Introducing Visit Syracuse, Incorporated

Posted On
May 15, 2017

Image
Do Your Thingjpg 2334a4b6dcb3dcb3

Syracuse, NY (May 16, 2017) – The oldest convention & visitors bureau (CVB) in New York State, has shifted away from its historical existence as a division of the region’s chamber of commerce to an independently structured Destination Marketing Organization (DMO). Visit Syracuse, formerly a division within CenterState CEO, has announced it is now operating independently as Visit Syracuse, Inc.

Why? Research Recommends It
In 2015, CenterState CEO and Visit Syracuse developed separate strategic plans to help improve their respective operations. Both plans came to the conclusion that Visit Syracuse would function most effectively as an independent entity, given its evolving mission and contracted relationship with Onondaga County. Additionally, the majority of DMOs across the nation (72 percent) already exist as independent entities, with several recently separating from local chambers to become stand-alone organizations. In New York State, Visit Syracuse was one of the last tourism bureaus of its size to be based within a chamber or economic development conglomerate.

“We were proud to be a part of CenterState CEO but as a DMO, we were following an old model, in terms of operation,” said Visit Syracuse President David Holder. “In order stay competitive against other destinations, we need to have a nimble, travel-industry focused organization to thrive. This new operating structure will optimize our ability to carry out our new, bold and unprecedented mission to drive tourism demand.”

The strategic plan provided a five-year vision on how Visit Syracuse, Inc. will promote and market Syracuse and Onondaga County as a unique travel destination for leisure, sports, events and meetings in a dynamic urban setting. After a nine month transition period, under the guidance of a transition committee, made up of local leaders, Visit Syracuse, Inc. became official on January 1, 2017. For the first half of the year, the Visit Syracuse team has been working to put the plan in motion.

ORGANIZATIONAL ADJUSTMENTS – WHAT’S NEW

Major changes will take place over the next several years but some of the immediate actions that are already taking shape include the following:

Separate Board of Directors
A newly formed, independent governing board of directors will help to oversee operations on the executive level. They will also take active roles by serving on advisory committees with the team. The following board members were appointed by regional tourism industry leaders:
Ed Brennan, Beak & Skiff Apple Orchard (appointed by CenterState CEO) - Chair
David Aitken, Destiny USA
Kelly Carr, SMG/Oncenter
Frank Caliva, CenterState CEO (appointed by CenterState CEO) - Treasurer
Bill Fisher, Onondaga County Executive Office (appointed by Onondaga County Executive)
Tiffany Gallagher, Crowne Plaza (appointed by the Greater Syracuse Hospitality and Tourism Association – GSHTA)
Ryan McMahon, Onondaga County Legislator (appointed by the Onondaga County Legislature)
Kathy Rapp, (appointed by the Onondaga County Legislature) – Vice Chair
Troy Waffner, New York State Fairgrounds
Danielle Neuser, Fairfield Inn/Springhill Suites Syracuse (appointed by the Greater Syracuse Hospitality and Tourism Association) - Secretary
OPEN POSITION – to be appointed by Onondaga County Executive

"This transition empowers Visit Syracuse with a dedicated board of tourism professionals to allow it to more effectively advance its efforts to create a strong quality of life in our region," said Robert Simpson, president of CenterState CEO. "At the same time, we will maintain strategic alignment on our shared vision of making this region a great destination to visit, live and work. We are committed to supporting Visit Syracuse and look forward to ongoing opportunities to work together as we celebrate Central New York as an exceptional place with many unique assets.”

New Focus
Visit Syracuse, Inc. exists to influence, drive and respond to tourism demand. It is known to promote the area to event/meeting planners, leisure and business travelers – assisting more than 100 groups annually and contributing to more than $850,000,000 of direct visitor spending. Some of the well-known events include Syracuse Ironman 70.3, United States Bowling Congress, Skills USA, Sweet Adelines Singing competition and more. Previously, the tourism bureau consisted of two concentrated groups – Sales & Services (events, sports, conventions) and Marketing (public relations, social media, and advertising). Now, the team will have three primary focus areas:

1. Brand Development
2. Prospecting and Conversion
3. Visitor and Partner Engagement

New Position
Starting immediately, Visit Syracuse Vice President of Sales Tracey Burkey, will move into a newly created position as the Vice President of Visitor and Partner Engagement. Burkey will lead the new Visitor Experience team, implement operational plans for all projects designated as visitor engagement, lead hospitality/visitor services, cultivate partnership development by overseeing a brand ambassador, manage Visit Syracuse’s database that connects the organization to local attractions/tourism partners, and supervise visitor center operations.

What’s Next
 Expanded Visitors Center presence
 Visit Syracuse, Inc. will remain funded through Onondaga County hotel room tax but will seek more sources of revenue – reinventing the funding model
 Employment Opportunities
 Building Syracuse brand awareness and reaching out to new markets
 Building the shopping brand as it is the #1 discretionary spending activity
 Increasing leisure visitation in all twelve months of the year with special emphasis on the winter season
 Increasing team sports tournaments/events during low room demand periods & leverage the university sports image to a sports destination
 Increasing conferences/events conventions to drive market compression
 Inspiring and encouraging the redevelopment and revitalization of existing visitor experiences
 Inspiring and encouraging the development of new visitor experiences that will inspire new visitors and extend the stay of repeat visitors
 Affiliate with local organizations

For more information, contact Visit Syracuse Communications Director Nikita Jankowski at 315-706-4443, njankowski@vistsyracuse.com.
                                                                                                            ###

Historic Timeline:
1919 – Designated as the first CVB organization in New York State, merged with the Syracuse Chamber of Commerce
2010 – Syracuse Chamber of Commerce and Syracuse Convention & Visitors Bureau merged with an economic development organization to form CenterState CEO
2015 – Syracuse Convention & Visitors Bureau rebranded as Visit Syracuse
2017 – Visit Syracuse became independent tourism operation, Visit Syracuse

ABOUT VISIT SYRACUSE
Visit Syracuse, Inc. is Onondaga County's official marketing organization for tourism related economic development; leading the production of over $850 million in direct visitor spending annually. The organization aims to strengthen the positive awareness of the City of Syracuse and Onondaga County as a convention and visitor destination; to increase revenues and stimulate economic development and growth for the community. If you want to know how much there is to do in Syracuse, check out visitsyracuse.com

Other
CEO News

Image
INSPYRE Innovatoin Hub
CEO News | 04/22/2025

INSPYRE Innovation Hub is the New Name of CenterState CEO’s Expanded Business Incubator

CenterState CEO announced at its 2025 Annual Meeting the new name of its expanded business incubator in downtown Syracuse: CenterState CEO’s INSPYRE Innovation Hub.

Image
E.Z.R Braids pitch during Start It Bluepring 15 graduation
CEO News | 06/10/2025

CenterState’s INSPYRE Innovation Hub Introduces “Up Start Accelerator” to Fuel Local Business Growth

Up Start Accelerator is a new six-month intensive program designed to help Syracuse’s rising entrepreneurs maintain momentum while building their business. 

Image
15 anniversary reflection graphic
CEO News | 05/29/2025

Reflecting on 15 Years of CenterState CEO

The following is a reflection written by leaders in the business community on the creation of CenterState CEO and the organization's 15th anniversary.

Image
Fournier-2025_1200x630
CEO News | 05/27/2025

CenterState CEO Announces New Board of Directors Leadership

Stephen Fournier, Market President for KeyBank in Central New York, was unanimously elected as the new chair of CenterState CEO by its board of directors.

Image
Message from President Rob Simpson
CEO News | 05/09/2025

A message from the President

CenterSate CEO President Rob Simpson shared a message with members and stakeholders announcing his decision to take a sabbatical, stepping away from work, June 30 and returning Sept. 29.

Image
RS Budget Graphic
CEO News | 05/09/2025

CenterState CEO President Rob Simpson Comments on 2026 State Budget

Robert M. Simpson, president of CenterState CEO, in Syracuse, issued this statement following passage of the FY 2026 New York State Budget.

Image
Rob Simpson at CenterState CEO's 2025 Annual Meeting
CEO News | 04/29/2025

Read President Rob M. Simpson's 2025 Annual Meeting Remarks

CenterState CEO President Rob M. Simpson delivered the following remarks at the 2025 Annual Meeting

Image
best companies logo
CEO News | 04/29/2025

CenterState CEO Listed as One of New York's Best Places to Work

CenterState CEO is pleased to announce it is once again listed as one of the top small employers in the state.

Image
Board of Directors Election 2025-2028
CEO News | 04/24/2025

CenterState CEO Announces 2025 Annual Elections to its Board of Directors

Following the 2025 Annual Meeting of its members, CenterState CEO has announced new and returning members to serve on the Board of Directors.