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County authorizes visitors bureau to apply for New York State tourism matching funds
Summary
The committee authorized the Chautauqua County Visitors Bureau (CCVB) to serve as the county’s designated tourism promotion agency and apply for New York State matching funds; Andrew Nixon said the expected application amount is $49,083, with prior years' awards and regional formulas affecting final payout.
The Audit & Control Committee authorized the Chautauqua County Visitors Bureau (CCVB) to serve as the county’s designated tourism promotion agency and file the annual application for New York State tourism matching funds.
Andrew Nixon of CCVB explained the state program’s formula and said the application will request $49,083; the final award is subject to a state formula and the total statewide appropriation, and CCVB’s recent awards have varied (Nixon said recent total program awards used by the organization were about $172,500 in prior years). He said the funds are used for county programs such as the Chautauqua County Bridal Guide and for cooperative regional marketing with neighboring counties, and for travel shows in Pittsburgh and Buffalo.
Nixon explained the matching funds program is administered through Empire State Development’s Division of Tourism; the program is technically an aid‑to‑localities legislative designation and the statewide budgeted pot is allocated by a formula that prorates awards. Committee discussion covered how the state funds are derived from general state revenues and sales-tax growth rather than a dedicated state occupancy tax.
The committee approved the designation and permission to apply by voice vote.
