Discover Sugar River Region (DSRR) is a 501(c)(3) destination marketing and management organization founded in 2023 to strengthen the greater Sullivan County region as a thriving, vibrant, and distinct destination in New Hampshire.
We do this by supporting local businesses, celebrating authentic experiences, and promoting what makes this region so special — from scenic landscapes to creative entrepreneurs. Our work strengthens the visitor economy, fosters entrepreneurship, and enhances quality of life for residents.
Who We Serve
For businesses and industry partners:
We create visibility and opportunity. Whether you run an inn, an attraction, a farm stand, or a recreation outfitter, we’re here to connect you with new audiences and drive foot traffic through strategic marketing, business networking, and destination-building initiatives.
For residents and communities:
We strengthen the region you call home. From regional pride to local spending, DSRR helps boost small
businesses, celebrate our outdoors and heritage, and cultivate experiences that enrich life for everyone — whether you’re welcoming visitors or exploring your own backyard.
What We Do
Destination Marketing
We collaborate with local businesses, organizations, and municipalities to promote the Sugar River Region through a variety of platforms:
- Annual print and digital Destination Guide in partnership with Yankee Publishing
- Regional community events platform
- Social media, video, and email marketing
- PR and media outreach
- Participation in trade shows
- Campaign collaboration with NH Travel & Tourism
Industry Development
Through initiatives such as our Hotelier Council, quarterly gatherings, and business outreach, we work to build partnership opportunities and strengthen the visitor, recreation, and experience economy for our businesses.
Economic Development
We spotlight the region’s scenic beauty, cultural assets, and homegrown experiences
— creating visibility for small businesses, attracting new customers, and planting the seeds for new ventures.
Community Engagement
We raise awareness of all the region has to offer, help connect local organizations and
residents, and foster a sense of shared purpose through events, marketing opportunities, and local participation.
Education
We share visitor education through seasonal messaging and responsible travel tips. For
partners, we offer newsletters, updates, and trend reports to help small businesses and organizations thrive in the experience economy.
How We're Funded
As a young nonprofit, Discover Sugar River Region is working to build a sustainable foundation that
supports long-term destination development, promotion, and stewardship. We’re deeply grateful to Sullivan County for seed funding that helped launch operations — and to our community funders, sponsors,and business partners for stepping up to support our early success.
We’re growing a mixed-revenue model to sustain our efforts, which currently includes:
- Fundraising for support from major employers.
- Partnership opportunities for local businesses.
- Advertising revenue from placements in our annual print and digital Destination Guide.
- Featured business spotlights on our website
- Other digital and social advertising placements
- The Destination Management Contribution (DMC) Program, in which local lodging properties and attractions add a small, voluntary contribution to guest folios, which provides DSSR funds to support destination promotion and management.
- Local, statewide, and federal grants.
These funding sources allow us to spotlight local businesses, attract new visitors, and enhance the quality of life for residents — while staying rooted in community values.
Interested in partnering or investing in the future of the Sugar River Region? Email us — we’d love to hear from you.
Partner With UsOur Mission
To develop, promote, and sustain our regional assets in order to create a thriving visitor economy and improve quality of life for all who live in and visit the Sugar River Region.
Our Vision
The Sugar River Region offers residents and visitors an authentic New Hampshire experience through a diverse array of recreational, cultural, economic, and agricultural opportunities.
FY2026
Board of Directors
Our Board of Directors meets regularly to provide overall direction to the organization’s program of work. Officers serve one year terms as voting members of the Board.
FY26 DSRR Officers
Derek Ferland
Sullivan County Manager Chair
Steve Schneider
Vice Chair, CEO/General Manager, Eastman Community Association, Grantham
Elyse Crossman
Executive Director, Greater Claremont Chamber of Commerce Treasurer
David Finnerty
Secretary, President & CEO, Claremont Saving Bank
Directors
Joanna Anderson
Peachblow Farm, Charlestown
Judy Aron
NH State Representative, Sullivan County, District 4
Alissa Bascom
Director, Fort at No. 4, Charlestown
D.J. Chabot
Realtor, Town & Country, Claremont
Caitlin Clapp
Owner, Sunapee Stays, Sunapee
Kyle Harris
Manager, Town of Newport
Shannon MacMichael
Executive Director, Newport Area Chamber of Commerce
Justin Martin
Director of Parks and Recreation, City of Claremont
Ashlee Rowley
Executive Director, Lake Sunapee Region Chamber of Commerce
Rob Taylor
Plainfield resident and Land Use and Community Development Administrator for the Town of Enfield
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