Tourism Excellence Spotlighted: STLC Chamber Honors Industry Leaders at 8th Annual Tourism Dinner

Tourism Excellence Spotlighted: STLC Chamber Honors Industry Leaders at 8th Annual Tourism Dinner

OGDENSBURG, NY — The St. Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce proudly celebrated the 8th Annual Tourism Dinner on Wed., June 4th at the historic Freight House in Ogdensburg, bringing together community leaders, tourism partners, and business owners for a night dedicated to championing the role of tourism across the county.

Held under the theme “Tourism at Home,” the event emphasized the powerful impact tourism has not only on local businesses and economic development but also on the community’s overall quality of life. The evening offered a blend of networking, celebration, and inspiration as attendees reflected on the value of welcoming visitors while strengthening the fabric of their own hometowns.

Guests enjoyed a buffet dinner, followed by remarks from Tiffani Amo, Director of Tourism, who provided updates on the Chamber’s marketing initiatives and strategic partnerships focused on driving year-round visitation. The keynote presentation by Josiah Brown, nationally recognized founder of Famous Destination Marketing Inc. and “The New York Sherpa,” captivated the audience with a compelling talk on the concept of Resident First Tourism, highlighting how local engagement and pride are at the heart of sustainable tourism growth.

In an exciting addition to the evening, the Chamber unveiled its brand-new Rack Card Suite,  a fresh collection of 14 themed cards designed to highlight St. Lawrence County’s unique seasonal experiences and diverse activities. This new suite captures the distinct character of the county’s regions, offering a dynamic resource to better showcase outdoor adventures, cultural attractions, and year-round visitor opportunities across all corners of the county.

The night culminated with the presentation of the 2025 Tourism Excellence Awards, led by Kathryn Puleo, Destination Manager for the STLC Chamber. The awards honored outstanding contributions to the county’s tourism industry. This year’s honorees included:

Best to the Guest Award: Best Western University Inn (Canton, NY)
Recognized for their exceptional hospitality, community involvement, and commitment to enhancing the visitor experience.

Best Destination Marketing Initiative Award: Seaway Visitor Center at Eisenhower Lock (Massena, NY)
Honored for their innovative reopening campaign, leveraging community partnerships and creative marketing strategies to reignite interest and visitation.

In addition to the Tourism Excellence Awards, this year’s honorees were also presented with Citation Certificates from the 116th New York State Assembly District Office, recognizing their outstanding achievements. The certificates, issued by Assemblyman Scott Gray, further underscored the regional significance of their contributions to tourism and community development.

The success of the evening was a testament to the dedication and collaboration of St. Lawrence County’s tourism and business community.

“We are incredibly proud of how this event has grown to become a celebration of not just our tourism partners but the entire community,” said Tiffani Amo, Director of Tourism. “Tourism is a catalyst for community pride, economic sustainability, and connection, and tonight’s gathering reaffirmed that we are moving forward together.”

The St. Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce thanks all attendees and partners who made the evening a success and looks forward to continuing to support and elevate tourism efforts throughout the county.

For more information about the Chamber’s tourism initiatives, visit www.VisitSTLC.com.