Polly Renckens, whose tenure as executive director ends this week when she retires, said the funds allowed the organization to do the extensive advertising necessary to draw a good crowd.

``Advertising is the key to success,’’ she commented during a brief ceremony in the Chamber office Monday morning.

``The support from Senator Seward is such a boon to us. We were able to do the advertising is a way that captured people’s imagination and it really worked to bring people here,’’ Renckens said.

Senator James Seward made the grant announcement after he first congratulated Renckens for all she accomplished as executive director.

``I’ve been very impressed with Polly over the years,’’ the senator said.

One of the hallmarks of Renckens tenure, Seward said, was her effort to extend the summer season in terms of the number of people visiting Cooperstown. The PumpkinFest in the fall and SnowFest in February are a big help in offering visitors something in the off-season, he added.

``The festivals draw significant off-season tourists to Cooperstown, and that’s good for local businesses, employment and even our county’s taxes,’’ Seward said. ``Because of the positive impact the festivals have on Otsego County and the state’s share of sales tax receipts, it is perfectly appropriate to give this local tourism niche a little shot in the arm from the state. We’re partnering with local organizations to improve local businesses and our quality of life her in Otsego county.’’

Chamber board of directors president Rick Gibbons said the recent SnowFest had the desired affect in Cooperstown.

``The stores were full. Main Street was full and there was a steady stream of visitors,’’ he said. ``It was a real ice boost for our winter months.’’