Collaboration, Destination Development Focus of 2026 STLC Tourism Dinner

Collaboration, Destination Development Focus of 2026 STLC Tourism Dinner
Visit St. Lawrence County

More than 70 tourism businesses, community leaders, elected officials, and destination partners gathered at the Ogdensburg International Airport on June 11 for the 9th annual STLC Tourism Dinner, an evening focused on destination development, collaboration, and celebrating excellence within St. Lawrence County's tourism industry.

Hosted by the St. Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce tourism team, the event explored how tourism, recreation, arts, heritage, and quality of life initiatives work together to strengthen the county as a destination.

In her remarks, St. Lawrence County Director of Tourism Tiffani Amo championed the concept of a destination development strategy built on collaboration and elevated by competition.

"Our competition isn't the neighboring town. It isn't the community down the road. It isn't the business offering a similar service. Our competition is every destination trying to earn the attention of the same traveler,” Amo said. “When we collaborate around a shared vision, we become more innovative, more resilient, and more competitive.”

Echoing the night's theme of regional unity, destination stewardship consultant Josiah Brown, known professionally as the "New York Sherpa," served as the evening's master of ceremonies, urging St. Lawrence County to seize a historic opportunity for rural growth. Brown spoke about changing demographic trends and the opportunities facing rural communities, emphasizing that long-term success depends on collaboration among businesses, municipalities, organizations, and residents.

The evening’s featured speakers went on to highlight examples of collaboration already taking place throughout the county.

Erica Kelso, Executive Director of the St. Lawrence County Arts Council, discussed the role arts and culture play in creating memorable visitor experiences and vibrant communities, noting that authentic local experiences help destinations stand out in a competitive travel marketplace.

St. Lawrence County Multi-Use Trails Coordinator Deb Christy shared how more than two decades of partnership among municipalities, volunteers, businesses, and neighboring counties has helped create a trail system that supports more than a dozen trailside businesses and increases tourism activity across the region, impacting  local businesses far beyond the trail corridor itself. 

St. Lawrence County Historian Nancy LaFaver highlighted the growing impact of heritage tourism and the success of the county's new Open Doors to History program, which has introduced hundreds of visitors to local museums and historic sites through coordinated local partnerships. The program is part of wider America 250 celebrations supported by the County’s board of legislators through the 250th Commemorative Commission and the County Chamber’s tourism team.

The evening concluded with the presentation of two Tourism Excellence Awards.

Applewood Orchards in Rensselaer Falls received the 2026 Best to the Guest Award, recognizing exceptional hospitality and visitor experiences. Since purchasing the orchard in 2023, owners Sheila and Sean Conklin and Andrew and Alicia Brice have expanded programming, attractions, and events while continuing to create a welcoming destination for families.

“They have poured their family values into the business,” said Kathryn Puleo, STLC Destination Manager. “Their pride in the orchard is evident in every detail. Whether greeting visitors, planning new attractions, or hosting events, they have created an atmosphere that feels welcoming, authentic, and genuine.”

Basswood Lodge in Rensselaer Falls received the 2026 Best Destination Marketing Award. Since taking ownership in 2012, Nick McNamara has spent more than a decade promoting the lodge as a destination for hunters and conservationists through national media exposure, trade shows, partnerships, and events that attract visitors from across North America.

“Basswood demonstrates that great destination marketing is not about slogans or campaigns,” Puleo said. “It is about building trust, creating authentic experiences, and giving visitors a story worth sharing.”

The annual STLC Tourism Dinner serves as an opportunity for tourism stakeholders to connect, share ideas, and continue building a stronger, more competitive destination through collaboration.

The 2026 event was held in partnership with the Ogdensburg International Airport and programming support from St. Lawrence Federal Credit Union.