Tourism Promoter, Cape Vincent Local Development Corporation

The mission of the CVLDC is to drive economic development. This position will focus on enhancing tourism in the community of Cape Vincent and increasing public awareness of all that Cape Vincent has to offer as a destination. The contractor will report directly to CVLDC. The selected contractor will serve as a liaison between the municipal boards, Chamber of Commerce, and tourists to help increase the visibility of Cape Vincent and contribute to its growth. The role involves a mix of generating content for print and digital distribution, community outreach, and promoting tourism with publicity across all media platforms.

Scope of Services: The selected contractor will be expected to perform the following duties:

1. Tourism Promotion:
   • Assist stakeholders (municipal boards, Chamber of Commerce and CVLDC) with the execution of strategies to attract tourists to Cape Vincent, including local events, marketing, and public relations efforts.
   • Generating content for print and digital distribution (e.g., brochures and social media content) to showcase the community.
   • Support ongoing efforts of collaboration with neighboring municipalities, tourism boards, and regional organizations to promote the area as a destination.
2. Community and Visitor Engagement:
   • Build partnerships with local organizations, schools, and other stakeholders to support tourism.
   • Serve as a resource for visitors by responding to inquiries and providing information about Cape Vincent attractions, accommodations, and services.
3. Marketing and Public Relations:
   • Support the development and execution of marketing campaigns to promote Cape Vincent as both a tourist destination and a great place to live and do business.
   • Assist with the maintenance and updating of a newly developed Cape Vincent website and social media channels.
   • Work with stakeholders to prepare and distribute press releases, newsletters, and other communications to keep the public informed of community news, events, and business developments.
   • Monitor trends in tourism and business, adjusting strategies to stay current with market changes.

An ideal candidate would have the following qualifications:

• Education: A degree (or equivalent professional experience) in marketing, tourism management, hospitality or a related field.
• Experience: In tourism promotion and community engagement, ideally in a small-town or rural setting.
• Skills:
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Proficiency in social media management, website maintenance, and digital marketing.
  • Ability to research and recommend best practices in promoting tourism.
  • Capable of both working independently and as part of a team.
• Desired Traits:
  • Passionate about local communities and supporting small businesses.
  • Creative, proactive, and capable of generating innovative ideas to promote the community.
  • Friendly and approachable with a customer service oriented mindset.
  • Ability to multitask and prioritize effectively.

• Contract Type: Professional Services Contract for 1 year from the commencement of the initial contract with the ability to continue 1-year extensions for up to 3 years.
• Work Schedule: Part-time, averaging 20 hours per week over the course of the year, with flexibility to work evenings and weekends for events and meetings.
• Work Environment: Primarily office-based, with time spent at local events, festivals, and tourist destinations within Cape Vincent.
• Payment Schedule: Annual contract not to exceed $30,000 paid monthly.
• Travel Requirements: Occasional regional travel for meetings, events, or networking purposes. Reasonable travel expenses will be provided by the CVLDC budget.

Proposals should be submitted before March 28, 2025, at 5 PM. The CVLDC will review and evaluate qualifications with expected review completion by April 4, 2025 and work beginning Q2 2025.

Only proposals that meet these requirements will be rated and ranked.

1. Provide examples of previous projects that demonstrates ability to provide the services outlined in the “Scope of Services” above. Include project references with contact information.
2. Provide your fee to provide outlined services for the requested average of 20 hours per week.
3. Contact information - Provide the complete name, address, and telephone numbers.

Each Proposal submitted will be the document upon which the CVLDC will make its initial judgment regarding each proposer’s qualifications and ability to provide the requested services. Submission of any proposal indicates an acceptance of the conditions in the Request for Proposals unless the submitted Proposal clearly and specifically states otherwise.

The CVLDC reserves the right to:

•  Accept or reject proposals in whole or part,
• Require supplemental statements or information from any responsible party.
• Negotiate potential contract terms,
• Have discussions to correct or clarify responses that do not conform to the RFP instructions.
• Disregard all non-conforming, non-responsive, or conditional proposals.

Any award shall be conditioned on the later execution of a formal written contract. The CVLDC reserves the right to revoke or rescind any award at any time before fully executing a formal written contract.

All information submitted in response to this RFP is subject to the Freedom of Information Law (FOIL). The FOIL Law generally mandates the disclosure of documents unless the document’s content falls under a specific exemption to disclosure.

Evaluation Criteria include, but is not limited to:

• Qualifications, experience and references
• Best value for services requested

Evaluations will be performed between March 29 and April 4, 2025. The selected contractor will be notified upon a decision being approved by CVLDC.

All required documentation must be submitted on or before March 28, 2025, at 5 PM ET to be considered. It is preferred that proposals are submitted via email to contactcvldc@gmail.com. Hard Copies may be hand delivered to the Cape Vincent Town Clerk at the Town office with Cape Vincent LDC noted as the recipient.

Questions regarding this RFP should be submitted in writing via email to Mary Farrell medkfarrell@gmail.com.