News, Happenings & Collaborations |
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Included in this Issue ... |
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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. |
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- Save the Date: August Mixer
- Alzheimer's Walk in Watkins
- Relax with friends
- Network at summer events
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- History Walks resume
- Industry Foundation report available
- Scholarships endowed/awarded
- Career Fair to be held
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Visit Watkins Glen
& Schuyler County
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Watkins Glen
Area Chamber
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Pandemic Spotlight Updates
Even with the loosened restrictions for the pandemic, there are still reasons to check the CDC and State web sites for updates. Scroll down for helpful information. 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!
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NY Forward & Other Government News
- Recent stats
- Schuyler vaccine clinics & others
- Volunteers recognized
- Join your neighbors and VaxUp
- $800 million in grants for small businesses available
- FEMA funds
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Join us at the
August Mixer!
Next month, we'll be meeting at the Elks Lodge, with light food provided by the Bucket. Join us for a couple hours of relaxing, networking, and tasty treats. Cash bar will be available.
August 4, from 5pm to 7pm
Elks Lodge #1546
Register online. https://tinyurl.com/WGC-AugustMixer
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More networking!
Registration underway!
The Chamber is registering teams for 3 summer events. Join us for opportunities to network and develop stronger relationships with prospective partners and customers. Here's the summer line-up:
>Alternatives Federal Credit Union Disc Golf (August 19)
> Corning Credit Union Cornhole Tourney (September 2)
> Chemung Canal Trust Company Golf Tournament (September 17)
Register your team now to secure your spot online (www.explorewatkinsglen.com/chamber-members/events/). Also, we're looking for sponsors who want to share their message with Chamber members and the public. Call Michael Hardy for options!
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Agritourism insight and content needed for Farm Country campaign
The Chamber is looking for social content to help the growing (pun intended) successes of our Farm Country campaign. Please contact Stephanie Specchio at Stephanie@WatkinsGlenChamber.com with any information or story ideas in the following areas:
- Farm Stay/Experience
- National Farmers Market Week (first full week in August)
- World Honey Bee Day– Third Saturday in August
- Meet the Farmer
- Family Fun (value travel, farm activities)
- Farm to Table (destination dining, recipes, local food)
- Learn (How-to, farming, raising animals, gardening, etc.)
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Fort Drum In-Person Career Fair 9/16/2021
There is a potential for resources going to recruiting efforts to fill job vacancies here in the Schuyler/Watkins Glen Area. One of these opportunities is listed below. Do you have an interest in trying to obtain workers yet to be determined from the Fort Drum Job Fair(s)? If so, respond to info@watkinsglenchamber.com with your organization’s name, a hiring contact, phone and/or email for that contact, the job title, pay range, and start date for us to pass on. Should there be enough interest we will consider attending the show and/or pass on that information when and where possible. You may also make contact on your own if you want to consider attending for you own efforts.
EVENT (shared by Fort Drum):
Who: Fort Drum Transition Assistance Program and participating employers
What: Fort Drum Career Fair
When: September 16, 2021 – Thursday
Why: To offer career opportunities to our separating population
How and more information: Fort Drum will host its first indoor, face-to-face, post COVID-19 restriction Career Fair at the Commons on Fort Drum. Forty slots are available. This fair is open to all employers until slots are filled.
- Each employer will have one table with two chairs.
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Application for sponsorship must be completed and returned no later than September 6, by 11:30am. ** The sponsorship form is needed to ensure you have access to the post; it does not ensure a table.
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To ensure a spot, please complete the form at https://bit.ly/2TqCF0e. Email once you have completed the registration.
- As this is a Career Fair, there will be no sales of items or services. Fort Drum reserves the right to limit, forbid, or restrict attendance.
- COVID-19 restrictions and concerns: As this is an indoor event, in a congested space:
- Recommend limiting yourself to just one person. Fort Drum will authorize just 2.
- If not fully vaccinated, in accordance with CDC guidelines, you must wear a mask at all times.
- Bring hand sanitizer for your table.
Fort Drum is currently working on meal arrangements.
After reading the above, here are some tips to help ensure or improve your success:
- Send Fort Drum a one-page flyer of what careers you are trying to fill.
- Recommend using QR-codes for web address and/or point of contact information.
- Tell the prospective employee (on the flyer) if you would like them to bring or email a resume.
- Bring a table cloth for your table.
- Can’t attend this event? Here are more tips for success:
- You can still send a flyer for any open career positions. Once received, Fort Drum will share with some other entities on post, the counselors’ databases, physical bulletin boards, and some social media.
- Fort Drum is currently planning the next four career fairs and hope to have that out by early August so that you may plan ahead.
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Local area, or willing to fly or drive? Fort Drum can offer you a table in our hallways in order to have contact with our separating population. We only have five tables and they fill up quick. Please email Desmond regarding the tables at desmond.c.jones.civ@mail.mil *** Please do not email him regarding the career fairs or flyers. Doing so will increase the response time.
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Marketing & spotlight
opps still available
Visitors are here. Summer is here.
Share your message with several
great marketing opportunities
with the Chamber.
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Questions? Contact Executive Director Michael Hardy: michael@watkinsglenchamber.com or (607) 535-4300.
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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, (https://www.explorewatkinsglen.com/events/submit-your-event/) 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!
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Hints from Hardy
Business and hospitality hints
from Michael Hardy
HINT 1 Knowledge is power
When the world changes around us as quickly as it has been lately, one of the best ways to keep a handle on your slice of paradise is with knowledge. As the saying goes, knowledge is power! That advice is woven through a list of things to do and a complementary list of things not to do, published by Groups Today. Give it a read, and share your thoughts later today on social!
HINT 2 Strategies for a happy work environment
Our friends at Clinical Associates have several tips to promote a healthier atmosphere at work. They say, "Your daily actions signal to others the level of personal respect that you hold for them. Being aware of how your behavior impacts the people around you can give you more control over the direct, indirect or unspoken signals you send to others." Experts at Clinical Associates suggest treating others the way you want to be treated, respecting others' privacy, being a good neighbor, getting to know your co-workers, and cultivating an atmosphere of respect.
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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 July 13 from 10:00am to 11am. 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. These mobile device stats are great for making marketing and advertising decisions for your businesses, both in the short- and long-terms. 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
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Live entertainment in Lafayette Park
Mark your calendar for Tuesday, July 13: Pat Kane & West o'Clare, presenting old time Irish and American music. On July 20, enjoy Harry Havery, with music from the 50s, 60s, and 70s. Performances begin at 7:00pm. Share this news with family, friends, and visitors. For other events to enjoy, please visit the Chamber's events calendar (www.explorewatkinsglen.com/events/).
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Alzheimer's Walk
comes to Watkins Glen
The Alzheimer's Association of the Finger Lakes has announced that the 2021 annual walk will be held at Watkins Glen International on Thursday, October 14. Onsite registration begins at 3:00 p.m., but team captains and participants are encouraged to register early and help support the organization's mission with fundraising.
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New York Wine & Grape Foundation's Annual Report
This report is now available and describes how the industries survived -- and at times even thrived -- during a particularly challenging time.
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SUNY CCC announces new
endowed scholarship
The Dr. Neil Milliken '75 Memorial Scholarship has been established as a permanently restricted (endowed) fund for the Corning Community College Development Foundation, Inc. to manage. Investment income earned by the fund will provide, in perpetuity, at least one annual scholarship award in the amount of at least $1,000. Student recipients will be selected based on full-time enrollment -- at least 12 credit hours -- and a GPA of 2.0 - 3.0. Preference will be given to students who did not participate in the Accelerated College Education program and who balance their dedicated pursuit of higher education with other life factors, such as employment, raising a family, social/economic challenges, or long-standing service to the community.
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Student awarded scholarship
The Arc of Chemung-Schuyler awarded its Joanne S. Hayes Memorial Scholarship to Autumn Garrison, Odessa-Montour High School graduate, at the June 25th commencement ceremony. This $1,000 scholarship honors Joanne Hayes, former board member and president of the Arc of Chemung-Schuyler’s board of directors who passed away in 1987. The award is given annually to a graduating senior pursuing an education in human services, special education, or a related field for a career providing support to people with developmental disabilities.
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A Summer of art planned
The Franklin Street Gallery has a summer of art planned. The En Plein Air Artist Series features Maggie Martin on Saturday July 17, Mike Kniffin on Saturday, August 21, and Sandy Cook on Saturday, September 18. All events are from 11am to 2pm and will be in the Village Square (intersection of Third and Franklin Streets).
The Montour Falls Library also has a summer learning program is in full swing, with a Tails & Tales series, programs every Friday through August 13, and Grab & Go Activity Packs. Registration is required for some activities and quantities may be limited. For more information call (607) 535-7489.
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Updates from Arnot Health
Based on an analysis of the current COVID-19 situation, Arnot Health is expanding hospital visiting hours. These guidelines apply to Arnot’s hospitals only and not to our nursing homes. Visiting hours at Arnot Ogden Medical Center and Ira Davenport Medical Center have been expanded to Noon to 8pm daily. Patients will be allowed two visitors for each day, who must be 18 or older. Please note masks are still required in all Arnot Health facilities. Visitation at the Intensive Care Unit at Arnot Ogden Medical Center is allowed from 4 to 8pm. No visitation is allowed in the Infusion Center. Visitation for COVID-positive patients will be decided on a case-by-case basis. Visitation is allowed in our nursing homes, but there are restrictions. Please contact the facility you wish to visit to learn the steps you need to take. For Taylor Health Center, email mdrouin@arnothealth.org or call 607-776-8501. For St. Joseph's Skilled Nursing Facility, call 607-733-6541.
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Beginner's Class in Cross Stitch
The Schuyler County Historical Society is offering a Beginning Cross Stitch Workshop on Saturday, July 17. Participants in the free workshop will create a bookmark. All supplies will be provided. The workshop will be at the Brick Tavern Museum, 108 N. Catharine St./Route 14, Montour Falls, from 10 a.m. to noon. The number of participants is limited, and pre-registration is required by emailing director@schuylerhistory.org or calling (607) 535-9741.
Also, the Schuyler County Historical Society is resuming its popular Watkins Glen History Walks on July 17. Schuyler County history experts will lead the walks. Mark your calendar for 7/17, 8/21, and 9/18. Sunday walks are also available: 7/25, 8/22, and 9/26. These free, one-hour walks are open to visitors and community members, conducted rain or shine, and start from the Seneca Harbor Park Pier at 10am.
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Science-supported behavior:
relax with friends
Science offers at least five reasons why it's a good idea to maintain friendships, including these two: 1. Friends help reduce stress. 2. Friends help you be your best. What you do together is not the point, and our region offers lots of options: wine tastings with your besties, cruising or sailing on Seneca Lake, or a special weekend away with your pals enjoying nature or a nice meal at a locally owned eatery.
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Start planning:
Everybody prospers from
a clean Finger Lakes
Chamber member Bob Kurz (of Watkins Glen Wine and Spirits) is "a local guy trying to make a difference," and he wants to give others the chance to help him. He is spearheading a Fall Community Clean-Up Day on September 18. Talk to your family, friends, and neighbors to join the effort. Capture your efforts with pictures and send for posting on the effort's Facebook page! Stop by the Village Marina that day for their special: a Garbage Plate! If you'd like to offer a special in your restaurant that day, please let us know so we can help you share. If you have ideas for areas to clean up, please post to the Facebook page: http://ow.ly/Y8KF50FhQGn
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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 WGACC Bulletin Board when you are checking out and/or updating your listing on the Simpleview Extranet.
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Recent stats
More than 72 percent of adult New Yorkers have received at least one vaccine dose, per the CDC. To date, New York has administered more than 21 million total doses with greater than 66 percent of adult New Yorkers completing their vaccine series.
Outdoor dining rules have been extended for another year. Recently signed legislation allows bars and restaurants to continue using municipal spaces for outdoor dining. Outdoor dining was popular throughout the pandemic and was an important lifeline for many businesses.
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Volunteers recognized
Schuyler County Public Health held a volunteer recognition event on June 25, 2021, to celebrate the hard work and dedication of volunteers who have helped combat COVID-19 by assisting with County vaccination efforts. Speakers included Chairman of the Legislature Carl Blowers, County Administrator Tim O’Hearn, Public Health Director Annmarie F. Flanagan DNP, FNP-C, Public Health Emergency Preparedness Coordinator Emily Warfle, and Schuyler Hospital Public Safety Manager Brian Gardner. The Department’s volunteers – the Medical Reserve Corps or MRC – have given more than 1,200 hours of their time helping with the clinics. The event, which was held at Clute Park, included recognition of each volunteer, a token of appreciation, and a brief lunch.
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Grants for small businesses
The successful recovery of small businesses is key to New York State's future. Empire State Development is happy to announce the New York State COVID-19 Pandemic Small Business Recovery Grant Program is open now. It was created to provide flexible grant assistance to currently viable small businesses, micro-businesses, and for-profit independent arts and cultural organizations in the State of New York who have experienced economic hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Grant awards will be calculated based on a business’ annual gross receipts for 2019:
•Annual gross receipts = $25,000-$49,999: $5,000/business;
•Annual gross receipts = $50,000-$99,999: $10,000/business; and
•Annual gross receipts = $100,000-$500,000: 10% of gross receipts (max grant is $50,000).
For eligibility requirements and more information regarding the New York State COVID-19 Pandemic Small Business Recovery Program, please visit www.nysmallbusinessrecovery.com. The program is administered by ESD and powered by Lendistry.
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Non-medical private non-profits: apply for FEMA funds
Because the pandemic was declared a Major Disaster and is ongoing, public assistance is authorized for Category B Emergency Protective Measures related to the COVID-19 response. To mitigate the pandemic’s impact on nonprofits, New York State is launching a targeted initiative to provide information and training to NON-MEDICAL Private Nonprofits (PNPs) and intermediary organizations applying for FEMA funding to reimburse costs incurred as a direct result of the COVID-19 pandemic. PNPs and their umbrella organizations are invited to FEMA overview sessions, offering an overview of the FEMA public assistance process as well as a number of COVID-19 disaster-specific topics and policies that FEMA has implemented. For more details on the initiative and related resources, please access the Grants Gateway site. To register for the informational overview, see below for next steps or access the Grants Gateway for more information.
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Arts funding to help COVID recovery
$105 million in arts and cultural funding is available through the New York State Council on the Arts, to reinvigorate near-term live performances. Apps are being accepted now. The grants will aid in the arts sector's multi-year recovery from COVID-19. For more info: 518-474-8390
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Vaccine clinic info
In Schuyler County?
Monday, July 12, from 3:00pm - 5:00pm at the Monterey Volunteer Fire Department
Adults 18 and older are currently eligible to get this vaccine.
The vaccine is provided at no cost to you.
Monday, July 19, from 4:00pm - 6:00pm at the Burdett Volunteer Fire Department
Adults 18 and older are currently eligible to get this vaccine.
The vaccine is provided at no cost to you.
Stay informed:
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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
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)
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