RELEASE: Gottheimer & Local Sussex, Warren County Attractions Highlight Safe Winter Tourism During COVID-19

Working to Boost Tourism in Northwest New Jersey

Joined by Local Chambers of Commerce, Small Business Leaders

NEWTON, NJ — On Friday, December 4, 2020, U.S. Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) joined members of the Sussex County Chamber of Commerce and small business leaders to highlight safe and socially-distant winter family activities and tourism opportunities in both Sussex and Warren Counties during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

“We are continuing to face major battles with the pandemic, with hospitalizations and infections at all-time highs. All of this means COVID-19 is continuing to impact our local economy, our families, and our workforce –– which is why it’s critical to highlight the safe opportunities that the Fifth District has to offer,” 

“I’m always honored to be able to represent one of the most beautiful areas of the state, and of our entire country, and I know eco-tourism can be a driving economic force for us. We should be working on attracting more of our fellow Garden State residents to safely visit Sussex and Warren Counties, to come hike, fish, ski, shop, and visit our beautiful downtowns,” said Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5). “With the COVID-19 public health and economic crisis continuing to impact North Jersey as we head into the winter, I want to make sure everyone in New Jersey knows about all the safe activities and incredible attractions for families in Sussex and Warren Counties.”

Nearly a third of New Jersey’s small businesses that were open at the beginning of 2020 have now closed.

Gottheimer was joined on the call by Assemblyman Parker Space (LD 24); Tammie Horsfield, President of the Sussex County Chamber of Commerce & President of NJ Sussex Skylands; Melanie Thiel, Executive Director of the Washington Borough Business Improvement District & Warren County Economic Development Committee Member; Laurie Rapisardi, Executive Director of the Hackettstown Business Improvement District; Evie Tilney, Blairstown Enhancement Committee Membership Director; Paul Ritter, Owner of Brook Hollow Winery; Kathi Homenick, Owner of Me to You Consignment & Boutique; Joe Hession, CEO of Mountain Creek Resorts; Chris Mulvihill, CMO of Crystal Springs Resort; Michelle Abate, Director of Marketing of Crystal Springs Resort; and Eric Flora, owner of Sage Books and Tutoring in Blairstown. 

Watch today’s virtual event HERE.

Below are available activities and information for New Jersey residents provided by today’s panelists:

• Assemblyman Parker Space (LD 24): Space Farms Zoo & Museum

• Tammie Horsfield, President of the Sussex County Chamber of Commerce & President of NJ Sussex: Welcome to Sussex County Chamber of Commerce

• Joe Hession, CEO of Mountain Creek Resorts: Mountain Creek Resort | New Jersey Premier 4-Season Resort Destination

• Chris Mulvihill, CMO of Crystal Springs Resort: Golf Resort & Hotel Getaway near NYC | Crystal Springs Resort in NJ (crystalgolfresort.com)

• Melanie Thiel, Executive Director of the Washington Borough Business Improvement District (BID) & Warren County Economic Development Committee Member: Washington Borough BID – Where business and government can work together to promote opportunities, enhance the shopper’s experience, and preserve the cultural, historic, tourist and civic interests of the district.

• Warren County Economic Development Committee – Assisting the County of Warren in promoting economic development and to establish a framework to be utilized in coordinating local, state, and federal efforts toward this end

• Laurie Rapisardi, Executive Director of the Hackettstown Business Improvement District (BID): Hackettstown BID – Improving the economic potential of each and every business that is located within the district

• Evie Tilney, Blairstown Enhancement Committee (BEC) Membership Director: Blairstown BEC – Committed to making the Blairstown area an even better place to live, visit, and do business.

• Paul Ritter, Owner of Brook Hollow Winery in Columbia: A family farm winery overlooking the Delaware Water Gap in Columbia 

• Kathi Homenick, Owner of Me to You Consignment & Boutique in Hackettstown: A carefully curated resale and consignment boutique with women’s clothing, handbags, jewelry, and shoes, plus fabulous home decor & furniture.

• Eric Flora, Owner of Sage Books and Tutoring in Blairstown: Bookstore with new and used books, journals, and gifts.

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