In 2010 the Mohawk Towpath Byway will celebrate 5 years of growth since being designated one of America’s Byways^®. We have retained Bartel Communications of Waterford for a proposal for a comprehensive plan for publicity and marketing to celebrate our 5th anniversary. 

There are three questions that need answers before we go much further:

• What do we wish to achieve by celebrating our anniversary?

1. Tell the stories of the Byway– Pauline Bartell
2. Raise public awareness and acceptance of the Byway – Eric Hamilton
3. Foster an appreciation of our local history – Larry Syzdek

• Which stakeholders do we wish influence with information about the anniversary?

1. Volunteers – Eric Hamilton
2. Local Governments – Henrietta O’Grady
3. General Public – Pauline Bartel
4. Tourism bureaus – Larry Syzdek
   
5. Business Community – Nelson Ronsvalle
6. Other layers of Jurisdiction (Canal Corp, Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor, MVHC, etc) – Eric Hamilton

• What messages do we wish to communicate to these stakeholders?

1. Communities are reconnecting to the Canal and Mohawk River – Henrietta O’Grady
2. New things to do along the waterway will make people aware of local history – Pauline Bartel
3. Discovering our local heritage and recreational resources is fun – Eric Hamilton
4. The stories of the power of water – Henrietta O’Grady

• What are the achievements of the past 5 years related to the Mohawk Towpath Byway about which we are most proud?

1. Gaining designation as one of America’s Byways^® – Henrietta O’Grady
2. Completing a 64 page Discovery Guide to the Mohawk Towpath Byway – Henrietta O’Grady
3. Landing a $1.7  million grant for the Towpath Trail – Eric Hamilton
4. Kick off presentation at 2009 National Byway Conference – Eric Hamilton
5. Working with our member municipalities  toward scenic conservation – Henrietta O’Grady

• What are the unique aspects of the Mohawk Towpath Byway?

1. Eight municipalities working together – Eric Hamilton
2. Sections of three generations of the Erie Canal still watered – John Scherer
   

• What are the best-kept secrets of the Mohawk Towpath Byway?

1. Sections of three generations of the Erie Canal still watered – John Scherer
2. The many stories within the Byway from Native American, American Revolution, the Erie Canal, family histories, Scenic Conservation, etc. – Eric Hamilton
3. It’s right here in our back yard! – Eric Hamilton

You must have additional ideas and answers. Jot down your thoughts in a response below and submit.  We will edit this as we approach the meeting.