April 5, 2021
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.
  • Virtual Mixer April 7 celebrates WGI
  • Nutritional needs: Personal plates
  • Apps open for Grow-NY
  • Hints from Hardy
  • Apps open: Debra Harrington Scholarship
  • Help to find employees
  • Hiking hot spot
  • Chamber looking for mural artist
Visit Watkins Glen
& Schuyler County
Watkins Glen
Area Chamber
NY Forward & Other
Government News
#SleeveUpSchuyler
COVID Guidance: Amusement Facilities
Small Business Loan Info
Paid Time-Off Updates
Shuttered Venue Operators Update
Tax Deadline Extended
COVID Guidance: Food Service
COVID Guidance: Small Business
Health Insurance Deadline Extended
Chamber News
Mark your calendar:
Virtual Mixer on 4/7 focuses on WGI

It’s a GO for Summer 2021! Mark your calendar for the Chamber's Virtual Mixer on Wednesday, April 7 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., with a spotlight on Watkins Glen International.
Our happy-hour meeting will get even happier next week as we host a virtual "pep rally" to cheer on WGI's Opening Weekend and highlights of races and events coming this summer to our community.

Participants will get in-the-moment updates and learn of a special promotion from WGI. To register email the Chamber at info@watkinsglenchamber.com. We'll send registrants a Zoom link and "pep rally" must-haves. The mixer also will be shared via Facebook Live for community members (but we encourage members to register for the Zoom). After a year away from the track, we are all more than ready to start our engines!
Debra Harrington Scholarship: Class of '21

Schuyler County members of the Class of 2021 / graduating students from Bradford, Odessa-Montour, and Watkins Glen Central School are invited to apply for the Debra Harrington Scholarship. Debra was a passionate advocate for leadership development and enhanced educational programs for students. The winner will be announced at the graduation ceremony, and the $1,000 scholarship will be awarded to the student after successful completion (3.0 GPA or better) of the first semester of college of training. Details and application are available here. Submissions will be accepted through April 30, 2021.
Calling All Artists

The Watkins Glen Chamber of Commerce is seeking applications to paint a mural on the southeast side of the Chamber’s Information Center at 214 N. Franklin Street. When completed, the mural should assist in attracting visitors to Watkins Glen, Schuyler County, and the Finger Lakes (Wine Country). Finished size should be between 150- and 200-square feet. The applicant selected to create the mural will receive $2,700 (inclusive of labor and supplies), presented by the ARTS Council of the Southern Finger Lakes. Applications should be submitted to the Watkins Glen Area Chamber of Commerce by April 15, 2021. The winning artist will be notified by April 22, 2021, and expected to commence work on or before April 24, 2021. The mural must be completed by May 15, 2021.
 
To be considered, please submit the following:
  • Resume
  • Portfolio of previous work
  • Sketch of proposed mural that supports the mural’s theme: Farm Country’s Farm Friends
  • References
 
Submissions can be sent to the Chamber (214 N Franklin Street, Watkins Glen, NY 14891) or emailed to stephanie@watkinsglenchamber.com.
 
Preference will be given to local artists. Submissions will be judged on the following:
  • Artistic merit of the design
  • Appropriateness of the design for the location, including the scale, content, color and design in relation to the site
  • Concept promotes the theme (Farm Country’s Farm Friends Mural) and incorporates winged creatures (e.g., butterflies, birds, bees, dragonflies, and/or bats) with patterns made from local attractions (e.g., forest, park, lake, cars, grapes, crops, farm animals
  • Concept incorporates opportunity for selfies
  • Artist’s qualifications
  • Originality of the design
 
The selected artist will be expected to prime the surface, paint the mural using acrylic, exterior paint, and protect the mural against weatherization.
Let the Chamber know about
your events and spring traditions 

Let us help you celebrate spring 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


Embrace change
 


HINT 1

Know how travel has changed and will continue to evolve, for personal as well as professional reasons.

You have already seen I read a number of tourism and hospitality newsletters and web sites, and I try to share what I think you, our members and partners, might find useful. In this hint I share tips from another great Groups Today articl. It gives some updates and pointers to us who provide hospitality, and of course what we may need to know when we get time to vacation and/or travel ourselves. I know that the quick read gave me a lot to think about. It will for you as well.

It also made me think some things like readily available gloves and/or small packets of antiseptic wipes and individual masks offered at any point of entry for all businesses are certainly easy, affordable, and likely mandatory in many places. Make the investment and spread these items liberally about: it will show you care and also protect you, your crews, and our guests. Also, take some pictures for us here at the chamber of these items in and around your businesses, ideally with a view or product or service offered only here in Watkins, Schuyler, and/or the Finger Lakes that will help us draw people in. Staff with masks and/or visitors wearing masks will be useful to us at least through the holidays. Take a lot and send them to Stephanie@watkinsglenchamber.com for her to help you market and promote all we have to offer.

HINT 2

Take a deep breath (inhale if you will – couldn’t resist), educate yourself and others! You may not approve, but you do have to be informed.

If there are any silver linings to the pandemic, one might be that we've become more adept at changing how we work, play, and live. A recent development can put these skills to good use: we all have to bone-up (NO PUN INTENDED) on the impacts the legalization of recreational marijuana will have in every aspect of our lives, since it has been passed into law here in New York. 

As is the case with many topics I will offer hints for, my intention and that of the Chamber, is to inform, not endorse nor condemn. It is our goal to ensure our members, partners, and the community are given access to information to allow all of us to make the best decisions for our businesses, staff, visitors, with regard to the policies, procedures, and best practices we make as we maximize our efforts and priorities to act responsibly, respectably, and rationally.

Here is a link from The New York Times explaining the new legislation, information from New York State's website explaining laws that are forming on smokable and digestible recreational marijuana, and a summary document. We will keep you updated and resourced here in these pages as well as other forms of communication, so you can be current on this topic and make wise choices.
Happenings
Join us April 13
for "Talking Tuesdays"
Chat with Executive Director Michael Hardy about the pressing issues for tourism-based businesses. The next "Talking Tuesdays" will be 10 to 11 a.m. Tuesday, April 13. 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. 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
The next Simpleview training is Tuesday, April 20

Mark your calendar for this month’s Simpleview training from 10 to 11 a.m. Tuesday, April 20. The web is your best marketing tool and the Chamber’s new website (explorewatkinsglen.com) offers many benefits for members. This month’s training will help you make the most of these benefits. Discover all of your options to connect with potential customers and ask questions during this live training.
 
One of the benefits is the ability to list your business in up to four sub-categories. Each member is assigned a category upon joining the Watkins Glen Area Chamber of Commerce. Members are able to choose descriptive sub-categories. Please make up to four selections of sub-categories by downloading this document. You can submit the document with updates, including business name and contact information, via email, in person, or by mail. If you don’t find what you’re looking for, please let us know!
 
Zoom link for the April 20 training:
Meeting ID: 845 7188 3465
Passcode: 505818
Next B2B Meet Up
is Wednesday, April 21
The next Business to Business (“B2B”) will be Wednesday, April 21 from 2 to 3 p.m. via Zoom. Attendees will have the opportunity to share updates regarding their business/organization during our "Around the Screen" portion of the program. The "B2B Meet Up" is a monthly networking and business exchange program. The guest speaker will be Angela LaVecchia, who will be discussing franchising and small business. RSVPs are required. Please RSVP at info@watkinsglenchamber.com.
 
Meeting ID: 815 3020 0081
Passcode: 538028
Spark Leadership Summit postponed until October

The Spark Leadership Summit is officially postponed until fall, now taking place on Oct. 27. This summit offers a fresh take on leadership and management development to bright, dynamic professionals from all industries across New York State and beyond. Activities include a national keynote speaker, eight break-out sessions, a final general session, and the opportunity to network with attendees. Keep an eye on ExploreWatkinsGlen.com for registration information.
Copy and paste this link into your favorite browser to participate in the 2021 Fire and Ice Online Fundraiser: https://schuyler-health-foundation.tapkat.org/winfingerlakesgetaway?promo=WGCC
Celebrate with the Scots Tomorrow

In celebration of the 801st anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Arbroath, The Scottish American Society of the Southern Tier is holding a Tartan Day Celebration on Tuesday, April 6, 2021, from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. in Centennial Park, Corning, NY. The Declaration of Arbroath was a call for the right of Scots to rule themselves and helped shape the American Declaration of Independence. Read more about the event.
Spring Wine and Cheese returns
to Seneca Lake Wine Trail April 16

The Seneca Lake Wine Trail is hosting Spring Wine and Cheese on Friday, April 16. This self-guided tour will take attendees to six participating wineries, with each featuring a wine of their choice paired with a delicious, cheese-themed dish for event attendees to enjoy.
 
The dishes will be served with carefully selected wines, to showcase both the wine and the food and foster learning about the art of pairing wine and food. The knowledgeable servers that staff member tasting rooms are eager to share their knowledge and to make wine approachable and fun.
 
"This event will look and feel quite different than our 'usual' wine trail events, but we promise that the core hasn’t changed — fantastic wine and delicious food in a friendly, low-key setting," said Brittany Gibson, executive director of Seneca Lake Wine Trail. "Our wineries have really gone the extra mile to be able to host an event of any kind and we hope visitors will make a weekend of it. Spend the day at the event wineries on Friday and use the rest of the weekend to visit the many other wineries along the trail."
 
As has been the case since reopening last June, Seneca Lake Wine Trail member wineries remain safe, compliant, and open for business. The wineries comply with all protective measures related to COVID-19. Please respect their efforts and do the same, including wearing a mask and practicing social distancing.
 
Tickets to Spring Wine and Cheese are $160 and sold as tables of four. Due to capacity restrictions, there are a limited number of tickets available. Tickets are on sale now at www.senecalakewine.com.
Spring Pop-Up Farmers Market
welcomed spring!

Watkins Glen Performing Arts Center Ideal Venue

Nearly 100 people experienced the bounty of our region at the Harvest Schuyler's Spring Pop-Up Farmer’s Market — Greens, Eggs, and Hams! More than a dozen local producers sold meats, greens, preserves, cheeses, and other tasty treats to visitors stocking up for spring holidays. Mike Lind, from Sunset View Creamery, appreciated the opportunity to spend quality time with patrons. Abbie Loon, a community member, was pleased to see people buying food locally, and Jackie Honsberger, from the Great Escape, and Stephanie Goodwin, from Goodwin's Treats, appreciated the crowds, including Elizabeth Stratton and James F. Smith (pictured). Stay-tuned: CCE and WGACC are planning another pop-up in the Summer! Watch this space for details.
Member News & Collaborations
Looking for Employees?
Consider These Options

To help employers in the tourism industry find employees, the New York State Division of Tourism together with the New York State Department of Labor offer the following:
 
  • A tourism-specific page on the NY Hire Now job bank
  • Stand-alone tourism-specific virtual job fairs and/or tourism tracks. In anticipation of the spring/summer season, consider these virtual job fair dates:
  • April 15: Tourism Pavilion at Finger Lakes Regional Job Fair
  • April 29: Tourism Pavilion at Southern Tier Regional Job Fair
 
Sign up for a free booth at the appropriate job fairs. Questions? Contact Kelly Garafalo-Wilkins at kelly.garofalo@esd.ny.gov.  
Hiking Hot Spot
Finger Lakes Trail in the Finger Lakes National Forest
 
This spotlight features a 4-mile hike (one way) with glorious views, including Seneca Lake and mature vineyards. Considered an "easy" trail, hikers should follow the white blaze markers and plan for a 4.5- to 5.5-hour round-trip experience. This trail section is part of a the longer regional trail system and passes through several remote areas of the Southern Tier. Along the way, expect to encounter primitive areas with a natural tread and boardwalks across wet areas. Hikers may also enjoy an "Adirondack style shelter" available for camping on a first-come, first-served basis.

Nutritional needs: another form of diversity! 

A healthy community is a happy community – especially when we are about to entertain thousands of people in the months ahead. Our partners at Schuyler County’s Cornell Cooperative Extension have some pointers, all centered around this year’s theme: Personalize Your Plate.

From the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and experts at CCE: “From a young age, people are taught to celebrate their individuality. Unique dietary habits should be no exception. Whether based on age, sex, culture, ethics, or taste, everyone has different nutritional needs and preferences. The Academy recognizes that to prescribe a universal dietary solution to health would be unrealistic. In addition to individual preference and characteristics, there are also a variety of social and economic barriers to consider when examining food intake choices. Encouraging personal modifications to the recommended Dietary Guidelines for Americans is an effective compromise to balancing nutritional needs with dietary preferences.”
 
Want some specific advice to “personalize your plate”? From the Academy, consider the following:
  • Recognize that “eating right” will change throughout your life stages.
  • Consume nutrient-rich foods, and put personal touches on traditional dishes.
  • Make dietary choices according to your age to improve immunity and prevent chronic disease.
 
 Want more information? Visit www.snapedny.org or contact Justine Cobb at jec445@cornell.edu.
Cayuga Health: robotic milestone

On March 30, the Cayuga Health Surgical team performed their 500th da Vinci robotic surgery in less than two years, double the 125 per year that the majority of comparable community hospitals may experience. Cayuga Medical Center introduced the addition of the daVinci Xi®, the most advanced robotics surgical system, to its portfolio of patient offerings in 2019. The da Vinci Xi enhances surgeon capabilities and advances minimally invasive procedures.
Apps Open for Grow-NY

The Grow-NY initiative provides funding, mentorship, business development support, and key resources to leading food and ag start-ups. A total of $3 million in prizes will be awarded to 7 start-ups. Applications for the 2021 Grow-NY competition may be submitted through July 15. Read more.
Thank you, Senator Schumer, for your support
of the travel and tourism industry

Senator Chuck Schumer led the charge to get two major tourism wins into the COVID package that the Senate passed on March 6. That relief legislation went on to pass the House and be signed into law by the President the following week.

Here are the details:
Win #1: $3 Billion for Economic Development Administration to provide flexible investment for rebuilding local economies and hard-hit industries, including tourism and travel. Senator Schumer successfully increased the set-aside of funds for states and communities impacted by job and GDP losses in tourism, travel, and outdoor recreation to $750 million, up from the $450 million initially passed by the House.

Win #2: $360 Billion for State and Local Fiscal Aid. The bill includes critical direct aid to state and local governments. Senator Schumer was successful in adding language specifically indicating that tourism, travel and hospitality industries should receive support. Funds can be used for local economic recovery purposes, including assistance to households, small businesses and nonprofits, assistance to hard-hit industries like tourism, travel, and hospitality, and infrastructure investment.
The tourism industry should acknowledge Senator Schumer's advocacy on our behalf. You can personally send him a note using the NYSTIA Advocacy Alert platform. It takes only a few minutes to do so, and we want the senator to know his efforts are appreciated now and in the future. 
 
Please consider sharing this call to action with friends, colleagues, partners, and staff and encouraging them to send a thank you as well.






Sidle offers free Small Business Insurance Guide & Welcomes New Team Members

Sidle has created a free Small Business Insurance Guide series on our website. This guide is designed to help small business owners make informed decisions regarding the insurance their business needs. Visit www.SidleInsurance.com/blog/ to read the free guide.

Sidle Insurance is also excited to announce that as of April 1, the Bowers and Associates Insurance Agency in Corning, NY, is now a part of the Sidle Insurance family. Learn more about our relationship with and purchase of the agency in this message to our insureds from our agency president, David Sidle.
J.R Dill Winery releases new wines

J.R. Dill Winery has been busy this winter, working to replenish their wine stock while also adding some new wines to their line up. Their yearly bottling run kicked off with the 2020 line of dry whites that includes Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, and their very first vintage of Grüner Veltliner. That run was followed by a bottling day focused on some of their 2019 dry reds and added two new wines to the lineup: Pinot Noir and Syrah. Stop in the tasting room any weekend to have a taste of some of these amazing new additions.
Visit their website: https://jrdillwinery.com/
HeatSmart program assists businesses with energy efficiency

Have you been thinking about adding energy efficient operations to your home or small business? HeatSmart FLX South is a CCE of Schuyler County program and can help residents and small commercial businesses and non-profits weatherize and and adopt heat pumps for heating and cooling needs. Read more here: HeatSmart FLX South
Better Business Bureau offers
free webinars focused on websites,
Google, and cybersecurity

As a member of the Watkins Glen Area Chamber of Commerce, you are able to benefit from offerings of the Better Business Bureau, including three free upcoming webinars:

Reach Customers Online with Google 
Wednesday, April 21
1 to 2 p.m.

Cybersecurity During Challenging Times
Thursday, April 22
10 to 11:30 a.m.

For more information please contact Melanie McGovern
at (716) 276-3738 or mmcgovern@upstatenybbb.org.
Public input sought
to designate FLX region
National Heritage Area


The Finger Lakes region of New York is under consideration for designation as a National Heritage Area. Currently, the National Park Service is studying the feasibility of designating 14 counties of the Finger Lakes region as a National Heritage Area.

Public input is sought by the National Park Service, with the 90-day comment period under way and continuing through June 1, 2021. To offer your thoughts, please submit your comments via this link: NPS PEPC - Documents Open For Review

“Input from the public regarding the creation of a national heritage area in the Finger Lakes is critical to the study process. We also hope to learn more about the region from the people who know it best,” said Allen Cooper, regional chief of planning, National Park Service. “The information, interest and inquiries we receive from the public help inform our work as we assess the Finger Lakes as a potential National Heritage Area.”

The lengthy process of designating an area as a National Heritage Area has continued virtually during the COVID-19 pandemic. You can learn more here about what is a National Heritage Area. Visiting this link will take you to updates about the study on making Finger Lakes a National Heritage Area.
Visit Rochester's Visitor Industry Council learns
84 percent of travelers plans to travel in coming months
The virtual March meeting of Visit Rochester's Visitor Industry Council featured an informative and research-rich presentation by Amir Eylon, president and CEO of Longwoods International. The presentation gave attendees a guide on how to use travel sentiment for recovery planning, including the fact that 84 percent of travelers have plans to travel in the next six months. You may view the presentation slides here and below are some recent survey responses. Watkins Glen Area Chamber of Commerce is a member of Visitor Rochester.
THIS SPACE RESERVED FOR LODGING MEMBERS
Any and all lodging members are welcome to share their spring specials
with the Chamber, to help spread the word here in our e-news
and on our social media platforms and website. Send us a note, please!
Government News
#SleeveUpSchuyler social media campaign debuts
Schuyler County Public Health is kicking off their #SleeveUpSchuyler social media campaign to promote COVID-19 vaccination in Schuyler County. Community members can participate in the campaign a few different ways. They can:
 
For information about COVID-19 vaccines and vaccination site options available for Schuyler County residents, visit Schuyler County Public Health’s website at: SchuylerCounty.US/PublicHealth. The website includes Schuyler County COVID-19 vaccine clinic registration links (when available), information and links for pharmacies, Frequently Asked Questions, and more.
Guidance available for indoor amusement facilities
and family entertainment centers

Indoor amusement facilities and family entertainment centers were allowed to reopen on March 26. Businesses must submit a reopening plan to the respective county health department or local public health authority, within two weeks of reopening, including specific health protocols in place to meet the requirements set forth in this guidance. 

This guidance is posted to the New York Forward Phase 4 webpage.
PPP small-business loan program deadline
extended to May 31 with Senate vote

Senate passed a bill Thursday extending until May 31 the deadline for Paycheck Protection Program applications. The PPP Extension Act of 2021 also gives the SBA an additional 30 days beyond May 31 to process those loans. The House-passed measure now goes to President Joe Biden for his signature. Click here to learn more
Receiving paid-time off
to get your COVID-19 vaccination

Gov. Cuomo has signed legislation granting employees time off to get the COVID-19 vaccine. Under this new law, public and private employees will be granted up to four hours of excused leave per shot that will not be charged against any other leave the employee has earned or accrued. This legislation is in effect now. Click here to learn more

The "Am I Eligible" screening tool has been updated for individuals with co-morbidities and underlying conditions with new appointments released on a rolling basis over the next weeks.
Shuttered Venue Operators launches grant application

The U.S. Small Business Administration is launching a splash page for the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant (SVOG) application portal in anticipation of opening applications for the much-anticipated critical economic relief program on Thursday, April 8.
New York Tax Deadline Extended

The Department of Tax and Finance will be extending the New York State income tax deadline to May 17. This aligns with the federal decision to do the same and provides New Yorkers still coping with the complications of the COVID-19 pandemic ample time to file. 

NY Forward Rapid Testing Program
The State has launched the New York Forward Rapid Test Program. This is a unique public-private partnership to make low-cost rapid testing available to the public to support enhanced economic activity, including weddings, catered events, and arts and entertainment venues. Visit NY.gov/RapidTestProgram to learn more about this initiative and find sites in your area – new locations are being continuously added ​statewide.
Interim COVID-19 guidance for food services
The "Interim Guidance for Food Services" during the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency was created to provide owners/operators of food service businesses and their employees and contractors with precautions to help protect against the spread of COVID-19.
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.
 New York's health insurance
Open Enrollment Period now extended

Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo announced that New York's health insurance Open Enrollment Period will be further extended to May 15, 2021, aligning with states across the country. Click here to learn more
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
at Michael@WatkinsGlenChamber.com by noon on Thursdays.

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)