Area officials and community partners joined AAA Western and Central New York and members of its Board of Directors to cut the ribbon on a brand new, state of the art Travel & Insurance Center at 19472 US Route 11, in Watertown, on Tuesday, June 7. 
“Having a modern, up-to-date location is key to meeting the needs of our members,” said Tony Spada, president and CEO of AAA Western and Central New York. “We look forward to utilizing this office concept in Watertown to meet the needs of our growing membership base.”

The new office features an open floor plan with less paper storage and more electronic features and wireless connectivity for AAA associates to assist visitors. AAA offers travel, insurance, membership, and other services out of the new office. AAA offered visitors free automotive battery testing in the parking lot of the new office on the day of the ribbon cutting ceremony.

The Greater Watertown-North Country Chamber of Commerce assisted AAA with the ribbon cutting, which was streamed live on the Chamber’s Facebook page.

“This is an exciting day in Watertown,” said John Johnson, who serves on AAA’s Board of Directors. “I’m thrilled that AAA has chosen to invest in the local community, and I’m certain that this location will become a popular hub for travelers and members who are looking to plan their vacations and update their insurance coverage.”

“It was a short move across the parking lot, but visitors will notice big changes at the new facility that is more modern and user friendly,” said Barb Park, Manager of the AAA Watertown Travel & Insurance Center. “We are already seeing that with increased foot traffic at the new location, and we invite everyone to stop out at the grand re-opening.”

The Grand Re-Opening celebration includes a prize wheel where visitors can choose from an assortment of prizes through Friday, June 10.

Area partners, including towing contractors, law enforcement, and other esteemed guests showed their support at the ribbon cutting on Tuesday, and the state police used the opportunity to remind the public about traffic safety. “Many area residents will visit this office in coming weeks to get maps and more when they head out on summer road trips,” said Jack Keller, PIO with the New York State Police, Troop D. “Please remember to drive safely, obey traffic laws, and Slow Down, Move Over for roadside workers.”