Ulster County approves marketing grant to promote accessible tourism destination

In a recent meeting of the Ulster County Legislature, discussions centered around a new marketing initiative aimed at promoting Ulster County as an accessible destination. The initiative, funded by a grant from the Economic Development Administration (EDA), is set to run from July 1, 2024, to September 30, 2025. This funding comes without a required county match, allowing local officials to focus on maximizing the impact of the campaign.

The conversation highlighted the importance of a properly procured advertising agency, as emphasized by a representative from the Planning and Sustainability Team (PST). However, the rollout of the campaign is currently on hold due to a contractual amendment needed with the agency, Medium Giant. The comptroller's office indicated that the necessary funds were not included in the existing contract, prompting the need for a new agreement.

Legislators expressed concerns about the timeline and the implications of the delay. Once the new contract is approved, the campaign can commence, with plans to backdate the contract to cover the work already completed by Medium Giant. This approach aims to ensure that the campaign can effectively promote local tourism and engage Ulster County residents.

Additionally, the meeting touched on the role of the newly appointed arts, culture, and open spaces director. Legislators are hopeful that this position will help retain tourism dollars within the county and enhance local promotion efforts.

As the legislature moves forward with the necessary approvals, the community awaits the launch of a campaign that promises to showcase the unique offerings of Ulster County, fostering both local pride and economic growth.