News, Happenings & Collaborations |
|
Included in this Issue ... |
|
We are pleased to share the following news, happenings, and collaborations with you! The information contained in this week's newsletter was shared with the Chamber on or before noon on the Thursday before it was sent. To have your information considered for inclusion in future issues, please submit your information on or before noon on the Thursday before you'd like it published. |
|
- Hawk Meadows in the news
- Ribbon cutting Save the Dates
- Register for Partner with the Chamber & Media
|
|
- June Mixer: June 9
- Recipe contest open
- Erie Canalway photo contest
- Tourism-specific Job Board
|
|
Visit Watkins Glen
& Schuyler County
|
|
Watkins Glen
Area Chamber
|
|
|
|
Pandemic Spotlight Updates
Scroll down for important updates on the pandemic protocols, restrictions, and revisions, including news this week for catering, restaurants, PPP, and more. We will do our best to keep you up-to-date, but it is likely that there will be new updates as soon as we hit send!
|
|
|
|
NY Forward & Other Government News
- Schuyler vaccine clinics & others
- Tuition/room/board give-away
- Employee Retention Credit
- NY adopts CDC guidance
- Join your neighbors and VaxUp
- Beaches & pools open for season
- Food with beverages requirement lifted
- Shuttered Venue Operators update
- Small Business Loan Info
|
|
|
|
 |
Join us on 6/9:
Live Mixer at Idlwilde
Our first live mixer of 2021 features multiple members. Finish your day with the ultimate treats: eye-candy and savory goodies. Please register now so that you are assured a spot to unwind on Idlwilde Inn's wrap-around porch with stunning views of Seneca Lake, sample Sunset View Creamery's newest additions to their artisanal cheese line-up, and delight your palate with libations from Barnstormer Winery's cash bar. Shuttle bus from the Chemung-Schuyler Arc to the Inn, because parking is limited. Come have a "gouda" time!
|
|
|
|
|
Hawk Meadows in the news
Giving a shout-out to Steve and Anne from Hawk Meadows! Catch the write-up in Edible Finger Lakes. This coverage follows a successful partnership between Hawk Meadows and the Chamber with a pitch to Edible Finger Lakes. Got a story idea? Let us help. Contact Stephanie at stephanie@watkinsglenchamber.copm.
|
|
|
|
|
Ribbon Cut & Save-the-Dates
for 2 more!
My Place Executive Director Kristine Morseman (right) and Noel Wheaton, assistant director, cut the ribbon for its current location on Second Street on June 1 with dozens watching! Speakers included Watkins Glen Mayor Luke Leszyk, Schuyler County Administrator Tim O'Hearn, SCOPED Executive Director Judy McKinney Cherry, and Ryanna LaMoreaux, representing the office of State Senator Tom O'Mara.
Please join us for the following celebrations:
|
|
|
|
|
Chemung Canal counts! Erie Canalway
Photo Contest:
Call for entries
The Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor is calling for entries for its 16th annual Erie Canalway Photo Contest. Images should convey the unique character of New York’s canals and canal communities. Entries must be postmarked by August 27, 2021. Winning photos will be featured in the 2022 Erie Canalway calendar. Images will be judged in four contest categories: On the Water, Along the Trail, Canal Communities, and Classic Canal. Judges will select first-, second-, and third-place winning images in each category, as well as 12 honorable mentions. Submitted images should be horizontal and must be taken within the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor, which spans 524 miles across the full expanse of upstate New York. It encompasses the Erie, Cayuga-Seneca, Oswego, and Champlain canals and their historic alignments, as well as more than 230 canal communities. Download official contest rules and an entry form at https://eriecanalway.org/get-involved/photo-contest
Caption: Previous contest winner "Buoy Boat" by Dale Evva Gelfand
|
|
|
|
|
Post jobs/review resumes
The I LOVE NY team has released a tourism-specific page on the NY Hire Now job portal, run by the New York State Department of Labor. View the portal and post jobs here. This job portal is part of a pilot program between the New York State Division of Tourism and the New York State Department of Labor to assist employers in the tourism industry to find employees from throughout New York State and beyond.
Using the NY Hire Now job portal is free and allows businesses to search the resumes of thousands of job seekers. Businesses can post jobs manually, import job listings already posted on their company website, or send information to the Department of Labor who will post the listing on behalf of the business. Additional information and resources can be found here.
|
|
|
|
Marketing & networking
opps still available
Visitors are here. Summer is coming.
Share your message with several
great marketing opportunities
with the Chamber.
|
Questions? Contact Executive Director Michael Hardy: michael@watkinsglenchamber.com or (607) 535-4300.
|
|
|
|
|
Partnering with the
Chamber and media
The Chamber looks for opportunities to connect members with media who are writing stories about your services, products, and timely events relative to your industry. This month's training opportunity -- included with your membership -- focuses on making the most of media opportunities. What are they? And, how do you make sure your points are heard and understood? How do you respond if you are asked you a tough question? Let's talk about options to make sure everyone's points are heard. This session will be presented online (Zoom) by Stephanie Specchio, director of communications and marketing. Register online.
June 16 || 10 am to noon
Meeting ID: 843 4161 2118 || Passcode: 696929
|
|
|
|
Let the Chamber know about
your events and summer traditions
Let us help you celebrate summer traditions, holidays, and festivities! We want to share your events on our social media platforms and newsletters. Like us on all our social channels (Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter), and we’ll return the favor! Using this form, please submit your public event to notify the Chamber and its staff. Pending membership the Chamber will assist in promoting the event to visitors and locals alike!
|
|
|
|
Hints from Hardy
Business and hospitality hints
from Michael Hardy
Creativity
HINT 1
When you put pressure on coal, you get a diamond ... Executive Director Michael Hardy was a recent guest on Break the Ice Media, talking about the key take-aways from his experience in the tourism and hospitality industry. He talks about the power of creativity, how “no-event events” helped our community draw attention and visitors during the holidays, and the concept of “return on involvement.” Listen to the podcast
|
|
|
|
Update your listing
The Simpleview extranet is your portal to the Chamber's website. Want to update your listing? Add some images? An event? Or share a member-to-member discount with other Chamber members? Then join us for a training session on June 15 at 10am, via zoom. It's quick and easy and a good way to share your messages with people who are looking for info about our area. Request login info from info@watkinsglenchamber.com.
|
|
|
|
Mark your calendar
Castel Grisch is planning a weekend-long event in celebration of Pride Month. Mark your calendar for June 25-27 and look forward to yard games, face painting, a dj and live music, giveaways with an expected appearance by LGBT-Rex! The winery is partnering with Corning Pride and a portion of the sales from retail items (pins, branded rainbow picnic blankets, wine [labeling still underway!]) will go to them in support of youth programs.
|
|
|
|
Join us tomorrow
for "Talking Tuesdays"
Chat with the Chamber about pressing issues for tourism-based businesses in the Finger Lakes. The next "Talking Tuesdays" will be June 8 from 10 am to 11 am. These sessions are comprised of brainstorming, planning, information from the Chamber, and from time to time a guest speaker. At most upcoming sessions, we will review Domo+rove mobile device data collected for 2019, 2020, and into 2021. All tourism-based members and partners are welcome. All sessions are held via Zoom, and advance RSVP is not required. Coffee break, snacking, and /or brown-bag lunches during zoom are encouraged.
Zoom link:
Meeting ID: 874 4108 3852
Passcode: 896020
|
|
|
|
Join us for B2B
Whether you have an in-house HR department or not, we have you covered with our Business to Business (B2B) sessions, always from 2:00 to 3:00 pm. Upcoming sessions on June 16 and July 21 will feature Patrick Cahill (cloud-based services for your business) and Jennifer Close (employee assistance tips), respectively.
|
|
|
|
Selfies & Give-away
Fairfield by Marriott invites you to take pictures with the Watkins Glen International Pace Care at the Fairfield by Marriott Geneva Finger Lakes. The car will be available July 23-25, 2021 at 383 Hamilton Street in Geneva. While you're there, enter to win 2 Go Bowling at the Glen NASCAR tickets for Sunday, August 8.
|
|
|
|
Summer reading
The Montour Falls Library is hosting a book sale on several days in June and July. Call 535-7489 for more details.
|
|
|
|
Member News & Collaborations |
|
Schuyler Health Foundation welcomes new officers
The Schuyler Health Foundation recently announced its new Slate of Officers for the 2021 – 2022 year. Congratulations to Erin Thaete, Chairperson; Tom Phillips, Vice-Chairperson; and Jerry Mickelson, Treasurer/Secretary. These Executive Officers are joined by new members of the Board of Directors, Aimee Churchill and Chuck Franzese. Current and renewing Board members include Brenda Warren-Fitch, Jeff Dill, Ken Wilson, Marsha McElligott, Nanette Hanley, Philly DeSarno, and Chris Stamp.
|
|
|
|
SUNY CCC program
recognized for excellence
SUNY Corning Community College’s A.S. in Community and Public Health Education (CPHE) was awarded the Outstanding Instructional Program Award by the Community Colleges of Appalachia (CCA). The award was presented in May by the CCA’s award committee during the CCA’s virtual Annual Conference. The Community Colleges of Appalachia boasts nearly 100 community college members from New York to Alabama. The Community and Public Health Education program is designed to provide the specialized knowledge and skills students need to address current and emerging public and community health issues. Offering distinct tracks to meet student interests and academic pathways (i.e. allied health/nursing, health sciences/education and community and public health), the program allows students to transition into the workforce or transfer into a B.S. program in related fields. CPHE features capstone projects and opportunities for interdisciplinary training, certifications, and micro-credentials that are aligned with course objectives and program outcomes.
|
|
|
|
News from Seneca Sunrise Coffee
Our local coffee roaster has a busy summer planned. Look for them at the Trumansburg Farmers Market, at Sunset View Farmers Market, and the Montour Falls Farmers Market. Also ... hot off the roaster is a new signature coffee blend called FLX Pride, available at least through the month of June and produced in support of Family Counseling Service of the Finger Lakes LGBTQ program. (https://www.senecasunrisecoffee.com/)
|
|
|
|
Be in-the-know with news from Seneca Lake Pure Water Association
Organized in 1990 and incorporated in 1991, the Seneca Lake Pure Water Association partners with area organizations to protect the water quality of Seneca Lake. Check out opportunities to partner with SLPWA through citizen science projects. The Association also sponsors educational sessions and publishes an electronic newsletter. Interested? Register for the newsletter here: https://senecalake.org/e-news
|
|
|
|
News from the
Seneca Lake Wine Trail
The Seneca Lake Wine Trail has a number of resources to make vacation planning easier. Please reference and share with your frontline and current and future guests.
These tools were created to help simplify and streamline the trip-planning process, but if there are additional questions, the Wine Trail Office is available: 607-535-8080 or info@senecalakewine.com. Stay tuned for August FLX month info.
|
|
|
|
Farmers Market
opens for the season
Sunset View Farmers Market, located at 1618 County Rd 15, in Odessa, opens for the season on June 3 and every Thursday evening thereafter from 4 pm to 7 pm. A variety of vendors will be featured, including meats, vegetables, coffee, cheese, baked goods, maple syrup, honey, juices, eggs, microgreens, and herbals. We are now accepting SNAP and credit cards for purchases. The third Thursday of each month will be our "Super Market" that will include the regular vendors, as well as crafters.
Sunset View Creamery is now open with summer hours (through Columbus Day): Saturday-Wednesday 10-5 and Thursday and Friday 10-7.
|
|
|
|
Recipe contest open for entries
Healthy Eating Active Living (HEAL) Schuyler is having a recipe contest for amateur and professional chefs to showcase the creative ways people are eating healthy in Schuyler County. We are looking for recipes that meet the Choose HEALth gold standards, use local ingredients, and sizzle our taste buds from the grill. Prizes will be awarded to first-, second-, and third-place recipes. To learn about the Choose HEALth gold standards and nutritional requirements, visit the Gold Standards section of the HEAL Schuyler website: https://tinyurl.com/i38slo8p
|
|
|
|
Squires Drum and Bugle Corps stories sought
The history of the Squires Drum and Bugle Corps, which earned national acclaim and prestige during its 17 years, is the focus of a Schuyler County Historical Society special project launching in June. Participation by Squires alumni will be the cornerstone of the project. The project is called “Echoes in the Valley,” borrowed from the title of the book “Echoes in the Valley, Watkins Glen’s Squires, Pages, Legion Cadets and the Watkins Montour Seneca Chiefs, a Half Century of Drum and Bugle Corps Activity in Schuyler County, New York” by Jud Spena. “Echoes in the Valley” will include an exhibit at the Brick Tavern Museum in Montour Falls and several online components, such as a photo slide show and oral histories. An online form is now available for Squires members to use. The form can be found at https://bit.ly/3fLrE0x. Forms should be submitted by June 30. The forms also are available at the Brick Tavern Museum in Montour Falls.
|
|
|
|
Elmira College
Community Open House
The public is invited to an Elmira College Community Open House on Saturday, June 12, from 11 am to 2 pm. There is no formal program; the campus will be open to anyone who wants to take a tour, talk to faculty and staff, and get to know the College better. Staff will be available to answer questions and do on-the-spot admissions and transcript evaluations for those interested in becoming a Soaring Eagle. Start your visit at the Welcome Tent near the Campus Center, to sign up for a tour, enter the raffle drawings, and get your list for the EC scavenger hunt. Those participating in the scavenger hunt will be entered for a chance to win a variety of great prizes.
|
|
|
|
GOT NEWS? THIS SPACE RESERVED FOR
LODGING MEMBER UPDATES
Any and all accommodation members are welcome to share their food, entertainment, and packages with the Chamber. We will help spread the word here in our e-news and on our social media platforms and website. Send us a note, please! Also, be sure to post your offers for public and members on the the WGACC Bulletin Board when you are checking out and/or updating your listing on the Simpleview Extranet.
|
|
|
|
Incentives to vax up
Win a full ride at a SUNY or CUNY school. Get a Shot to Make Your Future is a new incentive for 12- to 17-year-olds to get vaccinated for COVID-19. Read the details here:http://ow.ly/LZ4g50EW6AX.
The Vax and Scratch program - which provides free NYS lottery scratch-off tickets to individuals 18 and over with a grand prize of $5 million - will extend into next week at ten new state mass vaccination sites. The participating sites will be open from May 31 through June 4. All sites will be open from 8 am to 7 pm. The program will not impact education funding.
|
|
|
|
SBA launches new opportunity
|
|
|
|
Employee Retention Credit
The American Rescue Plan extends the availability of the Employee Retention Credit for small businesses through December 2021 and allows businesses to offset their current payroll tax liabilities by up to $7,000 per employee per quarter. This credit of up to $28,000 per employee for 2021 is available to small businesses who have seen their revenues decline, or even been temporarily shuttered, due to COVID. More info.
|
|
|
|
NYS adopts CDC guidance
Also on May 19, Governor Cuomo released updated guidance for health and safety measures at child care, day camp, and overnight camp programs, effective May 19. The measures include protocols for COVID testing, physical distancing and sanitation, among other requirements to help prevent COVID-19 cases. The Department of Health will continue to monitor and evaluate health metrics for child care facilities and camp programs and, if necessary, will issue further guidance.
|
|
|
|
Get your swimsuits ready
The Governor announced on May 12 that pools and beaches will be open with 6' social distancing in anticipation of Memorial Day with the goal of reaching 100% capacity by July 4.
|
|
|
|
Restaurant restrictions lifted
Governor Cuomo announced on 4/28 the following:
- The 12 a.m. food and beverage service curfew will be lifted for outdoor dining areas beginning May 17 and for indoor dining areas beginning May 31
- The 1 a.m. curfew for catered events where attendees have provided proof of vaccination status or a recent negative COVID-19 test result will be lifted beginning May 17
- The curfew for all catered events is set to be lifted May 31
Additionally, the Governor announced, also on 4/28, that catered events can resume at residences beginning May 3 above the State's residential gathering limit of 10 people indoors and 25 people outdoors, as long as the events are staffed by a professional, licensed caterer, permitted by the respective locality or municipality, and strictly adhere to health and safety guidance, including social and event gathering limits, masks, and social distancing. Also on May 3, the guidance for dancing among attendees at catered events will be aligned with neighboring states, replacing fixed dance zones for each table with social distancing and masks.
|
|
|
|
Food with beverages requirement lifted
We've confirmed that it is no longer required to purchase food with alcohol. Great news, though most tasting rooms will continue offering food, snacks, and/or charcuterie as additional offerings. Remember to encourage people to Call Ahead!
|
|
|
|
Vaccine clinic info
In Schuyler County?
Anyone who works or lives in New York State and is 16 years old or older can now get the COVID vaccine. NOTE: Only the Pfizer vaccine is approved for those 16 and 17 years old.
|
|
New York Forward Loan Fund
When the NYFLF launched in May, the federal Small Business Administration had just issued rules regarding companies' eligibility for federal assistance. The goal of the NYFLF was to help New York-based small businesses that did not receive PPP or EIDL funding with flexible working capital to reopen and adapt to post-COVID needs. Effective immediately, small businesses and non-profits that received a PPP loan of $500,000 or less or EIDL loans of $150,000 or less can be eligible for a NYFLF loan.
|
|
|
|
Learner permits available online
Governor Cuomo announced on 4/26 that the online learner permit test for Class D (passenger vehicles) and Class M (motorcycles) is now available to New Yorkers statewide. The announcement comes after the launch of an online permit application pilot program last year. This new service allows New Yorkers to begin the permit application process and take the test from the comfort of their home, saving the customer significant time in the DMV office.
|
|
|
|
It's open: Shuttered Venue Operators grant application
The Small Business Administration's Shuttered Venue Operators Grants for Applications opened at noon on April 8. $16.2 billion is available for venues, theatres, and more. Get the details.
|
|
|
|
Small business guidance and
loan resources during COVID-19
|
SBA offers several different relief options to help businesses, nonprofits, and faith-based organizations recover from the impacts of COVID-19.
|
|
|
|
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
Abby Lane, Events and Membership-Engagement Manager email
Stephanie Specchio, Director of Communications and Marketing email
Karen Dodson, Membership (Part-Time/Contract) email
Michael Hardy, Executive Director email and (585) 721-6032 (cell)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
