bws 05/07

OCEAN COUNTY ATTRACTIONS, EVENTS FEATURED AT COUNTY CONNECTION

TOMS RIVER -- In recognition of National Tourism Week, Freeholder Director John P. Kelly has announced that different tourism venues will be featured each day at the front of the County Connection in the Ocean County Mall, 1201 Hooper Ave. during regular operating hours.

Director Kelly said, "While one may think of visitors when discussing tourism, a benefit of living in Ocean County is that residents can enjoy the diverse activities as well. This is another example of the County Connection serving as an outreach to inform our constituents about what is available for them."

The event runs to May 20 with many of the venues offering giveaways, conducting drawings or providing interactive fun. Participating groups include the Garden State Philharmonic, Ocean County Tourism Council, River Lady, Ocean County YMCA and Decoy Show, Tuckerton Seaport, Ocean County Culture & Heritage Commission, ReClam the Bay and the Clam Trail, Southern Ocean County Chamber of Commerce, and Seaside Heights.

Freeholder Joseph H. Vicari, who serves as the county’s tourism liaison, announced, "This year’s national theme is Travel & Tourism - America’s Front Door and to that we are adding 'Explore - Experience - Enjoy' for an Ocean County theme."

Freeholder Vicari said, "According to the most recent information available from the New Jersey Commerce, Economic Growth and Tourism Commission, tourism expenditures in Ocean County totaled more than $3 billion. The U.S. Census data reports that there are more than 33,200 seasonal homes in the county, which do not create the expense of students in our school systems. Tourism helps us to maintain a stable tax rate in the county, one which continues to reduce each year."


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