NEWSLETTER
Celebrating Tourism Excellence
Utica, N.Y. (March 17, 2025) – Oneida County Tourism (OCT) will hold its 41st annual meeting Thursday, March 20, 2025, from 4:30 p.m.-7:15 p.m. at Munson, located at 310 Genesee Street, Utica. Oneida County Executive Anthony J. Picente Jr. and OCT Board President Chris Destito, Jr. will present the 2025 Christopher P. Destito Tourism Leadership Award to Frank Elias and Heather Delia, the visionary leaders of Utica Coffee Roasting Company. Members of the media are invited to attend in person to cover the meeting.
Event Highlights:
4:30-5:30 p.m. - Networking in the Root Court at Munson
5:45 p.m. - OCT Annual Meeting convenes in The Sinnott Family - Bank of Utica Auditorium at Munson
5:50-6:10 p.m. - Keynote by The New York Sherpa, Josiah Brown, “The Future of Vibrant Communities Through the Power of the Visitor Economy”
6:15 p.m. - Presentation of Christopher P. Destito Tourism Leadership Award by Oneida County Executive Anthony J. Picente Jr. and OCT Board President Chris Destito, Jr.
6:30-7:15 p.m. - President’s Report: OCT 2024 summary, looking ahead to 2025, and marketing presentation from C&D Advertising Agency
Each year, Oneida County Tourism presents the Christopher P. Destito Tourism Leadership Award to individuals or businesses in Oneida County whose vision and commitment make the region a premier tourism destination. Honorees lead by example, act on their ideas, and represent the very best of our community.
The 2025 Christopher P. Destito Tourism Leadership Award will be presented to Frank Elias and Heather Delia of Utica Coffee Roasting Company. Since its founding in 2002, Utica Coffee has grown from a small roasting operation into a nationally recognized brand, attracting thousands of visitors annually and playing a key role in downtown Utica’s resurgence.
In 2005, Utica Coffee took a bold step by opening its flagship café at 92 Genesee Street, transforming a simple roasting business into a full-scale coffee destination. Now celebrating 20 years as a café, Utica Coffee has become more than just a place to grab a cup of coffee—it is an experience that draws tourists from across New York State and beyond. Its flagship location remains a must-visit stop for visitors exploring the region, while expansions into Clinton and surrounding areas have further cemented its influence on local tourism. Serving a vast number of customers each year, the company directly contributes to regional tourism experiences.
Beyond its brick-and-mortar locations, Utica Coffee extends Oneida County’s brand recognition far beyond its borders. Their presence in major grocery stores, restaurants, hotels, local colleges, gas stations and more—keeps the region top of mind for consumers statewide. Their bold "Wake the Hell Up!" brand has been featured in national media outlets, reinforcing Utica’s reputation as a rising destination for food and beverage tourism.
Through innovation, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to the local community, Frank Elias and Heather Delia have transformed a local coffee roastery into a tourism powerhouse. Their contributions to the region make them deserving recipients of the Christopher P. Destito Tourism Leadership Award.
The inaugural award was presented in 2010 to RoAnn Destito in memory of her late husband, Christopher P. Destito. Chris Destito was a founding board member of the Oneida County Convention & Visitors Bureau, dba Oneida County Tourism, establishing the bureau in 1984, and subsequently spearheading legislation to create the occupancy tax which funds tourism promotion for Oneida County. To commemorate his countless contributions to the tourism industry, the award has been named in his honor.
Previous Honorees
A distinguished group of tourism champions has received this honor, including:
- 2024: Danny Frieden, Copper City Brewing
- 2023: Lisa A. della Santina Wilsey, The Stanley Theatre
- 2022: Jacqueline Izzo, City of Rome Mayor
- 2020: Anna Tobin D’Ambrosio, Munson-Williams-Proctor Arts Institute
(See the full list of past honorees on our website.)
Hear about what’s happening with OCT and the attractions and businesses that support tourism in Oneida County. This event is open to all tourism partners (events, attractions, restaurants, hotels, etc.). If you'd like to learn more about what's happening with OCT, please RSVP at the link below: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2025-oneida-county-tourism-annual-meeting-tickets-1218115489219?aff=oddtdtcreator
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About Oneida County Tourism
Oneida County Tourism is the official tourism promotion agency for Central New York’s Region, representing Utica, Rome, Verona, and Sylvan Beach. Through strategic marketing and public relations, the organization attracts visitors across sectors, including leisure, meetings, sports, travel trade, and film/TV production. Governed by a volunteer Board of Directors, Oneida County Tourism is dedicated to showcasing the region’s rich heritage, vibrant culture, and natural beauty.
Contact: Sarah Foster Calero
Title: President
Organization: On behalf of Oneida County Tourism
Email: sarah@oneidacountytourism.com
Phone: (315) 749-89