In the Know: Spring 2023 - Sullivan County Partnership

In the KNOW

HOSPITALITY & TOURISM: DRIVING THE ECONOMIC ENGINE

It’s no secret that tourism is the chief economic driver in Sullivan County. Diversifying our economy remains a priority for our organization, but it’s also vital that we continue to enhance and strengthen the tourism industry. Introducing new experiential destinations, eateries, outdoor venues, and similar attractions goes a long way to ensure that visitors spend their dollars here. It helps create jobs, increase tourism payroll, support service industries, and grow this sector. Tourism has been natural for us for the better part of the last 100 years. At the functional level, the income generated favors employment, which contributes more to the total value-added of the industry than other factors do because so much of tourism involves personal services. Those services— financial, insurance, marketing, construction, maintenance, and many more, touch every facet of our economy.

It has been estimated that tourism directly or indirectly supports sixty-five million jobs worldwide, including hotel managers and staff, taxi drivers, tour operators, and shop attendants, among others. Secondary employment is generated in agriculture, industry, handicrafts, and services. It supports well over 8 million jobs in the United States. Tourism compares favorably with other economic activities as a generator of employment and income.

Municipalities throughout the Hudson Valley, not historically known to focus on tourism, have been embracing and prioritizing tourism, seeing its direct benefits. In Sullivan County, the sales and real property taxes generated by our tourism industry sector directly impact everyone. It helps pay for the bulk cost of services we need to conduct our daily activities.

This edition covers various topics to help you better understand how tourism and hospitality impacts our economy and the challenges and opportunities associated with it. Our tourism investors, tourist-based economic development partners, and services providers have weighed in with their expertise and viewpoint. Hopefully, they will provide valuable information you can utilize as you work to conduct business within this important industry sector.

If you would like us to cover a topic specific to your industry to help our investors better understand and service it, please contact us at your earliest convenience.

Special thanks to our investors and content providers who continue to help make this publication an exceptional benefit to our organization. With spring upon us and tourism season ramping up, some information here can help you better navigate and take advantage of opportunities in the Sullivan Catskills tourism market. I look forward to a robust travel season this year.

Sincerely,

Marc Baez CEO

Hospitality & Tourism: Driving The Economic Engine

The U.S. travel industry generates $2.5 trillion in economic output, supports 15.7 million American jobs, and generates a $69 billion trade surplus for the US.

(US Travel Association, 2022)

When travel thrives, so does America. That formula for success is up front and on display right here in Sullivan County, NY. Overall, the economic multiplier effect in tourism can be a powerful driver of economic growth and development in a destination.

By generating additional economic activity beyond the initial spending of tourists, the multiplier effect can help to create jobs, stimulate local businesses, and improve the overall prosperity of a community.

The

Partnerships Work!

By partnering, rather than competing with each other and the local community, Sullivan County hospitality and tourism businesses are flourishing year-round. Aside from sourcing from local farms and makers, when possible, The Foster Supply Hospitality properties are always trying to find new and creative ways to partner with businesses in the area. At Kenoza Hall, they have introduced an Artist Series that highlights the art of a craft or experience. For example, at the end of March, they embraced the mud season with a weekend of hand pottery with Nonna Hall. Earlier in the month, Smokey Belles guided their guests on a Maple Tapping adventure. Live Music from local musicians is continuously a part of the schedules at Kenoza Hall and The Arnold House. Last Fall, they partnered with Seminary Hill in Callicoon to offer their guests a cider tour package along with their stay at Kenoza. At The DeBruce, they offer guided hikes with Bruce Pollock (a local partner). Adam Owens

hosts trivia night, karaoke night and bingo at The Arnold House for locals as well as guests.

The Kartrite Resort and Indoor Waterpark encourages their guests to venture outside of the resort and take advantage of all that Sullivan County has to offer. By showcasing all there is to do in the area, it gives their guests a reason to stay in town longer, which increases the resort’s length of stay, which in turn brings more money into the county in bed tax, as well as more money spent throughout the county. They do this by teaming up with local businesses for specialty packages and discounted room rates, as well as promoting local events such as the Bagel Festival in Monticello. They have created packages and partnered with Holiday Mountain Ski and Fun Park, Monticello Motor Club, Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, Resorts World Catskills, Mountaindale Yoga, Party Masters, Prestige Entertainment and many more.

Visitor spending in the Catskills increased by 64% to reach 123% of 2019 levels, highlighting visitors’ continued preference for outdoor and rural vacation destinations.

Kenoza Hall

At The Eldred Preserve and Bradstan Hotel in Eldred, NY they purchased a 15-passenger van just to shuttle their guests to and from Bethel Woods. They also frequently refer their guests to Solaia Restaurant when their on-site restaurant The Homestead is closed. They also have a relationship with Resorts World Catskills for their overflow or over booking.

Seminary Hill Cidery partners with the Callicoon Business Association, offering their members a free tour and tasting at the Cidery. “In our own accommodations, we gift guests honey from Catskills Provisions and

discount coupons for the Kitchen Table Café,” says Kayce Drasher Manager of Seminary Hill.

“All linens in the boarding house and napkins in the tasting room are supplied from The Homestead. We partner with local farms to source our ingredients, notably Willow Wisp and the Halloran Farm. At Seminary Hill we use only New York State alcohol. So often we’ll make cocktails with spirits from Rock Valley, Catskill Provisions, and Bootlegger. Our beer comes from Upward Brewery and Roscoe Brewery. In our accommodation brochures we list local shops such as Catskills Provisions and Spruce, local restaurants such as Creek Side and the Western, and places to visit such as the Callicoon Movie Theatre and the Farmers Market.”

Official estimates are that Seminary Hill Cidery brings $2.5 million dollars to the local economy each year.

“We work with local Airbnb’s, since we need additional accommodations during wedding weekends” says wedding and events manager Kayce Drasher of Seminary Hill Cidery.

Since there is not a hotel on-site, members and guests of the Monticello Motor Club frequently inquire about overnight accommodations and local restaurants recommendations.

“A list of local places to stay is included on our member-facing app. Restaurant recommendations are frequently given to guests and members before they leave for the day when we know they’ll be staying the night. For those sticking around in the evenings, we’ll suggest they catch a concert/show at Bethel Woods, the Forestburgh Playhouse or enjoy live music at Bashakill Vineyards or dinner at Solaia, Cellaio, Brew or Benji and Jakes.”

Each summer, the Motor Club hold three weeks of Teen Motorsports Camps as well as a go-cart camp for ages 4-13. Most campers and counselors will stay at The Kartrite for the duration of those camps. Many will refuel at a local gas station prior to heading back to NYC, Long Island, CT, etc.

“We often host large groups and corporate events that require overnight stays and we assist our members and guests with booking rooms with our local partners, Resorts World Catskills and The Kartrite, as well as directing them to private vacation rentals within Sullivan County when that’s of interest.”

Says Christopher Szcypala, the creative director at Monticello Motor Club.

Teen Camp at Monticello Motor Club

Photo Credit: Chris Szczypala/MM

Giving back to the local community.

Foster Supply Hospitality Group not only wanted to give back to their community, they wanted to make an impact. Sims Foster and Kirsten Harlow Foster— co-founders of Foster Supply Hospitality, created the nonprofit A Single Bite because they share a core belief: in both business and life, community comes first. This young organization teaches, feeds, and empowers students as well as their families to care about the food they eat and where it comes from. A Single Bite nourishes and educates our neighbors in Sullivan County with wholesome, healthy food through their free, community Family Meal Program and a school-based Real Food Education Program. Together with the resources of Foster Supply Hospitality,

the weekly meals are a reliable resource to families in need of support. To date, A Single Bite has provided more than 120,000 scratch-made meals to Sullivan County children and their families. With the encouragement and engagement of school district administrators and teachers, the free Real Food Education Program is reaching more than 750 middle school students, exposing them to local foods, producers, and culinary experiences through four interactive sessions that engage, educate and empower young people to make healthy choices whenever possible. Similarly, giving back to the local community is extremely important to the Kartrite. They frequently team up with local organizations such as A Single Bite, donating a portion of their splash pass revenue to the organization, along with the Alzheimer’s Association. In addition, they donate overnight stays and splash passes to approximately 20-30 different non-profits each month.

This is the 33rd year that Kittatinny Canoes is hosting their annual river clean-up , It involves more than 100 dedicated volunteers over the course of two days to help keep the Delaware River clean. Volunteers will paddle 8 to 10-mile sections of the river picking up trash from the shorelines, islands, and the river bottom along the way. Kittatinny Canoes provides breakfast, canoes, life jackets, trash bags, dinner and transportation.

Seminary Hill gives back by offering discounted rates for non-profits. They host lectures by the county historian John Conway and story events with Yarnslingers. They’ve made financial and in-kind contributions to the Delaware Valley Youth Center, Western Sullivan Public Library, Farm Arts Collective, Delaware Company/Fort Delaware, WJFF/Radio Catskills, Catskills Pride, A Single Bite and Delaware Highlands Conservancy.

Similarly, The Eldred Preserve gives back by waiving fees to county residents having an event as well as working with local organizations to keep pricing within their budgets for events. They sponsor local little leagues, and donate gift certificates and funds to many local and not so local charities.

Monticello Motor Club has sponsored local ball teams, participated in “Touch a Truck” events with local municipalities, donated experiences or merchandise to school-based fundraisers and sponsored local chamber and economic development events. For many years they hosted Boys and Girls Club events where donations were made towards their auctions.

Town of Callicoon Farmhouse Project

Putting the County on Display

“A large part of the advertising narrative at the Kartrite touts our location in the Sullivan Catskills and all that the area has to offer”, says the director of sales and marketing Talya Regan. “We especially emphasize this when addressing the metro NY market, encouraging them to leave the city and experience the beauty that exists only 90 minutes from New York City.”

Christopher Szcypala, the creative director at Monticello Motor Club, echoes these statements. “In our outgoing materials, we often tout the beauty of the area and its proximity to New York City, particularly encouraging guests to come up during the Fall to see not only Monticello Motor Club but all that the area has to offer.”

Seminary Hill Cidery highlights their unique Callicoon location along the Delaware River as well as the many entertainment offerings in the immediate area, including Bethel Woods and the Villa Roma.

Not only does Kittatinny Canoes send out an e-mail to their reservations list that highlights places nearby, complete with a map for reference, but they post blogs that promote local attractions outside of the campground!

Woodstock Monument

Tourism supports over 4,400 jobs with a tourism payroll of $232 million.

Were it not for tourism-generated state and local taxes, the average household in the Sullivan Catskills would have to pay an additional $2,943 to maintain the same level of government revenue, already hard hit by the pandemic.

Keeping Employees Local

Ninety percent of Foster Supply’s employees are Sullivan County residents with 8% relocating here after being hired. At Kartrite 80% of their employees are Sullivan County residents, with some of the management positions re-locating here. Roughly 75% of Seminary Hill’s employees are from Sullivan County; 19% live in PA and 6% have relocated to Sullivan County from elsewhere. At Monticello Motor Club, approximately 70% are residents, with 10% having moved to Sullivan County after hiring. At The Eldred Preserve, 75% of their employees reside in the county.

These highlighted businesses work very hard every day to make Sullivan County a must visit destination. They love their community and employees. They appreciate and care for their guests just like family. Supporting neighbors and being there for each other is what has

made them all grow and thrive; encouraging guests to visit local towns, shops, try other great restaurants, catch a show and to explore something new.

Kayce Drasher from Seminary Hill sums it up, “We wish that long-time local residents, not just transplanted New Yorkers, visited us more often. We aim to create a space where locals and visitors can mingle and get to know one another.”

Scott Samuelson from the Eldred Preserve agrees, “There is a misconception that our beautiful facility is too expensive for locals. This is slowly turning around as people wander in with friends or attend events and realize that they can easily enjoy our offerings at prices they can afford. I always tell people that you can come and enjoy either on a budget or with abandon!”

How Happy Campers in the Sullivan Catskills Inspired a Specialty Insurance Program

by By Irene Jones—Marshall & Sterling, Inc.

It’s Saturday morning in Narrowsburg, NY and there are scooters EVERYWHERE!

“Yup, the Scooter People are here,” says the grocery store clerk as I pack up my purchases. ”Every year they come and stay at Landers Campground and River Trips on the Upper Delaware River. Aside from the sheer numbers of scooters I couldn’t help but be notice the huge smiles on the Camper’s faces as they combed through the store to get supplies for their weekend in the Sullivan Catskills.

None of this surprised me. I came to Sullivan County with my husband David in 1999, looking for a home in the forest, to live the life we dreamed – living in harmony with nature. Driving in the back seat of the realtor’s car one afternoon, we trekked over cliffs with majestic river views, and I leaned over to my husband and said, “this is majestic – if this house is half-way decent, we are moving here!” And we did.

I’d always worked in the insurance industry and found myself employed for a national carrier with a small local office and developed a Nature Center Program for them. But when that small office closed, I took a job at Marshall & Sterling Insurance as insurance Program Developer. I’ll never forget the colorful, long-haired hippie named Anne Backlund who stopped by my desk on my first day.

2021

“My family and I run Soaring Eagle Campground on the Upper Delaware River,” she told me.

“How cool!,” I said.

“What do you think about a Specialty Insurance Program for Campgrounds?”

Anne asked.

That one question changed everything. Like so many people, being outside in nature makes me whole. It is why so many of us discover the Sullivan Catskills and never leave. I thought back to all those happy campers with their scooters on a hot July day in Narrowsburg and all the Canoes and Kayaks that run up and down Rt 97 all Summer long. Insuring businesses that connect people to nature and make them happy? Yes!

Anne and I agreed on one core value before we moved forward. We had to help the campgrounds and resorts we insured.

Soon, I was out with Anne meeting with Rick Landers onsite in Skinners Falls. It turned out he was a long-time client of Anne’s in her existing insurance practice. He welcomed us, helped me learn about

his business and even let us film a testimonial. I will always be grateful for the Sullivan community and hospitality Rick showed us!

Ten years later, the Marshall & Sterling Campground Insurance program is a leading insurance provider for RV Resorts, Outdoor Hospitality and Glamping Across the U.S.

Safety resources were the way we could help our clients as we built our insurance business. We wanted to make a program that would help outdoor hospitality professionals be proactive about safety as part of excellence in the hospitality experience.

Our homegrown success has been helping Campgrounds make family memories, and protecting their businesses for generations to come.

economic impact for the Sullivan Catskills increased to $709.6 million in visitor spending, up 66.3% over 2020 and 122.8% over 2019.

Sullivan County Partnership Grows

Champion Elevator Corp. is an independently owned, full-service elevator maintenance, repair, violation removal, and testing company. All services are provided throughout New York City’s five boroughs, Westchester, Hudson Valley, Nassau & Suffolk Counties, Connecticut, New Jersey and continues to expand.

Since 1938, Connell Foley has been committed to addressing the needs of clients, employees and the community, and to upholding the highest ethical standards in the practice of law. The firm offers a comprehensive range of legal services in both established and emerging areas of law, including alternative dispute resolution, banking, bankruptcy, commercial litigation, corporate law, construction, cybersecurity, ERISA, employment and labor, environmental, insurance, professional liability, product liability and toxic torts, real estate and land use, taxation and estate planning, and white collar criminal defense.

We’re thrilled to introduce J&G Law, LLP, a Partnership investor for 22 years, as a new Gold Investor. The SC Partnership is appreciative of their continued support. For over fifty years, J&G Law, LLP has provided sophisticated legal representation to individuals, businesses, non-profits, and municipalities in the Hudson Valley. As a full-service law firm with over 20 attorneys and more than 20 staff members, J&G delivers optimal legal solutions utilizing a team approach.

EXECUTIVE INVESTOR

Griffiths Engineering is a broad-based technical professional engineering firm. They offer a complete range of services to help their clients maintain a competitive edge in their respective markets. From feasibility studies to project completion, they customize their services to meet your business and project goals. Licensed in Florida, New York, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, New Jersey, and Maryland.

Decant will bring local and international wines, spirits, and ciders to Main Street Hurleyville, NY in Spring 2023. They look forward to hosting tastings, classes, and more in their beautiful 1,200 sq ft shop with 300+ products.

DEC

Office Solutions,

Inc. is an authorized dealer for Copystar, Kyocera, and MBM. They are a family owned and operated business, providing top quality customer service with attention to even the smallest details. DEC understands that an investment made in a business solution, is an investment made in them. DEC services the entire tri-state area and offers their account base with immediate service.

H.O. Penn in Bloomingburg is your dealer for quality Caterpillar® machinery, parts and service. With more than 80 years of experience in the industry, H.O. Penn can offer you outstanding customer service while providing you with the tools and equipment you need to keep your business running smoothly. With a vast inventory of Caterpillar machines, you’re sure to find what you need at H.O. Penn.

Jason Lichwick Architecture

PLLC is a full-service architecture firm located in Dutchess County, New York that specializes in custom residential and light commercial design. The firm prides itself on listening to their client’s needs, vision and goals and works closely with them to provide a solution that enhances their lifestyle. Whether it is designing a custom home or a company’s new headquarters, JLA always provides their clients with the utmost professionalism, courtesy, and attention to detail.

J. Hoffman Insurance is a Veteran owned, family-owned independent insurance agency specializ-

ing in business, home, and auto insurance. Helping their clients secure the best possible coverage at the most affordable rates is their priority, as well as providing them with customer service that makes them feel like family. They work with 26 top rated national and regional insurance carriers to achieve this with every business, family, and individual they insure. J. Hoffman is licensed in NY, NJ, PA, CT, and VA.

Pasta D’oro serves old world style Italian cuisine, with a new modern style ambiance. Located in Wurtsboro, NY Pasta D’oro is open Tuesday – Sunday serving lunch and dinner.

When Hospitality Thrives, the Entire Community Benefits

When people eat, partake in entertainment and travel, they are setting in motion a series of interactions that can help a local community’s economy thrive.

According to Cumberlandbusiness.com, “When you choose to shop or dine at a local business or restaurant, you generate almost four times more economic benefits for your local community.” Fundera reports that when you spend $100 at a local business, about $68 stays in your local community. How is that possible?

Jonathan Rouis, CPA Partner

RBT CPAs, LLP

51 Sullivan Street

Wurtsboro, NY 12790

845-888-5656

It starts with the money a customer spends at a restaurant, hotel, and/or entertainment venue. In turn, those venues pay taxes on income earned and, at least a portion of those taxes gets reinvested in the local community’s schools, roads, infrastructure, and more.

The money spent at a local restaurant, hotel, or entertainment venue also helps cover payroll for a business’ employees. In turn, those employees likely spend some of those earnings at other local businesses; whether it’s to put gas in their cars, food on the table at home, or just some retail therapy during breaks. If those employees and business owners live locally, they’re also adding to the local revenue and tax base every time they purchase oil or wood to heat their homes, pay for local recycling services, and more.

Additionally, restaurants, hotels, and entertainment venues are likely purchasing supplies—from food and toiletries to furniture and more—from local businesses. They may also be spending locally on business-related services like accounting, banking, cleaning, maintenance, printing, plumbing, heating, marketing, legal, and snow removal, to name just a few.

Hospitality businesses oftentimes serve as sources of referrals for one and other, as well as local tourist attractions, via flyer displays, placemat advertisements, and verbal recommendations. So, the cycle of spending – and collecting tax dollars within a community – continues.

There’s more. Community-based organizations and non-profits often depend on local hotels, restaurants, entertainment venues and other businesses for financial support, donations, and volunteers for their own fundraisers.

There are also big picture benefits. When local hospitality establishments succeed, it can help a community attract and retain other employers, which can translate into more jobs, skills, and tax dollars.

Beyond financial benefits, hospitality businesses fulfill important social and emotional needs. In fact, a study conducted by TheCustomer, Brand Keys, and Suzy during the Coronavirus quarantine found that the first thing people wanted to do once quarantine restrictions were lifted was eat in a restaurant (that was followed by get a haircut/go to the salon and shopping.)

When hospitality businesses take advantage of all the opportunities available within a local community, and combine that with disciplined business practices as measured by key performance indicators, they not only promote their own success but that of the surrounding community as well. That benefits everyone.

In 2021, visitor spending and tourism-related employment grew to $1.9 billion and 16,348 jobs, respectively.

According to TheFulfillmentLab.com, “52% of small business owners donate to charity, and of those that donate, 90% donate to local causes.” Again, a portion of funds raised likely get reinvested back into the local community.

Roscoe Rising – A Fish Tale

A Realtor’s Perspective

Sullivan County has always been a destination for tourism for people from the whole Tri-State area. Roscoe however, has always had a much more specific draw. More than most other places in the county, it’s a sportsman’s paradise. Fishermen and hunters have been frequenting the area for nearly 150 years. “Roscoe is known as the Trout Fishing Capital of the World thanks to our great folks at the Chamber of Commerce and we’ve continued to capitalize on that by offering supplemental fishing experiences: like the Roscoe father and son business called Trout Town Adventures and Guide Service, or Orvis: offering their Sunday afternoon fly fishing school or Roscoe Beer Company that definitely thinks outside the box and creates exciting events year round like their recent WINTERFEST,” says Deb Gorenflo, a local realtor from Timberland Properties with 20 years’

experience selling the Catskills. “SCP and SCVA have done a tremendous job touting all the Catskills have to offer and the more people that come to the area to poke around at what we have, the more interested they are in staying!”

“I remember a recent summer morning driving through Livingston Manor and seeing a car full of people stop. All four doors flew open at the same time and everyone popped out. Smiling faces! We’re here!!!”

“How great to have our guests truly enjoy what we’ve always known is special.”

“It used to be that 75% of our buyers were second homeowners looking to enjoy our unlimited outdoor activities in the Summer,” Gorenflo recalls, “but what

COVID has taught us is that city dwellers no longer need to be stuck in a 400-sqft apartment looking out at a brick wall. Buyers can live ANYWHERE and work from home if they have internet access. As a result, we’ve seen a greater number of people moving here full time. Why not enjoy fresh air, a slower pace and higher quality of life if you can!”

A surprising number of buyers are coming from New Jersey. Also, Long Island, Brooklyn and Queens. “I get calls a couple of times a week from people saying “I have friends that bought a place in Livingston Manor or Roscoe and they love it! Can you find me something too?”

Locals vs. Transplants:

“I remember when we moved here 10 years ago after my husband retired, Gorenflo adds, “We were certainly hesitant at first thinking the locals would not welcome outsiders. That was 180 degrees wrong! Locals can’t offer help fast enough no matter what you’re asking for help with. Both sides benefit - visitors and locals sharing new ideas and concepts. Everyone profits!

In fact, most of the newly opened and thriving businesses in the area are owned and operated by tourists turned locals! The YARRA and The Junction in Roscoe and Pelkey’s in Hankins are owned by entrepreneurs who through sweat-equity have moved here full time and garnered quite a following in a short period.” Roscoe used to have many empty storefronts downtown but now has become a destination for excellent food experiences.

New York City residents Aaron Blakely and Misty Hackworth started coming to the Catskills together in 2015.

“We would sort of go all over and hike as many weekends as we could. We started camping and fishing a bit too before realizing that the western Catskills not only had great fishing, but legendary fly fishing. We started teaching ourselves how to Fly Fish and in doing so fell in love with Roscoe. We camped and fished the area as many weekends during the season as we could until buying our house in the spring of 2019. We’re right in town just a couple of streets from the bar.”

a viable destination contributes to the overall quality of life for residents. Access to healthcare, transportation and well-paying jobs all are a product of a robust tourism destination.

Creating

Sullivan County Partnership for Economic Development | 845.794.1110 | SCPartnership.com 23

their own but didn’t really have a timeline as to when. Then the pandemic started. “We came up to the house the first weekend the city shut down and never spent another night in Brooklyn. Once it was obvious that things weren’t going back to normal any time soon, we started getting serious about developing a real plan for the restaurant. One of our main goals when opening The Junction, was to make it a place for everybody. So far, we have accomplished this goal.” Their regular clientele consists of; people born and raised in the area, fishermen and hunters who have been coming to Roscoe for generations, second home-owners who have been in the area for many years, people who just discovered the area during the pandemic and people who are just discovering the area for the first time. “It’s something we’re very proud of and will continue to make an important part of our business,” says Aaron.

“To be fly fishermen, who opened a fly fishing bar in the birthplace of American fly fishing, has been a dream come true, he adds.

The couple currently works with the three main local breweries (Roscoe Brewing Co., Catskill Brewing, Upward Brewing.) as well as Do Good Spirits Distillery, just one street over. They also work with local farms whenever possible (Halloran Farms venison, Buttercup Farm eggs, Somewhere In Time Farm kale and other veggies, Mountain Sweet Berry Farm tri-star strawberries in the Summer, Beaverkill Trout Hatchery, and Snowdance farm poultry). They also have many friends that have opened Sullivan County businesses in the last few years: Taylor and Ace Vintage across the street, The Roscoe Motel and The Yarra B&B, Van Smokey in Manor and Sullivan Sundries in Jeffersonville.

Father and son owners of Trout Town Adventures, Phil and David Eggleton are locals who both grew up along the banks of the Willowemoc and Beaverkill rivers. Together they have developed a reputation within the area and fishing community as family friendly, yet excited by the pursuit of helping clients improve their techniques and understanding of the sport.

“The majority or our clients come from the greater NYC area, including suburbs in New Jersey and Connecticut,” says Philip.

“Approximately 97% of our business is from folks who don’t currently live in the area.”

“Roscoe has been a focus for tourists for so long that it was an easy decision to keep our business in the town in which we live. From April through December there are people visiting from all over each weekend.”

David Eggleton and his daughters - Trout Town Adventures

The direct and indirect effects of their business and similar businesses in the area is a true trickle down and incubation of growth and new business.

“The fly shops are usually the first stop for our clients. (After purchasing a NY State fishing license). Gas stations, local eateries, and places to spend the night follow soon after.”

The duo partners with the motels, cabin rentals and Airbnb folks immediately with referrals for where to stay.

“For instance, guests who stay at JS Creekside Cabins, The Roscoe Motel and Red Rose Motel (to name a few), can stay, rent equipment even after their lesson/excursion and leave the equipment at their lodging, to be picked up after they depart.”

The established pair even refers new businesses to their clients. “Trout Town Flies is a Guide who liked the area and fishing so much that he purchased a shop here.” says Phil. “The owner worked with the Catskill Fly Fishing Museum, which is just upstream on the Willowemoc to schedule several FREE clinics for women, utilizing women guides and educators.”

The Roscoe Motel is under new management and those proprietors took a lesson in flyfishing. The result is a collaboration with local guides to give lessons at the motel and then apply that practical application in the Beaverkill River which borders the motel property.

The Red Rose Motel, JS Creekside Cabins and Butternut Grove Campgrounds all have new owners who embrace and lend to the fishing lore.

“There is so much more than fishing going on here. Hiking trails, paddling streams, lakes and ponds. Multiple shops, eateries, award-winning distillery and brewery. Live music venues. A great public library system. Multiple houses of worship. And lots of great places to just enjoy our beautiful Sullivan County and do absolutely nothing.” Well, maybe spend your time and tourism dollars!

TheJunctionRoscoe.com Trout

Catskill Fly Fishing Museum

Tourism & Hospitality are back and stronger than ever. Where’s the staff?

by Cathy Parlapiano, Co – Owner —Here’s Help Staffing & Recruiting

The growth of hospitality and tourism in the region is stronger than ever. Growth is GREAT, but only if you have a team to support it. Partnering with a local staffing firm will get you the results you need. Staffing firms will source candidates and present those qualified for your open positions, saving you time.

It will give you the freedom to focus on your business and the other challenges presented in this growth period. Whether you need to staff a big event or are growing/ sustaining your business, staffing firms can find you a diverse work force for your Temp, Seasonal, Full Time, Executive, or C-Suite hire.

EVENT STAFF: Quick tips to leverage your staffing partner.

• Provide plenty of lead time. You want the best team to represent your brand, give the firm the time to source, vet and prepare.

• Job Requirements. Provide a thorough description of job requirements, duties, and expectations.

• Know your budget. Your team is a direct representation of your brand, create a mindful budget. Your staffing partner knows the industry and will be a valuable resource.

• Benefits. Why would someone want to work for you? Do you offer a uniform, provide lunch, tips/bonus potential – whatever it may be, please share. Benefits are a great compliment to the salary.

• Communication is key. Open communication to get the job done effectively. As a staffing firm, we can pull a team together more efficiently than ever before with our streamlined hiring process but if we don’t have open communication, that team can fall apart or move onto other opportunities.

More Than a Staffing Firm

For nearly four decades, Here’s Help Staffing & Recruiting (HHS&R), has worked as a trusted partner assisting businesses with respective staffing and recruiting challenges. Our team is active in many local business and community organizations, keeping us all “in the know” and having our finger on the pulse of employment trends in and around the Sullivan County Catskills/Hudson Valley Region.

Pros and Cons of Short-Term Rental Regulations

Positive Impacts of Properly Regulated Short-Term Rentals (STRs) in Sullivan County — An Attorney’s Point of View

By Alexander G. Main, Esq—J&G Law, LLP

In recent years, the short-term rental (STR) market has grown in Sullivan County and its surrounding areas and there are no signs that it will disappear any time soon given the popularity of websites like Airbnb and VRBO. When STRs are properly regulated, positive impacts can benefit municipalities, homeowners, tourists, and the local economy.

Properly regulated STRs result from local governments adopting enforceable legislation that protects the interests of neighbors and of the community as a whole. Such STR regulations typically address matters such as health and safety, zoning, permitting and enforcement. Several municipalities in Sullivan County have already adopted sensible STR laws that might be used as models for other communities seeking to promote STR regulation and benefits. Taxation of STRs is authorized by Section

182-24 of the Sullivan County Code which imposes a five percent tax on the rent collected from STRs located in the County. The funds that the County receives from this tax are distributed to various local groups such as the Sullivan County Visitors Association. Reasonable regulations successfully respond to concerns of the community and allow local governments to achieve their mission of protecting the public health, safety and welfare while promoting the economic benefits associated with STRs.

When STRs are properly regulated, homeowners, tourists and the local economy also benefit. Homeowners in the region benefit by using extra income generated by STRs to address costs such as mortgage payments and home repairs. STRs also enable some homeowners to remain in their homes who otherwise would not be able to afford to stay. Homeowners also use STR income to hire individuals in the community to perform tasks such as cleaning and landscaping services. In turn, tourists benefit by taking advantage of an affordable form of housing with the knowledge that there are enforceable regulations in place to protect their health, safety and

welfare. Moreover, tourists taking advantage of STRs in Sullivan County provide a boost to the local economy. In addition to taking advantage of major Sullivan County tourist attractions such as the Resorts World Casino, the Kartrite and the Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, tourists also spend money in local businesses, stores and restaurants. Given that STRs typically offer tourists a wider geographic range of options to choose from when compared to traditional hotels which are usually located in travel hotspots, the boost to the local economy resulting from STRs can be realized by the entire community.

Given their positive impacts on the community and their increasing popularity among homeowners and travelers alike, STRs are likely here to stay for the foreseeable future. Municipalities in Sullivan County can best address this reality by drafting reasonable and enforceable legislation that is geared towards benefitting the community as a whole. Such legislation should result from dialogue between local officials, homeowners and other stakeholders who clearly identify community objectives and appropriately regulate STR matters.

Short-Term Rentals – A Realtor’s Point of View

by Carol Malek, Malek Properties

FAIR permits and regulations of Short-Term Rentals and enforcement of those permits and regulations is necessary. The key issue is what is prohibitive to economic development?

Short Term Rentals (STRs) are currently under the radar for regulation by some towns in Sullivan County. If regulations are restrictive, excessive and/ or prohibitive we will lose revenue for the towns and the county and we will put unrealistic burdens on the town employees to

enforce them. The dollars that circulate this county from the weekend and vacationing visitors are crucial to our small businesses to thrive, so we must be reasonable. There is a need for regulations regarding health and safety. Rentals need to be safe and free from fire hazards and all systems need to be in working order. Furthermore, neighbors of STRs deserve to be assured that their right to quiet enjoyment remains intact. It cannot go unrecognized that there are issues with mis-managed and poorly maintained STRs. Landlords must be responsible and be held accountable.

Short-Term Rentals fill a gap. We need them. The demand to stay for the weekend or a week has grown since Sullivan County opened their arms to area attractions and focused more heavily on the tourism industry. People need a convenient place to lodge when attending concerts and festivals, and many simply want a quick getaway excursion in the country. STRs offer many wonderful and memorable experiences for visitors, they are a casual and cozy alternative to a hotel suite and usually have private outdoor spaces that really enhance the stay.

Having been a Realtor in Sullivan County for 26 years, I can attest that more than 90% of our business comes from the second home market consistently. Oftentimes people who purchase these vacation homes are introduced to the area through the Short-Term Rental experience. They want to be a part of our vibrant communities, and they bring their family and friends.

“Sullivan County” is synonymous with “tourism”. Tourism is our number one industry and has been for as long as I can remember. It brings economic benefits to all of us who live here. These benefits have enhanced the quality of life in Sullivan County and have flourished into outstanding community improvements that we can

all enjoy. People who visit this area for a weekend, for a week or for the season make these benefits possible.

Tourists allow our Sullivan County small businesses to grow and succeed. They sustain our incredible food and drink establishments, specialty shops, agribusinesses, boutique hotels, B&B’s, and our recreational enterprises.

Because of them, exciting new attractions have opened including the casino, the Kartrite, Monticello Motor Club and Bethel Woods. We have become a robust tourist destination. We need to keep them coming.

We should focus on keeping people here and making them feel welcome and make the best decisions on how to fairly regulate the STRs. As residents, whether permanent or second homeowners, we all want to be assured that we will have peace and quiet enjoyment of our homes and properties. Our visitors are entitled to safe and secure accommodations without putting undue pressures on neighbors and neighborhoods. We need to keep our warm and inviting Sullivan County Catskills charm and hospitality front and center. This is who we are… and we need to stay open for business!

Roberta Byron-Lockwood President, Sullivan Catskills Visitors Association

How do you feel that tourism has impacted SC in the time you have been here?

The Sullivan Catskills historically was a destination that many aspired to visit due to our popular resorts, wide open spaces, and fresh air. It was an ideal summer escape from the hustle and bustle of New York City. During my tenure, I have experienced our county transform itself. We no longer have large all-inclusive resorts. We have reemerged as a year-round thoughtfully designed destination with our accommodations, attractions and restaurants encapsulating the essence of today’s Sullivan Catskills—soulful, and mindful of our landscapes and environment, creating a sense of place that people from New York and around the world desire to be.

During your tenure - what challenges have you faced and overcome; what strategies are working to build a strong tourism economy in Sullivan County?

Challenges make things very interesting and afford me to be creative as our tourism industry sought to overcome the obstacles. Some of the challenges included the need to rebrand and reinvent ourselves as a thriving, year-round destination and target key travel markets to get their attention and successfully complete in the very competitive travel marketplace space. The SCVA team and board changed our branding, aggressively and strategically marketed the Sullivan Catskills to these markets. As a result, our popularity has grown significantly. We’re now sought after by media, social media influencers, tour operators, travel agents,

meeting planners, and visitors all seeking to experience and immerse themselves in the Sullivan Catskills.

Your track record indicates that although we’re a small county, we always compete well with or surpass much larger areas of the state – to what do you attribute that to?

It is all about the brand and how we strategically position Sullivan Catskills as a world class destination. The Sullivan Catskills has the good fortune of being home to the finest of lodging experiences, world class attractions, an exploding craft beverage scene, superior culinary experiences teamed with majestic mountains and the Delaware River. We present to the visitor a quality product (i.e., Website, engaging social media posts, award winning travel guide and brochures, and our new downloadable App, Sullivan Catskills Go!). We position the presence of the Sullivan Catskills at key travel industry domestic and international consumer and trade shows to efficiently and effectively reflect our growing destination. We host travel media, travel influencers and tour operators as well as push out editorials, advertisements, and OTT commercials to renowned national and global media outlets. We develop relationships with travel partners such as airlines, bus companies and numerous others to promote the Sullivan Catskills to their audiences. It is all about positioning our brand in front of the traveling public—always targeting and expanding our reachbeing nimble and readjusting our marketing/promotion strategies to ensure that we are on trend and constantly on the visitor’s mind.

What are the latest trends in travel and tourism and how have you positioned SC to be at the forefront?

The trend is all about immersive travel and experiencing a destination’s beauty, local stories, cuisine and culture. People are more mindful about where their food is coming from, if the hotel or inn where they are staying is sustainable—and most importantly, they want fresh air and open spaces. Visitors want to disconnect yet be close enough to connect quickly to a larger population. It’s now about main streets and embracing the local culture through festivals, local restaurants and attractions. They want to be part of a destination and feel connected to a place.

We remain competitive in the travel space by continuous monitoring trends daily through travel & trade education, attending conferences and participation on statewide tourism boards and committees, all allowing us to be ahead of the trending curve. We work closely and partner with New York State Tourism and our colleagues in the tourism industry to make sure that we are on target for new and innovative trends. Most importantly, we work closely with our public relations and social media teams who also keep us informed about what is new and trending.

How do you work with the partnership? –benefits of working together in our respective areas as part of the ED team. Our collaboration with the SC Partnership is essential to the development of and continued growth of the Sullivan Catskills. While the Partnership focuses on bringing in key businesses and development that will help the overall economic growth of our county, the SCVA can focus on marketing/promoting the Sullivan Catskills as a premier destination to live, work and visit not only affording exceptional visitor experiences and quality of life for residents. The SC Chamber

works with both of our organizations to sustain our main streets and small businesses in our county. Our goals are similar, in that we want to increase the overall economic wealth of Sullivan County and working in concert helps both of our organizations quickly attain our milestones.

Tourism and Hospitality: The Growth Continues

By Gus Scacco, CEO—Hudson Valley Investment Advisors

It appears that the “Post Covid” environment has seen an economic revival on both a national and local basis. Under mandates, the Tourism and Hospitality industries were ones that were most restricted. What does a potential post Covid environment look like? We can use the Spanish Flu outbreak of 1918 as a guideline for a potential outcome as that post flu period helped to usher in the “Roaring ‘20s” in which individuals wanted to live life more fully. As the current pandemic subsides, we believe the same type of environment is happening today. The expectation is for strong growth as Tourism and Hospitality friction is reduced.

Historically, the expansion of the hospitality market has been supported by solid economic growth. The current rebound in demand has been extremely strong but has dealt with the negative impacts of labor shortages, political concerns and increasing inflation. In spite of these facts the Tourism and Hospitality industries appear to be accelerating and rebounding above “pre pandemic” levels. The chart below points to the strong 2023 President’s Day weekend for hotels and historical trends in Revenue Per Available Room (“RevPAR”). We believe that these trends will continue nationally and on a local basis. Demand for these services will help add to the U.S. and Hudson Valley economies as consumers pent up demand continues to increase wallet share in tourism and hospitality over the coming years.

RevPAR during Presidents’ Day weekend was a record

3-day Presidents’ Day weekend (Friday - Sunday)

On a regional basis, the Hudson Valleys’ tourism revenue has seen continued improvement with Covid opening up the region to people who became acquainted to the area. The limitation of travel during Covid gave people within a few hours’ drive of the Hudson Valley familiarity with the recreational benefits of the area. We believe the tourism

venues such as Bethel Woods, LEGOLAND, craft breweries and casino gaming has helped to add to interest in the area and will help support continued growth. For perspective, below shows the revenue per resident in the area from tourism alone.

Tourism Revenue, per Resident

Even larger is the Food and Beverage sector which accounted for close to $800 billion in total U.S. sales in 2022, with approximately 15 million employees. The large majority of restaurants (90%) have fewer than 50 employees and 70% are single unit operations. The industry is truly entrepreneurial with 80% of owners starting their careers in entry level positions.

Locally, the Hudson Valley has seen an influx from tourism and greater level of business travelers. The most recent data saw private sector jobs increase by 3% to 23k. Overall employment growth was led by healthcare and education (+10.4k) with the second most jobs added from Leisure and Hospitality (+6.3k) or 27% of private sector job growth. This points to the importance of this

area of the Hudson Valley economy which it appears will continue to outpace most economic sectors and be a vital area for regional employment growth over the coming years.

Overall, the support that these sectors provide is an important area for current and future economic growth nationally and the Hudson Valley Region. We believe that the ability of the local area to be a destination will support new restaurants, hotels, and areas of entertainment. These new areas of growth will provide opportunities not only for these businesses but also the supporting services that help these companies to start, grow and expanding into an ever larger part of the local infrastructure.

All statements other than statements of historical fact are opinions and/or forward-looking statements (including words such as “believe,” “estimate,” “anticipate,” “may,” “will,” “should,” and “expect”). Although we believe that the beliefs and expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, we can give no assurance that such beliefs and expectations will prove to be correct. Various factors could cause actual results or performance to differ materially from those discussed in such forward-looking statements. All expressions of opinion are subject to change. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. Any dated information is published as of its date only. Dated and forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made. We undertake no obligation to update publicly or revise any stated or forward-looking statements.

Serving Up the Insurance Coverage every Restaurant Needs

by Jason Hoffman, Owner and President—J. Hoffman Insurance

From the kitchen to the front of the house, restaurants have numerous exposures based on the nature of their business. As a result, it’s important that they have the necessary insurance coverage in place to ensure they would be covered correctly should an incident occur, and a claim or lawsuit result.

Property Insurance covers most physical assets, including food inventory, furnishings, cash registers, point of sale systems, files, and more.

General Liability helps defend the business against negligence claims such as bodily injury, property damage, personal injury and advertising resulting from the products that you sell and the premises you operate.

A Businessowner’s policy combines various coverages (including property and general liability) into one comprehensive and convenient policy. Some of the most important coverages that can be included are:

• Spoilage covers the loss of perishable items if a restaurant experiences a power outage, equipment breakdown, or contamination, and the food inventory goes bad.

• Business Income Coverage reimburses you for the loss of income your restaurant would incur while closed for a period of time due to a covered cause of loss such as a fire, smoke damage, lightning strike, or wind damage. Thus, preventing the business from going insolvent during the time of repairs.

• Business Income/Time Element Coverage provides normal business income coverage specific to power outage if a business cannot open.

• Employee Dishonesty Coverage protects businesses from employee theft of money.

• Equipment Breakdown provides reimbursement to repair or replace damaged machinery or equipment that has suffered a mechanical or electrical failure.

• Employment Practices Liability Insurance covers claims made by current, former, and prospective employees, as well as customers and vendors that work with your establishment.

Depending on what your restaurant offers, it might also be necessary to have the following coverages:

• Workers’ Compensation would cover an employee that becomes ill or injured on the job or because of their work. It provides medical benefits and lost wages for that employee.

• Statutory Disability Insurance covers your employees for lost wages due to injuries or illnesses while off the job. In New York, it also provides lost wages due to Paid Family Leave circumstances.

• Liquor Liability Insurance helps cover claims of bodily injury or property damage that an intoxicated person causes after a business has sold, served, or distributed liquor to them.

• Commercial Auto Insurance is a must if your restaurant owns a vehicle that is used to conduct business. It protects your business against bodily injury lawsuits and property damage if you or an employee gets into an accident in that vehicle. It also provides PIP (no fault) medical coverage for the driver and any passengers, and can also cover damage to that vehicle through collision and comprehensive coverage if needed.

• Non-Owned & Hired Auto Liability covers your liability when the personal vehicle of an owner, employee or temporary staff uses their own vehicle for business use such as running errands or picking up supplies.

To learn more about the ideal coverage for your restaurant, please reach out to our team at J. Hoffman Insurance: 845-239-4787 or Jason@jhoffmaninsurance.com.

Website Accessibility and ADA Compliance in the Tourism and Hospitality Industry

As the tourism and hospitality industry continues to drive economic development, it’s crucial for businesses in these industries to ensure that their websites are accessible to everyone. This not only helps to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) but also provides an inclusive and welcoming experience for all customers.

The ADA requires that businesses provide equal access to goods and services for people with disabilities. While the law was enacted before the widespread use of the internet, it has been interpreted to apply to websites as well. This means that businesses in the tourism and hospitality industries, including hotels, resorts, restaurants, and travel agencies, must ensure that their websites are accessible to people with disabilities, so that they can access and use a website with the same ease and effectiveness as individuals without disabilities. This includes features such as alternative text for images, captions for videos, and keyboard accessibility.

Ensuring website accessibility is not only a legal requirement but also a smart business decision. Accessible websites can increase your customer base, improve user experience, and enhance your brand reputation. In addition, it is the right thing to do.

Some of the common accessibility issues that people with disabilities may face on websites include:

• People who are blind or have low vision may use screen readers to navigate websites. If images and videos don’t have alt text or captions, they may not be able to understand the content.

• People who are deaf or hard of hearing may not be able to use audio-based CAPTCHAs or may need to use a relay service to make phone calls. Forms should have clear instructions and labels, and provide alternative ways to communicate.

• People who use keyboard-only navigation or assistive technologies may have difficulty navigating websites with complex menus or navigation structures. Websites should have a logical and consistent structure and provide skip links for bypassing repetitive navigation elements.

• People with cognitive disabilities may have difficulty understanding complex language, jargon, or acronyms. Websites should use clear and concise language, avoid using all caps or italics, and provide definitions or explanations for unfamiliar terms.

To ensure website accessibility, businesses can follow the Web

Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) developed by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C). The guidelines provide a set of standards for making websites accessible to people with disabilities, including guidelines for text alternatives, keyboard accessibility, color contrast, and multimedia accessibility.

Beyond the technical implementation of website usability and accessibility, it’s also important to have procedures in place to handle dealing with website accessibility issues. These may include accessibility notices, policies, and having an accessibility point of contact.

Accessible websites are often easier to use for everyone, including older adults and people with temporary disabilities. By ensuring that their websites are accessible to everyone, businesses can provide an inclusive and welcoming experience for all customers and comply with legal requirements. Accessible websites can improve usability, SEO, and reduce legal risks. By following the WCAG guidelines, businesses can make their websites accessible and reap the benefits of a more inclusive online presence.

“The Right Thing To Do” Jason Ruyle , Lead Web Developer—Capacity Marketing

Avoiding litigation – How Accessibility is Good Business

by

Website accessibility and compliance for people with disabilities is becoming ever more critical for businesses operating in the tourism and hospitality spaces. These industries are becoming increasingly important economic drivers. This is particularly true as American families, emerging from years of remote work and Pandemic lock-down rush to “get away” on vacation to somewhere, anywhere. Anyplace will do, so long as it’s not virtual.

Naturally, the expanding pockets of your tourism business puts a target on your collective backsides. And who’s aiming? Your friendly-neighborhood plaintiff attorneys, that’s who.

The Americans with Disabilities Act (the “ADA”) requires websites to be accessible by individuals with disabilities. The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (“WCAG”) were developed by the World Wide Web Consortium (“W3C”) to provide guidelines for creating accessible web content. Failing to do so invites trouble.

The ADA prohibits disability discrimination in all walks of public

life, including public accommodations. More and more, courts are applying the ADA to websites, (including tourism and hospitality sites offering ski weekends to beach getaways and everything in between). This means your website must be accessible to individuals with disabilities. While there is no definitive law or regulation dictating if a website is accessible for ADA purposes, the WCAG has often been relied on for determining whether sites violate the ADA and is being used by both the United States Department of Justice, as well as several courts, in determining if sites are accessible.

The WCAG was first published in 1999. The guidelines include a set of recommendations for making web content more accessible to individuals with disabilities. These recommendations consider how to structure, modify, and present web content, focusing on text, images, audio, and video, to ensure that they can be accessed by people with visual, auditory, physical, speech, cognitive, or neurological disabilities. The WCAG is organized into three levels of what the W3C ominously calls, “conformance”: A, AA, and AAA, with each level providing

progressively more comprehensive guidelines for web designers and developers to follow. The AA level is the standard most websites should be aiming to meet, as AA-compliant sites are considered accessible to the widest range of people with disabilities. This level balances a high level of accessibility without being overly burdensome.

Maximizing the likelihood that your website will be ADA compliant by using the WCAG isn’t that simple. Many businesses are hiring accessibility consultants or using automated testing tools to proactively identify potential issues on their sites. Further, third-party certification programs, such as the Bureau of Internet Accessibility Certification, can provide a seal of approval indicating that a website meets certain accessibility standards.

In addition to avoiding the litigious clutches of virtual ambulance chasers, accessibility is good business. By following the WCAG and working with accessibility consultants or certification programs, your business can create a website that is accessible to all users, regardless of their abilities.

Jeffrey S. Sculley, Esq., Special Counsel—Catania, Mahon and Rider, PLLC

This article is intended to be used for informational purposes only. Legal advice is neither implied by the author nor should be inferred by the reader. If you have specific legal questions, you should consult with your attorney.

If You Build it, Will They Come?

How Tourism Goes Hand-in-Hand with Economic Development

Cable television pioneer, philanthropist, and Liberty, New York native Alan Gerry is known in the business world for founding Cablevision Industries, the nation’s eighth largest multiple-system cable operator. In one of the most notable deals in the industry, he merged the company with Time Warner in 1995. Those in Sullivan County, however, recognize him as the beloved founder of Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, a nonprofit cultural arts institution located in Bethel, NY.

When Mr. Gerry acquired the land that encompassed the site of the Woodstock Music & Art Fair, it looked much the same as it did in 1969 when Max Yasgur’s farm was home to 450,000 hopeful young people during one rainy August weekend. Mr. Gerry wasn’t sure what he would do with the property, but he knew it was special to Sullivan County tourism.

Mr. Gerry started small on the property with a farmer’s market. Then at the urging of his daughters, the Gerry family experimented with a two-day festival to see if people would still come to rural upstate New York to hear live music in a bucolic setting. On August 15-16, 1998, tens of thousands of people arrived at “A Day in the Garden” to hear Pete Townsend, Stevie Nicks, Don Henley, and many others, including Joni Mitchell—who, on the advice of her manager, famously missed the original Woodstock in order to appear on The Dick Cavett Show.

The event was a success.

“The people are having a real great time,” Mr. Gerry said in 1998. “Now we can take this and continue doing things like this on a regular basis; I think we can make an economic difference up here in the county, and that’s what it’s all about: creating jobs, bringing some new people, bringing some fresh cash up here to spread it around in an economically deprived tourist industry.”

The Harvest Festival at Bethel Woods

“Without the Gerry family and their dream, Bethel Woods would still be an abandoned alfalfa field,” says Eric Frances, Bethel Woods CEO. Frances joined the organization as CFO in 2006, not long before the first performance on July 1, with The New York Philharmonic.

“It’s pretty incredible to think back to that first season when we happily welcomed around 60,000 guests, and then look at 2022, where we saw more than 300,000 visitors.”

In 2008, Bethel Woods opened a museum dedicated to the preservation and interpretation of the legacy of Woodstock and the history of the 1960s. The nonprofit offers creative arts education programming for children and adults, ticket access to underserved communities, and a stage for emerging artists. And, that signature Harvest Festival that started it all, is celebrating its 25th anniversary this fall, while also serving as the inspiration for other festivals that extend the tourism season.

“We take great pride in preserving and interpreting the National Register Historic site where three days of peace, love and music defined a generation half a century ago. But Bethel Woods is so much more,” says Frances. Since 2006, Bethel Woods has welcomed nearly 4 million visitors to the site and contributed more than $700 million in total economic output in New York State. “When we see lodging partners post our event calendar or a restaurant list how far away they are, we know that Alan’s dream is not only a reality, it just keeps getting bigger.”

This August, Bethel Woods will be welcoming the Catbird Festival, a two-day Americana music and camping festival. “The bird that everyone calls a dove on the original Woodstock poster is actually a catbird,” Frances explains. “We liked that it had that historical reference but is also a nod to our beautiful Sullivan Catskills.”

It’s the first time since Woodstock that a music festival has taken place on the hallowed field along with camping. “We expect between 15,000-20,000 people each day and anticipate about 5,000 will camp,” Frances estimates. “That leaves plenty of folks who will be looking for lodging, and a lot of visitors who will be infusing our local economy.”

The Museum at Bethel Woods

Did You Miss Advertising in this Issue or Would Like to Submit Editorial Content?

Our next issue is scheduled for publication in July, and there is a considerable discount if you purchase an ad now for the following four issues. Contact Jen Cassaro at cassaro.jen@scpartnership.com today to find out how to reserve your spot in our Summer issue.

Board of Directors

Karen Fisher, Chair

Michael Zalkin, Vice Chair

James Bates, Treasurer

Steven Vegliante, Secretary

Uthman Aziz

John Brust

Jerry Dunleavy

Amanda Gesztesi

Carlito Holt

Kelsey Hornicek

Brittany Johnson

George Kinne

Kevin McLaren

Gary Schmidt

Gary Silver

Gerald Skoda

Fred Stabbert

Charlotte Van Horn

Larry Wolinsky

Cover Photo Credit: Chris Szczypala/MMC

Hello Thursday!

A couple of Sullivan County snow storms didn’t stop our investors from venturing out to our 2022 Holiday Gathering and our February Mardi Gras networking mixer.

At our December Holiday Gathering at Solaia, our investors celebrated 2022 as a great year for doing business in Sullivan County. The coveted and hotly contested perfect attendance award was given to Michele Babcock of J&G Law, LLP. All runners-up received medals for their efforts. (Enjoy the Foster Supply gift certificate Michele!)

2023 UPCOMING EVENTS

Thursday, April 20, 2023

Spring Quarterly Meeting

5:30 PM – 8:00 PM

Seminary Hill Cidery

43 Wagner Ln, Callicoon, NY 12723

To kick off the 2023 event season the Partnership hosted a Mardi Gras Old School Arcade night with the fun and games provided by Perry Gips of Party Master. Investors flooded the Kartrite Resort & Indoor Waterpark in their Mardi Gras themed attire ready for a fun night of healthy competition. Thank you to our sponsors Crown Castle, SCVA, Capacity Marketing, Hudson Valley Kitchen Design and Orange and Rockland.

Thursday, May 11, 2023

Women in Business Networking Event

5:30 PM – 8:00 PM

Doubletop Bar

888 Resorts World Drive, Monticello, NY

Don’t wait to grab your sponsorships – Check out our updated media kit and see what opportunities will fit your company. Contact Jen Cassaro at 845-794-1110 to secure your sponsorship today!

Ever Wonder Where Our Investors are Located?

1 Argenio Brothers, Inc. argeniobros.com

845-561-5102

2 Argenio Drive New Windsor, NY 12553

2 Beer World beerworldstore.com

914-799-0305

77 Pleasant St Monticello, NY 12701

3 Bethel Woods Center for the Arts

bethelwoodscenter.org

200 Hurd Road Bethel, NY 12720

4 Blustein, Shapiro, Frank & Barone, LLP mid-hudsonlaw.com

845-291-0011

10 Matthews Street Goshen, NY 10924

5 Delaware Engineering, D.P.C. delawareengineering.com

518-452-1290

28 Madison Avenue Ext. Albany, NY 12203

6 Ecological Analysis, LLC 4ecological.com

845-495-0123

633 Route 211 E, Suite 4 Middletown, NY 10941

7 Hudson Valley Home Source LLC hvhomesource.com

845-294-5663

2679 NY-17M a Goshen, NY 10924

8 Langan Engineering & Environmental Services langan.com

914-323-7421

1 North Broadway White Plains, NY 10601

9 Media Solstice Marketing mediasolstice.com

845-202-9199

158 Pike St Port Jervis, NY 12771

10 New Beginnings Window and Door nbwindow.com

845-298-3667

62 Mc Kinley Street Wappinger Falls, NY 12590

11 Pestech Exterminating, Inc. pestech.com

800-287-2847

461 Harris Road Ferndale, NY 12734

12 RBT CPAs LLP rbtcpas.com

845-888-5656

51 Sullivan Street Wurtsboro, NY 12790

13 Rhinebeck Bank rhinebeckbank.com

845-367-7071

2 Jefferson Plaza Poughkeepsie, NY 12601

14 The Eldred Preserve theeldredpreserve.com

845-557-8316

1040 State Rte 55 Eldred, NY 12732

15 Tri-State Associated Services Inc./Colorpage tsasinc.com

845-331-7581 x111

81 Ten Broeck Avenue Kingston, NY 12401