LOCAL TOURISM PROFESSIONALS INVITED TO MEET WITH STATE LEGISLATORS IN ALBANY

(Corning, NY) The Steuben County Conference & Visitors Bureau, the official county tourism promotion agency, will join with others in the industry to attend the 2007 Tourism Showcase Reception in Albany on March 13th. Governor Spitzer's 2007/2008 budget proposal includes an additional $5 million for the I Love NY campaign. This is an acknowledgement by the new administration of the significant economic impact tourism has on our state and local economy. According to the Tourism Industry Coalition of New York State, more than 141 million tourists visited the state in 2004. These tourists contributed greatly to the state's economy, generating more than $39.5 billion in spending, plus nearly $7 billion in federal, state and local taxes. Statewide, the industry provides employment to over 757,000 workers generating a payroll approaching $17.7 billion.

In Steuben County, tourism expenditures by visitors totaled $106,968,383 in 2004. Over 2,000 people are employed in the tourism industry in the county. In addition to creating jobs, tourism revenue generates tax relief. In Steuben County, that tax relief amounts to a savings of $219.02 per household annually.

Peggy Coleman, President of the Steuben County CVB said, "This year, more than ever, it's critical for representatives from tourism and hospitality businesses to respond to the Governor's proposed increase with a strong showing of support by attending the Tourism Showcase. This increase in tourism funding is necessary to keep New York competitive in the national and international tourism market". Ms. Coleman noted that attendees to the Showcase will have the opportunity to meet with state legislators to discuss issues facing the industry. To date, 21 Senators and 48 Assembly members have registered to attend the March 13th event. Legislative visits will take place from 1:00 pm - 4:30 pm and the reception will be held from 5:00 - 7:30 pm at the Empire State Plaza. Senator Mary Lou Rath, Chairman of the Senate Tourism Committee and Joseph Morelle, Chairman of the Assembly Tourism Committee, have been invited to address attendees. Governor Spitzer has also been invited to speak. Those persons interested in attending should call the Steuben County Conference & Visitors Bureau at 936-6544 by March 6. The registration fee to attend the showcase is $45 per person. Ms. Coleman indicated that the CVB is willing to assist with coordinating carpooling to Albany with others from the area.

Ms. Coleman also noted a new event in connection with the Showcase. This year, Mrs. Spitzer will host tourism and hospitality professionals for a meet-and-greet Tea Reception at the Governor's Mansion on Monday, March 12 from 2-4 pm. The reception will provide an opportunity to personally acknowledge the Governor's support of tourism. Only guests registered for the Tourism Showcase will be invited to attend the reception at the Governor's Mansion. For further information or to register, please call the Steuben County CVB at 936-6544.

The Steuben County Conference & Visitors Bureau was established in 1994 to promote the tourism industry of Steuben County and stimulate economic growth by attracting visitors, groups, and conferences to the county. The SCCVB is funded primarily by an occupancy tax paid by overnight visitors staying in hotels, motels, and bed & breakfasts.