The Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism, the NYS Department of Conservation and the Adirondack Mountain Club have collaborated to launch AdkAlert.com, a "one-stop-shop" with the latest alerts related to outdoor recreation in the Adirondacks, and links to additional resources. The impetus for the creation of the aggregation website is the increasing traffic on popular hiking trails and congestion at trailheads. The site provides NYSDEC recommended alternate hikes as well as information about hiking etiquette. AdkAlert.com is intended to be a resource for both residents and travelers to the Adirondacks. Regional businesses and organizations are encouraged to reference and promote the site to their customers and guests. The site includes an option to sign up to receive emails when there are new alerts. VISIT THE SITE DOWNLOAD A PRINTABLE FLYER

The second annual Star Trek and pop culture convention – “Trekonderoga” – was held in Ticonderoga, New York on Aug. 12 to 14 this year. The Trekonderoga conventions are a partnership between James Cawley, the Ticonderoga Revitalization Alliance, and the scores of volunteers who helped create the studio sets over many years, and to staff the conventions. Events were held at various locations in Ticonderoga, including the Star Trek Original Series Set Tour on Montcalm Street, the North Country Community College, the Elks Club, the High School, the Rathbun Building, and Bicentennial Park. Big hits again this year included tours of the meticulously re-created sets from the original Star Trek TV series, pictures and autographs with stars, and special program and presentations related to Star Trek. New events this year included free fireworks in the park, a costume contest, and an Elvis concert in the High School auditorium featuring Ticonderoga’s James Cawley (with part of the proceeds from the concert going to the Kiwanis Back Pack program providing nutritious food for qualifying school students). Paid attendance at the 2016 convention doubled from last year to over 600 persons, with an additional over 60 volunteer staff helping with the convention. The Regional Office for Sustainable Tourism (ROOST) has now calculated the direct economic benefits to the Ticonderoga area from Trekonderoga. This analysis is based in particular on survey data from those who purchased their tickets online (the majority of ticket holders). It includes the estimated expenditures on food, lodging, etc. made by the attendees and staff, as well as the local purchases made by the convention organizers. ROOST’s calculations are that the direct economic expenditures totaled approximately $155,000. This is more than double the amount ROOST calculated for the first Trekonderoga convention in 2015. In addition, the convention generated substantial “ripple effects” through indirect economic impacts, such as purchases of additional supplies by local businesses, and other local spending. Using the multiplier generated by similar events in the area, these indirect impacts were an estimated $192,000. This gives an estimated total direct and indirect economic benefit to the area from Trekonderoga – 2016 of approximately $347,000. Combined with the direct and indirect economic benefits from the Trekonderoga convention last year, the two Trekonderoga conventions together have brought an estimated over one half million dollars in economic benefits to the Ticonderoga area in the year from September 2015 through August 2016. The convention also boosted area tourism by drawing in new visitors, with over 40% of the survey respondents saying that this was their first visit to Ticonderoga. Trekonderoga – 2016 also received major media attention, including from CNN, the New York Times, and the Associated Press, boosting Ticonderoga’s profile and its image as a unique tourist destination. The organizers would like to thank those in Ticonderoga who supported the convention, including the Town government (including the Highway Department and Police Department), the Fire Department, North Country Community College, the Elks, the Central School District office, St. Mary’s School, Sun Community News, the local businesses who provided special discounts during the convention, and all those who welcomed the numerous visitors to Ticonderoga. Live long and prosper! (Vulcan greeting from Star Trek)

The Wildlife Conservation Society Adirondack (WCS) Program based in Saranac Lake was honored Thursday, Oct. 20, by the New York State Tourism Industry Association with a “Partner in Tourism” award for Cycle Adirondacks, an annual week-long road cycling tour of the Adirondacks and surrounding region. The award recognizes a business or individual not directly affiliated with a tourism agency/entity/attraction whose commitment to tourism in New York state is demonstrated through their unique contributions. Cycle Adirondacks 2016 featured 310 participants who traveled from 35 different states and provinces to experience the Adirondacks with WCS on a route that featured 45 different communities across six counties. "As a nonprofit, community-focused conservation organization, it’s incredibly fulfilling to have the tourism industry recognize the importance of how a mission driven event like Cycle Adirondacks can provide positive impact for the region." Cycle Adirondacks 2017 is scheduled for Aug. 20-26 next summer. The route will be announced later this fall.

Tax season is right around the corner and, for many small business owners, that means dredging through receipts to try and cobble together a picture of their company’s finances over the last year. While more than 70 percent of small businesses outsource tax prep to a trusted tax professional, a business owner still needs to prepare financial records and statements in addition to maintaining good records. That's why the North Country Small Business Development Center (SBDC) and H&R Block are co-hosting three workshops called “Tax Season Survival Guide for Small Business." Join them to learn smart strategies to get organized, get your tax returns done and maybe even save some money this tax season. The workshop will be held in three locations on the following dates: Plattsburgh – Nov. 15 Saranac Lake – Nov. 17 Malone – Dec. 6 Registration is required for each event. To register, please contact the North Country SBDC by calling 564-2042, or visit the North Country SBDC at northcountrysbdc.org. The North Country SBDC is part of a statewide program funded through a Cooperative Agreement with the US Small Business Administration. Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities will be made if requested at least two weeks in advance. Contact the North Country SBDC, 194 US Oval, Plattsburgh at 518-564-2042.