Tourism Economics, a research firm focused on economic impact, forecasting and market analysis of tourism-based destinations around the world, has shared the results of its recent economic impact analysis of three prominent summer events: the Lake Placid Summit Classic, IRONMAN Lake Placid, and the Lake Placid and I Love NY Horse Shows. Greg Pepitone, senior economist at Tourism Economics, presented the findings of this economic impact study during a virtual public information session on May 23. The three events analyzed were selected due to their status as the most highly attended; bringing the largest number of participants, support teams and spectators to the area. The Tourism Economics team studied multiple data sources from the 2022 event season including post-event surveys, mobile phone location data, estimated attendance, participant origin information, county-level visitor spending, and financial information about each event. These data sources provide comprehensive information from which the team assessed direct spending impact and overall economic benefits of the events. Tourism Economics studied each event individually and summarized the findings. It also produced a summary of the overall economic impact of the three events, combined. These key findings include: Combined economic impact of the three events in 2022 was more than $49 million. The events generated approximately $7.6 million in state and local tax revenues. Average length of stay, party size and average spend for event participants are higher than that of the leisure traveler. According to Pepitone, There is a higher economic impact associated with event participants as compared to the leisure traveler. “When we compare an event traveler with a leisure traveler, we see that the event traveler tends to be part of a larger group of travelers, traveling together for the event,” he said. “Additionally, groups traveling for events tend to stay longer. Our research also indicates that the expenditure per party, per stay is larger than a typical leisure traveler.” Pepitone also noted that events tend to lead to increased exposure for the region. “Equally as important, some of the event participants and their groups come to the area from outside the traditional travel market, increasing the region’s exposure beyond the defined, typical target market.” Tourism Economics’ report shared information about direct spending by the event organizers along with direct spending by event participants and attendees. The summary analysis of each event included direct spending, along with tax revenue generated and a summary of spending by industry. According to Mary Jane Lawrence, chief operating officer at ROOST, the goal of this study was to better understand the economics of these events. “One of the key takeaways from the North Elba Destination Management Plan was the need to develop an events management strategy,” she said. “This study is just the first step. It is also important we evaluate how events impact all aspects of our community as we create a long-term events management strategy.” The full report can be found at ROOSTadk.com/research. Individual Event Findings Lake Placid Summit Classic: In 2022, the Lake Placid Summit Classic generated a total economic impact of $15.7 million in Lake Placid, which included $4.4 million in total labor income, supported 203 part-time and full-time jobs, and generated $2.3 million in state and local tax revenues. The event incurred $205,000 in operating expenses - money spent within the local region to organize and operate the event. IRONMAN Lake Placid: In 2022, IRONMAN Lake Placid generated a total economic impact of $15.5 million in Lake Placid, which included $4.3 million in total labor income, supported 136 part-time and full-time jobs, and generated $2.4 million in state and local tax revenues. The event incurred $462,000 in operating expenses - money spent within the local region to organize and operate the event. Lake Placid and I Love NY Horse Shows: In 2022, the Lake Placid and I Love NY Horse Shows generated a total economic impact of $17.9 million in Lake Placid, which included $5.0 million in total labor income, supported 164 part-time and full-time jobs, and generated $2.8 million in state and local tax revenues. The event incurred $675,000 in operating expenses - money spent within the local region to organize and operate the event. About The Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism The Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism (ROOST) is a destination marketing organization dedicated to promoting and enhancing the economic and environmental sustainability of Lake Placid and the surrounding Adirondack region. Through innovative marketing strategies, partnerships, and community engagement, ROOST aims to maximize the region's tourism potential while preserving its natural beauty and unique character. About Tourism Economics Tourism Economics is an Oxford Economics company with a singular objective: combine an understanding of tourism dynamics with rigorous economics in order to answer the most important questions facing destinations, developers, and strategic planners. By combining quantitative methods with industry knowledge, Tourism Economics designs custom market strategies, destination recovery plans, tourism forecasting models, tourism policy analysis and economic impact studies. More than 500 companies, associations, and destinations work with Tourism Economics every year to conduct and analyze research findings to assist with better marketing, investment, and policy decisions. ## Contact:Jane Hooper, communications managerRegional Office of Sustainable Tourism518-621-3662 | 578-6328 celljane@roostadk.com https://youtu.be/Bhp_hN0jleI View Full Report

The Olympic Authority and ROOST would like to welcome you to a Business After Hours! When: Monday, June 5, 2023 Where: Roamers Café – Olympic Center Time: 5:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. What: Social Hour – Hors D’oeuvres + Cash Bar All business owners, managers, marketing, sales, and frontline staff are welcome to attend and enjoy an informational social hour on the new deck and in the bar/lounge area. Join us to find out more about: Olympic Venue attractions and activities for summer 2023 An update on the Lake Placid Olympic Sites Passport (it's BACK)! Invitations for your frontline staff to visit the Olympic Venues Group Sales & Conference Center team introduction Upcoming Events Marketing Updates Hors d'oeuvres, beer, and wine will be served. RSVP and enjoy one complimentary drink on us when you pre-register! RSVP to Kristin@roostadk.com.

The Tupper Lake Tinman Triathlon will take place on Saturday, June 24, beginning at 8 a.m. Established in 1983, the race welcomes approximately 700 participants each year. According to Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism’s (ROOST) Tupper Lake Marketing Manager Katie LaLonde, Tinman is one of the summer’s most popular events. "We are thrilled to once again host the Tinman Triathlon in Tupper Lake," she commented. "The event has become a staple in our summer calendar, and we look forward to welcoming participants and spectators from all over the country to our beautiful corner of the Adirondacks." The Tupper Lake Tinman Triathlon, sanctioned by USA Triathlon, is one of the most popular races in northern New York. The event features 5 different races: tinman (1.2 mile swim, 56 mile bike, 13.1 mile run); aquabike (1.2 mile swim, 56 mile bike); team relay (1.2 mile swim, 56 mile bike, 13.1 mile run); Olympic (0.94 mile swim, 24 mile bike, 6.2 mile run); and a sprint (0.6 mile swim, 12.4 mile bike, 3.1 mile run). Check-in for the race begins on Friday the 24th from 11:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. There is limited check-in available on race day, beginning at 5:30 a.m. “This race continues to draw participants from throughout the Northeast,” said Race Director Wendy Peroza. “It attracts athletes who appreciate a challenging course with a small town feel. “Each year, we welcome participants from within our local area, in addition to those who travel great distances to take part. This year, we have registered participants from Maryland, Georgia, Florida, Canada and even Texas.” Organizers have built a strong following for the Tupper Lake Tinman Triathlon by sharing race information with regional triathlon clubs throughout the Northeast, with returning athletes and through website and social media channels. This has resulted in a network of participants who share their perceptions of the race, the community and the venue with others; this has led to a number of triathletes from unexpected locations who add Tinman to their annual race calendar. Triathlon clubs from Saratoga, Central New York, Rochester, Buffalo, the Capital District and Vermont take part in the Tupper Lake Tinman event. Tinman is sponsored by the Town of Tupper Lake Recreation Department, which also organizes and deploys hundreds volunteers to help manage event logistics. Peroza explained that the event would be virtually impossible without local support. “Tinman is truly a community event,” she said. “Volunteers help to assemble race bags, manage aid stations along the route, help with transitions between the swim, bike and run, assist with athlete check-in, provide race-day direction and information and help to ensure that participants are safe when in the water from their kayak and paddle board vantage points. More volunteers are always welcome.” Restaurants and food trucks are also involved with race preparations. Each participant receives a coupon voucher to be used during Friday night’s “carbo load” meal event. Local restaurants often prepare athlete-focused specials; something that the athletes seem to appreciate. The Town of Tupper Lake also hosts an expo during Friday’s athlete check-in at the Tupper Lake Civic Center, where High Peaks Cyclery will be on-hand to assist with any last minute items that the racers may need. Visit TupperLakeTinman.com or the Tinman’s Facebook page for more information about the race. Contact:Jane Hooper, communications managerRegional Office of Sustainable Tourism518-621-3662 518-578-6328 (cell)jane@roostadk.com

Saranac Lake, in collaboration with local outfitters, the Saranac Lake Chamber of Commerce and the Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism, announces the creation of the Saranac Lake Paddling Challenge. The challenge will officially launch on June 1, coinciding with other events that take place during Celebrate Paddling month. The Saranac Lake Paddling Challenge comprises five routes, all located within the Saranac Lake region of the Adirondacks. South Creek to Second Pond (7 miles, one-way) Second Pond to Lake Flower (6 miles, one-way) Saranac River - Pine Street to McCasland Bridge (5 miles, one-way) St. Regis Chain of Lakes (5 miles, one-way) Follensby Clear Pond Loop (4 miles, total) Paddling challenge finishers will earn the Saranac Lake Paddle Challenge patch upon completing the five paddles. Those who finish all five paddles within two consecutive days will earn an Ultra patch. Challenge participants must register with the Saranac Lake Area Chamber of Commerce ahead of tackling the challenge; and then must report their completion to receive their patch. Additional information can be found on the paddle challenge website. Challenge Organizer Liz Murray explained about the development of the paddling challenge. Murray, an avid kayaker with a passion for exploration, was inspired by the Tupper Lake Triad Paddling Challenge and its sense of achievement. Determined to bring a similar experience to Saranac Lake, she contacted a number of local outfitters, representatives from the Northern Forest Canoe Trail, the Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism, the Celebrate Paddling Committee, and the Saranac Lake Chamber of Commerce to assist with its creation. Kenzie Marine, ROOST’s Saranac Lake regional manager, echoed the sense of collaboration. “This has been an educational and shared process, one that has underscored our collective commitment to the importance of paddling in the Saranac Lake region,” she said. “We extend our gratitude to the Saranac Lake Village, NYS Department of Conservation (DEC), and all other parties involved in successfully launching the Saranac Lake Paddling Challenge. This offers another unique opportunity for paddling enthusiasts to explore the beauty of Saranac Lake's waters and forge unforgettable memories. We are truly grateful for the commitment to promoting outdoor recreation and fostering a deep appreciation for our natural surroundings.” The Saranac Lake Paddling Challenge aims to celebrate the joy of paddling while educating participants about important preservation, conservation and sustainability efforts within the region’s waterways, including the stunning waters of the Saranac Lake region; paddling challenges support that mandate. According to Sydney Aveson, communications coordinator at the Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism (ROOST), one of the most crucial things people should know before tackling the paddling challenges is the importance of ensuring that their boats are clean and dry between paddles or before moving to a different waterway. “‘Clean. Drain. Dry.’ is a simple three-step process that all boaters can follow to prevent the spread of invasive aquatic species, which can threaten a healthy ecosystem,” she said. “Boaters can do their part by finding a decontamination station to wash their boats before entering another body of water. To find a decontamination station, visit the Paul Smith’s College Adirondack Watershed Institute website. A number of organizations and individuals have contributed to the planning and creation of the Saranac Lake Paddling Challenge including: Jason Smith and Rich Harris of Adirondack Lakes and Trails, the Celebrate Paddling committee, Brian McDonnell from MAC's Canoe Livery, Maeghan Farnham from St. Regis Canoe Outfitters, Chris Morris representing the Northern Forest Canoe Trail, Anne Fleck from Raquette River Outfitters, and Rachel Karp from the Saranac Lake Area Chamber of Commerce, along with the NYSDEC, the Village of Saranac Lake and ROOST. 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:Sydney Aveson, communications coordinatorRegional Office of Sustainable Tourism518.523.2445sydney@roostadk.com

The Schroon Lake Chamber of Commerce, Town of Schroon, Schroon Lake Association, and Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism (ROOST) have joined forces to create a new event for paddling enthusiasts and nature lovers alike: the Schroon Paddle Challenge. The challenge will officially launch on June 10, with an inaugural paddle along the Schroon River to the beach at Schroon Lake. Beginning at 10 a.m. on June 10, those taking part in the paddle will be able to drop off their boats at the Schroon River launch on Route 74, just off Exit 28 on the Northway, east of Route 9. There is a sign indicating “Town of Schroon Canoe / Kayak Launch,” located on the north side of an unpaved road, not to be confused with the DEC Fishing Access lot. Event participants will transport their cars back to town, where a shuttle bus will be on hand to transport paddlers back to their boats. Participants will paddle along the Schroon River and across a narrow section of Schroon Lake to the town beach - a distance of approximately 6.7 miles; showcasing one leg of the three paddle challenge. Immediately after the event, there will be a reception in the Schroon Boathouse Theater, with a live band, snacks, and non-alcoholic drinks. The Schroon Lake Association will also be in attendance with merchandise for sale and membership information. The Schroon Paddle Challenge comprises three paddles within the Schroon Lake Watershed: the Schroon River Paddle, the Schroon River to Schroon Lake Paddle, and the Paradox Lake Paddle. Each paddle is approximately 4.5 miles (one-way), allowing participants to either arrange a shuttle for a one-way trip or paddle back to their starting point. Finishers will earn the Schroon Paddle Challenge patch upon completing the three paddles. Those who are able to complete all three paddles over a single weekend (Friday-Sunday) will earn an “Ultra” patch, signifying their accomplishment. Challenge participants must register to receive their patches. Additional information can be found on the paddle challenge webpage. The Schroon Paddle Challenge aims to celebrate the joy of paddling and introduce more local residents and visitors to the stunning waters within the Schroon Lake Watershed. By creating an involved community working together to preserve the watershed for present and future generations, the partners hope to promote a sustainable approach to enjoying this unique natural resource. According to Sydney Aveson, communications coordinator at the Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism (ROOST), one of the most crucial things people should know before tackling the paddling challenges is the importance of ensuring that their boats are clean and dry between paddles or before moving to a different waterway. “‘Clean. Drain. Dry.’ is a simple three-step process that all boaters can follow to prevent the spread of invasive aquatic species, which can threaten a healthy ecosystem,” she said. Boaters can do their part by finding a decontamination station to wash their boats before entering another body of water. To find a decontamination station, visit the Paul Smith’s College Adirondack Watershed Institute website. Visit the Schroon Lake Chamber of Commerce website or call (518) 532-7675 for more information about the Schroon Paddle Challenge and to register for the inaugural paddle event. 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:Sydney Aveson, communications coordinatorRegional Office of Sustainable Tourism518.523.2445sydney@roostadk.com