The Lake Placid and North Elba Destination Management Plan (DMP) Committee announces the appointment of Adam DeSantis as its Lake Placid / North Elba economic development director. The position has been created to direct the implementation of the Lake Placid and North Elba Destination Management Plan 2030; with the goal of developing a collaborative approach to improving the quality of life and economic opportunities for year-round residents and visitors through the establishment of an effective economic development strategy for the region. DeSantis’ new role as economic development director includes planning, organizing, and implementation of economic development initiatives, including business attraction and retention, aligning industry investment with regional priorities, supporting housing diversification, engaging in grant writing efforts, research, evaluating and optimizing event management, all while fostering public engagement in the process. During his tenure, he will implement policies and initiatives to attract new industries and professional services, while also leveraging regional strengths, including investments in regional sports venues and existing professional expertise to expand industry segments, ongoing investment, and clusters of professional services. DeSantis brings extensive experience in housing development, market analysis, business management, budgeting and inter-agency collaboration to the director of economic development position. He served as vice president for a senior housing real estate development group in Albany where he assisted with securing municipal approvals, financing and construction management of numerous senior living communities in the Capital District. Most recently, DeSantis served as the manager of overlay, installations, drawings and signage for the FISU World University Games, which involved ensuring the collaboration of regional partners, including government agencies, ORDA, regional universities and local utilities to ensure successful installation of structures throughout the region in advance of the events. I am incredibly excited about this opportunity,” DeSantis said. “I’ve learned so much about the region, its incredible organizations, its challenges and its local economy that is very much rooted in tourism. I believe that my role, bringing these organizations together to solve challenges, while enticing new business to the area and keeping the visitor and local resident experience at the core of every decision, will allow the plan to realize its potential and possibly uncover additional opportunities that have yet to be conceptualized.” DeSantis will report to the North Elba / Lake Placid DMP Committee, with his primary points of contact being the committee co-chairs. The committee comprises representatives from a number of partner organizations, including the Village of Lake Placid, the Town of North Elba, Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism (ROOST), Lake Placid Center for the Arts, Lake Placid Central School, Adirondack Sports Council, Lake Placid Marathon, New York State Adirondack Park Agency, and the Olympic Regional Development Authority (ORDA). According to Destination Management Plan Committee Co-Chair Emily Kilburn Politi, the committee’s primary objective is to ensure its plan is fully executed, leading to the creation of this important position. “The destination management plan is a well-researched and thoughtful plan, identifying many strengths and outlining many opportunities, while taking into account a variety of perspectives,” she commented. “The economic development director position is paramount to ensuring that the elements of the DMP are enacted; ultimately benefiting the region by ensuring sustainability for its residents, its business and its visitors.” According to Mary Jane Lawrence, chief operating officer at the Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism (ROOST), the region’s destination marketing and management organization supports new community initiatives that improve quality of life for residents and the visitor experience. “Destination development and management is important for the sustainability of the region; and - a significant component of ROOST’s strategic plan,” she said. “We look forward to working closely with Adam as part of executing this plan.” The Town of North Elba and ROOST will allocate funding for the position from the Community Tourism Enhancement Fund portion derived from the additional 2% occupancy tax, paid by those who stay in local lodging properties, implemented in 2020. About the Lake Placid and North Elba Destination Management Plan The Lake Placid and North Elba Destination Management Plan provides a 10-year road map, aligning the priorities of local government, economic development, community organizations, and residents to balance the tourism industry with community needs. The goal is to ensure a quality of life for residents that complements the quality of the place for visitors. The plan was initiated by the Town of North Elba, Village of Lake Placid, and ROOST in 2019. The years-long process included research, surveys of public and private stakeholders, focus groups, workshops, town hall meetings and review of various town and regional planning documents. Results of the process identified strengths, opportunities and challenges and developed a series of prioritized action items to ensure that DMP strategies align with and support other community goals. The destination management plan can be accessed here. ## Contact:Jane Hooper, communications managerRegional Office of Sustainable Tourism518-578-6328 (cell)jane@roostadk.com

The Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism (ROOST) has received two awards from the New York State Tourism Industry Association (NYSTIA) in a ceremony that took place during the organization’s 2023 annual meeting in Rochester earlier this month. The awards recognize outstanding initiatives and achievements of New York state’s destination marketing organizations, attractions, and other tourism-related businesses. Categories included marketing campaigns, destination management initiatives, location stewardship, innovation and leadership. “The campaigns, initiatives, and projects submitted for the 2023 Tourism Excellence Awards illustrate the world-class work being done by New York's tourism professionals," observed Bob Provost, president of the New York State Tourism Industry Association. "The caliber of the work nominated this year, coupled with the 40% YOY increase in nominations challenged the judges who reviewed and scored this year's entries.” The Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism received the NYSTIA “Excellence in Tourism Marketing Campaigns, Projects and Programs: Creative Use of Data to Drive Success” award along with the “Excellence in Tourism Stewardship: Shaping a Better Future” award. NYSTIA’s “Excellence in Tourism Marketing Campaigns, Projects and Programs: Creative Use of Data to Drive Success” award recognizes ROOST for its “Seasonal Abandon Site Emails” campaign. The campaign was designed to send a series of follow-up emails to consumers, showcasing activities, events and attractions within the Adirondack region, specifically based on their previous visits to one of the various Adirondack region websites. The follow-up emails provided curated and relevant information based on the website pages visited by each user. These emails, sent to those who visited the Adirondack region websites, resulted in a 66 percent open rate, meaning that people who received them were interested in receiving this communication from the region, indicated by the percentage of those who read the email. Additionally, 20 percent who read the email took the additional step of engaging with the specific content that was sent in the email by following a website link. ROOST also received the “Excellence in Tourism Stewardship: Shaping a Better Future” award for its work establishing the North Elba Local Enhancement and Advancement Fund (LEAF), supporting community enhancement projects within the Lake Placid region. As part of its mandate to support community projects that enhance resident and visitor experiences within local communities, the Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism worked with the Essex County board of supervisors to establish this funding opportunity. The fund is sustained through an additional 2% occupancy tax implemented by the Essex County Board of Supervisors in June of 2020. Occupancy tax is collected when people stay at a resort, hotel, motel, bed and breakfast or short-term rental property within the county. The funds are distributed to the 18 towns in Essex County and used to benefit residents and the experience of visitors to the region. The Town of North Elba, to formalize the process, established the LEAF fund and an oversight committee to allocate its portion of the two percent. According to ROOST Chief Operating Officer Mary Jane Lawrence, this funding provides the means for local organizations to enhance their local community, activities and programs. “We are thrilled that so many local organizations have benefitted from this grant funding - the funds support projects that impact residents and visitors alike,” she said. “A healthy community is a sustainable community and a great place to visit.” The New York State Tourism Excellence Awards are open to all New York State tourism marketers and are juried by an impartial panel of industry experts under the auspices of the New York State Tourism Industry Association. Nominees spanned every corner of New York State and judges were challenged by the diversity and quality of the entries. About the Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism: The Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism (ROOST) 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. About New York State Tourism Industry Association:The New York State Tourism Industry Association (NYSTIA) is a member-driven, 501(c)6 nonprofit organization at the vanguard of transformational tourism marketing, stewardship and long-term strategic planning. We assist our members in advancing responsible economic growth, creating jobs, revitalizing communities, supporting small business success, and increasing state and local tax revenues in order to improve the standard of living, quality of life and pride of place for New York State communities and residents. We achieve these goals by facilitating the success of our members in realizing the economic potential of New York State's tourism industry as a catalyst for collaborative initiatives, exceptional marketing programs, industry research and legislative awareness for the private sector of New York State's tourism industry. www.nystia.org. 2023 Tourism Excellence Awards Recipients “Leisure Travel in NY” from Advance Media New York on behalf Amtrak NY Excellence in Overall Tourism Marketing: Regional or Statewide “Dutchess Tourism” from Dutchess Tourism, Inc. Excellence in Overall Tourism Marketing: TPA/County/DMO Local Level - Budget Over $500,000 “‘Let’s Go Greene’ 2022 Marketing Campaign” from Workshop on behalf of Greene County Tourism and Film Commission (“The Great Northern Catskills of Greene County”) Excellence in Overall Tourism Marketing: TPA/County/DMO Local Level - Budget Under $500,000 “Seasonal Abandon Site Emails” from Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism (ROOST) Excellence in Tourism Marketing Campaigns, Projects & Programs: Creative Use of Data to Drive Success “Holiday/Winter Campaign” from Dutchess Tourism, Inc. Excellence in Tourism Marketing Campaigns, Projects & Programs: Digital Marketing Campaign - Budget Over $500,000 “Miss New York Destination Experience by Rail” from New York By Rail Excellence in Tourism Marketing Campaigns, Projects & Programs: Digital Marketing Campaign - Budget Under $500,000 “Zen Finder Outdoor Experience Trail” from Dutchess Tourism, Inc. Excellence in Tourism Marketing Campaigns, Projects & Programs: The Great Outdoors of New York State - Budget Over $500,000 “Fall Fishing Program: ‘More Water = More Fish’”, from NYS Canal Corporation and Orleans County Tourism Excellence in Tourism Marketing Campaigns, Projects & Programs: The Great Outdoors of New York State - Budget Under $500,000 “Pretty.Cool.” from Dutchess Tourism, Inc. Excellence in Tourism Marketing Campaigns, Projects & Programs: Innovations & Strategies to Address New/Unique/Changing Markets - Budget Over $500,000 “Adirondack Experience BIPOC Marketing Efforts” from Workshop on behalf of Adirondack Experience Excellence in Tourism Marketing Campaigns, Projects & Programs: Innovations & Strategies to Address New/Unique/Changing Markets - Budget Under $500,000 “Visit Syracuse Visitors Guide” from Visit Syracuse/Visit Syracuse Film Excellence in Tourism Marketing Campaigns, Projects & Programs: Printed Materials - Budget Over $500,000 “NYUp Travel Guide - Summer” from Advance Media New York Excellence in Tourism Marketing Campaigns, Projects & Programs: Printed Materials - Budget Under $500,000 “Visit Nyack, Inc.” from Visit Nyack, Inc. Excellence in Tourism Marketing Campaigns, Projects & Programs: Public Relations Campaign “Cortland Curiosities: A Strange & Forgotten History Trail” from Cortland County Convention & Visitors Bureau Excellence in Tourism Marketing Campaigns, Projects & Programs: Trails & Itineraries - Budget Over $500,000 “Barn Quilt Trail of Leroy” from Genesee County Chamber of Commerce & Visitor Center Excellence in Tourism Marketing Campaigns, Projects & Programs: Trails & Itineraries - Budget Under $500,000 “Community Tourism Enhancement Fund” from Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism (ROOST) Excellence in Tourism Stewardship: Shaping a Better Future - Budget Over $500,000 “2022 Saratoga 250 Branding and Logo” from Workshop on behalf of Saratoga County Excellence in Tourism Stewardship: Shaping a Better Future - Budget Under $500,000 Valerie Knoblauch, Finger Lakes Visitors Connection Excellence in Leadership: Career/Lifetime Achievement Claire Dunlap, Cayuga County CVB Excellence in Young Professional Leadership Charlie Daley, co-founder the Destinations of New York State Scholarship Fund The New Yorker Award “Cayuga County CVB” from Cayuga County CVB Excellence in Tourism Equity & Inclusion “Akwesasne Travel” from Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe Excellence in Sustainable Stewardship: Champions of Change “Wine, Water and Wonders of New York State” from Wine, Water and Wonders of New York State Excellence in International Tourism Marketing: New York Tourism Ambassador ##

Amelia Collins, Miss New York 2023, recently visited the Adirondacks in support of her work with the Miss America Organization. As Miss New York, Ms. Collins works with the New York By Rail Organization to encourage train travel throughout New York state. Trip planning began shortly after Ms. Collins began her reign as Miss NY. Over the past couple of months, details were finalized and an itinerary developed, primarily focused on foliage, farms, and local foods. Miss New York’s visit highlighted the ease with which people can take the train to access the Adirondack region, showcasing Amtrak’s route from New York City to Montreal with stops along the way in the Adirondacks. Her itinerary aligned with the Amtrak route, along the shore of Lake Champlain. The visit showcased the region’s farm-to-table initiatives including meals that featured locally grown food. The region’s farms, lodging, restaurants, farmers markets, attractions, and hiking opportunities played key roles in the itinerary, all set against a backdrop of beautiful fall colors. While in the region, Ms. Collins visited the communities of Essex, Westport, Moriah, Ticonderoga, Elizabethtown, and Keene. She met local community leaders, visited local businesses that focus on supplying locally grown produce, meats, cheese and flowers. She hiked some of the area trails and learned about the region’s rich history. Throughout her visit, Miss NY captured video and photographs that will be shared on the Miss New York Instagram page and on the New York By Rail social media accounts in upcoming weeks. Additionally, she will summarize her experiences in a blog written for NY By Rail that will be shared in a weekly newsletter, along with the video highlighting her experiences. According to Communications Manager Jane Hooper, the Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism (ROOST) undertakes a media relations strategy as part of its overall marketing effort. “We work with travel writers, editors, and social media content creators to encourage story development about the Adirondack region; ultimately sharing information about travel to, and within, the area,” she said. “Writers and social media content professionals present the Adirondacks to their audiences which contributes to the ‘story’ of the Adirondacks through words, photos, and video. The stories are also reinforced through ROOST’s advertising campaigns, encouraging potential visitors to begin planning their own Adirondack adventure.” Collins is continuing the work of Miss NY 2022, Taryn Delanie Smith. Earlier this year, ROOST worked with Smith to arrange a similar trip to the Lake Placid region. As a social media content creator, Ms. Smith’s proficiency with various social media platforms increased the Miss America NY Instagram account significantly. The campaign Smith developed with NY By Rail was a success, recently receiving a New York State Travel Industry Association (NYSTIA) award. As Miss NY 2023, Amelia Collins is continuing this effort. “I’m so proud to work with NY By Rail, traveling our beautiful state and learning about so many of the interesting communities along the way,” she said. “The North Country is beautiful, the scenery is spectacular and the people were incredibly friendly. I can’t wait to visit again.” Miss New York’s adventures in the Lake Champlain Region, and throughout the state, will be available on Instagram @missamericany and @newyorkbyrail. 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. About New York By Rail New York By Rail is an annual magazine produced along with NewYorkByRail.com, a web version of the magazine, under a publishing agreement between Amtrak and Martinelli Custom Publishing that promotes Amtrak train travel, primarily in New York, and features information on Amtrak trains, routes, services and destinations and attractions. New York By Rail has an agreement with the Miss New York Organization for Miss New York to visit destinations via Amtrak and promote her experiences through a blog, video and social media. Amtrak service between New York City and Montreal resumed on September 11, 2023.

ROOST and The Olympic Authority would like to welcome you to a Business After Hours! As we prepare for the winter season, we'd like to extend an invitation for an informative update. All business owners, managers, marketing, sales, and frontline staff are encouraged to join us for an enjoyable social hour on the new deck and in the bar/lounge area. When: Tuesday, October 17, 2023 Where: Roamers Café – Olympic Center Time: 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 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 winter 2023-24 Upcoming events Winter marketing updates Eclipse 2024 preparations Live music by Andy Walkow. 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 Village of Saranac Lake announces the return of its New Year’s Eve celebration: North Country New Year. The event will feature live performances, family-friendly activities, local food, comedy shows, and fireworks, taking place throughout the downtown Saranac Lake area on December 31 from 6:00 pm - 10:00 pm. Previously known as First Night Saranac Lake, North Country New Year is continuing the tradition of New Year’s celebration through local community events, arts and culture in a family-friendly atmosphere. North Country New Year is extending an invitation to community members throughout the North Country region; the celebration is open to visitors from throughout the Adirondacks. Entertainment and music will be provided by local, regional and out-of-town performers, showcasing their talents at many venues throughout the Saranac Lake community. “After a three-year hiatus after the recent pandemic, our organizing committee is really excited about this event,” said Kenzie Marine, organizing committee member. “New Year’s Eve is always a fun night. The musicians, performers, activities and exciting atmosphere that we are working to develop will combine to ensure that everyone who visits the Saranac Lake area that evening will be able to celebrate 2023 while welcoming 2024 in grand style.” Ahead of the event, a coloring contest has been established, open to children and teens. The contest will be judged by the organizing committee, with the winning artwork used for the North County New Year’s Eve event buttons. The contest begins immediately; coloring contest materials have been distributed through area schools and the chamber of commerce. Contest participants must submit their artwork to the Saranac Lake Chamber of Commerce and Welcome Center, or to their local elementary school by November 1. Additional information can be found at: NorthCountryNewYear.com. Marine explained that a committee has been assembled to plan North Country New Year. “While we are busy planning for this year’s event, we also have ideas for next year,” she said. “This is definitely an event that we hope to expand.” The mission of North Country New Year (NCNY) is to plan and execute a substance-free, family-friendly New Year's Eve experience in the Saranac Lake, Lake Placid and Tupper Lake communities and the surrounding region. Committee members include Peter Crowley, Dave Hirshblond, Colette Hirshblond, Rachel Karp, Jordanna Mallach, Kenzie Marine, Ashley Milne, and Tracey Schrader.