Chemung Financial reports Q3 profit increase of 17 percent

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ELMIRA, N.Y. — Chemung Financial Corp. (NASDAQ: CHMG), the parent company of Chemung Canal Trust Company, recently reported third-quarter net income of $7.6 million, or $1.61 per share, up nearly 17 percent from $6.5 million, or $1.37 a share, in the year-ago quarter. When adjusted for non-recurring items, Chemung Financial posted quarterly earnings of $1.21 […]

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When adjusted for non-recurring items, Chemung Financial posted quarterly earnings of $1.21 per share, which beat the Zacks Equity Research consensus estimate of $1.18 a share. It is the fourth time in the past four quarters that Chemung Financial has beaten the estimate.

“The company again demonstrated solid financial performance in the third quarter,” Chemung Financial president and CEO Anders M. Tomson said in the banking company’s late October earnings report. “As evidenced by our loan growth, we are continuing to support our customers while competitors in the marketplace have reduced their lending activities. This customer-focused approach has served us well through our 190-year legacy.”

Commercial loans at Chemung Financial rose 9.9 percent as of Sept. 30 versus Dec. 31, 2022.

Net interest income dropped more than 5 percent to $18 million in the third quarter from $19 million in the year-ago quarter, due primarily to an increase of $8.9 million in interest expense on deposits, offset by increases of $7.4 million in interest income on loans, including of fees, and $600,000 in interest and dividend income on taxable securities.

Non-interest income at Chemung Financial was $7.8 million in the third quarter, up 56 percent from $5 million in the same quarter last year. That was primarily due to the recognition of a $2.4 million employee-retention tax credit during the quarter. Chemung Financial filed amended prior-period tax returns that reflected the credit during the third quarter.

Chemung Financial’s total assets stood at $2.71 billion as of Sept. 30, up from $2.65 billion on Dec. 31, 2022.

Chemung Financial Corporation subsidiary Chemung Canal Trust Company, a full-service community bank, operates 31 branches in New York and Northern Pennsylvania. It is also the parent company of CFS Group, Inc., a financial-services subsidiary offering non-traditional services including mutual funds, annuities, brokerage services, tax preparation, and insurance, and of Chemung Risk Management, Inc., a captive insurance company based in Nevada.

Chemung Canal Trust Company marked its 190th anniversary on Oct. 22. Established in 1833, it is the state’s oldest independent community bank. It was formed after the Chemung Canal opened and a bank was necessary to support the growing community.

“The story of Chemung Canal Trust Company is fascinating,” Tomson said in a statement about the anniversary. “The waterway began just footsteps from our current main office, at the intersection of today’s Water Street and Clemens Center Parkway. This is a significant milestone, and we are proud to celebrate this journey, but we remain focused on anticipating and meeting the needs of our customers and communities for many years to come.”

The bank’s first office is now home to the Chemung Valley History Museum.

2024 Winter Fair hopes to attract thousands to Expo Center

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GEDDES — It’s become an annual event that provides a taste of summer in the middle of winter at the Expo Center at the New York State Fairgrounds. Winter Fair 2024 is scheduled for Feb. 2-4 and its promoter says he hopes the fair will attract 20,000 people to the venue in the town of

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GEDDES — It’s become an annual event that provides a taste of summer in the middle of winter at the Expo Center at the New York State Fairgrounds.

Winter Fair 2024 is scheduled for Feb. 2-4 and its promoter says he hopes the fair will attract 20,000 people to the venue in the town of Geddes.

This is the 5th edition of the event that includes the food, rides, music, and entertainment that people enjoy throughout the summer.

Advanced-sale tickets are available now at www.nyswinterfair.com. Advanced tickets are $5 for adults and $3 for teens/pre-teens and seniors. Children 10 and under will be admitted free of charge.

At the door, admission is $7 for adults and $5 for teens/pre-teens and seniors. Children 10 and under will be admitted free of charge. Parking is free, courtesy of AmeriCU.

“We want to give people a chance to have some summer fun,” Steve Becker, owner and president of Premier Promotions and the promoter of Winter Fair 2024, said in a news release announcing the event. “It’s great to have an event for all ages, where you can bring your friends and family to. The New York State Fairgrounds have great year-round events and Winter Fair has become an annual tradition.”

The Winter Fair is also seen as an “economic boost” for the region, bringing in people from across New York state, other states, and Canada.

As Winter Fair “continues to get bigger and better each year, this fun-filled February weekend will once again bring together people from throughout the region,” Danny Liedka, president and CEO of Visit Syracuse, said in the release. “With so much to see and do, the three-day family-friendly event provides tremendous value alongside boundless opportunities for delivering lasting magical memories. We are truly fortunate to work with the team at Winter Fair to promote this annual event far and wide.”

Legends, support, & entertainment

Besides its traditional components, Winter Fair 2024 will also include the Legends of Syracuse University Athletics from football, basketball, and lacrosse.

“Legend Athletics works with current and past players so they are able to market their own name, image, & likeness with apparel, events, branding but most importantly being able to work with their branding with the university’s/colleges they played for. We are bringing back to Syracuse for the 2024 Winter Fair the Syracuse 8, Michael Owens, Robert Drummond, John Wallace, Lawrence Moten, Pearl Washington’s family, and many more once confirmed,” Patricia Mussi, owner of Legend Athletics, said in the release.

Onondaga County will be presenting the Winter Fair fireworks display on Feb. 2 and Feb. 3 at 8:45 p.m. by the Expo Center.

“From great entertainment and delicious food to a mini midway and spectacular fireworks show, there is something for everyone,” Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon said. “Our community is fortunate to host such great events like the Syracuse Winter Fair and I look forward to another successful year.”

“This is a great opportunity to experience the fun of the summer in the heart of winter in Syracuse,” Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh said. “The Winter Fair has become an annual tradition that brings local businesses, nonprofits and Winter Fair favorites together for a memorable weekend for all.”

Winter Fair 2024 will include entertainment on and by the Amazon Winter Fair stage. Music performers will include the following: Austin Jimmy Murphy, Custom Taylor Band, and Prime Time performing on Feb. 2; Jess Novak; The BlackLites, an award winning funk, pop and R&B band; and classic rock from Dangerous Type on Feb. 3; and the lineup on Feb. 4 will include a 60-minute gospel Sunday program under the direction of Cora Thomas and the R&B/funk/soul group Brownskin, as well as Joe Driscoll.

Fulton native serves aboard guided- missile destroyer in the Red Sea

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Petty Officer 3rd Class Cole Sweeney, a native of Fulton, serves aboard the USS Carney Navy destroyer, currently deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations. Sweeney serves as a quartermaster and was aboard the ship Oct. 19, when the crew of the Carney shot down multiple land attack cruise missiles and unmanned aerial

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Petty Officer 3rd Class Cole Sweeney, a native of Fulton, serves aboard the USS Carney Navy destroyer, currently deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations.

Sweeney serves as a quartermaster and was aboard the ship Oct. 19, when the crew of the Carney shot down multiple land attack cruise missiles and unmanned aerial drones launched by Houthi forces in Yemen while the ship was operating in the northern Red Sea. The missiles and drones were believed headed toward Israel when the Carney intercepted them.

“As Quartermaster of the Watch, I was in charge of maintaining a safe navigational picture for the ship,” said Sweeney. “I also assisted the bridge watch team and executive officer in spotting the fallen debris after each engagement. I also drove the ship as a Master Helmsman to ensure all course and speed changes were executed with precision.”

The engagement lasted several hours and made news worldwide.

According to Cmdr. Jeremy Robertson, the Carney’s commanding officer, crewmembers like Sweeney made all the difference.

“We could not have done this without all of the preparation and the support from our families back home,” Robertson said. “This is what we are meant to do, and on that day, the crew came together and executed the mission seamlessly.”

The Carney’s deployment helps ensure maritime security and stability in the Middle East region.

“Supporting the mission means I get to play a vital role in protecting the lives and liberties of our allies around the globe,” said Sweeney.

Arleigh Burke-class destroyers such as the USS Carney are outfitted with the world’s most sophisticated weaponry systems. They further strengthen the U.S. Navy’s contribution to national security by deterring potential adversaries and protecting vital assets.

The U.S. Navy is engaged, postured, and ready with credible force to assure, deter, and defend in an increasingly complex security environment. Our primary goal is to contribute to a peaceful, stable, and conflict-free region through the combined naval power of our allies and partners. ν

AAA expects more than 55M to travel for Thanksgiving

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Estimate is up over 2 percent from last year AAA projects 55.4 million travelers will travel 50 miles or more from home over the Thanksgiving holiday travel period. That is up 2.3 percent over last year and marks the third-highest Thanksgiving traveler forecast since AAA began tracking holiday travel in 2000. The top two years

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Estimate is up over 2 percent from last year

AAA projects 55.4 million travelers will travel 50 miles or more from home over the Thanksgiving holiday travel period.

That is up 2.3 percent over last year and marks the third-highest Thanksgiving traveler forecast since AAA began tracking holiday travel in 2000. The top two years were 2005 and 2019, respectively.

For the purposes of this forecast, the Thanksgiving holiday travel period is defined as the five-day segment from Wednesday, Nov. 22 through Sunday, Nov. 26, AAA said in a news release.

In 2022, AAA had predicted more than 54 million people were expected to travel 50 miles or more from home during the Thanksgiving holiday period, which was up 1.5 percent from 2021.

“For many Americans, Thanksgiving and travel go hand in hand, and this holiday, we expect more people on the roads, skies, and seas compared to 2022,” Paula Twidale, senior VP of AAA Travel, said in the release. “Travel demand has been strong all year, and AAA’s Thanksgiving forecast reflects that continued desire to get away and spend time with loved ones.”

Getting there

Most Thanksgiving travelers will drive to their destinations. AAA projects 49.1 million Americans will get behind the wheel, an increase of 1.7 percent from 2022.

AAA expects 4.7 million people will fly over Thanksgiving, an increase of 6.6 percent compared to 2022 and the highest estimated number of Thanksgiving air travelers since 2005. Tuesday and Wednesday before Thanksgiving are the busiest air-travel days ahead of the holiday and the most expensive. Sunday is typically the busiest day to return home, AAA data shows Monday is also a popular day to fly back after Thanksgiving.

The number of people traveling by cruise, bus, and train over Thanksgiving is up nearly 11 percent over last year. AAA said it expects 1.55 million travelers will head out of town using these other modes of transportation, which “took a huge hit during the pandemic but have rebounded nicely.”

“The cruise industry, in particular, has made a remarkable comeback,” Twidale noted. “Thanksgiving cruises are mostly sold out, with many travelers looking to spend the holiday at sea.”

Holiday travel forecast methodology

In cooperation with AAA, S&P Global Market Intelligence (SPGMI) developed a methodology to forecast actual domestic-travel volumes.

The economic variables used to forecast travel for the current holiday are leveraged from S&P Global Market Intelligence’s proprietary databases, AAA said. The data include macroeconomic drivers such as employment, output, household net worth, asset prices including stock indices, interest rates, housing market indicators, and variables related to travel and tourism including gasoline prices, airline travel, and hotel stays.

AAA and S&P Global Market Intelligence have quantified holiday travel volumes going back to 2000.

Historical travel-volume estimates come from DK SHIFFLET’s travel performance/MonitorSM. The performance/MonitorSM is a comprehensive study measuring the travel behavior of U.S. residents.

DK SHIFFLET contacts more than 50,000 U.S. households each month to obtain detailed travel data, resulting in the unique ability to estimate visitor volume and spending, identify trends, and forecast U.S. travel behavior, all after the trips have been taken.

The travel forecast is reported in person-trips. In particular, AAA and SPGMI forecast the total U.S. holiday travel volume and expected mode of transportation.

The travel forecast presented in this report was prepared the week of Oct. 9, AAA said.

Brooklyn Pickle opens first restaurant outside of New York state

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SOUTHERN PINES, N.C. — Brookyln Pickle has officially headed south with its first location outside New York state. The eatery has been expanding outside its Syracuse home base this year — first with a restaurant in Utica and now a new location in Southern Pines, North Carolina. Located at 1788 Old Morganton Road, the newest

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SOUTHERN PINES, N.C. — Brookyln Pickle has officially headed south with its first location outside New York state.

The eatery has been expanding outside its Syracuse home base this year — first with a restaurant in Utica and now a new location in Southern Pines, North Carolina. Located at 1788 Old Morganton Road, the newest restaurant by co-owners Craig Kowadla and Steve Ziff opened on Nov. 14.

“It’s really a growing area with a tremendous amount of traffic,” Kowadla says of the new location. There is a Target opening nearby and lots of doctor’s offices in the area, bringing in lots of people, he notes.

The newest Brooklyn Pickle is 3,500 square feet, “which is small for us, but when you go into a new market, you don’t know how you’re going to do,” Kowadla explains. But as an added bonus, the restaurant offers a great deal of outdoor seating, which is harder to offer in New York. “We have as much outdoor seating as we do indoors,” Kowadla says, with 80 seats equally split between inside and out.

Work to get the new building ready included putting up walls, counters, and installing restaurant equipment. Kowadla had hoped to open earlier, but there were contractor issues that delayed the opening.

The town government of Southern Pines has been nothing but welcoming. “They were awesome to deal with,” he notes, adding the town helped him work through some occupancy certificate issues so he could get the restaurant open.

Visits to the area for vacations and golfing are what first brought the Southern Pines area to Kowadla’s attention. After spending time there, he thought it was the perfect place to bring Brooklyn Pickle’s giant sandwiches — and some other New York flavors.

“We’re bringing riggies and greens,” he says of the Central New York restaurant staples, chicken riggies and Utica greens.

The North Carolina restaurant follows in the Utica location’s footsteps as the second Brooklyn Pickle location to serve beer along with its sandwiches, soups, hot entrees, and desserts.

Taylor Baldwin, a veteran Brooklyn Pickle manager from Syracuse will run the North Carolina restaurant along with assistant managers Keri Henry, a former Syracuse Brooklyn Pickle manager, and local Tashina Jones.

“It really wasn’t a hard sell,” he says of convincing Baldwin and Henry to relocate south. The combination of experienced Brooklyn Pickle managers and a Southern Pines local is the best of both worlds, Kowadla adds.

The restaurant currently employs between 20 and 25 people, and Kowadla says they are still hiring.

After taking a little time to recover from the Southern Pines opening, Kowadla will set his sights on other markets he’d like to expand into including Watertown, Binghamton, Oswego, Rochester, and Albany.

“We’re looking forward to growing down here,” he adds. Kowadla is looking at possibilities for other North Carolina locations including Chapel Hill and Fayetteville.

Ken Sniper founded Brooklyn Pickle in 1975 on Burnet Avenue and added a West Side location two years later. The restaurant moved into its West Genesee Street location in 1984. The Clay Brooklyn Pickle opened in 2019.

RPM Raceway Syracuse reopens after major renovations

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SYRACUSE, N.Y. — RPM Raceway, an indoor racing destination for adventure enthusiasts, formally reopened its Syracuse location at Destiny USA on Oct. 30 after making extensive renovations. Located on level 3 of the shopping center, RPM Raceway Syracuse completed new renovations that include converting the flat track to an enhanced multi-level racing track designed with

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Two Saranac Lake businesses gain community support through crowdfunding

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SARANAC LAKE, N.Y. — The Adirondack North Country Association (ANCA) in October relaunched its Ignite! program to address the challenge among local entrepreneurs of securing capital for small projects that would “make a substantial impact on their growth.” Utilizing ANCA’s new website and updated crowdfunding platform, Ignite! is currently hosting project campaigns for two women-owned,

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Utilizing ANCA’s new website and updated crowdfunding platform, Ignite! is currently hosting project campaigns for two women-owned, creative businesses in Saranac Lake — Main Street Exchange and ADK ArtRise.

“Grants and financing for businesses are often designed for big projects that require large sums of money. The smaller projects that can really make a lasting impact for small businesses often go unfunded because they’re just not eligible,” Lauren Richard, ANCA’s small-business services coordinator, said in a news release. “The crowdfunding model engages businesses’ existing audiences and clientele, and works by collecting small investments from lots of people.”

Richard said Main Street Exchange and ADK ArtRise each have a strong local following and an active social-media presence, which are “key” for gaining crowdfunding support.

She went on to say that both Victoria Vazquez, owner of Main Street Exchange, and Britt Sternberg, owner of ADK ArtRise, are community leaders who “inspire creativity and collaboration.” Their projects will not only help their own businesses grow, they will also benefit other local businesses and the community as a whole, ANCA said.

Both Ignite! campaigns offer gifts for project supporters depending on their level of investment. From stickers and retail discounts to courses and consultations, supporters can choose to receive a reward for their campaign contribution.

Ignite! background

Based on national crowdfunding websites like Kickstarter and Indiegogo, and paired with “responsive, real-life,” local support from ANCA staff, Ignite! has supported several area businesses with needs such as infrastructure improvements, specialized equipment, publication costs, and marketing tools.

The cost of Ignite! projects range from $500 to $3,000 and “significantly boost” individual businesses’ resilience and growth. By providing a more regional focus for investment, Ignite! allows supporters to invest in entrepreneurs who are part of the economic and cultural fabric of North Country communities, ANCA said.

Interested applicants and supporters can learn more at bit.ly/igniteadk.

Small businesses located in ANCA’s 14-county North Country region are invited to apply to the Ignite! program.

Business applicants then meet with ANCA staff to discuss their project idea and marketing plan. Once drafted, an anonymous advisory committee reviews and provides feedback on their campaigns. Richard said this process ensures that participating businesses are well set up to reach their crowdfunding goals.

ANCA says it is an independent, nonprofit corporation that works at “building prosperity” across northern New York. Using strategies for food systems, clean energy, small businesses, and equity and inclusion, ANCA “delivers targeted interventions that create and sustain wealth and value in local communities.”

About the businesses

When Vazquez moved to the Adirondacks in 2016 to attend Paul Smith’s College, she had not intended to settle down in the area.

Eight years later, she not only still lives in Saranac Lake, but also owns and operates her own small business. Vazquez is continually making improvements to Main Street Exchange, a downtown consignment shop, and launched the crowdfunding campaign to support her latest project.

Two years after taking over the existing downtown business and four months since she moved the shop across the street, Vazquez is seeking fundraising support for a “Creative Haven Makeover” of its basement into a “bright, welcoming space for community use,” ANCA said.

Hosted by ANCA through the Ignite! crowdfunding platform, her project and other campaigns can be viewed at bit.ly/igniteadk.

“This is going to be a space that the community can use to express their creativity through a variety of mediums,” Vazquez said in the ANCA release. “Whether it’s painting, sewing, writing or photography, we want to make this a space for all makers. We’re so grateful to ANCA and the local community for supporting this exciting new chapter for Main Street Exchange.”

ANCA says Vazquez is carrying out a vision for her business that includes the consignment store, a photo studio to support an online sales enterprise, and a shared makerspace for DIY (do-it-yourself) projects, including her own fashion-design endeavors.

Her “Creative Haven Makeover” is estimated to cost $3,000, which is a “significant” up-front cost for her young business venture.

ADK ArtRise, which is owned and operated by three women artists including Sternberg, is raising funds to revamp their downtown retail space in time for the holiday season.

Their “Retail Rising” campaign will also fund an online inventory system that will help them better curate and track their retail operation and better respond to their customers’ shopping preferences.

“We are so grateful to have a local organization like ANCA that is invested in helping small businesses achieve their goals,” Sternberg said in the release. “Over the past year, they have helped us find resources like educational opportunities and grants, and connected us with local partners. Now, the Ignite! platform is helping us reach a broader audience and get the word out about our campaign and how ADK ArtRise would like to grow and continue to build our presence in this community.”

Syracuse’s Main Street programs offer funding

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SYRACUSE, N.Y. — For-profit and nonprofit organizations can apply for funding to make building improvements through the City of Syracuse’s two new Main Street façade-improvement programs. The programs support the redevelopment and improvement of mixed use, commercial, and historic properties in Syracuse’s South Salina Street, West Onondaga Street, and South Avenue business corridors. The city’s

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SYRACUSE, N.Y. — For-profit and nonprofit organizations can apply for funding to make building improvements through the City of Syracuse’s two new Main Street façade-improvement programs.

The programs support the redevelopment and improvement of mixed use, commercial, and historic properties in Syracuse’s South Salina Street, West Onondaga Street, and South Avenue business corridors.

The city’s neighborhood and business-development programs will provide grants to restore building façades, beautify and repair exteriors, and assist with other improvements, the office of Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh announced.

Syracuse will use funding allocated from New York State and the Onondaga County Department of Community Development.

“Spurring investment in our neighborhood business corridors is critical to the city’s ongoing economic growth,” Walsh said in the news release. “With passionate community engagement and a concentration of local, state and federal support already committed to these areas, the new Main Street programs build off the momentum to reactivate storefronts and foster growth in our neighborhood business corridors.”

The South Salina Main Street Façade Improvement program has $1.25 million available to those who own or are under contract to purchase an existing property located on the South Salina Corridor, with a target area spanning from East Adams Street and Seneca Turnpike. The funds are limited to façade work and exterior improvements of mixed-use buildings and commercial properties.

The deadline for submissions will be 5 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 12, 2024.

The Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) Main Street Façade Improvement program has $1.8 million available to property and business owners located within the City’s Southwest gateway area, with a maximum amount of $250,000 to be awarded per project.

Funds can be used on activities including but not limited to building stabilization, structural repairs, façade work, and exterior/interior improvements. Applications for the DRI Southwest Gateway program will be accepted on a rolling basis until all funds have been committed.

The Southwest Gateway downtown revitalization is anchored by the West Onondaga Street and South Avenue business corridors, per Walsh’s office. The Southwest Gateway shares three city blocks with the central business district.

A recent increase in investment has led to the redevelopment of many of these properties, Walsh’s office noted.

“The Onondaga County Main Street Program has been a tremendous success,” Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon said in the city’s news release. “Partnering with commercial property owners we’ve leveraged over $29 million dollars on nearly 240 projects to breathe new life into critical business districts. We are pleased to be expanding this program into the City of Syracuse and know that this partnership will yield the same positive results we have seen throughout Onondaga County.”

Details on the programs and the application process can be found at syr.gov/departments/nbd.

Applicants can be for-profit and nonprofit 501(c)(3) or 501 (c)(4) organizations. Applications can be submitted electronically to business@syrgov.net or sent to: City of Syracuse Department of Neighborhood & Business Development, 300 South State St., Suite 700, Syracuse, NY 13202.

The MOST announces new hires and promotions

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SYRACUSE, N.Y. — The Milton J. Rubenstein Museum of Science & Technology (MOST) recently announced the hiring of two new employees and the promotion of two current staff members. Courtney Armbruster has joined the museum as the director of marketing & communications. She oversees all of the organization’s direct communications and outreach with visitors and

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SYRACUSE, N.Y. — The Milton J. Rubenstein Museum of Science & Technology (MOST) recently announced the hiring of two new employees and the promotion of two current staff members.

Courtney Armbruster has joined the museum as the director of marketing & communications. She oversees all of the organization’s direct communications and outreach with visitors and the community, the MOST said. Armbruster has nearly 25 years of experience with marketing, design, and writing in the engineering, architecture, and health care industries. She most recently served as director of marketing at Nascentia Health for two and a half years. Before that, Armbruster was a communication leader at C&S Companies, according to her LinkedIn profile. She has a bachelor’s degree in communication from Cornell University.

Sierra Messina-Yauchzy has joined the MOST as inclusions program coordinator for the museum’s education department. She coordinates programs related to inclusion, diversity, and accessibility, with the goal of expanding the reach of the MOST to reach additional groups within the Central New York community who have been historically underrepresented within STEM fields. Messina-Yauchzy previously worked with a nonprofit, called Peaceful Schools, according to her LinkedIn profile. There, she taught 4th grade to 8th grade classes focused on coding, robotics, engineering, and music, the MOST said. She is a graduate of Syracuse University, where she studied engineering and educational psychology.

The MOST has promoted Evelyn Fabian Crast to assistant director of finance, where she manages accounts payable, revenue recording, and human-resources responsibilities. She has worked at the museum for 19 years, including the last six years in the finance department.

Samera Chapman was promoted to assistant director of education at the MOST. She helps lead the design, development, and execution of educational programs for learners of all ages who visit the museum. Her role includes hands-on educational opportunities for tens of thousands of local school children who participate in diverse activities at the museum annually. She has been at the MOST since 2022.

The MOST is a hands-on science and technology museum located in Armory Square in downtown Syracuse. The MOST says it is focused on dynamic science education that engages learners of all ages and abilities. It features 35,000 square feet of interactive permanent and traveling exhibits plus the state-of-the-art National Grid ExploraDome theatre. The museum operates numerous STEM education programs and community outreach events throughout the year. The MOST’s mission is to provide informal science learning experiences that ignite curiosity, encourage discovery, and inspire investigation.

New president outlines vision for Oneida County Tourism

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UTICA, N.Y. — New to the role of president at the Convention and Visitors Bureau for Oneida County, which does business as Oneida County Tourism, Sarah Foster Calero isn’t new to the organization. Calero, who took over as president on July 1, marked 13 years with the tourism organization in October. She’s the first to

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Calero, who took over as president on July 1, marked 13 years with the tourism organization in October.

She’s the first to acknowledge her new role is “totally different” from what she’s done in the past, but Calero says she is up to the challenge and brimming with ideas for the organization and for tourism in Oneida County.

First up is strategic planning for Oneida County Tourism (OCT), something that hasn’t been done in about eight years, Calero says. Previous plans were sidelined by the pandemic, so it’s past time to update OCT’s strategic vision for the next several years.

“We will in December deploy a survey,” she says. The survey will go out to stakeholders across the county, and OCT is working with Young Strategies, Inc. on the project. The Charlotte, North Carolina company specializes in research and strategic planning for the travel industry.

Once the data collected from the survey is analyzed, OCT can start strategizing and develop a plan for the next four to five years, Calero says.

“It’s really going to show us what are our strengths, show us what are our weaknesses,” she notes.

Even more immediate than strategic planning, Oneida County Tourism is moving, Calero says. The organization has been housed in a county-owned building near New York State Thruway exit 31 for all of its almost 40 years of existence. The problem, Calero says, is that the office is really hard to get to — unless you are exiting the Thruway there.

To make OCT a little more accessible to visitors and residents alike, one person will be moving to Union Station in the Bagg’s Square area. Along with serving as the area’s train and bus station, the surrounding area is in the midst of a revitalization that brings more people there, Calero says. It just makes sense to have someone from OCT there to make information and materials available.

The remaining three staff members, including Calero, are moving into the Oneida County Office Building at 800 Park Avenue. This puts OCT closer to a variety of stakeholders, Calero says.

“I’m working with my board and with the county to foster those relationships,” and create synergies, she says. “We all ultimately have the same goals.”

The goal is to promote Oneida County as a tourist destination. From nature hotspots like the Adirondacks to sports hubs like the Utica University Nexus Center, there is something for everyone.

“This is the first year where I think we’re starting to see that impact on the community,” Calero says of the Nexus Center.

Next April, the Nexus Center and neighboring Adirondack Bank Center at the Utica Auditorium play host to the 2024 IIHF Women’s World Cup Championship, which will bring 10 international ice-hockey teams for 29 games over the course of 11 days.

“That should be over 60,000 people that come,” into Oneida County for that event, Calero says. OTC is looking at ways to partner with Oneida County and the Nexus Center to make sure all those visitors have information on places where they can eat, shop, and visit while they’re in town.

“It’s a really exciting time to be in Oneida County, and I hope people recognize that,” she says. “I do.”

Other initiatives Calero is looking at include partnering with local colleges to help out with things like student recruitment and family weekends, making sure everyone knows what the area has to offer.

She’d also like to start a localized marketing campaign to build awareness for the agency and the area and is considering a rebrand for OTC to streamline its brand and focus.

Calero is also working on her own professional development, working her way toward her Certified Destination Management Executive (CDME) credential, which is the tourism industry’s highest individual educational achievement.

The training is helping her fill gaps where she did not gain experience in her previous roles at OTC, which included director of group sales, director of sales, director of media relations, and director of communications.

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