Prompted by changing trends in travel and tourism, the Cayuga County Office of Tourism has unveiled a new logo that refreshes Cayuga County's premium destination look and articulates its unique brand.  The simple logo, which reflects a nautical feel, will come to represent Cayuga County in a single image.   It will be used in all of our marketing efforts; digital, print, and television. The new logo was created by Clark CSM, a full-service Marketing Communications firm based in the heart of New York State's Finger Lakes region.

Barb Murdoch joined the Tourism Office on May 1st as the Administrative & Project Coordinator.  Her responsibilities include administrative support for the Board of Directors and the Executive Director as well as oversight of our visitor services.  In addition, she manages Auburn's Historic & Cultural Sites promotional program and other special projects.  Barb brings over 30 years of customer service experience with her from her previous employment at NYSEG.  We are thrilled to have her on our tourism team!

The Cayuga County Office of Tourism working in collaboration with I Love NY hosted an Israeli Media Familiarization Tour on May 13th to promote exciting and unexpected travel experiences and destinations to the Israeli market.  Five journalists from prominent Israeli news media were welcomed to Cayuga County with a luncheon at the Pleasant Beach Hotel in Fair Haven and later with a wine tasting at Cayuga County's newest winery, Izzo's White Barn Winery.

The Cayuga County Office of Tourism was the proud recipient of the Non-Profit of the Year Award presented by the Cayuga County Chamber of Commerce at their 2010 Business Leader Awards Lunch.  It was a great day for tourism with the Inn at the Finger Lakes receiving the Business Leader Under 50 Employees Award and Bass Pro Shops receiving the Business Leader Over 50 Employees Award!

Rita Trenti, Director of Sales for the Inn at the Finger Lakes was elected to the Cayuga County Convention and Visitors Bureau Board of Directors at their Annual Meeting on June 1, 2010. Rita brings with her a solid background in the lodging and hospitality industry and will be a great asset as we develop future tourism promotions for Cayuga County.

Outstanding Tourism Partner Awards were presented to Dawn and Marc Schulz, Cascade Grill and Cheryl Barber, 10 Fitch B&B for their contributions to Cayuga County Tourism's promotional efforts.

Outgoing board members Jackie Lewis from Inn at the Finger Lakes and Connie McGarr of King Ferry Winery were honored at the Annual Meeting for their support and commitment to Cayuga County Tourism.  These ladies will be missed!

More than 50 travel and tourism staff, along with community leaders took a ride on the Finger Lakes Scenic Railway on June 3rd to learn about the railroad and better assist visitors to our area. The Tourism Office's Annual Travel and Tourism Familiarization tour has become an event to look forward to.  Stay tuned to our newsletter to hear about future tours and other activities of interest to travel and tourism personnel.

To serve the many visitors expected in Cayuga County this summer, the Cayuga County Office of Tourism will be open Saturdays, July 3 - August 28, 2010 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., in addition to its normal hours, Monday - Friday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.  The office is fully stocked with an array of attraction and accommodation brochures, along with the Cayuga County Visitors Guide and maps.  Trained tourism staff is available to help plan itineraries and answer visitor inquiries. 

• Mesa Grande Taqueria opened at 100 Genesee Street in Downtown Auburn on June 29th.  Build your own burrito, taco or quesadilla!
• Moro's Table is now open at 1 Genesee Street, in the space formerly occupied by Bistro One.  Moro's offers a diverse menu with an emphasis on fresh-made foods and local products.
• Once again, the Aurora Inn has received the AAA Four Diamond Award.  Congratulations to Sue Edinger and her team!