(2/5/15 – Albany, N.Y.) A state Market NY grant recently secured by Oneida County Tourism will infuse the Central New York Vacation Region’s Brew Central initiative with $500,000 to grow the tourism campaign over the next two years.
Part of New York state’s five-year strategic plan to support economic development, the grant focuses on influential projects capable of encouraging investment.
Launched in 2013, Brew Central targets travelers interested in beer, spirits, wine, hard cider and craft pubs via the website, Facebook, Twitter, online video and advertising created and managed by ABC Creative Group of Syracuse. The campaign highlights more than 60 breweries, cideries, pubs, distilleries and wineries located in Broome, Herkimer, Madison, Oneida, Onondaga, Otsego and Schoharie counties.
“This grant provides substantial funding that will enable us to further develop and implement marketing plans to position the region as ‘America’s Craft Brew Destination,’” said Kelly Blazosky, chair of the region. “The Brew Central campaign has already gained state and national recognition. We can now increase frequency and reach within our target markets to generate more visitation and sales for our craft beverage partners.”
The $500,000 will dramatically increase ad placement in national publications; supplement digital and social advertising in targeted markets surrounding New York state; double the number of featured craft beverage producers that appear on the website, in videos and on social media; and amplify Brew Central’s presence at trade and consumer shows as well as media events in domestic and international markets.