Press release
BATAVIA, NY– The Genesee County Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the launch of a county-wide Strategic Place Branding Initiative, a multi-phased effort designed to elevate Genesee County’s identity, fuel economic growth, strengthen workforce development, and enhance tourism. As part of this initiative, residents and visitors are invited to participate in surveys that will directly shape the county’s brand, future tourism strategy, and long-term economic development.
Led by the Genesee County Chamber of Commerce with guidance from a diverse steering committee, this initiative will unfold over the next 16 months. The consulting team of Think Place Agency and BLKDOG has been selected to oversee strategic development, bringing expertise in place branding, tourism strategy, and economic development.
Key components of the initiative include:
· Destination Assessment – A county-wide evaluation of key assets, attractions, quality of life, and economic opportunities.
· Public Engagement – Community and visitor surveys, workshops, stakeholder meetings, and more.
· Place Branding Strategy – Development of a unified brand identity to enhance tourism, workforce attraction, and economic growth.
· 5-Year Strategic Tourism Plan – A comprehensive framework guiding sustainable growth, investment priorities, and tourism development.
To ensure the branding and tourism strategies reflect the authentic voice of Genesee County, the Chamber has launched resident and visitor surveys. These surveys will help capture public perspectives on the county’s strengths, opportunities, and future vision.
Survey Details: ·
Resident Survey – Genesee County NY Resident Survey Open to individuals who live or work in Genesee County, focusing on quality of life, economic opportunities, and local perceptions of tourism’s impact. ·
Visitor Survey – Genesee County NY Visitor Survey Designed for travelers who have visited Genesee County, exploring visitor experiences, attractions, and tourism preferences. Surveys take approximately 10 minutes and are housed on the project website at BrandGenesee.com.
The surveys may be taken anonymously, or participants can choose to be entered for a chance to win a $100 gift card to a locally owned business of their choosing.
“We are tremendously excited to work collaboratively with our entire community in bringing forward our truth, spirit, and soul—allowing us to broadcast the story of our county to those looking for a great place to live, work, and play. Engaging our residents and visitors through these surveys ensures their voices shape the future of Genesee County’s identity and growth,” said Brian Cousins, Chamber President.
The project officially kicks off with stakeholder meetings and assessments, followed by research and branding efforts throughout 2025 and early 2026. Survey results will be analyzed and incorporated into the comprehensive branding and tourism strategy, with findings shared in the coming months. The final Strategic Tourism Plan will be released in Spring 2026.
For ongoing updates, community participation opportunities, and survey links, visit BrandGenesee.com and follow us on the Chamber’s social channels.
