Nov 2, 2018
1000 Islands, NY – The 1000 Islands International Tourism Council Board of Directors has selected Corey Fram to succeed longtime Director of Tourism Gary DeYoung.
Fram is no stranger to the 1000 Islands and New York's tourism industry; he has overseen a majority of the DMO's tourism promotion efforts as marketing and communications manager since 2008. DeYoung, who took the position in 1997, is retiring later this year.
“The 1000 Islands international region has welcomed visitors from all over the world since Gary came aboard more than 20 years ago. In that time, the area has positioned itself as a world-class destination and our tourism programs have grown tremendously," said Jim Corbin, council chairman. “Corey's knowledge of the greater 1000 Islands region and his work in modernizing our marketing campaigns should lead to a seamless transition and continued success."
The Council is the official destination marketing organization of Jefferson County. It's unique among tourism organizations in that it is charged with representing tourism interests on both sides of the U.S.-Canadian border. Aside from the county, the organization's major stakeholders are the American Thousand Islands Bridge Authority and Canadian Federal Bridge Corporation Limited.
“The 1000 Islands is truly an international destination and we're fortunate to be set-up in a manner that allows us to promote it that way," Fram said. “Our strength lies in our partnerships with local, provincial and state-level tourism organizations, including NYSTIA."
DeYoung came to the 1000 Islands from Wisconsin, where he served as vice president of business development for Promotion Management Inc. Green Bay. Among a list of fond memories, he recited recently for the Watertown Daily Times was receiving state marketing funds to promote the 1000 Islands-Seaway region in the wake of 2017's high water levels along Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River that impeded operations at many waterfront businesses. “It's been a great place for me to live and work," he was quoted by the Watertown Daily Times. “It will be nice to enjoy it from a little bit of a different perspective."
As the marketing and communications manager, Fram was charged with planning and executing 1000 Islands advertising campaigns and public relations efforts. Those tasks evolved during his tenure to include managing the destination's digital reputation, social media curation and implementing varying marketing strategies. “The ways people consume travel are evolving quickly," he said. “We're fortunate in the 1000 Islands to have some genuine, authentic visitor experiences and an organization that has embraced new technologies. I look forward to continuing our team's success."