Courtesy Warren County Tourism
Warren County’s summer workforce celebration earned an award from the New York State Tourism Industry Association.
Liza Ochsendorf, Warren County’s Director of Workforce Development, was honored for Excellence in Transformational Stewardship in the Workforce Development category. The award recognizes her creation of the Summer Workforce Celebration, a thank-you and awards event for hospitality, tourism and retail workers held each September since 2022.
Last September’s celebration brought together more than 350 workers from over 70 Warren County businesses for a free ride and dinner aboard the Lake George Steamboat Co.’s Lac du Saint Sacrement tour boat. NYSTIA leaders cited the event’s impact on community and worker retention.
Ochsendorf will receive the award in September at the 2026 NYS Tourism Excellence Summit in Corning, New York.
Planning is underway for the 2026 celebration, tentatively scheduled for Sept. 14 at Lake George Steamboat Co. Tourism industry donors cover expenses. Workers nominated by their employers receive thousands of dollars in prizes, including gift baskets, overnight stays and attraction admission tickets.
Businesses interested in sponsoring the event may email Ochsendorf at ochsendorfl@warrencountyny.gov or send checks to the Warren County Tourism Department, Warren County Municipal Center, 1340 Route 9, Lake George, NY 12845.
Provided by Warren County; edited for style and length.