Assembly Resolution No. 204

BY: M. of A. Palmesano

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.