Contact: Claire Wysokowski  clairew@visitrochester.com

M: 585-784-0947 Office: 585-279-8325

For Immediate Release                                                              

Over 3000 Convention Attendees in Rochester for

Church of God Northeast Winterfest

(Rochester, N.Y., February 13, 2014) - This weekend over 3,000 youth, along with youth leaders and chaperones, are expected for the 2014 Church of God Northeast Winterfest held in Rochester (February 14-16.)

"Rochester is thrilled to welcome back Northeast Winterfest for 2014. With a convention of this magnitude, the hotels and Convention Center are able to shine and show their ability to meet the needs of a group this size," said Tracy Armstrong, director of sales for the Rochester Riverside Convention Center.

This convention was booked by the VisitRochester sales team (Monroe County's official tourism promotion agency) and will have an estimated economic impact of $3.5 million on the community.

"The benefit of hosting a convention this large in the community is significant," said Don Jeffries, president and CEO of VisitRochester. "Convention attendees support local restaurants, shops, and the local economy in every way."

Winterfest began 25 years ago as a small discipleship weekend. Last year over 53,000 teens and leaders assembled in locations across the nation seeking a deeper relationship with Christ. Over the years, Winterfest has been characterized by outstanding speakers, authentic worship, loads of fun, and life-changing experiences. For more information visit churchofgod.org.

"We continue to choose Rochester year after year as the site for Winterfest because it's a great city with excellent facilities and excellent staff," said Rev. Omar George, state youth and discipleship director for the Churches of God in New York.

VisitRochester is Monroe County's official tourism promotion agency. Its mission is to promote the area as a destination for meetings, conventions, and leisure travel. On average, 1.7 million visitors travel to Rochester a year, leaving an economic impact of nearly $1 billion in Monroe County.

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