May 24, 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.

Head shot day Mural painter selected Cornhole is back on Ribbon cutting at MyPlace

Tasting Room Talk with WETM Memorial Day events After-Hours Mixer: June 9 Top Tier competition seeking locations

Visit Watkins Glen & Schuyler County ‌ ‌ ‌ Watkins Glen Area Chamber ‌ ‌ ‌

Pandemic Spotlights 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 send!

NY Forward & Other Government News Employee Retention Credit NY adopts CDC guidance Join your neighbors and VaxUp Vaccination clinic links Walk-ins welcome at clinic Beaches & pools open for season Food with beverages requirement lifted Restrictions eased! PPP information Shuttered Venue Operators update Small Business Loan Info

Chamber News

We're Live: June After-Hours at Idlwilde Our first live after-hours mixer of 2021 features multiple members. Finish your day with the ultimate treats: eye-candy and savory goodies. 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 options from Barnstormer Winery's cash bar. Come have a "gouda" time!

Head shot day The Chamber of Commerce invites you to sit for a professional head shot on June 4, from 9:00 am to 1 pm. Your appointment will take 15 minutes. Cost will be $35 (cash/check only; the Chamber will not be able to make change). Photos will be provided by Immagine Photographry, a Chamber member. To register, email abby@watkinsglenchamber.com or call 607-535-4300.

Cornhole is back on! We are so pleased to confirm the Corning Credit Union Cornhole Tournament is back on the calendar. Please mark September 2, 2021, from 3pm to 8pm on your calendar. The event will be held at Toast Winery (formerly Pompous Ass Wines). Team fees include dinner by F.L.X. Wienery and treats from the Great Escape Ice Cream Parlor. We are looking for 2-person teams. Sponsorship opportunities are still available. We have ordered fantastic weather, and we're looking forward to good food, good fun, and time with friends and colleagues. Networking is totally appropriate. Email abby@watkinsglenchamber to register.

Mural artist selected; work begins soon Filomena Jack, of Elmira, has been selected to paint a life-size mural on the southeast corner of the Chamber of Commerce’s Information Center (214 N. Franklin St.). Look for more information about Filomena and this grant-funded project in the upcoming Engager (one copy mailed to your business). Visitors are invited to watch the creation take shape (in person or via the Chamber's social media sites). Once complete, we invite you (and all of your family/friends!) to take selfies and post with #wgafarmfriends. (Photo provided)

Sending a shout-out to Lakewood A big thank you to Liz Stamp from Lakewood Winery for sharing thoughts about changes for tasting wine.

Help us cut the ribbon at My Place The community is invited to the ribbon-cutting for My Place: A Play and Learning Center’s new location (Glen Lakes Apartments, 207 East 2nd Street, Watkins Glen, NY). Hosted by the Watkins Glen Area Chamber of Commerce, the event is scheduled for June 1, 2021, at 6:00 pm, and will feature brief presentations by local officials and the Center’s Executive Director, facility tours, and an opportunity to meet the Center’s leadership and teaching staff. Reservations are not required for the event. COVID guidelines will be followed. “Childcare is a critical component of livable communities for many families in rural areas,” said Michael Hardy, Executive Director of the Watkins Glen Area Chamber of Commerce. “Whether by necessity or choice, the majority of parents work, and many depend upon formal, organized, out-of-home care to make that possible. We, in Schuyler County, are extremely fortunate to have access to the superb care and services provided by My Place.” My Place moved into the current location in February 2021, after a successful building project managed by Welliver. Holt Architects and Hunt Engineers collaborated to create the commercial space designed specially to serve childcare needs. The project was funded in part with DRI resources and the facility is owned by INHS (Ithaca Neighborhood Housing Services). The Second Street location has 7,341 square feet, including five classrooms, meeting/program space for families, a commercial kitchen for meals, offices for staff, and a dedicated playground. It accommodates 20 additional children daily from its former Montour Falls home, a 32% percent increase per day. Including the after-school program established in 2017, full daily capacity is 63 children, ages 6 weeks through 12 years. “Childcare matters, and it is everyone’s business,” said Executive Director Kristine Morseman. “To keep our talent in Schuyler County, we need to offer safe and affordable childcare. At My Place, we are committed to providing a sustainable model of care that promotes family and community partnerships and quality childhood learning experiences through play. We make it possible for parents to be gainfully employed without having to worry about the health and happiness of their children.” Morseman, who has a background in teaching and human services, oversees a staff of 18 teachers, assistant teachers, and support staff.

Marketing & networking opps still available Visitors are here. Summer is coming. Share your message with several great marketing opportunities with the Chamber. Disc Golf, Golf and Cornhole Tourney sponsorship Window space at 214 N. Franklin Street: $125/month Brochure distribution at the State Park: $160 for the season (Limited quantities to comply with COVID regulations) Video segments at the State Park & at 214 N. Franklin: $130/month Questions? Contact Abby Lane at abby@watkinsglenchamber.com or (607) 535-4300.

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 Teamwork   HINT 1 Keep the Chamber in the know Add Stephanie Specchio, our Director of Communications and Marketing, to your email list. We publish 6 social media pages throughout the week (Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter for both Tourism and Chamber) as well as this weekly, Monday e-newsletter, “NHC,” and the Engager (our monthly print newsletter, which is mailed to every member). All these outlets make us hungry for content that will offer business opportunities for visitors and locals alike. Your stories, updates, and content may also be useful in developing engaging, helpful, and productive pitches to the media. And, I should also mention that you can make offers and advertise, which yes, is a revenue stream for WGACC, but also a fantastic way for you to share your products and services with an engaged community. Stephanie's email is stephanie@watkinsglenchamber.com. HINT 2 Your team is only as good as you train them I offered two quick two-hour Customer/Visitor Service trainings this week to give those who participated a leg up on meeting the needs of our visitors, guests, and people who we do business with and for. Training and resourcing your frontline with the right tools, resources, and the expectations you have of them makes your team ready, willing, and able to extend the best service in courteous, timely, and efficient ways. This should, for all intents and purposes, bring your customers and our visitors back. And, remember ... repeat business is always the best (and least expensive for marketing and selling to)! The old saying goes, "Your team is only as strong as its weakest link (person)" – so invest in them with on-going feedback and opportunities to learn and grow professionally and do their best for you, your clients, guests, and each other. Internal customers are a completely different topic. If you couldn’t afford the time away or to send a staffer(s), we have the sessions recorded and can share with you.

Happenings

Business Council hosting events 2021 Business and Education Forum: Workforce of the Future 5/26/21; noon-4pm The COVID-19 pandemic has certainly changed the employment landscape in the near-term and long-term. Join us to discuss where we are and where we go from here in regards to workforce development with industry, education, and government leaders. More info. New York's Marijuana Law: Podcast (click the link & scroll down!) Melissa Moore, New York State Director of the Drug Policy Alliance, recently joined the podcast to chat about legalized cannabis in New York State. We discuss how New York is not the first state but perhaps the "most ambitious" state with marijuana policies. We also examine realistic expectations for state projected revenues, employer protections, and how the federal government may use New York's law as a possible future national standard.

You! Named to the Top Tier Seven Mountains Radio is sponsoring a contest through June 25 that is a marketing and promotions opportunity for area eateries. Nominate yourself or someone else to be considered for the "best of the best" ranking. The station's on-air personalities are encouraging the public to get out, dine, and vote for their favorites in 18 categories. To be among the contenders, email denne_johnson@7mountainsmedia.com.

Virtual India Trade Mission The USDOC Commercial Service Offices in New York State and Global NY are teaming up to help your company find customers and partners in India through a virtual trade mission. May 26-27, 2021 Register here This two-day event, hosted by U.S. Commercial Service India, will help New York State companies find and meet with prospective partners in India all from the comfort of your own home or office through a virtual platform. We're actively recruiting interested businesses in the following sectors: Aerospace and defense, Environmental technologies, Renewable energy, Education tech.

Join us for Coffee Connections on May 25 We are LIVE for this month's Coffee Connections. We'll provide the coffee and connections! Please come with news from your business or organization, business cards, and questions for us and your fellow Chamber members. If you'd like to bring someone who you think would benefit from becoming a member, please do so! This networking event is a great excuse to be late to the office (or step away from your remote office for a little bit)! Attendees are encouraged to bring new ideas for how we can enhance our business community. Participants are also encouraged to bring a sampling of marketing materials. Register online for this informal networking session. Limited to 20 participants.

Join us May 25 for "Talking Tuesdays"  Chat with the Chamber about pressing issues for tourism-based businesses in the Finger Lakes. The next "Talking Tuesdays" will be May 25 from noon to 1 pm and will feature Laury Ward of Finger Lakes Wine Country. 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: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87441083852?pwd=ZW1pcjlzWlg4YWsyN3k2R3FFNzRHdz09 Meeting ID: 874 4108 3852  Passcode: 896020

Member News & Collaborations

American flag protocol honored The Schuyler County Veterans encourage all of us to respect the American flag. According to the United States Flag Code, an American flag can be cleaned or mended when necessary. Washing your American flag can prolong its life. Many outdoor flags can be hand-washed using a mild laundry detergent. If your flag has seen better days and needs to be disposed of, the Veterans can help. They have a formalized process to dispose of tattered flags appropriately. Flags can be dropped off at the Chamber or delivered directly to the Veterans. For more information, contact Clayton Snow at bjws47@aol.com or Fred Hall at gfhall47@gmail.com. Memorial Day is the perfect time to get a new flag! Local Memorial Day events: Post 676 will bring their Honor Guard to the Village of Montour Falls' celebration at SheQuaGa Falls. Ceremony is 5/31 at 9:30 am. Post 676 will celebrate at the Veterans Memorial Park on Route 228 in Odessa at 11:00 am, also on 5/31. The guest speaker will be Tony Veilleux, a navy veteran and post member. COVID regulations, including social distancing, will be required at all events.

Community Nutrition Program AIM Independent Living Center is offering a Community Nutrition Program, providing food and basic goods to people in need up to twice a month. The program is free. Consumers can order from a regularly updated menu of available items. Both pick-up and delivery are available. This program, a partnership with the Food Bank of the Southern Tier, helps to ensure people with disabilities and seniors – who often face transportation barriers – have regular access to healthy food and other staples. Pick-up orders should be made at least one day in advance, although same day pick-up may be available. The distribution site is located at 254 E. First St. in Corning, at the former Southern Tier Pediatrics office on the same block as AIM’s headquarters. Pick-ups are to be made in the rear of the building. Delivery is available to eligible consumers in Steuben, Chemung, and Schuyler counties. More info.

62nd Commencement at SUNY CCC SUNY Corning Community College graduated 537 students – ranging in age from 17 to 64 and including 11 veterans of the armed forces – under sunny skies on May 15, 2021. This was a unique event, as Commencement exercises had to meet strict SUNY COVID-19 guidelines for commencement ceremonies. To maintain proper social distancing and to provide an in-person event, SUNY CCC’s Commencement was a “drive-in ceremony” in which the graduates and their guest remained in their vehicles while the presentations were made.

WGI Foundation makes gifts Sending thanks to the Watkins Glen International (WGI) Race and Community Enrichment (R.A.C.E.) Foundation for its grants, donations, and in-kind contributions to 15 local non-profit organizations. R.A.C.E. is designed to meet the needs of local underserved populations with a focus on youth-oriented support. The foundation fosters meaningful fundraising efforts, while also leaning on support from the international racing community.

Want to volunteer? Consider CASA Abused and neglected children need help every day, all year. Consider becoming a Volunteer Child Advocate with CASA of the Southern Tier. Learn about the next information session on May 25 or call CASA at (607) 936-2272.

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.

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.

Government News

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 Governor Cuomo announced that beginning May 19, New York State will adopt the CDC's "Interim Public Health Recommendations for Fully Vaccinated People" for most business and public settings. Review the Reopening New York - Implementing CDC Guidance, released on May 19, here. 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.

COVID Community Update Mark your calendar for the next community update presented by SCOPED. June 3, 2021 @ 3 pm Join Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81196326743?fbclid=IwAR3aIU1vUyChYrR7ns33AedgHgK50qsnXBmgOTRNVqTcFrG1Gc2Xukwa7Rk#success Meeting ID: 811 9632 6743; Passcode: 931473

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.

Great news from the State: restrictions eased! Social Distance-based Business Capacities Effective May 19, most business capacities—which are currently based upon percentage of maximum occupancy—will be removed in New York and New Jersey. Businesses will only be limited by the space available for patrons or parties of patrons to maintain the required social distance of 6 feet. This new distance-based maximum capacity will apply across commercial settings, including retail, food services, gyms and fitness centers, amusement and family entertainment, hair salons, barber shops and other personal care services, among other settings. It will also apply in houses of worship. Increase in Social and Residential Gathering Limits In New York beginning May 10, the outdoor social gathering limit will increase from 200 to 500 people. Beginning May 19, the indoor social gathering limit will increase from 100 to 250 people. Also, the outdoor residential gathering limit of 25 people will be removed, reverting to the social gathering limit of 500 people with space for appropriate social distancing, and the indoor residential gathering limit will increase from 10 to 50 people. In New York, any event gatherings in excess of the social gathering limits may only occur if all individuals present proof of full vaccination status or recent negative COVID-19 test result. Event Venues Congregate commercial and social events in New York—such as those at venues that host sports competitions, performing arts and live entertainment, and catered receptions—can exceed the social gathering limits of 500 people outdoors or 250 people indoors if all attendees over the age of four present either proof of full vaccination status or recent negative COVID-19 test result and the required social distancing can be accommodated.  Starting May 19, large-scale indoor event venues will operate at 30% capacity, which is an increase from the current 10% capacity limit. Large-scale outdoor event venues will operate at 33%. Social distancing, masks, and other applicable health protocols will still apply, including the requirement of attendee proof of full vaccination or recent negative COVID-19 test result. Industry Reopening Requirements While most industry capacity restrictions will be lifted, industry-specific requirements will remain in effect for a longer period of time, including state or local health authority event notification, health screening, contact information for tracing, enhanced air handling and building system standards, hand hygiene, and environmental cleaning and disinfection protocols. The State will continue to provide additional guidance on these provisions as they apply to each industry. The announcement [released on May 3, 2021] builds on Governor Cuomo's recent measures to further reopen the economy amid a steady decline in New York's COVID-19 positivity and hospitalization rates. On April 30, Governor Cuomo announced that hair salons, barber shops, and other personal care services can expand to 75% capacity beginning May 7. On April 28, Governor Cuomo announced that curfews for the food and beverage service and catered events would end this month. Bookmark our COVID-related page on www.explorewatkinsglen.com for the latest updates.

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 wineries will continue offering food, snacks, and/or charcuterie as additional offerings.

In Schuyler County? Note the following walk-in COVID-19 J & J vaccine clinics: Saturday, May 29 from 10-11 am at Watkins Glen Community Center Tuesday, June 1, from 4- 6 at Bradford Central School More info: schuylercounty.us/publichealth Vaccine clinic links 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. Schuyler County Department of Health Arnot Health COVID-19 Vaccine Scheduling NYS Southern Tier Regional COVID-19 Vaccination Am I Eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine Chemung County COVID-19 Information Center Find a Test Site Near You Interested in tracking vaccine results? Bookmark this page: ny.gov/vaccinetracker. For the latest updates on news and regulations, bookmark the New York Forward webpages.

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.

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

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. Click here to learn about the options

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)