Adirondack Coast Visitors Bureau Unveils Destination Master Plan
Community Kickoff Celebrates Clinton County’s Future as a Tourist Destination

Plattsburgh, NY – 12/10/10 – Today the North Country Chamber of Commerce and Adirondack Coast Visitors Bureau unveiled the Adirondack Coast’s Destination Master Plan and the steps being taken to evolve Clinton County as a destination.  A community celebration at Clinton Community College punctuated a six month journey that will leave its mark on the area for residents and visitors alike – for generations.

With direction from the Visitors Bureau and the Clinton County-appointed Strategic Tourism Planning Committee, Egret Communications, a Missouri-based consulting firm, led the process of researching, visioning and designing the Destination Master Plan that will guide the evolution of Clinton County’s tourism.  

Working within a defined set of planning steps customized to fit the challenges and opportunities facing Clinton County, the group collaborated with key players in the county’s tourism industry, as well as, other local economic sectors and community and government leaders.  The end result is a clear vision for the Destination Master Plan coupled with a realistic, actionable plan with stated goals and timetables. 

Vision
To improve the Adirondack Coast’s significant historical experiences and access to its abundance of natural resources, deepening the pride of the residents in our area, strengthening the regional economy, and enhancing our quality of life. We will become an attractive destination for leisure travelers seeking immersive, interactive and authentic historical experiences and access to high quality outdoor adventures.

"With this plan, the Chamber and its Visitors Bureau are now able to move beyond tourism marketing and actually set the stage for tourism development," stated Garry Douglas, President & CEO of the North Country Chamber of Commerce.   "The vision and recommendations contained in this master plan provide a number of near-term and longer term steps for the attraction of more visitors and spending, meaning more tax revenue and jobs.  And it also recognizes that the best forms of tourism development also enhance the quality of life for current and future residents. The implementation of this plan has already begun and will be a strategic priority for the Chamber over the next several years."

Overview of Goals & Actions

Bob Harvey, partner from Egret Communications, stated, “I see this destination becoming a history tourism hot spot - and doing that in such a way that generates the kinds of social and economic opportunities that community leaders are seeking. The changes we will create on the Adirondack Coast will create an environment where young people can be excited to plan careers and families in this county - and have a sense that there are career wage jobs and business opportunities they can use to support those plans."

The Strategic Tourism Planning Committee and the Adirondack Coast Visitors Bureau will lead the execution of the Destination Master Plan, measuring success by comparing our products and services against the best, by the reputation earned with visitors and by the progress made to improve quality of life for residents.

See the Destination Master Plan in its entirety.

In their own words
“As Mayor, I appreciate the efforts of all involved to bring the Destination Master Plan to fruition. If many of the suggestions are implemented, the North Country will experience unprecedented tourism growth and nationwide recognition highlighting our wealth of history." - Donald M. Kasprzak, Mayor, City of Plattsburgh

"I'm excited to have been a part of the process and to support the new Destination Master Plan.  The Town of Plattsburgh embraces the concept and has begun to take action to implement the plan's goals that will help create a regional destination making the Champlain Valley a highly desirable place to visit, live and work.  The Destination Master Plan will usher in a new era for our Town and County."  - Bernie Bassett, Supervisor, Town of Plattsburgh

“The vision and goals of the Adirondack Coast Destination Master Plan dovetail perfectly with those of the Village of Rouses Point's revitalization project.   We look forward to working together to bring this vision to reality!” - George A. Rivers, Mayor, Village of Rouses Point

“A hundred years ago the Hotel Champlain was a destination for heads of state, celebrities and tourists from far and wide. How fitting it is for us to launch the new Destination Master Plan here on Bluff Point.” - John Jablonski, President, Clinton Community College

“This is a tremendous opportunity for local museums to promote their mission of sharing and interpreting the wonderful history of this area." - Roger D. Harwood, President, Clinton County Historical Association

"Our area's rich military history is an underdeveloped asset.  The economic opportunities presented by experiential heritage tourism are too important to ignore.” - Keith A. Herkalo, President, Battle of Plattsburgh Association

 “Heritage tourism is vital to the North Country's future. Our area's unique role in history, coupled with the assets of the local heritage and cultural sites, creates the potential of developing a tourist destination of national and even international significance. And it's all here in our own backyard!” - John Krueger, Executive Director, Kent-Delord House Museum

“Through the Adirondack Coast master plan we see our small farm winery business being able to build a customer base that would be impossible for us to develop on our own. We are extremely excited to be a part of the ever expanding agritourism of our region and know that this initiative will promote and support us!” - Mary Fortin, Proprietor, Amazing Grace Vineyard

“The Destination Master Plan has been a real boon for the Saranac River Trail. The plan has given trail planners and the volunteer members of the Saranac River Trail Advisory Committee a broader sense of purpose. We know the trail isn't being built in a vacuum, but is part of a comprehensive, coordinated effort to let potential visitors in on what residents already know: what a great place Clinton County is.” - Luke Cyphers, Saranac River Trail Advisory Committee

 “The Destination Master Plan will create new and increased employment opportunities, an enhanced local economy and community tax base, support for tourism, increased visitor satisfaction - resulting in repeat business. These are all factors that a company looks at when considering a business expansion or internal growth." - Joan LaPier, Marketing Director, Champlain Centre

 “I view the Destination Master Plan as the first steps in developing a plan for the future of this area and serve as a model for our leadership to follow in the future. This plan provides sequential steps that will exponentially benefit not only tourism, but aid our greatest institutions in attracting students, executives and highly trained professionals with trailing spouses to our picturesque corner of the world.” - Bob Smith, President & CEO, Nine Platt

 “I believe this plan will secure a promising future for local economy and regional growth and development.” - Steven L. Carpenter, Owner—Liquor & Wine Warehouse, 4 Seasons Plaza & EconoLodge Inn & Suites

"The Destination Master Plan for Clinton County is finally going to let the world know about who we are and what we have to offer. We are a diverse county that includes a rich historical past and beautiful geography.  We are proud of our community and heritage and once this plan is put into action, it will benefit all who live and work in this area.” - Kris Duus, Proprietor, Lakeside Coffee

“This is an exciting opportunity which will enable us to orient our hotel offerings to meet the needs of the current and future tourism market place.  This will enable us to stay current with the ever changing public perception of tourists who come to Clinton County.” - Vicki Demarse-Giroux, General Manager, La Quinta

“Significant historical events, including the Battles of Valcour and Plattsburgh, must be transformed into an authentic, immersive and interactive experience by recreating these ships as part of a museum of a quality that you would expect nationally. Our goal should be to have people mention Valcour and Plattsburgh among the great historical sites in our country. We, as a community, should claim our rightful place in history.” - Terry Meron, Proprietor, Comfort inn

 “The local residents are really the winners, or major benefactors, of the Destination Master Plan.  Providing encouragement and improved access to outdoor physical activities such as cycling, walking trails and enjoying Lake Champlain will aid North Country residents to live a healthy lifestyle.” - Diane Akey, Proprietor, Hampton Inn

# # #

About the Adirondack Coast Visitors Bureau
The Adirondack Coast Visitors Bureau, a division of the North Country Chamber of Commerce, was established in 1994 as the official tourism promotion agency for the travel and tourism industry in Clinton County, NY.  Based in Plattsburgh, NY the Adirondack Coast Visitors  Bureau contributes to the county’s economic development and quality of life by promoting the region as a top destination for tourism, meetings and other special events. For more information on Clinton County tourism, please contact the Adirondack Coast Visitors Bureau at 518.563.1000 or check us out on: