Regional Leaders Unite to Advance Thousand Islands Multi-Purpose Event Center

Watertown, NY - A coalition of community, business, and sports leaders has joined forces to support the proposed Thousand Islands Multi-Purpose Event Center (MEC) in the Town of Watertown. Envisioned as a state-of-the-art hub for sports, entertainment, and community events, the MEC is being recognized as a transformational project for the Thousand Islands and North Country region.

The 1000 Islands Sports Council

Formed to advocate for the MEC, the 1000 Islands Sports Council represents a cross-section of the region's leadership in athletics, media, business development, and community service. Members include:

• Justin Coachman – Watertown Wolves & Watertown Rapids

• Nate Matteson – NBC Watertown

• Jay Matteson – Jefferson County Industrial Development Agency (JCIDA)

• John Morgia – 1000 Islands Local Development Corporation

• Chad Green – 1812 Sports

• Sarah Countryman – Sackets United

• Paul Trimper – Power Play Sports

• Kurt Robbins – Athletic Director, IHC

• Bob Alexander – Athletic Director, Indian River-Frontier League Executive Committee

• Karyn Reinhardt – Sackets Marathon

• Tim Sweeney – Intrepid Broadcasting Inc./ Tunes 92.5 & 104.5

• Jeff Robbins – Head Basketball Coach, Sackets Harbor Central School

• Erin Patterson – Little Lions

• Michael Campbell – Vice Chairman, 1000 Islands Local Development Corporation

• Michele Carpenter – Assistant Superintendent BOCES & Board Member, 1000 Islands Local Development Corporation

• Jeff Ventiguattro - Head Coach Carthage High School Basketball & Owner Victory Athletics

• Tucker Rosbrook- Oswego State College Basketball-Team Captain & President of Oswego State College Student Athletic Advisory Committee

Committee Goals & Objectives

The Council's mission is to champion and advance the MEC project through coordinated regional action:

• Recruitment & Outreach – Expanding the coalition of sports and community leaders.

• Identity & Advocacy – Establishing strong legislative and public-sector support.

• Grassroots Engagement – Partnering with civic groups, schools, employers, and local sports organizations.

• Public Awareness – Maintaining a proactive presence across media and social platforms.

• Information & Tourism Support – Acting as a central information hub while building partnerships with regional tourism entities.

A Regional Vision

"This project is about more than just a building," said Joel Bartlett, Town of Watertown Supervisor and Chairman of the 1000 Islands LDC. "It's about creating opportunity, keeping families here, boosting tourism, and giving our region the quality of life it deserves."

For more information about the MEC project please contact:

Michael Campbell

Vice Chairman, 1000 Islands Local Development Corporation

(315) 778-8027