New business group for Sodus Bay

In early June, seven business owners met to discuss promoting the Sodus Bay area. A second meeting was held on June 15 - the group of seven had grown to about 50 Sodus Bay business owners.

The purpose of the meeting was to form a Sodus Bay Business Association. The group is trying to show people that Sodus Bay is a great place to visit year round, and the group wants the area to be known as the Four Season Capitol of Wayne County.

Marge Perez of the Wayne County office of Tourism was present to tell the merchants about various programs available to help market the Sodus Bay area. Dave Hayden, of Gray Wolf Productions, also gave the group some ideas on collective media advertising to promote the Sodus Bay area. Suzie Fornof, from the Messenger-Post, presented an advertising opportunity focusing on the Sodus Bay area called "On the Way To the Bay." This summer insert will go into nine publications and reach 100,000+ households in and around the Rochester area.

As a result of the meeting, four committees were formed to focus on public relations, event planning, signage, and transportation to help promote the Sodus Bay area. Each of the members in attendance agreed that, in order to financially support this promotion of Sodus Bay, each business affiliated with the Sodus Bay Business Association will lend financial support. Area merchants also agreed to help support each other by exchanging brochures and displaying them in their businesses.

Other topics discussed were parking issues, a town valet service, a shuttle bus to carry visitors to various events, and shopping. Also discussed were historical points of interest, family-oriented events, and better signage.

At a June 22 meeting, members decided that while a director is needed, the position should not be filled by a member of the group. Also discussed were some ideas drafted by committee members.

The next Sodus Bay Business Association meeting will be on July 6 at 7 p.m., at Breakers Restaurant in Sodus Point. All are invited to attend and membership is open to all. (In the event of rain, the meeting will be held at Kaytlynn Marine.)

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