Business

Businesses asked to weigh in on off-season tourism effort

BARBARAELLEN KOCH PHOTO | A pilot shuttle bus program will transport people to wineries, hamlets and local businesses this Veterans Day weekend.

The Southold Economic Development Committee is partnering with the North Fork Promotion Council to host a meeting for Southold businesses to learn about efforts to extend the tourist season.

The forum comes as part of a major public relations effort and significant advertising campaign for Taste North Fork, a new pilot shuttle bus service to connect wineries, hamlets and local businesses this Veterans Day weekend.

The pilot program is being made possible through a portion of a $335,000 “I Love NY” grant, aiming to help promote agritourism on the East End, according to the East End Tourism Alliance.

During the joint meeting, local business owners will be asked to weigh in on the planning process for the event and brainstorm activities to make the implementation of this grant a major success, according to Southold Town.

The meeting will be held on Monday, Oct. 7 at 6 p.m. at the Peconic Lane Community Center Peconic Lane, next to the Recreation Center.

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