommended guidelines, and let’s show our support for the businesses and employees that make the Adirondacks great.” For more details on the Community Jumpstart initiative visit www.AdirondacksUSA.com/jumpstart. Businesses that would like to participate are encouraged to send the business name, address, and website or phone number, plus a brief description of the promotion and a photo to updates@roostadk.com. The Community Jumpstart will run from Thursday, June 18 through Tuesday, June 30. ROOST is the destination marketing organization for Hamilton and Essex counties, along with the communities of Tupper Lake and Saranac Lake. ###

ADIRONDACKS, NY - On June 5, prior to advancing into Phase 3 of New York’s reopening, the Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism (ROOST) sent out a Resident Sentiment Survey to help better gauge the sentiment of North Country locals with regard to their comfort level in reopening the economy and people moving around again. This information was gathered to help ROOST’s business partners understand as they continue to develop and implement reopening plans; for community leaders to know as they set policy and prioritize projects; and to assist ROOST in better understanding the appropriate message to have in the marketplace. The short survey asked questions in relation to how safe people feel within their communities, visiting neighboring communities, and welcoming visitors back to the area. It also included open-ended questions looking for ideas and protocols that would help respondents increase their comfort level of activities including shopping, dining out, attending events, and welcoming visitors. After receiving more than 1,000 responses, ROOST found that residents want travelers to have reasonable expectations when they arrive, that most locals are comfortable traveling to neighboring communities, and that increased education and signage regarding social distancing and mask wearing was appreciated. According to respondents, about two-thirds thought it was safe to move around their own and neighboring communities, and 45% said it was safe to welcome visitors back while 33% said it was not. Of the respondents, 79% live full time in the Adirondacks while 21% own second homes inside the Blue Line. There were 1,165 responses, representing 87 different postal codes in the region. Within their own communities, a majority said they were comfortable dining at restaurants, shopping, and going to attractions, but less than 50% said they were comfortable attending events. “We were pleased to find that many residents are comfortable traveling to neighboring communities, which aligns with our Local Jumpstart campaign,” ROOST CEO Jim McKenna said. “It is also encouraging that our survey respondents said they will follow the leadership of local and state elected officials.” “We recognized early on there needed to be a focus on the health and wellness of the community and to help the visitors understand the importance of following the guidelines set forth by the state. This has been reinforced by what has been found in the survey,” ROOST Chief of Staff Mary Jane Lawrence said. “We are excited that people have been very receptive to the ‘Politely Adirondack’ messaging regarding social distancing and mask wearing. They are helping our visitors know what to expect when they arrive, and residents and business owners appreciate the fact that tourists will be following the guidelines.” ROOST has made numerous resources available to North Country businesses during the pandemic, including posters, yard signs, social media posts and photos, and business checklists. All of the materials are available for free at www.roostadk.com/toolkit. For the full results of the survey, visit https://www.roostadk.com/updates. ###

TUPPER LAKE, NY - The Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism (ROOST) is happy to announce the launch of the Tupper Lake Triad paddling challenge. While hiking challenges have continuously grown in popularity throughout the Adirondacks, so has the Triad in Tupper Lake. Since 2014, more than 5,000 people have completed the Tupper Lake Triad hiking challenge. To build off of the success of the hiking challenge, a committee including ROOST, community leaders, and business owners have worked to establish the Tupper Lake Paddling Triad. Beginning July 3, paddlers are invited to complete what is believed to be the first water-based challenge within the Adirondack Blue Line. By completing three paddles near Tupper Lake, adventurers can earn a sticker, patch, and inclusion on the finisher roster. The three paddles included in the challenge are close to Tupper Lake and feature iconic Adirondack destinations. All the paddles are shorter trips that can be completed in one day, or overtime – at the paddlers’ leisure. The three trips are: Stony Creek Ponds to Axton LandingRaquette River Boat Launch (Crusher) to Tupper Lake Boat Launch Raquette Pond to Setting Pole Dam “We’re thrilled to announce this unique challenge that highlights the water resources around Tupper Lake and gets people outdoors,” ROOST Tupper Lake Marketing Manager Katie Stuart said. “Building on the success of the Tupper Lake Triad hiking challenge, we think the paddling challenge will bring new people into the area, and maybe dedicated hikers will try something new. Whether you’re an avid paddler, new to the sport, or just looking for inspiration for your next outing, the Tupper Lake Paddling Triad is a great place to start.” The original Tupper Lake Triad was established in December 2014 by Charlie Hoffer, a retired physical education teacher in Tupper Lake. The challenge consists of the three hikes of Goodman Mountain, Coney Mountain, and Mount Arab. It also has a winter designation for those who do the three short hikes from December 21 to March 21 each year, as well as a doggie patch for the 4-legged hiking companions. “I’m glad that we can encourage people to get outdoors and enjoy everything that Tupper Lake has to offer - from our great mountains to our peaceful rivers to our bustling downtown,” Triad founder Charlie Hoffer said. “I enjoy seeing young families being introduced to hiking as a lifelong sport as they accomplish the Tupper Lake Triad.” For more information on the Tupper Lake Triad and the specific paddling trips in the new paddling challenge, please go to www.tupperlaketriad.com. ### https://youtu.be/21JGM9oCXo8

ADIRONDACKS, USA - The Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism and local leaders are encouraging residents to register for the 10th annual Great Adirondack Garage Sale. Traditionally held each Memorial Day Weekend, the sale this year will take place on Aug. 7, 8, and 9. The garage sale stretches over 150 miles through the Adirondacks, and includes residents in the towns of Old Forge, Inlet, Raquette Lake, Indian Lake, Blue Mountain Lake, Long Lake, Tupper Lake, Cranberry Lake, Piercefield, Newcomb, and Speculator. An interactive website showcases sale locations and allows unlimited photos of the items for sale to be uploaded. Registration is free, and listings on the website include dates and times for each sale. Each community will also receive paper maps of local sale locations to hand out. To register and for more information, go to www.GreatAdirondackGarageSale.com. “Visiting garage sales and looking for hidden gems is a summer tradition,” Christy Wilt, Director of Hamilton County Economic Development and Tourism said. “We’re looking forward to our residents cleaning out their garages and catching up with neighbors, as well as encouraging visitors to get out and explore all of our wonderful communities. This initiative is always win-win, and we’re glad that garage sales can take place!” Garage and yard sales are allowed under New York’s Phase 4 reopening plan, and both sellers and buyers should continue to follow social distancing and mask-wearing advice.