Canal New York Marketing & Business Alliance (CNYMBA) Unveils Updated Website

I have learned a lot just by exploring Canal NY's recently updated website. Canal NY focuses on promoting economic and business development along the New York State Canal System. I have experienced firsthand as a resident of a canal town that is also a Canal NY member just how interesting and exciting canal communities can be as places to visit and as places to live.

Information about Canal NY and its members can be found on their website. I found it very easy to navigate. At the bottom of the opening page is a contact form where you can reach out to the Canal NY team with any questions or comments.

The member directory highlights over 60 members, which include businesses, municipalities, and tourism organizations.

Exploring this page leads to many interesting destinations, activities, and connections along the Erie Canal and its branches. If any of these members are of interest to you, their websites, contact information, and addresses are listed below their names and logos. The member directory is a great starting point for anyone planning a trip along the Erie Canal or for anyone looking for exciting ways to spend their free time.

While many members showcase outdoor activities with a variety of boating experiences, parks, and nature trails there are also many members that highlight history and local culture. As a Syracuse native, I was excited to see that Visit Syracuse is a member and that their website highlights almost everything I would recommend to someone visiting, including a visit to the Everson Museum and grabbing a meal at Salt City Market. 

Members have access to a wide variety of benefits to help get their businesses the attention they deserve, including marketing on the Canal NY social media channels. What stands out the most about Canal NY is that it is the only canal organization that is a 501(c)(6), which allows it to lobby on behalf of members on the state level.

Also linked to Canal NY’s website is the Discover the Erie Canal site. This site is a great resource for people planning to visit anywhere along New York’s canal system. Under the “Boat the Canals” section is news regarding destinations and activities along the canal for boaters or anyone interested in visiting the waterfront. The “Bike/Hike the Canals” section includes resources for anyone planning a bike trip along the Erie Canal such as the locations of bike shops and lodging options. The site is organized by sections of the canal system, which enables visitors to get more specific recommendations relevant to the section of the canal system they are planning on visiting. There are also interactive maps on the site that mark historic sites and museums so visitors can decide where to go before leaving home. 

If you’re interested in learning more about communities and businesses along New York’s canal system, look out for future social media posts here, look for news here, and subscribe to NYSTIA’s weekly newsletter. If you’re interested in becoming a Canal NY member, learn more here or reach out to info@canalny.com.