[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 68 (Thursday, April 25, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E487]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




COMMEMORATING THE ONE HUNDREDTH ANNIVERSARY OF THE FINGER LAKES TOURISM 
                                ALLIANCE

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. TOM REED

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 25, 2019

  Mr. REED. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the one 
hundredth anniversary of the Finger Lakes Tourism Alliance.
  On April 25, 1919, Finger Lakes Tourism Alliance's founders came 
together in Auburn, New York to organize a cooperative to promote 
tourism in the region. They sought to cooperatively market the Finger 
Lakes region, develop signage to direct tourists, and ensure service 
stations were equipped to accommodate travelers. One hundred years 
later, the Finger Lakes Tourism Alliance continues to serve the Finger 
Lakes Region and is considered the oldest regional destination 
marketing organization in the United States.
  Spanning fourteen counties, the Finger Lakes Region is home to more 
than four hundred registered historic sites and landmarks, one hundred 
thirty-five museums, eighty art galleries, fourteen professional 
theatre companies, one hundred wineries, three hundred bed and 
breakfasts, one thousand sixty-three waterfalls and gorges, twenty-six 
state parks, two thousand miles of hiking/biking trails and six hundred 
fifty miles of shoreline. The Alliance partners with attractions and 
tourism-related businesses to showcase this beautiful and unique area.
  We recognize the importance of the Finger Lakes Region to our local 
communities and we support designating the region as a National 
Heritage Area. The Finger Lakes National Heritage Area Study Act passed 
the House of Representatives with our support, taking an important 
first step in achieving that goal. We will continue to be a strong 
advocate for the Finger Lakes Region.
  One hundred years of promoting our local communities is certainly a 
cause for celebration. I congratulate the Finger Lakes Tourism Alliance 
on this impressive milestone and look forward to their continued 
success in the years to come.
  Given the above, I ask that this Legislative Body pause in its 
deliberations and join me to celebrate the one hundredth anniversary of 
the Finger Lakes Tourism Alliance.

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