FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 18, 2006
11TH ANNUAL STATE CANAL CONFERENCE TO TAKE PLACE IN TROY, NY
September 24-26, 2006
The 11th Annual New York State Canal Conference - “Many Waterways, One Current” – will take place Sunday, September 24 through Tuesday, September 26, 2006 at the Franklin Plaza in Troy, NY with scheduled visits to downtown Troy, Waterford and Cohoes, as well as a dinner cruise on the Hudson River.
The two and a half day conference will bring together community leaders, state and federal elected officials, community and economic developers, tourism professionals, private sector industry and business leaders from the 524 miles of the New York State Canal System to share ideas and discuss issues of importance to the future of the Canal.
The conference is presented by The Canal Society of New York State and is co-sponsored by the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor Commission and the New York State Canal Corporation. The conference is being hosted locally by RiverSpark Heritage Area and local sponsor Brookfield Power.
The conference kicks off with a welcome reception at the Waterford Harbor Visitor Center on Sunday evening, September 24, beginning at 6:00 pm. Just prior to the opening reception, canal enthusiasts can participate in a 25-mile bike ride along the Mohawk-Hudson River on the Canalway Trail, led by the NYS Canal Corporation.
Other conference highlights include:
Sessions on Preservation, Repair Reuse and Recreation of canal related resources, Historic Canal Vessels, Best World Heritage and Canal Curiosities Sites; and a Waterfront Design Charrette. Conference participants will also enjoy a walking tour of Troy’s downtown and waterfront, guided by Troy’s RiverSpark Visitor Center Staff.
Monday’s luncheon will feature guest speakers Carmella Mantello, director of the New York State Canal Corporation; Frank Dean, executive director of the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor; and Peter Wiles, chairman of CANAL New York, Inc. The luncheon will be held at the historic Franklin Plaza.
The annual “Spirit of the Canal” award will be presented Monday evening, September 25, on a dinner cruise aboard the Captain JP II. David R. Kinyon, member of The Canal Society Board of Directors will present this prestigious award.
Tuesday’s program includes a visit in the morning to Cohoes Music Hall, then two mobile workshops that will take attendees to Harmony Mills, Cohoes Falls, Waterford Flight of Locks and Waterford Canal Shops and drydock.
The Trail Tender Award will be presented Tuesday afternoon at a picnic lunch on Peebles Island. The award will be presented by Carmella Mantello, director of the New York State Canal Corporation.
Conference registration ends August 25, 2006 and the cost is $175 – which includes admission to the Breakout Sessions, Walking Tour or Charette, Dinner Cruise, Monday Luncheon, Mobile Workshops, Picnic Lunch on Peebles Island and a visit to Cohoes Music Hall. After August 25, registration is $200. Information is available by contacting The Rivers Organization at 585-586-6906. Conference materials, including a program brochure and registration form, are available on the web at www.canalsnys.org.