Massena sports-fishing promotion director seeking assistance from county chamber

Dec. 3—MASSENA — The town of Massena's sports-fishing promotion director plans to work with the St. Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce to seek assistance with the cost of attending sports shows and boosting tourism beyond the major fishing tournaments in Massena.

Donald R. Meissner said that, as they begin putting together plans for attendance at winter sports shows, a collaboration with the county chamber could mean financial assistance beyond grant funding to attend the sports shows and also increased tourism opportunities.

"One of the most critical elements to the tourism plan that is part of the Massena promotional effort is the presence at the annual winter sports shows that take place around the northeast and New England. These events are typically held from January to the end of March and the beginning of April. The timing is perfect as many of the visitors to these shows are eager to begin their planning for recreational activities, whether vacation or sports like hunting and fishing," he said.

That's where the chamber will play a role, Meissner said. The Massena, Canton and Ogdensburg chambers of commerce have now merged with the St. Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce.

"This year, with the combining of the Massena Chamber into the St. Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce, greater resources will be made available to the town for assistance with the cost of attendance at sports shows. One of the things that we want to do is to go to the St. Lawrence County Chamber, to (Executive Director) Ben Dixon, because we want them to collaborate with us so that we can get a little bit more expansive, but also help us financially to be able to cover this," he said. "This is part of our grant program that has already approved these sports shows. But, we want to make it as big a thing as we can do it."

Promoting tourism is also one of the agenda items.

"In the past, the Massena booth has contained materials for the other areas of the county besides the town. These items have been obtained from the county chamber to help offer a wider offering of sites and activities for visitors," Meissner said "The greatest success with these shows comes from the availability of a vast array of activities and events that will keep travelers in the community for an extended visit."