Honor Finger Lakes Tourism Alliance

Senate Resolution No. 748 BY: Senator O'MARA COMMEMORATING the 100th Anniversary of the Finger Lakes Tourism Alliance on May 4, 2019 WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to commend those illustrious organizations of the State of New York whose focus and intent have made a substantial impact on the quality of life in their communities; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commemorate the 100th Anniversary of the Finger Lakes Tourism Alliance to be celebrated on Saturday, May 4, 2019, at the Ramada Plaza by Wyndham Geneva Lakefront Resort, Geneva, New York; and WHEREAS, The Finger Lakes Tourism Alliance (FLTA) was founded on

April 25, 1919, when a group of people came together in Auburn, New York, to organize a cooperative to promote tourism in the region; and WHEREAS, The longest-standing regional destination marketing organization in the United States, the Finger Lakes Tourism Alliance has been steadfastly committed to growing tourism in the region for a century; and WHEREAS, The Finger Lakes Region extends east and west from Rochester to Syracuse, and north and south from the Lake Ontario border to the Pennsylvania border; it is home to more than 400 registered historic sites and landmarks, 135 museums, 80 art galleries, 14 professional theatre companies, 100 wineries, 300 bed and breakfasts,

1,063 waterfalls and gorges, 26 state parks, 2,000 miles of hiking/biking trails, and 650 miles of shoreline; and WHEREAS, Under the able leadership of its President, Cynthia Kimble, the Finger Lakes Tourism Alliance has grown to a three billion dollar industry, supporting over 58,000 jobs in the region, with the numbers growing year over year; and WHEREAS, As the oldest regional destination marketing organization in the country, the Finger Lakes Tourism Alliance works with its partners and market research firms to determine the best investments in marketing to attract visitors to the region ensuring partner growth and success; and WHEREAS, These Alliance partners include private-sector attractions, tourism-related businesses and participating county tourism offices in all 14 counties of the state-designated tourism region which include Cayuga, Chemung, Cortland, Livingston, Monroe, Onondaga, Ontario, Schuyler, Seneca, Steuben, Tioga, Tompkins, Wayne, and Yates Counties; and WHEREAS, Over its distinguished 100-year history, the Finger Lakes Tourism Alliance has demonstrated continuous service to the residents and communities which it serves; and WHEREAS, The success of the Finger Lakes Tourism Alliance is in direct correlation to the efforts of its dedicated employees, whose involvement is, and always has been, characterized by an impressive commitment, an unbridled enthusiasm, and an uncompromising standard of excellence in all endeavors on behalf of the organization and the community it serves; and WHEREAS, This auspicious occasion presents an opportunity for this Legislative Body to recognize and pay tribute to Finger Lakes Tourism Alliance; and WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body that when individuals and organizations of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our attention, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to commemorate the 100th Anniversary of the Finger Lakes Tourism Alliance on May 4, 2019; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to the Finger Lakes Tourism Alliance.