New York State Canal Corporation Director to Speak at Lakes to Locks Passage 2014 Annual Meeting

The Board of Lakes to Locks Passage, Inc. invites the public to attend their Annual Meeting on Wednesday, October 8 from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM, at the Crandall Public Library, 251 Glen Street, Glens Falls, NY. This year’s distinguished guest speaker will be Brian U. Stratton, Director of the New York State Canal Corporation, addressing the recent findings of the non-tourism economic impact study of the Canal system. Following his remarks, NYS Canal Corporation staff and students from the University at Albany Graduate Planning Studio will conduct a public input session on the opportunities for future development of the Canal Recreationway, particularly in regard to the economic revitalization and quality-of-life of canal communities.

Through the course of the last decade, Lakes to Locks Passage has been working with communities to deliver an outstanding traveler experience, while addressing the “promote vs. protect” paradox of tourism. To meet the challenge, a program for delivering a place-based tourism experience that cultivates community pride, civic engagement, and resource stewardship as the foundation for sustainability has been developed. Margaret Gibbs, Lakes to Locks Passage Heritage Program Director, will provide a brief overview of the Heritage Center strategy and the impact the program has had over the past five years on eight “pilot project” museums in Essex County.

Lakes to Locks Passage Executive Director Janet Kennedy says, “Lakes to Locks Passage has found the Heritage Center program to be a catalyst for building community pride — “place-esteem” is the fundamental element of economic revitalization. We are pleased to partner with the NYS Canal Corporation to further our shared vision for communities that are a great place to live – which are also a great place to establish a business, invest public resources and to visit!”

To RSVP please contact Drew Alberti, Lakes to Locks Passage Program Manager, at 518-637-4690 or [email protected].