Chamber  OnLine
News from the Genesee County Chamber of Commerce
PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
 
February marks the beginning of "special events season" at your Genesee County Chamber of Commerce.  While none of these events actually occur in February, we are busy planning for three of our major events of the year. 
45th ANNUAL AWARDS CEREMONY - MARCH 4
 
The Genesee County Chamber of Commerce is celebrating its 45th Annual Awards Ceremony which will be held on Saturday, March 4, 2017 at the Quality Inn & Suites, Park Road, Batavia.  This is the County's premier event that honors businesses and individuals for their achievements in business, community service and volunteerism.  Tickets are $50.00 per person or a table of 10 for $450.00.  
 
The evening begins at 5:30 with Hors D'oeuvres, Entrée Tables & Cash Bar ( no formal sit-down dinner is to be served).  The Award Program starts at 7:00pm where dessert and coffee will be served. 
 
This year's honorees are: 
Business of the Year:
Liberty Pumps, Bergen   

Entrepreneurial Business of the Year:
Foxprowl Collectables, Batavia 

Agricultural Business of the Year: 
Stein Farm's, LeRoy          

Special Service Recognition of the Year: 
Red Osier Restaurant, Stafford

Geneseeans of the Year:
Steve & Lisa Grice, Batavia
 
Call Kelly J. Bermingham, at 343-7440, ext. 1026 to make your reservations.
HOME SHOW VENDOR BOOTHS FILLING UP QUICKLY!
 
Plans are gearing up for the 4th Annual Genesee County Chamber of Commerce Home Show to be held March 31, April 1-2, 2017 at the Falleti Ice Arena, Evans Street, Batavia.  Last year's Home Show was a great success with over 2,000 people attending. 
 
Applications are now being taken for vendor booth space at a cost of $375 per booth for Genesee County Chamber members and $475 for non-Chamber members.  We are anticipating another sell-out this year so don't be left out - contact Kelly Bermingham art 585-343-7440 ext. 1026 or by email at kbermingham@geneseeny.com.  To download the vendor booth application click here!
SAVE $$ ON YOUR BUSINESS' ELECTRIC COSTS WITH CHAMBER DISCOUNTS
 
Constellation Energy Services of New York, Inc. (formerly known as Integrys Energy Services of New York, Inc.) has been working with the Genesee County Chamber of Commerce and its members for many years.  During that time, Constellation has provided the highest levels of customer service, competitive energy ricing and the most flexible energy product solutions that Southern Tier companies have needed to achieve their energy purchasing objectives.
               
Constellation has offices in Buffalo and its staff is all long-time residents of the region.  When it comes to an energy organization that been in the market for many years focusing on the needs of the business community, there is no company that compares to Constellation, which is why your Chamber has continued to partner with Constellation to offer significant savings to our members. 
 
Among the advantages of purchasing electricity from Constellation through the Chamber:
*             Competitive pricing, local presence and a special discount for Genesee County Chamber of Commerce members.
*             Constellation Energy has a strong energy background with local market expertise in upstate New York.
*             Constellation Energy is endorsed by over 25 chambers of commerce and associations statewide.
*             Your choice of fixed or variable electric supply programs.
 
To learn more about how you can save money by purchasing your electricity from Constellation Energy through the Genesee County Chamber of Commerce, fill out the application on our website.
CELEBRATE AGRICULTURE DINNER TICKETS STILL AVAILABLE
 
Tickets are still available for the 15th Annual Celebrate Agriculture Dinner which will take place Saturday, March 18 at 6 p.m. at the Alexander Fire Hall.  This annual event is a celebration of Genesee County's number one industry - Agriculture.  The highlight of the night is a delicious meal using locally produced foods prepared by Penna's Catering.  The dinner is open to the public.
 
Tickets are $30 each or a table of 10 can be purchased for $275.  Sponsorships are also available which help support agriculture educational events in Genesee County.  Only 400 tickets will be sold.  Order your tickets now as the event is known for selling out quickly.  Tickets will not be available at the door.  For ticket information contact the Genesee County Chamber of Commerce at 585-343-7440 x 1027 or by email at chamber@geneseeny.com.
 
The Celebrate Ag Dinner is coordinated by the following partners:  Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County, Genesee County Chamber of Commerce, Genesee County Soil & Water Conservation District and Genesee County Farm Bureau.
SMALL BUSINESS WORKSHOPS FREE TO CHAMBER MEMBERS
 
"Marketing and Sales in the New Millennium" will be the subject of a small business workshop to be hosted the Genesee County Chamber of Commerce on February 8.
 
This is the one of a series of business workshops held in conjunction with the United States Small Business Administration and the Genesee County Chamber of Commerce.  The workshops are open to all Chamber and non-Chamber businesses and their employees and will offer expert advice from experienced business professionals designed to help small businesses succeed and grow.
 
"This workshop will explore why marketing in the new millennium presents new challenges and opportunities for small business," said Tom Turnbull, Chamber President.  "Learn what has changed and what has stayed the same and how to identify the proper strategies for your business today."
 
Upcoming Small Business Workshops include March 8 - Social Media 3.0 - Improving your Social Media Marketing - Greg Lindberg, presenter; and April 5 - The Fundamentals of Negotiation - Steve Martin, presenter.  All workshops are held in conjunction with the Small Business Administration.  SBA workshops are held at the Chamber office and start at 7:30 a.m.  They are free to Chamber members and $10 to non-Chamber members.   For more information contact Kelly Bermingham at kbermingham@geneseeny.com or by phone at 585-343-7440 ext. 1026.

CHAMBER TRAVEL TRIPS - 
CHINA IS BACK!

 
After a two-year layoff, the Chamber is reviving its very popular China trip.  The nine-day trip will take place from October 7-15, 2017 and includes roundtrip airfare, 4-and 5-star hotel accommodations, 3 meals each day, deluxe bus tours, fluent English-speaking guides and entrance fees for attractions - all for just $2,199 per person!   The Genesee County Chamber has sent over 1,000 travelers to China and this once in a lifetime tour promises to be one of the best. 
 
A Reflections of Italy tour is also scheduled for September 27 - October 6, 2017 and includes stops in Milan, Venice, Florence, Siena, Perugia, Assisi and Rome.  Cost of the trip is only $4,119 per person for a double room and there are also only a limited amount of reservations available.  A special travel presentation is being offered on February 22, 2017 at 5:30pm at the Chamber Office.  Contact Melissa at 585-343-7440 x1027 or email for more details.
 
For more information on all of the Chamber trips, visit the Chamber's website at www.geneseeny.com/Trips.
FEBRUARY- TOURISM NEWS
 
2017 Dining Guide -
Membership Reminder
A reminder that your Chamber membership must be paid by February 17th to receive the enhanced listing and map plotting in the dining guide.  Non-members will receive a basic name, phone and address listing, while members will be placed first, receive descriptive copy, a well as being plotted and highlighted on the dining guide map.
 
Display advertising is also still available until February 17th. The Dining Guides will be complete and distribution will begin by April 1.   8,000 dining guides will be printed and are distributed primarily through the hotels and campgrounds, the Batavia Sports Park, the Visitor Information Center as well as to each visitor who requests one through our web site.
 
  Click here for more details and to sign up today! 
 
     
Consumer Travel Shows
The Chamber's Tourism program will be distributing Genesee County visitor information at the following consumer travel shows this month.
 
Jan 28-Feb 5  Philadelphia, PA: Philadelphia Auto Show, adagp.com

February 3-5 Columbus, OH: AAA Great Vacations Travel Expo, aaagreatvacations.com

February 4-12 Harrisburg, PA: Great American Outdoor Show, greatamericanoutdoorshow.org

February 8-12 Novi, MI: 1st Annual Detroit Camper & RV Show, michiganrvandcampgrounds.org

February 9-12 Erie, PA: Erie RV & Camping Show, eriepromotions.com

Feb 16-18 Montreal, QUE: Montreal RV Show, salonvr.com

February 17-20 West Springfield, MA: Springfield Camping Show, springfieldrvcampingshow.com

Feb 17-20 Suffern, NY: Northeast RV Show, rocklandexpo.com

February 18 & 19: London ON: London Golf Show, www.westernfairdistrict.com/ldngolfshow

February 19 Wyomings, PA: AAA Readings/Berks Travel Odyssey Show, aaardgberks.com

Feb 23-26 Harrisburg, PA: Harrisburg RV & Camping Show, gsevents.com

February 24-26 Toronto, ON: Toronto Golf & Travel Show, torontogolfshow.com
2017 CHAMBER GCC SCHOLARSHIP WINNER

 
Lindsey Turrell, second from left, is the recipient of the 2017 Genesee County Chamber of Commerce Scholarship at Genesee Community College. Pictured with Lindsey, from left, Amy Slusser, instructor; Jennifer Zambito, GCC Alumni Director (and Chamber Board of Directors member); and Tammy Arneth, Director of Development at GCC.  Congratulations Lindsey!
STRESSED?  YOU NEED TO LEAD MORE AND MANAGE LESS
 
Practically every coaching client that I deal with who is having a hard time either because they are feeling overwork or overwhelmed are struggling with the same problem.
 
They are spending too much time managing and not enough time leading. Management is about the day to day grind, dealing with issues, reacting to situations.

QUOTE OF THE MONTH
"My grandfather once told me there were two kinds of people; those who do the work and those who take the credit. 
He told me to try to be in the first group; there was much less competition."                                         -
Indira Gandhi
Your Chamber Resources:
 
Kelly Bermingham,  Director of Membership & Special Events
 
Ginny Elsasser , Staff Accountant
 
Melissa A. George , Executive Assistant
 
Lauren Humphrey Tourism Marketing Assistant

Kelly Rapone , Tourism Marketing Director
 
Tom Turnbull , President
FEBRUARY 2017
Thank you
Chamber Champions!

 

The Genesee County Chamber of Commerce would like to thank our Chamber Champions:

 

Alex's Place  

 

Clark Patterson Lee

 

Freed Maxick

              

Lawley Genesee

 

National Grid

 

Terry Hills Golf Course, Restaurant, & Banquet Facility

 

Turnbull Heating & Air

 

Tompkins- Bank of Castile/

Tompkins Insurance  

 

United Memorial
Medical Center

 

These businesses have taken the lead role in investing in our Chamber's mission of enhancing business and community development in Genesee County.  To find out how your business can become a Chamber Champion, contact Kelly Bermingham 

at 585-343-7440.

Thank you
 
Welcome
Looking for something to do? Check out the Community Events Calendar on the Chamber Website!
2016 - 2017 Chamber Business Directories are now available. 
 
Stop on by the Chamber Office at 
8276 Park Road, 
to pick up one, or two, or even three for your office!!! 


GENESEE COUNTY MAPS AVAILABLE 
AT THE CHAMBER
 
The new Genesee County full-color map is now available at  the Genesee County Chamber of Commerce free of charge.  Stop by the Chamber office during regular business hours at 
8276 Park Road, Batavia and pick up your copy.

E-Z PASS TAGS AVAILABLE AT THE GENESEE COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
 
As a convenience to area residents, the Genesee County Chamber of Commerce sells E-Z Pass tags. In conjunction with the New York State Thruway Authority, E-Z Pass tags are conveniently available at the Chamber for $25 each.
 
Here's how it works:  Stop by the Chamber and buy a prepackaged kit for $25.  Register the Tag. Install and use! Once registered, it can be replenished as needed.  Enjoy the convenience and savings (10%) by using E-Z Pass.

Please note our new address: 
 
Genesee County Chamber & Visitor Center
8276 Park Road
Batavia, NY 14020









































Connect with your Chamber:


Facebook

8276 Park Road
Batavia, NY 14020
M-F, 8:30am-4:30pm
585-343-7440