William Daly is welcomed as a new member of the Board of Directors of the Lake Erie Concord Grape Belt Heritage Association by Co-Chairs Helen Baran, center, and Mary Ellen Wensel.

The Lake Erie Concord Grape Belt Heritage Association added three new members to the Board of Director at its 2nd Annual Meeting held at Mercyhurst College in North East, PA. William Daly, Director of Chautauqua County Planning and Economic Development, Robert Mazza Vineyards in North East and Mazza Chautauqua Cellars of Mayville and Deb Phillips of Trolleyline Vineyards in North East, Pennsylvania. Re-elected with terms expiring at the end of 2007 were Helen Baran, Andrew Dufresne and Rick Dunst. Elected for terms expiring at the end of 2008 were Tom Davenport, Tom Fuhrman, David Monberger, Robert Patterson, Sr. and Dave Skellie. And for 3 year terms expiring in 2009 were Robert Green, Kurt Lindstrom, Susan Moore, Maclain Nichols, and Mary Ellen Wensel.

Guest speaker for the annual meeting was Robert Green, Culinary Instructor at Mercyhurst Culinary & Wine Institute and a consulting winemaker. “Beyond the Vine – was the topic of his address and he highlighted the unique soil, weather, management and other factors that contribute to a unique quality of grapes and wines in the Lake Erie region.

Annual report success featured a number of achievements for the new organization which is involved in economic development through promotion of agriculture and tourism. The Association received recognition and award from the Erie County Historical Society for the DVD produced “Savor the Flavor: Romancing America’s Grape”. The DVD is now playing in various Welcome Centers in Pennsylvania and New York. The Lake Erie Concord Grape Belt was designated New York’s first Agricultural Heritage Area with hopes to collaborate with Pennsylvania to extend that recognition “from Silver Creek, NY to Harborcreek, PA.” A number of other projects are currently underway involving study of the grape industry’s economic impact, exploration of visitor center possibilities, culinary developments, and increased signage for tourist.

The Board of Directors has named Andrew Dufresne as the Association’s Acting Executive Director for 2007.

New Concord Grape Belt becomes New York’s first Agricultural Heritage Area

(ALBANY, NY, December 1, 2006 …) New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation Commissioner Bernadette Castro today announced the designation of the Lake Erie Concord Grape Belt as the newest heritage area in New York State. The region, running 50 miles along the eastern shore of Lake Erie in Chautauqua County, is one of the largest concord grape growing and juice processing areas in the nation. Heritage Areas are special locations across the state where geography, history and culture express the distinctive identity of New York communities.

“Creation of the Lake Erie Concord Grape Belt further demonstrates Governor Pataki’s visionary leadership in recognizing New York’s historic and cultural resources,” said State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation Commissioner Bernadette Castro. “The Grape Belt has been a vital part of the local economy in Western New York and the agricultural history of the state. By promoting our thriving Heritage Areas program that extends across the state, we are providing heritage tourism opportunities so that future generations may appreciate the importance of protecting and preserving our natural treasures.”

The Heritage Areas Program develops, preserves, and promotes the cultural and natural resources located within the state. The Lake Erie Concord Grape Belt includes 30,000 vineyard acres. It is the 19th heritage area in the state and the first agricultural region to receive such a designation. Agriculture is the leading industry in upstate New York.

“This designation recognizes the long heritage of grape agriculture in New York State and its continued importance to our communities. We are excited about the opportunities to increase heritage tourism and markets for our agricultural produce” said Andrew Dufresne, spokesman for the Concord Grape Belt Heritage Association, Inc., Westfield, NY. “This area is a perfect match for the objectives of the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation Heritage Program.”

“We have a proud history of growing concord grapes in Chautauqua County that has been vital to our economy and our quality of life,” said Senator Catharine Young. “It has been part of what makes our region so special. I was thrilled to pass this legislation in the Senate because it will preserve our heritage and offer new opportunities for economic growth, especially in tourism.”

“I am pleased that the Governor has signed this legislation into law, and would like to commend the many people, organizations and municipalities who worked tirelessly to see this designated enacted,” said Assemblyman William Parment.

The Heritage Area System (formerly known as the Urban Cultural Park System) is a state-local partnership established to preserve and develop areas that have special significance to New York State. From the Great Lakes to the eastern tip of Long Island, the Heritage Areas encompass some of the state’s most significant natural, historic, and cultural resources, as well as the people and programs essential to their development.

The following are a list of New York State Heritage Areas: Albany, Buffalo, Harbor Park (NYC), Heights (NYC), Hudson-Mohawk, Kingston, Long Island North Shore, Mohawk Valley, Ossining, Rochester, Sackets Harbor, Saratoga Springs, Schenectady, Seneca Falls, Susquehanna, Syracuse, Western Erie Canal, Whitehall

The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation oversees 176 state parks, 35 state historic sites, 28 golf courses, 77 beaches, 53 pools and more than 9,000 campsites and cabins.