Dear Chamber Members,

If you’ve been following What’s Upstate over the past year, you’ve probably noticed we’re doing a lot more than publishing articles and promoting events. At its core, What’s Upstate exists to help people discover why the Mohawk Valley is a great place to live, work, and build a future.

This summer, that mission comes to life through two exciting initiatives.

First, we’re launching The What’s Upstate Experience, a series of events designed to help summer interns connect with our community beyond the workplace. From exploring downtown Utica’s food and culture scene to networking with local employers at a Blue Sox game and celebrating at the Restaurant Week Finale Party, we’re giving young professionals a chance to experience the region the way locals do. If your company hosts interns, I encourage you to get them involved.

Speaking of food, Oneida County Restaurant Week returns July 6-15, bringing together more than 60 locally-owned restaurants for ten days of delicious discovery. Last year, Restaurant Week became the single most visited page on the What’ s Upstate website — even outperforming our homepage. That’s a remarkable reminder that food isn’t just about dining; it’s one of the most powerful ways we showcase our communities, support small businesses, and create experiences that attract visitors and future residents alike.

There’s still time for restaurants to participate and sponsorship opportunities remain available for businesses looking to align their brand with one of the region’s most visible and successful promotional events.

Whether you’re helping interns discover the Mohawk Valley, supporting local restaurants, or looking for new ways to connect with our growing audience, I invite you to join us this summer.

After all, the best way to tell the story of our region is to experience it.

Sean