Chamber plans guide

VERNON-The Vernon Chamber of Commerce will publish a visitor's guide to recreation, ecological, cultural and entertainment attractions in Vernon and surrounding areas, including Warwick, N.Y. The decision to publish the guide, which should be ready by the end of the year, was made at the chamber's June 28 meeting at McAfee Ski & Patio Center. "From the standpoint of doing what is best to promote Vernon as a center for tourism, we must recognize that the market needs to know about the broad variety of area attractions that range from core industries such as skiing and golf to other forms of active outdoor recreation like biking, bird watching, hiking, water sports and hunting and fishing," said Vernon Merritt, president of the Vernon chamber. "We want this guide to be super practical and super valuable as a resource for visitors," Merritt said. "It has to be packed with essential information and be as user-friendly as possible." The Vernon Area Visitor Guide will include maps and advertising. It will be mailed to people identified as potential visitors, and will be available at area businesses. The information will also be posted on a Web site the chamber is in the process of constructing. "At the end of this process, we will have put into place a valuable tool for promoting Vernon Township as a great place to visit, hopefully for more than just a day trip," said Merritt. "Now is the ideal time to take this initiative." The chamber is also forming a Tourism Committee and is asking for volunteers from the community to participate and to help produce the guide. For information on getting a business into the guide, joining the chamber or volunteering, call 973-764-0764 or E-mail vcc@warwick.net. The Chamber is also about to mail to every Vernon household its new Community Guide, which provides information on local business products and services.