CWC aims to develop website to promote region

MARGARETVILLE, NY, October 2, 2006 -The Catskill Watershed Corporation (CWC) hopes to encourage visitors to explore the Catskill Region through a new website developed around an interactive mapping system.

A web-based Geographic Information System (GIS) site was completed earlier this year by Fountains Spatial, Inc. of Schenectady utilizing two grants from the New York State Archives Record Management Improvement Fund. The site incorporates multi-layered maps and links to community information, tourism sites and geographical highlights from throughout the six-county Catskills.

On the recommendation of the Corporation’s Tourism and Marketing Committee, the CWC is now seeking a web design consultant to obtain the optimal promotional benefit from the maps and information gathered on the technical GIS site. The new website will define, promote and market the region by serving as a directory, or umbrella, for existing websites that have already been established by the counties and other tourism promotion entities in the region.

"The aim is to give the Catskills the highest possible exposure on the web," said Michael Triolo, Economic Development Director at the CWC. "We want to make it easy for people to find the types of lodging, activities and attractions they’re looking for and to map their route around the region so that they feel comfortable exploring the Catskills. The site will capture the essence and uniqueness of the region, and communicate a sense of excitement that will invite visitors and potential homeowners and businesspeople seeking the beauty and relaxed atmosphere that makes the Catskills special."

Consultants will find the Request for Proposal at www.cwconline.org/jobs. Submission deadline is November 8. For more information, call Mike Triolo or Barbara Puglisi at 845-586-1400.