TO OUR VALUED SCVA MEMBERS:

SCVA and other Tourism Promotion Agencies across NYS are in a battle to save the local aid to localities funding that you may know better as the I Love NY Matching Funds Program.  This is not to be confused with this year’s Sullivan County Catskills local matching funds program.

The I Love NY funding is the funding that the SCVA organization uses to promote its members and the tourism industry of Sullivan County outside of the county.  The trade and travel shows, NY Times Show, Westchester Golf Show, American Bus Marketplace, etc., are funded through this.  The advertising done in NYC, NJ, PA, CN, and MA as well as the international markets are all funded through the I Love NY Matching Funds Program.

SCVA and the Tourism Promotion Agencies across the State are not asking for additional funds.  We all realize that cuts need to be made, however, this funding is there and it is being taken by the executive branch of Empire State Development and wasted on a State website that is dysfunctional at best and TV ads that will probably be as bad if not worse than the recent lottery ads.

PLEASE CALL OR WRITE YOUR LOCAL STATE LEGISLATORS AND TELL THEM WHAT LOSING THESE FUNDS WILL MEAN TO YOUR BUSINESS AND THE TOURISM INDUSTRY OF THE SULLIVAN COUNTY CATSKILLS .

SAMPLE MATCHING FUNDS LETTER

TO LOCAL LEGISLATORS

Dear ——————–

When I wrote you last month concerning delay in the 2009-2010 Matching Funds grants and the 2010-2011 Governor’s recommended budget, we feared that both the Division of Budget and the Governor’s office were actively working to submarine the legislatively mandated Matching Funds programs. 

We were wrong!  Sadly, the culprit is the Empire State Development Corp. which administers the Matching Funds program.  I am attaching a copy of Empire State Development’s letter advising the State’s Tourism Promotion Agencies that the “Matching Grant Program has been cancelled.”  It is canceling a program that is not theirs to cancel.  And, ESD openly admits that it is taking the funds for its own programming, despite the fact that it was the legislature more than 30 years ago which spelled out exactly how the money was to be used.  To quote Peter Davidson, executive director of ESD, in an e-mail to at least one TPA: “Part of the reason to eliminate matching funds was to make sure that there are sufficient funds to invest in both the launch of the new ILNY web site and, most importantly, to create and air a new ILNY TV ad. So those two tourism marketing initiatives are definitely still in the budget.”

Despite many more millions available over the past three years, ESD has not aired one second of TV advertising; despite having a two-year-old fully functional website, ESD went out and spent a reported $800,000 to develop a new website that just went haltingly on-line; despite the pleas of the industry, ESD elected two years ago to stop printing a Statewide travel guide and is only now planning the limited printing of a statewide guide. 

In the past four years, the only sustained print advertising program promoting the vacation opportunities of New York State has been that coordinated by the NYS TPA Council and individual efforts by the State’s counties and Regions.  

In short, the 684,000 New Yorkers who make up the State’s travel/tourism industry desperately need your help, and quickly.  (Insert name of your county) travel and tourism industry, which in 2008 generated  $ (insert state and local taxes generated in your county) in state and local taxes and employed (insert number of employees from your county) county residents, is facing a crisis of potentially catastrophic proportions. 

Slightly less than 12 months ago, the State legislature passed the 2009-2010 State budget that contained $4.3 million in matching funds to promote travel/tourism to the State’s counties and regions.  That money was later reduced to $4.1 million because of the State’s deteriorating fiscal condition.  We accepted that reduced level because we agreed that everyone had to do their part.  Those dollars were due to be released no later than January 1, 2010.  As you are aware, they never came.  ESD, however, continued to demand that potential recipients complete marketing plans and acquire the needed commitment letters from county legislatures.  It demanded rigid adherence to Matching Funds rules, regulations and deadlines.

And, now it is obvious that Empire State Development never intended to meet its commitment; that it rejects its role as good stewards of the legislature’s programs.   

Those funds are desperately needed if we are to promote our visitor amenities.  In our specific case, (Insert name of your county) built its marketing program on the assumption that the money would be available, and within a reasonable time after we submitted our vouchers and they were approved.  This is the time of the year when we contract advertising based on the assumption the State will meet its obligation, as we meet ours.  Sadly, that is not the case.

            As a result,  (Insert name of your organization) faces the possibility of literally having to shut down or drastically reduce our promotional programs and operations if the commitment of Matching Funds dollars is not forth coming in a relatively short time.  This is the investment that generates local and state taxes.

            Anything your office can do to get Empire State Development to recognize its obligation to the law would be greatly appreciated.  A phone call or visit to Assemblyman Steve Englebright, chair of the Assembly Tourism, Arts & Sports Development, advising him of your displeasure with ESD’s actions would be of great assistance.  Direct communication with Messrs. Dennis Mullen and Peter Davidson would be even better.

The continued employment of (number of people employed in tourism in your county) of your constituents depends on the timely commitment and availability of these funds.  Please don’t let them down.

Sincerely,

Follow Up on Local Marketing Initiative, Group Marketing and SCVA Opportunities

Thank you to those members that were able to attend and for the positive ideas exchanged. We have put those ideas into the following format to proceed forward with the local matching funds initiative and other programs for 2010. There is a lot of information and programs available so please take the time to read and if you feel you need further explanation, please contact me.

GUIDELINES FOR LOCAL MARKETING

 SCVA members only

 50/50 match of funds

 All print ads will be enclosed in a “donut” (SCVA masthead & information, see sample) This will serve as a uniformed branding of the Sullivan County Catskills

 All radio ads will be enclosed in a 10 second intro-ending, again branding the message of the Sullivan County Catskills

 All Members must submit media and marketing plans to SCVA before advertising begins

 All media partners must submit any businesses seeking inclusion in this program to SCVA before advertising begins

 All contracts are between SCVA and the media. Member businesses ARE NOT permitted to enter into a contract with media.

 SCVA members will be billed on a monthly basis according to their advertising plan

 Media pricing for this program will be based and recognized as an SCVA rate and must submit this rate to SCVA.

 All member payments are due to SCVA prior to ad run.

The following media are participating locally in this program:

 Catskill-Delaware Publications (Democrat & Confidential) Liz Tucker

 The River Reporter Danielle Gabel

 WSUL/WVOS Helena Manzione

 Thunder 102 & Affiliates Matt Dorcas

** Submit your marketing plans to SCVA no later than April 9, 2010 to ensure your participation in this program

*** Other media outlets i.e. Times Herald Record, Hudson Valley publications or Pennsylvania publications will be considered out of county advertising and fall under the external matching funds program. Guidelines above will be followed but please submit as a separate part of your marketing plan.

GROUP MARKETING

Several SCVA businesses attended the Group Marketing meeting at which time the aspects of group marketing was discussed. The success of SCVA’s web sites and the ability to have the travel guide downloadable as a PDF is going to allow SCVA to create and place on-line a Group Travel Planner available to Tour Operators and Meeting and Reunion Planners. This on-line planner will be available and promoted to tour operators and meeting planners starting in May 2010.

What is group marketing?

o A group constitutes a number of guests over 20 people traveling together visiting a destination or business.

o This group can be:

o a family or military reunion

o conference meeting, corporate retreat or incentive travel

o tour operator or group leader “leisure or business” oriented travel

o domestic or international

o main destination or in-route stop over

Is your business group friendly? Are you equipped to handle a group?

o Groups tend to be pre-scheduled so you will know when they are coming and can somewhat dictate as to when you may desire groups i.e. mid- week or shoulder season. However, too many restrictions can affect the success of attracting groups.

o Amenities needed for group business

o First and foremost, your business must have tier pricing

 Rack Rate – This is the rate you would charge the average individual customer

 Group Leader – This is a somewhat discounted rate or offer to entice the group leader to bring their group to you. This rate does not have to vary from the rack rate or a special rate that you offer individuals but can offer some type of incentive depending on your desire to attract groups

 Tour Operator Rate – This rate has to offer the most incentive and discount of all other pricing. Operators tend to work and offer packages to a variety of group leaders and as business works, the operator needs to have the greatest incentive of all to bring you continued group business

o Parking and turn-around for a minimum of two 55 passenger motor coaches

o Roadways to your business that are accessible for motor coaches i.e. weight limits

o At least two restrooms with one handicap accessible or a fellow business partner nearby working with you to present a package for the group market

o Dining or exhibition space to hold at least 55 people

o Staff to handle the additional influx of guests

Packaging your business

o Packaging your business with other businesses in and around your county will add to the success of group business. Planners look for a variety of things to do and see when selling these packages to their customers. Packages usually revolve around a main attraction with lodging, dining, shopping and additional ancillary venues contributing to the value of the package. Packages are usually themed in some way to distinguish each package but businesses can be in several different packages.

o Sample itineraries including new and innovative ideas i.e. maple syrup trail, farm visit, educational components along with the package adds to the salability of the package.

o A single pricing structure must be in place on any packages advertised.

o All packages and sample itineraries would be placed on the web at both scva.net and catskillmeetings.com in an on-line group tour guide for operators and meeting planners.

OTHER IDEAS FOR PROMOTING GROUP BUSINESS

o FAM (Familiarization) Tours – offering operators and meeting planners the opportunity to visit

o HOW (Hospitality On Wheels) – interested properties take their properties directly to the tour operator

o Ads in Group Publications – Reunion Magazine, American Bus Association (ABA), National Tour Association (NTA)

o Featured e-blasts

o Green bag giveaways

o Promotional CD of Sullivan County sites and attractions

WHAT IS NEXT?

o SCVA will host a group marketing seminar of interested businesses with the objective of creating 6 types of packages for domestic tours and 2-3 types of packages for international tours.

o This seminar will be held at the end of March with an exact date, time and location announced later next week.

OTHER OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE TO SCVA MEMBERS FOR 2010

 Sullivan County Catskills discount card – Card would be available on-line at scva.net for $25.00. It would offer discounts from participating SCVA members for golf, culture and restaurants. Members who wish to participate would set parameters for their offers on line and offers would be good through 2010. Advantage to members is the exposure of their business to residents, second home owners and visitors to Sullivan County. This is a program that needs to be up and running ASAP so if you are interested in participating, please respond immediately.

 Rack Cards – Member businesses who require rack cards for advertising can now work together with other member businesses to produce their inventory of rack cards through bulk printing. Call for details on this program ASAP so that your rack card can be ready for the SCVA Annual Literature Exchange in May.

 “Made in the Sullivan County Catskills” store – SCVA has created a “Made In” logo that members can use on product they produce or manufacture for sale showing pride and quality as well as recognition for the products produced in Sullivan County. Later in the year SCVA will unveil a virtual on-line store at scva.net where members can advertise and sell merchandise that is Made in the SC Catskills.

 On-line advertising – Advertise your business at scva.net. Compare SCVA rates against other sites on the internet. SCVA.Net without boring stats is benchmarking higher than other sites in its category. It is the perfect way to put your business out in front of the internet users. Another way of promoting your business is sponsoring weekly e-blasts that go out to an extended database promoting upcoming events and offers. This is a great opportunity for SCVA tourism supporters.

There’s Plenty to Love on Valentine’s Weekend in Sullivan County’s Catskills

This year Valentine’s Day falls on a Sunday with President’s day falling on the Monday immediately afterward. Why not consider spending the weekend in Sullivan County’s Catskills? From pancake breakfasts to mimosa brunches to Valentine’s Day dinners for two the county offers up sensational places to bring that special someone or spend some real quality time with the whole family.

Choices of places to stay abound in Sullivan County. Looking for a quaint country inn, a bed and breakfast, a spa or a turn of the century luxury resort? They are all here tucked amid pristine snow covered mountains, beside a running stream or down a quiet country lane. From the romance of the Victorian era to skiing and snowboarding fun, from intimate dinners for two, to the camaraderie of a pancake breakfast or spaghetti dinner served up at a local firehouse special Valentine’s Day memories are waiting.

There is so much to see and do it is near impossible to list it all here in this blog, but here are just a few of the special events, listed in SCVA’s Calendar, happening around the county on Valentine’s weekend.

On Saturday and Sunday, February 13 and 14, the Sullivan County Museum in Hurleyville will offer up a serving of Dessert Theatre – A Cabaret of Love Songs and Desserts for Valentine’s Day. Immerse yourself and the one you love in an evening or afternoon of musical entertainment and delicious desserts. Featuring a mix of songs from the turn of the last century to current Broadway hits, including ballads and standards and a few unconventional love songs as well, there’ll be something for everyone to L-O-V-E!

For sweets to the sweet, not pay a visit to the annual dessert party celebrating Valentine’s Day on Saturday, February 13, from 2-6 p.m. at the Catskill Artists Gallery on Main Street in Liberty and enjoy the homemade goodies. While munching the sweets, look for that special something for your sweetie. There are unique, handmade gifts in all styles and price ranges. A complimentary 2010 calendar featuring beautiful line drawings by well-known local artist Ann Higgins will be given as a holiday bonus (while supplies last) to all purchasers of $50 or more.

For those who love to dance, visit the Eldred Preserve and enjoy a special ala carte menu that will tantalize your taste buds from 5-10 pm. Enjoy slow, romantic dance music from 8-10 pm in the banquet room. There will be a beautiful rose for every lady and a complimentary glass of champagne will top of this romantic evening. Advanced reservations are required and can be made by calling 845-557-8316.

Legend has it that St. Valentine wrote a letter on the eve of his execution to a girl named Julia who had come to him in prison hoping he could restore her eyesight. He signed the note “from your Valentine.” When she opened the note a yellow flower fell out and the girl saw colors for the first time. There have been many Valentines sent and received since then. The wish is somewhat still the same, in which one who is blind will be able to see, though it has changed to mean able to see the love of another.

On February 13 the Kadampa Meditation Center will hold a special one day course entitled “Relationship 101: A Day Course in Peace and Harmony. For more information call 845-856-9000.

These are but a sampling of all the very special Valentine happenings in the county. Visit the main SCVA site for a full listing of lodging, dining, attractions and events. And enjoy a Happy Valentine’s Day weekend in Sullivan County’s Catskills.

DIY Network’s “Blog Cabin” Comes to Bethel

DIY Network is a channel owned by Scripps Networks Interactive.

Since launching HGTV in 1994, Scripps Networks has become the leader in lifestyle media, developing some of the most relevant content available on television, the Internet and satellite radio, in books and magazines, and on today’s emerging media platforms. 

According to DIY, “Blog Cabin” is a groundbreaking multimedia experience based on a very simple idea: You Design It, We Build It, [and] You Could Win It! This truly interactive series asks Internet users to vote on the design features for a real cabin getaway. Blog Cabin will then be featured on five special episodes of the hottest DIY Network shows: BATHtastic!, Desperate Landscapes, House Crashers, Kitchen Impossible, and Yard Crashers. Expert hosts from these series will be on hand to renovate the 1970s ranch in BETHEL that will become a luxurious home for a lucky sweepstakes winner. Plus, a one-hour Blog Cabin special, hosted by licensed contractor John DeSilvia, will highlight the incredible transformation.

As the name implies, in addition to being part the aforementioned television programs, there is a dedicated blog site that DIY Network maintains. Here is the first installment from that site posted on February 1, 2010.

DIY Blog Cabin 2010 – The Scoop

Hey there.

It’s Mary here, the roving “Blog Cabin” writer and editor. Nice to meet you all and join in the blog-posting fun with Watson. I am popping in today to share some good news: We’re finally ready to announce the details of this year’s getaway. Are you ready?

We’re flipping the program on its ear this year. Rather than building from the ground up, we’re going to gut renovate from the inside out. We’ve chosen a ’70s rancher in upstate New York – Bethel, N.Y., to be exact – nestled in the shadow of the gorgeous Catskills Mountains. And rather than assemble one team to remodel the home from start to finish, we’ve decided to divvy up responsibilities amongst our most popular show hosts, based on their areas of expertise: Kitchen Impossible’s Marc Bartolomeo, BATHtastic!’s Matt Muenster, House Crashers’ Josh Temple, Yard Crashers’ Ahmed Hassan and Desperate Landscapes’ Jason Cameron. In each of five show episodes that begin airing in mid August, these talented guys, led by licensed contractor John DeSilvia, will completely transform the indoor and/or outdoor spaces they’ve been assigned. (Expect jaw-dropping before and afters!)

Two important things that remain unchanged? The first: We will rely on you to choose the products and materials used to renovate and update this vacation getaway. People’s Choice voting begins sometime this month. Keep checking the blog for updates and sign up for the DIY Newsletter to receive voting reminders. The second: You get to enter for your chance to win this fabulous home. You design it. We build it. You get to win it!

Are you as excited as I am? Pretty neat concept, right? Let us know your thoughts – the good and the constructive. And if you haven’t already, take a look at photo galleries we’ve dedicated to the home and the neighborhood.

There’s Tons of Fun in Sullivan County’s Winter Catskills

When it comes to kids, families and the great outdoors Sullivan County always has lots to offer and winters in Sullivan County are no exception to the rule. From the Livingston Manor Rotary Ice Carnival held in January to February’s annual Ice Fishing Contests and Derbies, to our frozen lakes, crystal clear steams and mountains and valleys covered with snow, there is something for every one to enjoy.

Holiday Mountain Ski and Fun Park, located just outside Monticello, is open Tuesday through Sunday for skiing and snowboarding fun. Holiday Mountain Ski Area has 7 slopes and trails of varying skill levels to satisfy everyone and offer 4 lifts and two Chalets. All 7 trails offer night skiing At Holiday Mountain they love Mother Nature, but they do not take her for granted or take any chances. With 100% snowmaking on their slopes, they are able to enhance what nature gives us. Then they put the finishing touches on the slopes using the latest grooming equipment. In February be sure to check out their special events also: Scouts Weekend – February 6 and 7, Presidents Week/Winter Recess – February 14 through 22, YMCA Wines and Cheese event – February 26 at 6 p.m. followed the next day by the YMCA Fireman’s Races on February 27 at 8 a.m.

For grown-ups, and kids alike, who just can’t wait for trout season to open in the spring, Sullivan County’s lakes offer the very best in ice fishing. And for those in a slightly competitive mood, the county offers several ice contests and derbies throughout the month of February.

On Saturday, February 6 from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. the Loch Sheldrake Fire Department is sponsoring the Lunker of the Ice Fishing Derby. Adult Division entry ages are 16 and up – cost $8. There is also a Youth Division – cost $3. All participants must pre-register before February 6th. To pre-register stop at the Liberty Agway Home and Garden, Bon Jovi Lane, Liberty, the Loch Sheldrake Fire House, Route 52, Loch Sheldrake on Wednesday nights from 7 to 9 p.m. or call 845-434-2710 or 845-434-2724.

Also on Saturday, February 6, the Jerry Sheppard Memorial Free Youth Ice Fishing Contest will be held at Mitchell Pond West in Cochecton from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Jerry Sheppard loved kids and after his passing in September of 2006, the Sheppard family along with many of Jerry’s friends, created the children’s ice fishing derby as a way to keep Jerry’s memory alive and continue his outreach to kids. The contest is for kids ages 16 and younger. Bait and refreshments will be supplied. For more information or directions call Randy at 845-932-8152.

Sponsored by the Hurleyville Fire Department and Town of Fallsburg Youth Commission the 22^nd Annual Ice Fishing Contest will take place on Saturday, February 13 from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Morningside Lake in Hurleyville. Adults are $5, 14 and under are free. For more information call Jack Halchak at 845-436-5418, George Price at 845-434-3475 or Fred Turner at 845-434-7706 or visit www.hurleyvilleny.com.

On Sunday, February 21 head to Kauneonga Lake in the Town of Bethel where the Sullivan County Conservation Club will be holding the King of the Ice Fishing Contest. An annual event, not to be missed, often attended by over 300 hundred ice fisherman from as far away as New Jersey and Connecticut, it is a day filled with prizes, give-aways and good food and fun for the whole family. To pre-register in person contact Sports-Nuts in Rock Hill or pre-register by mail to Charlie Greenhouse, PO Box 64, White Lake NY 12786. It is also possible to register the day of the event, but no matter what you decide come early because available parking fills up rapidly.