The Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism Board of Directors elected new officers at its recent annual meeting. The board has also added two ex-officio members this year, as much of its work includes communities throughout Essex County. Mary Jane Lawrence, ROOST chief operating officer, explained the importance of adding representation from Essex County. “This year, ROOST has created two ex officio board seats, specifically for members of the Essex County Board of Supervisors. Town of North Hudson Supervisor Stephanie Dezalia, along with Town of Jay Supervisor Matt Stanley have joined the board to share their local knowledge and expertise regarding county- and community-specific challenges and needs,” she said. “As we continue to focus on destination management, representation from the Essex County board of supervisors will be very helpful.” Newly appointed officers, elected by their fellow board members, include Nick Politi, chair; Chandler Ralph, vice chair; Marc Galvin, treasurer; Hillarie Logan-Dechene, secretary. Nick Politi is a lifelong resident of the Lake Placid area. His professional background focused on real estate sales within the Adirondacks; offering expertise regarding local economic and housing trends. Nick currently owns and operates Merrill L. Thomas, Inc., along with his family. He represents the Lake Placid area. Chandler Ralph is the former chief executive officer at Adirondack Health in Saranac Lake. During her 21 year career at Adirondack Health, Ms. Ralph oversaw a growing network comprising health centers, a hospital, nursing home, and physical therapy center. Her tenure saw the rapid and significant change of healthcare within the upstate New York region, along with its role as an economic driver. Ms. Ralph represents the Saranac Lake region. Marc Galvin is the owner of The Bookstore Plus in Lake Placid. Marc’s retail and business expertise offers ROOST a unique perspective regarding retail in the Adirondack region and specifically, within Lake Placid. He represents the Lake Placid region. Hillarie Logan-Dechene is the deputy director of the Wild Center in Tupper Lake. Her expertise in tourism-oriented venues within the Adirondacks provides an important context when discussing tourism and visitor experiences within the region. Ms. Logan-Dechene represents the Hamilton County region. Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism (ROOST) officers will serve in their executive role for one year; each term is three years, and ROOST board members can serve a maximum of three terms. Each board member represents a different industry and region of the Adirondacks. According to ROOST CEO Jim McKenna, the board of directors is responsible for setting the organization’s overall direction. “The board focuses on ROOST’s strategic goals and on its high level initiatives,” he said. “This mission of the organizations is always at the forefront of decisions and plans that are developed and implemented.” Additional ROOST board members include: Lisa Hess-Marks from Schroon Lake, Karen Dalton from Willsboro, Joe Gehm representing Tupper Lake, Jodi Gunther from Saranac Lake, Charles (Chip) Grundon from Wilmington, Mark Jessie from Tupper Lake, Leslie Karason from Saranac Lake, James Lemons and Garrick Smith both from Lake Placid, and Mariann Rapple representing the Lake Champlain region. Sarah Wilson, who served nine years on the board, reached the end of her term after serving as board chair in 2022. The Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism is the destination marketing and management organization for Hamilton and Essex counties, including the communities of Lake Placid, Tupper Lake and Saranac Lake, all located within the Adirondacks in New York state. Contact:Jane Hooper, communications managerRegional Office of Sustainable Tourism518-621-3662 518-578-6328 (cell)jane@roostadk.com

The Conference Center at Lake Placid is set to welcome more than 2,700 attendees at upcoming conferences between now and October 2024. Spring and fall of 2023 will welcome a number of organizations to Lake Placid, including New York Snowmobile Association, SUNY Technology, New York State Mayors, New York Rural Waters and New York State Hospitality and Tourism. 2024 conferences include the New York State Library Association, New York State Highway Safety Symposium and the return of the New York Snowmobile Association. Conferences are typically scheduled in April, May, and June, then again in September and October. Many organizations postponed or canceled conferences and corporate retreats during the COVID-19 pandemic; many of which were planned years in advance. The upcoming Lake Placid conference schedule reflects a pre-pandemic event program. According to ROOST Chief Operating Officer Mary Jane Lawrence, the attraction of conferences and group business to the Lake Placid region represents a significant aspect of ROOST’s marketing strategy. “Our staff, in collaboration with the Olympic Regional Development Authority (ORDA) and local lodging properties, cultivates relationships with organizations and their event planners, presenting and encouraging Lake Placid as a destination for annual meetings, conferences, events, and retreats,” she said. Hannah Ackerman has joined the ROOST team as group sales coordinator. Her role focuses on identifying potential opportunities, working with ORDA conference staff and lodging properties to secure midweek events, especially during months with decreased visitation. Conferences and group travel business are most often scheduled to capitalize on Lake Placid’s “shoulder seasons” - the weeks and months between the busy winter, summer, and fall seasons. Spring and early fall tend to have lower visitation than the other times of the year. Conferences taking place in the region during these times can help support lodging properties, restaurants and local attractions. “Our work to secure these events supports ROOST’s commitment to supporting local businesses, especially during times of the year that can be a bit challenging,” said Lawrence. Lake Placid represents an attractive location for conferences, as many conference attendees have expressed interest in visiting the region to their conference planners and organizers. These events provide an inherent marketing opportunity for the region. “The Adirondacks, and the community of Lake Placid, is a destination that many people aspire to visit,” said Lawrence. “ Event planners are very excited to offer the opportunity to visit Lake Placid to their organization; and we know that a conference attendee’s positive experience in Lake Placid can drive future visits.” In addition to the conference itself, the region benefits when attendees visit local restaurants and attractions. Event attendees often bring family members who can explore the area during conference hours. Many people take advantage of the come-early-stay-late option to extend their stay. The conference center’s 2023 spring season begins in mid-April. May and June will be another busy time with four conferences scheduled. The 2023 schedule continues in September and October with conferences taking place across multiple properties. The Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism is the destination marketing and management organization for Hamilton and Essex counties, including the communities of Lake Placid, Tupper Lake, and Saranac Lake, all located within the Adirondacks in New York state. Contact:Jane Hooper, communications managerRegional Office of Sustainable Tourism518-621-3662 518-578-6328 (cell)jane@roostadk.com View the upcoming schedule for the Conference Center at Lake Placid

The Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism (ROOST) is hosting its spring Social event at Lake Placid Center for the Arts on April 29 from 5:00-6:30 p.m. Tickets can be purchased through the ROOST website for $10 in advance; or for $15 at the door. The purchase of a Spring Social ticket entitles each attendee to 50% off Lake Placid Center for the Arts’ presentation of ANIMAL by Cirque Alfonse, beginning at 7:00 p.m. that evening. The ROOST Social will provide an opportunity for Adirondack businesses, community organizations and local officials to learn about ROOST’s program of work. ROOST staff, along with its board of directors, will be on-hand so that attendees can learn more about each role and interact with staff in a casual, relaxed atmosphere. “We are really excited to host this event,” said Mary Jane Lawrence, chief operating officer at ROOST. “The pandemic affected so many events, and the ROOST Social was one that had been paused for the last 3 years. Hosting this event gives ROOST staff and many of our regional partners and local officials an opportunity to meet and connect again in person,” she said. “These conversations and personal connections are invaluable.” The event features a short presentation about ROOST’s overall efforts to support the Adirondack region through its work in tourism marketing, community alignment, destination development and management, and sustainability initiatives. Those who purchase tickets in advance should be sure to check their emailed ticket confirmation for a promo code, entitling them to 50% off admission to the LPCA event following the ROOST Social. The Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism is the destination marketing and management organization for Hamilton and Essex counties, along with the communities of Lake Placid, Tupper Lake and Saranac Lake, all located within the Adirondacks in New York state. Contact:Jane Hooper, communications managerRegional Office of Sustainable Tourism518-621-3662518-578-6328 (cell)jane@roostadk.com

The Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism (ROOST) has begun its efforts to assist local businesses, communities, residents, and visitors in planning for the solar eclipse, taking place next April. The Adirondack region anticipates increased visitation leading up to this celestial event. Solar eclipses have proven to be a significant draw for visitors who travel to experience being in its “path of totality.” During the afternoon of April 8, 2024, the moon will pass between the sun and Earth, completely blocking the face of the sun and creating a shadow over much of the Adirondacks. Most of the region will be in this “path of totality” meaning that the most significant part of the moon’s umbra, or shadow, will be directly over the region, plunging it into darkness during the normally bright afternoon hours. ROOST’s solar eclipse planning includes a public meeting for businesses, communities, and local residents. ROOST is also developing a business resource toolkit with eclipse-related information and materials for local businesses and community members. A new website has also been created to share eclipse-related information with people who plan to visit the region during the eclipse; or for those who would like to learn more about viewing the eclipse locally. The public meeting will take place on May 10 at 5:30 p.m., and will provide information about various aspects of eclipse planning for businesses and communities. Meeting organizers will discuss the impact that a solar eclipse can have on a region, along with considerations for businesses and communities. The meeting will take place via Zoom and will be open to all business owners, town officials, community-based organizations and residents. Advance registration can be found at ROOSTAdk.com/eclipse2024. According to ROOST Director of Marketing Michelle Clement, the Adirondack region is within a day’s drive for 25 percent of the entire North American population. As a result, it is expected that many will visit the region, hoping to experience the total solar eclipse in one of the most beautiful parts of the country, with its open vistas and clear skies. “Preparing for an influx of solar eclipse enthusiasts is important, especially during what is typically one of the quieter times of year in our communities,” she said. “ROOST is being thoughtful about planning and ensuring that we are helping our businesses, attractions, and towns maximize this opportunity.” In preparation for the public meeting, ROOST has designed a brief survey to assess plans that businesses and community organizations are considering, and to learn about additional guidance that businesses and organizations may require. It is also geared to learn what businesses may not be open for business during the 2024 eclipse so that plans can be made accordingly. The survey is currently open to all Adirondack region businesses and communities, and can be accessed at ROOSTAdk.com/eclipse2024. ROOST has also developed a website that shares specific information about viewing the solar eclipse from the Adirondacks. 2024-eclipse.com features a countdown clock, background information about the eclipse, a map showcasing the path of totality, frequently asked questions, and information about events in the region. The website will be updated with additional information as it becomes available throughout the year. Local businesses and communities are encouraged to share the website with residents, visitors, and potential visitors to the region. “Beginning these conversations early will allow the Adirondack region to be as prepared as possible for the unprecedented April event. Throughout the year we will be working with our communities, local organizations, and business owners to put plans in place,” commented Clement. The Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism is the destination marketing and management organization for Hamilton and Essex counties, along with the communities of Lake Placid, Tupper Lake, and Saranac Lake, all located within the Adirondacks in New York state. Contact:Jane Hooper, communications managerRegional Office of Sustainable Tourism518-621-3662518-578-6328 (cell)jane@roostadk.com

The Adirondack region of upstate New York is preparing for increased visitation leading up to and during the total solar eclipse taking place on April 8, 2024. As part of the preparation, the Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism (ROOST) has developed a website that shares specific information leading up to and during the celestial event. 2024-eclipse.com features a countdown clock, background information about the eclipse, a map showcasing the path of totality, frequently asked questions, and information about events in the region. The website will be updated frequently with additional information, business materials, news, and plans for local events and activities. User Interface/User Experience (UI/UX) Designer Emilee Hazelden explained that the site has been designed to be user-friendly so that users can easily access the information when planning their visit. “We are excited that most of the Adirondacks will be in the path of totality, and we are confident that this site will help guide anyone to the Adirondacks who is looking for the ultimate viewing experience.” Solar eclipses have proven to be a significant draw for visitors who travel so that they can experience being in the “path of totality.” During the afternoon of April 8, 2024, the moon will pass between the sun and Earth, blocking the face of the sun and creating a shadow over much of the Adirondacks. Most of the Adirondack region will be in the “path of totality” meaning that the most significant part of the moon’s umbra, or shadow, will be directly over the region, plunging it into darkness during the normally bright afternoon hours. The Adirondack Mountains offers some of the best opportunities for outdoor recreation in a beautiful, natural setting; it is within a day’s drive for 25% of the entire North American population, making it an easy vacation destination. It is anticipated that, due to ease of travel to the region, its open spaces, expansive vistas and unobstructed views of the sky, many people will choose to travel to the region ahead of the eclipse. In anticipation of increased travel, local businesses, attractions and communities are beginning to plan events, determining optimal places for viewing, and establishing various activities throughout the region. 2024-eclipse.com will serve as a central location for sharing information about these activities and events, as businesses, attractions and communities prepare. Visitors, potential visitors and those interested in learning more about the solar eclipse are encouraged to refer to the site ahead of their visit. According to ROOST Director of Digital Strategy Jasen Lawrence, preparing for the eclipse is imperative. “ROOST encourages vacation opportunities in the Adirondacks throughout the year, and certainly during interesting and unique events,” he said. “The website will help to ensure that visitors to the region during the eclipse have all the information that they need, while also assisting our local communities plan their eclipse-related events and share them with the public. The website is an important tool for information distribution, event planning, sharing ideas, communicating with visitors, and offering resources.” Hazelden echoed those sentiments, adding that the website’s design needed to account for different types of users. “We took so many things into account with its design, making certain that it shares a wide range of information,” she said. “Over the next year, we will add additional information as it becomes available. This is expected to be a very dynamic website that people can use to help plan for their business, their community, or their Adirondack eclipse adventure.” The Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism is the destination marketing and management organization for Hamilton and Essex counties, along with the communities of Lake Placid, Tupper Lake and Saranac Lake, all located within the Adirondacks in New York state. Contact:Jane Hooper, communications managerRegional Office of Sustainable Tourism518-621-3662518-578-6328 (cell)jane@roostadk.com