News, Happenings & Collaborations |
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Included in this Issue ... |
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- Chamber online auction is LIVE thru Sat.
- Nominations sought for Annual Awards
- Join a Chamber committee!
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- "Holidays Lights" winners announced
- Final week for Castel Grisch light display
- Leadership Schuyler class announced
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Visit Watkins Glen
& Schuyler County
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Watkins Glen
Area Chamber
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Bidding is open!
Winter Interlude Auction
is now LIVE online
The Winter Interlude Auction is now online through Saturday, Jan. 30, featuring items donated by our members and partners, including "Buy Now" grab bags and many options for you to support your Chamber.
With the annual Winter Gala postponed for COVID-safety reasons, a virtual auction has been organized to assist the Chamber in raising funds necessary to continue its mission of advancing the economic success of members and the community, through support, promotion, and education.
Get ready to bid — click here to view account set-up instructions:
To view and bid on the fabulous auction items, click the link below — AND please help Chamber get the word out about this important fundraiser by sharing the auction link on your social media platforms and in your customer communications. More exposure of the auction means more exposure of our area and our donating member businesses, making it a win all around!
Link to the auction site:
Please direct any questions about the Winter Interlude Auction to Michael Hardy at michael@watkinsglenchamber.com or (607) 535-4300.
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Winners announced!
"Holiday Lights —
Schuyler Style!"
The inaugural “Holiday Lights — Schuyler Style!” illuminated the Watkins Glen area in December and January. Sponsored by Visions Federal Credit Union, the event was a source of holiday fun and joy, while at the same time also a festive and friendly contest.
Residents and visitors voted for their favorite residences and businesses, choosing from among the 17 decorated participating properties, and voting online “Holiday Lights — Schuyler Style!” was presented by the Watkins Glen Area Chamber of Commerce and Watkins Glen Promotions.
The winners are as follows:
Out-of-Town Vote (determined via voter zip code):
5098 State Rt. 227, Burdett ($500 Prize)
Community Vote:
205 10th St.,Watkins Glen ($500 Prize)
Non-Profit Category;
My Place: A Play and Learning Center ($350 Prize for 1st Place)
Farm Category:
Sunset View Creamery ($250 Prize for 1st Place)
Business Category:
1st Place: Glen Dairy Barn ($300 Prize)
2nd Place:Great Escape Ice Cream Parlor
3rd Place: Hazlitt Vineyards
Residential Category:
1st Place: 205 10th St.,Watkins Glen ($300 Prize)
2nd Place: 5098 State Route 227, Burdett
3rd Place: 5650 Hosenfeld Road, Odessa
"Partnering with Watkins Glen Promotions and its new director, Michaela Christensen, on this fun, upbeat and economically impactful first-time event helped brighten (pun intended) spirits for all involved," said Michael Hardy, WGACC’s Executive Director. "This event aided in capturing attention and allowed spectators to enjoy seasonal delights while staying safe and healthy during a time when events that typically would gather people together, like Village Christmas, disappointedly could not happen during the pandemic."
Christensen added; “Visions and the local residents rallied on this quickly planned event to truly embrace all that is good about this time of year and likely, I believe, the joy it brought all involved may have sparked (pun intended) a new and welcomed tradition I hope exists for years to come”.
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Leadership Schuyler welcomes
10 professionals to Class of 2021
Ten professionals have joined the Leadership Schuyler Class of 2021, and they, along with their employers, have pledged to commit time and energy to this rich and challenging program conducted by the Watkins Glen Area Chamber of Commerce.
The program is an investment in our future leaders and is certain to benefit us all in the months and years to come. The professionals will attend two classes per month via Zoom from Jan. 28 through Graduation Day in June 2021. We at WGACC and its Business and Education (“B&E”) Committee are impressed with the resumes, backgrounds and accomplishments of all the classmates and look forward to the exchanges with them, each other, their facilitator, and guest speakers.
The Leadership Schuyler Class of 2021:
Amy Abbey, Retail Manager, Fulkerson Winery
Tiffany Bloss, Director, Schuyler Health Foundation
Michaela Christensen, Director of Events, Watkins Glen Promotions
Clara LaBarr, Asst. Clinical Manager, Schuyler Hospital
Cynthia Miller, Career Program Specialist,
Career Development Council / BOCES & B&E Committee Rep.
Kelly Miller, Business Manager,
Arc of Chemung-Schuyler, Glen Co Pack & Franklin St. Gallery
Kristine Moresman, Executive Director,
My Place: A Play (Child Care) and Learning Center
Tracy Savard, Director, Watkins Glen Public Library
Ben Slaton, Production Manager/Engineer, Cargill Salt
Diana Warn, Admin/Production Clerk, Cargill Salt
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Website ad sales begin Feb. 15
for ExploreWatkinsGlen.com
with Destination Travel Network
Destination Travel Network (DTN) has partnered with the Watkins Glen Area Chamber of Commerce to offer a variety of paid content opportunities across ExploreWatkinsGlen.com.
The premium website placements will deliver your marketing message to visitors who are actively planning their trip to the Watkins Glen area and are ready to book and buy. This means a more qualified user audience, higher content engagement and conversation rates, and a bigger bang for your buck. DTN placements run seamlessly within the site's content, designed to highlight exactly what it is that makes you special in the market, appealing to the emotional needs (which drive decision making) of our visitors.
Taylor from DTN is managing the campaign planning and will be reaching out to Chamber members and non-members soon.
Below are DTN links for you to view before you are contacted:
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Chamber accepting nominations
for 2021 Annual Awards thru Feb. 15
Nominations are being accepted now through Feb. 15 for the Watkins Glen Area Chamber of Commerce’s 2021 Annual Awards. Community members are encouraged to nominate deserving individuals. The award criteria for consideration are listed below. Winners will be announced on March 3 at the Chamber’s virtual After Hours Mixer.
Click here to download nomination form
Click here to download nomination form
Click here to download nomination form
Click here to download nomination form
Award nominations must be completed and sent to the Watkins Glen Area Chamber of Commerce by no later than Monday, Feb. 15. Nomination forms can be dropped off or mailed to 214 N. Franklin Street, Watkins Glen, NY 14891, faxed to (607) 535-6243, or emailed to Michael Hardy, Executive Director at michael@watkinsglenchamber.com.
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Chamber members invited to join committees
Enjoy some ROI — a ‘Return on (Your) Involvement’
In line with the old adage of “the more you put in, the more you get out,” the Chamber has created committees to enable engaged members to become more involved … working collaboratively on efforts that fit your personal and professional goals and needs.
Marketing Committee
Committee Chair and Board Liaison: Positions Open
The Marketing Committee serves as an advisory committee for the WGACC Executive Director and his team, discussing marketing strategies and tools, developing innovative ideas, and providing feedback on marketing activities. Next Meeting: Tuesday. Jan. 26, at 3:30 p.m. via ZOOM
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Tourism Task Force
Committee Chair: Carmella Hoffman, Sunset View Creamery
Board Liaison, Kerry Keller, Glenora Wine Cellars
The Tourism Task Force promotes, develops, and enhances the tourist experience in Watkins Glen and Schuyler County area.
Next Meeting: Tuesday, Feb. 9 at 8:30 a.m. via ZOOM
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Ambassador Committee
Committee Chair and Board Liaison: Positions Open
The Ambassador Committee supports, strengthens, and grows membership and the business community through direct contact and recruitment of special-interest groups, who may meet or vacation in our area. Next Meeting: Wednesday, Feb. 10 at Noon via ZOOM
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Events Committee
Winter Gala Chair: Michel Ray, Visions FCU
Golf Tournament Chair: Stephen Klemann, SK
Board Liaison: Position Open
The Events Committee assists the WGACC Events Manager in meeting financial and attendance goals; elevates the visibility of the organization’s public-facing events; and organizes specialized events for members.
Next Meeting: Thursday, Feb. 18, at 3 p.m. via ZOOM
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Membership Committee
Committee Chair: Dena Carrigan,
Chemung Canal Trust Co.
Board Liaison: Michele Ray, Visions FCU
The Membership Committee encourages participation from present members, recruits new members, promotes the Chamber to potential sponsors, and lends an open ear to member concerns and wishes.
Next Meeting: Thursday, Feb. 11 at 8:30 a.m. via ZOOM
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Sponsor a 2021 event
The Chamber is currently recruiting sponsors for 2021 events that are in development. Opportunities include sponsoring a full event or portions of an event, such as a basket, hole, and/or board sponsorship for cornhole, disc golf, and golf tournaments.
These opportunities put your name in front of our community and our visitors, as well as your fellow members. Please contact Michael Hardy, Executive Director, to learn more about sponsorship opportunities at michael@watkinsglenchamber.com.
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A major benefit of the new explorewatkinsglen.com website is that members have the option to be listed on multiple locations on the site with subcategories. Each member is assigned a category upon joining the Watkins Glen Area Chamber of Commerce, and like their amenities, have the ability to pick their subcategories. If you would like to change/update your subcategories, please make up to four selections of subcategories by downloading this document. You can submit the document with updates, including business name and contact information, via email, in person, or by mail.
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Join 'Talking Tuesdays' this week
Chat with Executive Director Michael Hardy about the pressing issues for tourism-based businesses. The next "Talking Tuesdays" will be Jan. 26 from Noon to 1 p.m. These sessions are comprised of brainstorming, planning, information from the Chamber, and from time to time a guest speaker. All tourism-based members and partners are welcome. Sessions take place on the second Tuesday of each month from 10 to 11 a.m. and the fourth Tuesday of the month from Noon to 1 p.m. All sessions are held via ZOOM, and advance RSVP is not required. Brown-bag lunches during Zoom encouraged.
Zoom link:
Meeting ID: 874 4108 3852
Passcode: 896020
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"Coffee Connections" is Tuesday a.m.
Join our next Coffee Connections networking meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 26 at 8:30 a.m. The hour will be comprised of speed networking as members have the chance to share updates from their business, learn about other Chamber members and current happenings, and get an update from Chamber Executive Director Michael Hardy.
Meeting ID: 894 1470 8608
Passcode: 236355
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Virtual After Hours Mixer is
5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb.3
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Join the Watkins Glen Area Chamber of Commerce for the February Virtual After Hours Mixer on Wednesday, Feb. 3 from 5 to 7 p.m.
After Hours Mixer Agenda:
5 to 5:15 p.m. Welcome and introductions
5:15 to 5:45 p.m.
Virtual tour of the Brick Tavern Museum of the Schuyler County Historical Society, highlighting community assets, the gift shop, and Schuyler County history, plus a “Hidden Landmarks Live” presentation from J.D. Iles.
5:45 to 6 p.m. Q&A
6 to 7 p.m.
"What’s in Your Glass?” (hopefully a local beverage) networking and updates on upcoming Chamber events and programs
For questions or comments, please call the Chamber at (607) 535-4300.
Meeting ID: 853 3917 6221
Passcode: 584174
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Attention restaurants:
Please complete the "FLX to Go" survey
“FLX to Go” was founded by Watkins Glen Area Chamber of Commerce in 2020 as a one-stop resource for diners and restaurants in the Southern Tier and Finger Lakes region, as we navigated the COVID-19/social-distancing world.
“FLX to Go” is now moving to a MEMBER ONLY benefit of WGACC. To ensure we're able to share your most up-to-date information with the public on the “FLX to Go” Facebook page, we ask restaurants to please take a few minutes to complete our survey.
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Hints from Hardy
Business and hospitality hints
from Michael Hardy,
Executive Director, Watkins Glen Area Chamber of Commerce
'Help Us Help You!'
I understand the Chamber is only once source of information for many business and tourism resources, but I hope what we share helps you plan, progress, and prosper in 2021 — through this weekly e-newsletter, occasional member e-mails on specific topics, the “Through The Trees” Pandemic Response Updates, social-media posts, and the new printed monthly newsletter “The Engager” (so named for now).
I very much welcome hearing from you about topics you would like us to cover. Please also share questions to which you are seeking answers and options you wish to explore for best practices for your organization. Reach out to me at Michael@WatkinsGlenchamber.com or call me at (607) 535-4300 to chat about what’s on your mind. Until then, I will share thoughts, issues, and topics I believe will get us all ahead. I look forward to hearing from you!
In that vein, I am sharing links to articles that predict the outlook for tourism and travel from "Groups Today," one of many sources I use for education and updates. Hopefully these insights will get us all thinking, strategizing, and collaborating with one another and our partners and teams.
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Last week to experience
Castel Grisch Winery's Festival of Lights
Castel Grisch Winery lines the road with illuminated creations for their inaugural Festival of Lights. Daniel Lai, Castel Grisch owner, said the display includes more than 200 individual, LED-illuminated figures and also reflects his Chinese heritage. The drive-thru display continues through Jan. 31 every night from 5 to 9 p.m. Admission is $20 per vehicle, up to six passengers. Admission may be paid at the gate or tickets may be purchased online here. Learn more about the festival through this article from The Star-Gazette
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Deadline is Jan. 31 to submit art for 25th Anniversary Finger Lakes Wine Festival
As planning for the 25th annual Finger Lakes Wine Festival gets underway, Watkins Glen International has created an opportunity for fans to get involved with festival branding efforts. Now through this Sunday, Jan. 31, WGI is accepting artwork entries that reflect wine and the Finger Lakes region with a "throwback style" to represent the festival’s silver anniversary. One winner will be selected and his or her artwork will be featured on the official event poster and other promotional mediums.
The contest is open to the public. Entries of hand-drawn or painted art are limited to one entry per person and must be digitally submitted through FLWineFest.com.The Finger Lakes Wine Festival, which has been voted “Best Wine Festival” by readers of USA Today, is scheduled for July 9 to 11, 2021.
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Member News & Collaborations |
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Dan DeRusha stepping down at IMRRC
Committed to center in interim;
Chamber wishes him well
Dan DeRusha, executive director of the International Motor Racing Research Center (IMRRC), announced last week he is stepping back from his full-time duties for personal reasons related to the COVID-19 pandemic. He has committed to serving in the interim until a successor is named.
“It’s a difficult decision to make and my passion for motorsports history and the IMRRC’s long-term success will remain unchanged,” DeRusha said. “I will continue in an interim capacity to support Center operations during the search and transition to my successor.”
Click here to read the statement from IMRRC Governing Council Chairman John Saunders. DeRusha assumed his position with IMRRC in June 2019. The Chamber thanks him for his good work and wishes him well.
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Watkins Glen Village Board issues
RFP for waterfront development
The Watkins Glen Village Board voted on Jan. 5 to issue a new RFP for development of the waterfront site of the former wastewater treatment plant. The developer would enter into a long-term land lease with the village, which would retain land ownership.
The new RFP will be more generalized to allow developers more room to imagine how they could use the land. The desire is for a year-round operation The Observer-Review reported that the standing structures on the site are scheduled to be demolished in late February, with the metal structures scheduled to be removed at a later date. The RFP deadline is March 26. Click here for RFP details.
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Downtown Revitalization Initiative grants
being accepted now through Feb. 8
Do you own a commercial building located in the Watkins Glen Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) Area? Is your building in need of commercial façade renovations, interior commercial renovations, and/or the rehabilitation of residential rental units?
The DRI fund provides reimbursable matching grants of up to 50 percent for qualified and approved projects, with totals between $5,000 and $100,000. Applications are accepted through Feb. 8. Applications and program guidelines are online at flxgateway.com/dri. Applications also can be picked up at the SCOPED office located at 910 S. Decatur Street and at the Village Hall at 303 N. Franklin St., Watkins Glen.
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Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel offers
Winter Wine Weekdays packages
Enjoy cozy Winter Wine Weekdays in Finger Lakes Wine Country with a new package presented by Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel!
Now through April 2021, book a weekday stay and receive VIP Tasting Passes for two at 15 Seneca Lake Wine Trail wineries. Learn more here .
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Attention Loding Members:
Any and all lodging members are welcome to share their winter specials
with the Chamber, to help spread the word here in our e-news
and on our social media platforms and website. Shoot us a note, please.
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Schuyler Health Foundation invites
support for essential workers
Our dedicated Schuyler Hospital essential workers have been giving their best to support their community for 11 long months. Schuyler Health Foundation invites the community to show gratitude by making donations for the healthcare staff to enjoy a lunch or dinner. Any amount is appreciated and will be used at any Schuyler County food establishment of their choice. Please make your check payable to “Schuyler Health Foundation” and put "Lunch Fund" in the memo line. You can mail to Schuyler Health Foundation, Attn: Tiffany Bloss, 220 Steuben Street, Montour Falls, NY 14865. You also may pay be credit card by calling (607) 210-1950 option 3 and note “Lunch Fund.”
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Grant program supports rural businesses
The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, working in partnership with The Landmark Society of Western New York, has announced the Genesee Valley Rural Revitalization Grant Program to support rural communities in the Finger Lakes and Western New York.
This funding is made possible by a grant received from the Paul Bruhn Rural Revitalization Grant Program, offering reimbursable sub-grants for historic building repair and rehabilitation in small rural communities located in eligible counties. This program will support local governments, non-profit and commercial property owners, and small businesses in their efforts to preserve the historic places that have shaped their community’s social fabric and economy. Eligible projects include masonry, windows, roof replacement, ADA compliance, storefront revitalization, and more.
“A community’s historic resources are tremendous assets to tap into heritage tourism opportunities, which is why we feel incredibly grateful to the National Park Service to help us offer these funds to property stewards located in the Genesee Valley,” said Erik Kulleseid, Commissioner of the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. “Small businesses, non-profits, and municipalities have suffered during the pandemic.Our goal is to see these funds used as a tool to assist with local recovery.”
The program will include two grant rounds with application deadlines of March 31 and Sept. 30, respectively. Webinars will be hosted Thursday, Jan. 28 at 3:30 p.m. and Tuesday, Feb. 9 at Noon. Register online at www.landmarksociety.org/GVRR.
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Caring For the Frontline
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic — now more than 10 months and counting — we’ve rightly been lauding health care workers and other frontline workers as heroes. We’ve hung thank-you signs and delivered meals to frontline workers both to boost their spirits and to support local restaurants. But our health care workers need more than cheers and free lunches during this stressful time.
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New York Forward Loan Fund supports small biz
New York Forward Loan Fund (NYFLF) is a new economic recovery loan program aimed at supporting New York State small businesses, nonprofits and small landlords. NYFLF is providing working capital loans so that small businesses, nonprofits and small landlords have access to credit as they reopen. The fun targets the state’s small businesses with 50 or fewer full-time equivalent (FTE) employees (90% of all businesses), nonprofits, and small landlords that have seen a loss of rental income. Learn more at
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Schuyler County COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution
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PROMOTE YOUR NEWS AND EVENTS
Add your happenings to the Public Events Calendar on our website!
Add your event quickly, easily, and at no cost. Click here for the submission page.
SHARE YOUR NEWS — VIA CHAMBER SOCIAL MEDIA & ENEWS
We will gladly feature your upcoming events and news on our social media channels and in our newsletter.
Contact Michael at (585) 721-6032 or send him your news
CONNECT WITH THE CHAMBER TEAM
Office Phone: (607) 535-4300
Katherine Jack, Visitor Center and Office Administrator email
Karen Dodson, Part Time/Contract Membership email
Michael Hardy, Executive Director email (585) 721-6032 (cell)
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