Features Fruit Production
Wineries and “working together” focus of symposium

January 20, 2009, Simcoe, Ont. – Wineries, agriculture and tourism
partnerships, visions and opportunities for investment and development
in the future will be among the topics for discussion at the Norfolk
County Tourism and Agriculture Symposium on Thursday, January 22, 2008,
at the Delhi Hungarian Hall.

January 20, 2009, Simcoe, Ont. – Wineries, agriculture and tourism partnerships, visions and opportunities for investment and development in the future will be among the topics for discussion at the Norfolk County Tourism and Agriculture Symposium on Thursday, January 22, 2008, at the Delhi Hungarian Hall.

Keynote speaker Cynthia Kimble of the Finger Lakes Tourism Alliance will outline the successes and opportunities experienced by her region of New York State. Founded in 1919, the Finger Lakes Tourism Alliance is an association of private-sector attractions, tourism-related businesses and county tourism offices working together to enhance and promote tourism in the 9,000 square-mile region, including 14 counties. The Finger Lakes is largely an agricultural region, featuring dozens of wineries.

Phil Ryan of Villa Nova Estate Winery and Margaret Marshall of Florence Estate Winery will talk about their experience establishing new wineries in Norfolk County, and showcase the wines they produce. Jeff Bouck, president and head guide of AtPlay Adventures will outline his experiences in redeveloping accommodation and repackaging outdoor experiences in the Long Point area to a niche market of travellers.

Other speakers include Brenda Lammens, chair of the Ontario Fruit & Vegetable Growers Association, which is spearheading the Erie Agri-Food Innovations initiative, which expects to open many doors of opportunity for farmers on the Sand Plain.

Cost for the symposium is $20, including lunch. To register, call 519-426-9497 or email tourism@norfolkcounty.ca.

For more information, visit www.norfolktourism.ca/Symposium2009.htm.