ALEXANDRIA BAY, N.Y. -- The New York Association of Convenience Stores (NYACS) will celebrate its 20th anniversary with a special edition of its annual Fall Conference & Chairmen's Open Golf Tournament, September 26-27, in New York's Thousand Islands region.
It marks a return to Alexandria Bay, N.Y., site of the very first NYACS trade show back in 1986.
People who were there say that event fostered a spirit of camaraderie that became the hallmark of the organization, said NYACS President James Calvin. The family atmosphere [image-nocss] that makes NYACS so special was spawned in Alex Bay.
Anyone associated with NYACS at any point during its 20-year history is invited to attend, he said. In addition to current members, NYACS is trying to track down former members who have retired, left the business or moved out of New York. They are encouraged to call NYACS at (800) 336-9227 for information.
The event has been organized by NYACS' 20th Anniversary Committee, which is chaired by John MacDougall, President and CEO of Nice N Easy Grocery Shoppes. MacDougall, President Emeritus Richard Warrender and Chairman Emeritus Bob Seng are the co-founders of NYACS.
On Tuesday, September 26, there will be an opening membership meeting at 2:30 p.m. at Riveredge Resort, the host hotel. Attorney Doug Kantor of The Scott Group will give an update on NYACS' lawsuit on the tax fairness issue, and lobbyist Patrick McHugh of Coppola Ryan McHugh Riddell will forecast the statewide election in November.
Following these presentations, attendees will board a triple-decker paddleboat for a cocktail cruise on the St. Lawrence River. Back on shore, attendees will travel to nearby Joey's Restaurant at the Thousand Island Club, a stately, 100-year-old landmark, for the 20th Anniversary Dinner. They will be entertained by a variety show of storytelling, music, magic and comedy performed entirely by NYACS members saluting the people, events and issues that shaped NYACS' history. We're calling it NYACS' Got Talent', said Calvin.
Anyone with a skit they'd like to perform, a song they'd like to sing or a story they'd like to tell is encouraged to contact NYACS to join the lineup, he said.
The next morning, Wednesday, September 27, there is a choice of registering for NYACS' annual Chairmen's Open Golf Tournament at Thousand Islands Country Club, or a Thousand Islands fishing tour, both benefiting NYACS' political action committee. Everyone will come back together in the afternoon for a clambake and barbecue.
We hope everyone who has been involved in NYACS, past or present, will join us for this reunion celebrating 20 years of progress, said Calvin.
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