A group of canal enthusiasts, largely from Central and Western New York, came together recently in Skaneateles to discuss the formation of an independent statewide canal promotion organization that would market the waterway at home and abroad. A consensus emerged that such an effort was necessary and desirable, and the group will meet again soon to consider next steps.

    Although much of the discussion focused on establishing a new organization, the State Council on Waterways was identified as an existing organization that might be appropriate to take on the duties identified.

    A facilitator helped to identify more than 20 tasks that the attendees believed should be addressed by the organization, the top ranked of which included:
 

• Acting as a tourism destination marketing organization

• Providing unified advocacy efforts on canal issues

• Facilitating collaboration among existing canal groups

• Presenting one image & offering one package for tourism

• Identifying and securing funds for its work
   

    The group also considered weather an existing governmental entity could accomplish the goals set fourth, and the consensus seemed to be that although the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor Commission had many of the specified tasks in its mission, a new or existing private group would probably be needed as well to achieve all of what was identified.

    The meeting was organized by Greg Marshall of the Greater Rochester Visitors Association and Sarah Wiles of Mid-Lakes Navigation in Skaneateles. Its stated purpose was to evaluate the need, value and viability of a new statewide private-sector organization dedicated to legislative advocacy, business collaboration and tourism marketing.

    Mr. Marshall has long championed the formation of a group such as the one that is now proposed, and he previously met with the SCOW board in 2003 to discuss the subject. SCOW directors were impressed with the idea, dubbed a “Canal Chamber of Commerce” at the time, and it became one of a series of the organization's long range goals, commensurate with an ability to develop sufficient funding to begin the venture.

    The focus of the organization would relate to the waters, lands and businesses within the area generally known as the Erie Canal Corridor. It's activities will not involve planning, operations, landside or waterside development, preservation or historic interpretation, all of which are currently addressed by existing public and private entities.

    The organization would play a significant role in marketing today’s broad canal resources to domestic and international audiences, an effort viewed by many of the participants as being unacceptably absent today.

    The State Council on Waterways is a private, nonprofit group formed in 1986 to promote New York waterway resources, with particular emphasis on the Erie Canal. We offer educational programs for elementary students and present statewide forums on important waterway issues of the day. Our most ambitious projects include our public access program aboard the ERIE CANAL BOAT, and operation of the Little Falls Canal Harbor, a redeveloped facility on the site of an original 1918 Barge Canal terminal.

    All SCOW programs are supported by private donations from individuals, corporations and foundations. SCOW is an educational organization organized under section 501(3)c of the Internal Revenue Code, and all contributions are deductible to the extent allowed by law.