|
|
 Cortland, NY – A $17,500 state grant is helping fund the development of sports related marketing pieces promoting the region's many fine venues and facilities.
Empire State Development Corp. Chairman Charles A. Gargano announced the grant earlier this year as part of an effort to support the development of tourism promotional programs capitalizing on thematic travel opportunities. Empire State Development will administer the grants, in conjunction with the Governor's Tourism Advisory Council.
"New York State offers a tremendous wealth of thematic travel opportunities," Gargano said. "With the Explore NY matching funds program, these great travel experiences have the chance to receive the development and exposure they deserve, giving a further boost to New York's tourism industry."
The CRSC grant will assist in the development of a DVD, a county welcome guide and other materials. "The DVD is now in production and will focus on the many venues within Cortland County that are available for event owners and operators," said CRSC executive director Machell Phelps. "The production will focus on the SUNY Cortland Stadium Complex, the new TC3 Athletic Complex, the JM McDonald Sports Complex along with Starr Road Park and the other area facilities appropriate for hosting sporting events. " The DVD is being produced by Kevin Hicks, owner of Hark Productions out of Lansing.
Outdoor locations such as the soccer fields in McGraw and the turf facility at Homer High School will take priority for filming, conducted by the local firm Hark Productions. Indoor locations will be included over the winter months, along with the ski areas.
Segments of the DVD will feature Cortland's hospitality market, our local restaurants and food locations as well as retail. "Another important component to the DVD will be the medical facilities we have in Cortland," Phelps said. "The availability of emergency room and urgent care facilities is an important consideration."
Once complete, the DVD will be set up to stream on the internet via the CRSC's website and available to link to other sites looking for this kind of information.
"No other county our size can offer this kind of information," said CRSC board chair Joe Reagan. "It's another indication of what we do to continually to set ourselves apart from the competition".
Further information on the CRSC and sporting events can be found at www.cortlandsports.org or by calling 607-756-1864.
|
