More than $2.6 Million Awarded to Tourism Projects in Madison County

Economic Development Resources Awarded in Fourth Round of Regional Council Initiative

“This is excellent news for Madison County,” said Dr. Joan Johnson, President of Madison County Tourism, which is the county’s official tourism promotion agency. ”I want to congratulate the award winners and thank them for their hard work, we are fortunate to have such spirited entrepreneurs in our community. I also want to thank Governor Cuomo, Senator Valesky, Assemblyman Magee and Chairman Becker for their efforts to bring this funding home. They truly recognize that tourism development is economic development.

Johnson noted that visitors spent nearly $81 million in Madison County in 2012, referencing data provided by Tourism Economics. According to Johnson, this spending generated $5.6 million in local taxes, which saved the average Madison County household $372 and sustained nearly 2,000 jobs in the county.

A centerpiece of the Governor's strategy to jumpstart the economy and create jobs, the Regional Councils were established in 2011 to transform the State's approach to economic development from a top-down model to one that is community-based and performance-driven. The initiative empowers community, business and academic leaders, as well as members of the public in each region of the state, to develop strategic plans specifically tailored to their region's unique strengths and resources in order to create jobs, improve quality of life and grow the economy.

“These projects will not only draw more visitors to our county but they’ll also create new jobs,” said John M. Becker, Chairman of the Madison County Board of Supervisors. “These awards are just the latest examples of how Madison County is a great place to live, work and visit.”

“Madison County’s growing tourism economy will certainly be bolstered by this funding, and I was pleased to support it in the REDC process. From the burgeoning hops and craft brewery industry to additional hotels, this funding will enable the Madison County economy to grow,” State Senator David J. Valesky said.

“This investment recognizes New York’s diverse bounty and supports our farms and creates jobs by helping the area to become a more popular tourist destination. The blending of agriculture and tourism is crucial to successful economic development for Madison County and surrounding areas, and I’m grateful to Governor Cuomo and the REDC for this initiative,” Assemblyman Bill Magee said.

“Four years ago we decided to take a different approach on economic development – emphasizing cooperation and investing in local assets instead of continuing the State’s old and ineffective top-down mentality,” Governor Cuomo said. “That’s what the Regional Councils are all about, and today is proof that they are continuing to drive an economic renaissance in every region of the State. Each council presented bold ideas for how to create jobs and new opportunities in their communities, and I am proud to work with all of them to continue moving New York forward.”

The Madison County tourism-based entities awarded funding through the REDC are:

$1,280,000 - Cazenovia Hospitality, LLC

New Hotel Development

Construct an 80 room national chain hotel and conference space, which could accommodate up to 300 people, indoor pool, fitness center, breakfast area and business center in Cazenovia.

$750,000 - Colgate University

Center for Art and Culture

The proposed project is the relocation of two Colgate University museums to a newly constructed 25,880 square foot Center for Art and Culture in downtown Hamilton, strengthening the synergy between the University and the local community. Currently, the Picker Art Gallery and the Longyear Museum of Anthropology are located on campus and function as separate and distinct entities. Both occupy outdated facilities with little public exposure, and neither is easily accessible. This project will bring the museums into the heart of the Hamilton community

$350,000 - Good Nature Brewing, Inc.

New Farm Brewery Facility

Good Nature Brewing, Inc. will construct a new 4000ft brewery including indoor/outdoor retail and event space for tours, classes, public/private events, as well as to renovate an existing 3500ft structure for use as warehouse and office space. Outdoor space will enable the facility to offer entertainment, open air markets, a demonstration "Beer Garden" and more.

$200,000 - Owera Vineyards (EBAC, LLC)

Phase 2 Facility Expansion

Expansion of the Owera Farm Winery, including enclosure and expansion of a tented winery promotion area to enable 12-month operation, enhancing regional tourism.

$30,000 - Twenty East, LLC

Building Redevelopment for Agritourism based Destination

Twenty East will feature the extensive renovation of a commercial building and transform it into a unique Agritourism based destination.

In addition to the above $2,610,000 in funding, $500,000 was awarded to Oneida County Tourism on behalf of the Central New York Vacation Region, which includes Madison County, to market Brew Central—a collaborative campaign to promote Central New York as America’s Premier Craft Brew Destination. The campaign will target domestic markets across NY, PA, NJ, CT, VT, MA and the international markets of Canada, the UK and Germany.

For more information, call Madison County Tourism at 684-7320; for a full list of REDC awards, visit

https://www.governor.ny.gov/sites/governor.ny.gov/files/atoms/files/REDCAwardsBooklet2014.pdf.