8th Annual Tourism Dinner Announced: ''Tourism at Home'' Wednesday, June 4 in Ogdensburg

The St. Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce is hosting its 8th Annual Tourism Dinner on Wednesday, June 4, 2025, at the historic Freight House in Ogdensburg. This year’s theme, “Tourism at Home,” will highlight the impact of tourism on local businesses, jobs, and community development, reinforcing the vital role of tourism as an asset for those who call St. Lawrence County home.

“People think tourism is all about the visitors, but at the heart of it, tourism is all about the locals,” said Tiffani Amo, Director of Tourism. “We want to remind residents that improving our quality of life right here at home is the driving force of the Chamber’s tourism efforts and that local interests and local voices are our guiding lights.”

The evening will begin with networking and a buffet dinner catered by Freight House, followed by opening remarks from Amo, which will include highlights on the Chamber’s current and upcoming marketing initiatives with an emphasis on strategic partnerships, promotional campaigns, and collaborative tourism projects designed to attract visitors year-round. A charismatic keynote presentation by Josiah Brown, founder of Famous Destination Marketing, will explore the concept of “Resident First Tourism” with inspirational insights on how local communities can take an active role in shaping their tourism identity. Brown will showcase tourism’s role as a key driver of economic sustainability and community pride and will illustrate the impact residents can make when they choose to embrace and promote the unique attractions on offer in their own backyard.

To wrap up the night, a presentation of the 2025 Tourism Excellence Awards will recognize individuals, businesses, and organizations that have made significant contributions to the county’s tourism industry. A ‘Best to the Guest’ award will be presented for excellence in customer service and visitor experience, and a ‘Best Destination Marketing Initiative’ award will be presented in recognition of an outstanding tourism marketing campaign or initiative. These awards celebrate the outstanding efforts that make St. Lawrence County a visitor destination. Award nominations will open to the public on Tuesday, April 1 through Thursday, May 15.

Regional and local tourism partners, businesses, and community members are encouraged to attend to connect with industry partners and leaders, to gain valuable insights about the role of tourism in everyday lives, and to learn how to become actively engaged supporters of the continued growth of sustainable and authentic tourism in St. Lawrence County. Space will be limited so pre-event registration is required. For more information and to register, visit www.VisitSTLC.com/tourism-dinner

For general inquiries, contact Tiffani Amo, Director of Tourism, at tif@slcchamber.org.