MASSENA -- The Massena Moving Forward Community Coalition will host a networking event for tourism and service related businesses at the new Eugene L. Nicandri Nature Center on Thursday, June 1, from 5-7 p.m.

This free event is an opportunity to connect for those businesses and services who cater to tourists visiting the area. 

As the summer season launches, the goal of the MMFCC networking event is to bring these businesses together to meet each other and develop a web of referrals and educate one another on the services their business provides, said a press release. 

"This is a great forum for those in the hospitality business to learn about each other," said Village of Massena Mayor Timmy J. Currier who created the MMFCC.  "For example, if a visitor should ask at a hotel or campground what there is to do in the region, it is our hope that the motel, B&B or campground would have met someone at this networking opportunity so they can refer to our wonderful sites, nature-related destinations, attractions and other services."

"When we developed the MMFCC, we identified areas that we could expand upon with regional partnerships, and destination marketing is one of those areas.  This networking event will allow us to inventory our tourism assets so we can continue to work together with the tourism-related businesses in Massena and the surrounding towns and villages."

Any business owner or representative in the hospitality field and related businesses is invited to bring a good supply of business cards and/or brochures to share with other tourist related businesses and services. 

Among those asked to represent themselves are hotels and motels, campgrounds, parks and recreation, shopping and retail, attractions such as gaming, museums, entertainment, outfitters (fishing and hunting), transportation, restaurants and even supporting services like automotive repair and churches.

The networking opportunity is in partnership with the New York Power Authority, the St. Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce, the Greater Massena Chamber of Commerce, the Akwesasne Chamber of Commerce and the Massena Moving Forward Community Coalition.

Arrangements can be made for brochure distribution for those unable to attend.

For more information, and to RSVP, contact Alison Power at alisonpower@mac.com.