2008 Goals

• Select site and submit member item funding request for Grape Discovery Center
• Co-sponsoring “Enhancing our Regional Flavors” conference at Chautauqua Suite Conference Center on March 12, 2008. Brought in speakers from around the country to share their stories of regional promotion efforts and successes.
• Co-sponsor regional branding effort to promote “America’s Grape Country” using funding from NYWGF for brand development and advertising. Coordinate effort with Wine Trail, County Tourism Bureau and processor partners.
• Continue to work on Heritage Area Management Plan in conjunction with community, county and state agencies.
• Secure Agritourism Grant Funds from NY Ag & Markets program to support detailed construction and business plan creation for Grape Discovery Center.
• Build a large relief map for Discovery Center display using newly created natural history map from America’s Grape Country project
• Coordinate the construction of six roadside grape themed kiosks in select grape belt communities using NYSCRIP funds (Spring 2008)
• Continued to expand our network of collaborators and partners in accomplishing our mission.

2007 Accomplishments

2007 has turned out to be an exciting and successful year for your Association. Your membership helped to made many things happen. A few successes and current projects are highlighted below:

• Completion and publication of the “Economic Impact of the Grape Juice and Winery Sectors of the Lake Erie Concord Grape Belt” study. The study shows that our juice and wine sectors support over 1,900 jobs and contributes over $340 million to the regional economy annually. This study provides the data for the recognition of the grape industry as a significant regional economic force.
• Collaborating with the New York Wine & Grape Foundation in the 2nd $300,000 Concord Grape Juice Health Benefits Promotion Campaign funded by New York State.
• Development of a “Concord Grape Belt Discovery Center Concept Plan“. We are now refining the plan and seeking funding to move forward.
• Moving into the design and production phase for the $75,000 New York State Coastal Resources Interpretive Program (NYSCRIP) grant for community kiosks and a Concord Grape Belt Interpretive Trail project.
• Held an “I Love My Concord Grape Belt Heritage Area” Photo Contest and Show and brought recognition to the scenic beauty of the vineyard vistas and regions assets as well as production of our beautiful 2008 Lake Erie Concord Grape Belt Calendar.
• Participated in New York State Heritage Area meetings, forums, and promotional efforts. Participated in the national Association for Enterprise Opportunity’s ‘Regional Flavors’ Program as one of six learning clusters involved in emerging and evolving strategy for economic development.
• Held Concord grape foods culinary demonstration at Crossroads Markets and sponsored other local foods promotion efforts.
• Created a booth with a large display at the Chautauqua County Fair.
• Obtained support from Erie County, PA and Chautauqua County, NY for our work.
• Held a Concord Grape Night at the Lake Erie Speedway where race winners were presented Concord Grape Juice along with their trophy.
• Collaborating with the Chautauqua-Lake Erie Wine Trail and the Chautauqua County Visitors Bureau to develop a significant regional branding effort for the Lake Erie Grape Area.
• Continued to expand our network of collaborators and partners in accomplishing our mission.