Press release/provided photo
The Genesee County Chamber of Commerce invites residents, business owners, and community members to take part in two upcoming events that mark the next phase of the county’s Place Branding and
Strategic Tourism Planning Initiative.
This effort is designed to define Genesee’s identity and guide tourism and economic development for years to come. These sessions will share key findings from the Destination Assessment and offer opportunities for the public to help shape Genesee County’s tourism strategy and community image.
Virtual Presentation – Destination Assessment Findings | Tuesday, August 19, 2025 at 3:00 PM (via Zoom)
This presentation will share key findings from the Destination Assessment, including insights from more than 100 site visits, stakeholder interviews, resident and visitor surveys, and community diagnostics conducted across all 13 municipalities. Led by consultants from Think Place Agency and BLKDOG Design, the session will also present a countywide SWOT analysis and set the stage for brand development this fall.
In-Person Workshop – Help Define Genesee’s Future Identity | Tuesday, September 23, 2025 from 4:30–6:30 PM Generation Center – 15 Center Street, Batavia, NY.
This interactive workshop builds on the findings presented in August and invites participants to contribute directly to the development of Genesee County’s new brand and strategic tourism direction. Attendees will explore identity concepts, weigh in on tourism scenarios, and help shape strategic priorities for the county’s 5-Year Strategic Tourism Plan.
Project highlights to date include full participation from all 13 municipalities through site visits, municipal meetings, and stakeholder interviews. Hundreds of residents and visitors contributed feedback via surveys, focus groups, and in-person conversations at events such as Oatka Fest. The project team also conducted more than 100 on-the-ground visits to local businesses, cultural institutions, parks, employers, and tourism assets. Additionally, formal downtown diagnostics were completed in seven communities to assess local strengths, challenges, and development readiness.
The full brand identity and strategic tourism plan are expected to be finalized in Spring 2026.
“Our organization has been critically focused on this project, and we’re proud to see it entering such a pivotal stage,” said Brian Cousins, President of the Genesee County Chamber of Commerce. “Community input has been central throughout, and we encourage everyone to take part in shaping what comes next for Genesee County. Ensuring the outcome speaks truth to who we are as a community is vital, and the Chamber is driven to ensure that is a reality.”
To register for these free events, please visit BrandGenesee.com. Questions may be directed to Kelly Rapone at the Chamber office at 585-344-4152