Madison County Tourism, the county’s official tourism promotion agency, recently named Bill Magee as the recipient of the 2016 Emily Marshall Champion of Tourism Award. The award was presented to Magee, New York state Assemblyman and owner of Magee’s Auction Service, during Madison County Tourism’s annual dinner on April 21 at the Lincklaen House in Cazenovia.
Magee was recognized for successfully running a tourism-related business in Madison County for more than 50 years and for supporting tourism initiatives in the state Assembly and at home in the 121st District.
Dr. Joan Johnson, President of Madison County Tourism, said, “Mr. Magee’s accomplishments are many. From carrying the legislation that enabled Madison County Tourism to receive steady funding to drafting the laws that are allowing our craft beverage industry to thrive to running a successful business, Mr. Magee is certainly a champion of tourism.”
Magee and his wife Jeanette are lifelong residents of Nelson. After earning a bachelor’s degree in agricultural economics from Cornell University, Magee began auctioneering, a role that continues today. In 1972, Magee was elected supervisor for the town of Nelson where he served until his election to the New York state Assembly in 1990. Magee has served as chairman of the Assembly’s Agriculture Committee for more than 15 years.
“It’s an honor to receive this award,” Magee said. “I’m a proud resident of Madison County and it’s a pleasure to help promote my home.”
The Emily Marshall Champion of Tourism Award is given annually to those who have had a significant impact on the tourism industry in Madison County. The award’s namesake, Emily Marshall, was a founding partner of Madison County Tourism.
Tourism is a vital industry in Madison County. According to data from Tourism Economics, visitors spent an estimated $83.7 million in Madison County in 2014. This tourism-related revenue generated local property, sales and occupancy taxes totaling more than $5.7 million, which saved the average Madison County household $383 and sustained nearly 2,000 jobs in the county.
For more information on Madison County Tourism, visit http://madisontourism.