The Steuben County Conference & Visitors Bureau is unveiling their 2007 Cooperative Marketing Program this week. Cooperative marketing allows multiple businesses to pursue markets and media that are often too expensive to pursue as an individual small business. This gives businesses the ability to accomplish greater outreach with the same number of dollars. The Cooperative Marketing Program will be released - Tuesday, Sept. 19th from 3:30-5:00 PM at the Steuben County Office Building in the South Conference Room in Bath, NY.

There are a variety of promotional opportunities available through the Steuben County CVB Co-op program including:

Internet advertising -advertising in the form of eNewsletters sent to targeted email address lists (double opt-in), featured listings on CorningFingerLakes.com, marquee spots & a county-level partnership with Escapemaker.com
Consumer shows - Outdoor Shows, RV shows, and Women's Shows.
Travel and Trade shows - such as Group Leader Travel Shows, Meeting Planner Shows, and Reunion Planner Shows
Additionally, businesses can get increased exposure through the Steuben County Travel Guide (100,000 copies produced and distributed annually), the Steuben County tourism website (www.CorningFingerLakes.com) and the New York State Tourism database and website (www.ILoveNY.com).

Danielle Roman, Director of Sales and Marketing for the SCCVB said, "The Marketing Plan for 2007 is streamlined; our efforts will be focused on the geographic and demographic target areas that our most recent Randall Research Study has recommended. We will be increasing our opportunities in online marketing because of its success in the past and have included some new, exciting print opportunities! There are a variety of affordable advertising and promotional opportunities for businesses at all levels. "

Peggy Coleman, President of the SCCVB said, "Our tourism partners are made up of many small businesses and this is a way for all of us to make our marketing dollars go farther. In addition to what is being presented, the CVB will back up the cooperative programs with additional radio and print advertising, resulting in a truly integrated campaign."

Businesses interested in learning more about the plan or how they can benefit from getting involved should call the Conference & Visitors Bureau at 936-6544. What kind of businesses can benefit from this co-op opportunity? Accommodations, wineries, art galleries and studios, museums, restaurants, and any business offering a service or experience to visitors (day spas, guide services, events, etc.). Call today.

Tourism in Steuben County produces over $134 million dollars in direct travel spending per year and employs over 2,600 individuals in the county. The mission of the Steuben County Conference and Visitors Bureau is to promote the tourism industry of Steuben County and stimulate economic growth by attracting visitors, groups, and conferences to the county. The CVB is funded primarily by an occupancy tax paid by overnight visitors staying in hotels, motels, and bed & breakfasts.