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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- Register for Frontline Customer/Visitor Service Training
- Watkins Glen State Park is #1
- Cornhole postponed
- Site visit revs engines
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- Tourism Talk with WETM
- Help for broadband costs
- Welcome new members
- Top Tier competition seeking locations
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Visit Watkins Glen
& Schuyler County
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Watkins Glen
Area Chamber
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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! |
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NY Forward & Other
Government News
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- 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
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Conde Nast Traveler: Watkins Glen State Park is NY's #1 Park
Are the "towering cliffs and rippling waterfalls" in the Watkins Glen State Park calling your name? Conde Nast Traveler says they should be! A recent issue of the renowned publication listed the number one ranked park in every state. The Watkins Glen State Park was the editors choice for New York. Grab your hiking shoes and head for the Park. The Visitor Center at the Park opens for the season on May 22. We have been told there was a successful soft opening this past weekend. Give them a call ... the Gorge Trail may be open now and will be for sure on May 22. As always, the rim trails are open year-round and accessible from the upper entrance.
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It's time! Register new & returning frontline staff for Customer/Hospitality
Training
May 18, 1-3 pm
May 19, 3-5 pm
If you had to pick one form of marketing as the most valuable, what tops your list? Did you choose word of mouth, the original social media campaign? If so, you’re right! According to Nielsen, 92% of consumers believe recommendations from friends and family over all other forms of advertising. The options to steer these recommendations in a positive direction are many and include delivering jaw-dropping service.
This month’s training session – included with your membership – walks your front line supervisors and staff through expectations, processes, procedures, and tips to amaze your visitors, clients, and guests. The two-hour session is for full- and part-time, paid and/or volunteer, seasonal or permanent staff and includes ideas to handle these reputation-building opportunities with ease, energy, enthusiasm, and efficiency.
The session will be conducted by Michael Hardy, Executive Director, who has conducted hundreds of these sessions for thousands of frontline partners at hotels, stores, restaurants, including for-profit and non-profit organizations.
Often seasoned frontliners learn something new or are invigorated by professional development. New hires often feel a relief knowing that they don’t need to know it all, but they do need to know where to find answers to customer and visitor questions.
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Cornhole postponed
until later this year
While we were hopeful that we'd be able to present the Chamber's first annual Cornhole Tournament this spring, after consulting with our presenting sponsor -- the Corning Credit Union -- we have decided to postpone the event until later this summer or early Fall. As we plan for the rescheduled event, we are reconsidering the time and are considering an afternoon event/early evening event.
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Welcome New Members
Please help the Chamber in welcoming our newest members (and be sure to consider these organizations for your or your guests' future needs!).
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Sending a shout-out to Grist Iron
A big thank you to Kate Fuller from Grist Iron Brewing Company for sharing thoughts about the upcoming season with WETM recently.
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Executive Director Michael Hardy (left) with Jose Cervantes (right) on the tour. |
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Chamber visit revs engines
Many thanks to the team at Watkins Glen International for hosting the Chamber team last week. We enjoyed visiting the 1800-acre facility, watching members of the club that had rented the track test their skills on the 3.4 mile course (click the video above & don't blink!), and sharing treats from Jerlando's for lunch.
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Marketing opps still available
Visitors are here. Summer is coming.
Share your message with several
great marketing opportunities
with the Chamber.
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- Disc Golf sponsorship
- Cornhole Tournament 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 Executive Director Michael Hardy at (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, 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
Best Practices
HINT 1 CALL AHEAD
We have a NEW cultural “norm” here in the Finger Lakes, and every frontline employee and/or those who have direct guest/customer contact (via phone, email and/or face-to-face or mask-to-mask) needs to share: CALL AHEAD PLEASE!! Call ahead to all tasting rooms (and likely attractions and eateries) as there are still some policies and procedures that have been implemented that both meet current (and likely ever-changing) advisories and/or rules based on the pandemic. Many, if not all of these businesses and others (stores and shops, farms and attraction, etc.), will still have limits on maximum capacities, offer timed and/or reserved experiences as well as adjusted hours, limited services, and/or staff availability. It is doing a great service to all parties for everyone to encourage calling ahead so expectations can be meet or exceeded in the new landscape as we live through “The “Busy(ier)” Season” and beyond.
HINT 2 Staffing for Summer (and beyond)
Hire large part-time staffs at higher wages with perks and rotated weekend, evening, and holidays! That’s what the Chamber is doing to keep both the 214 N. Franklin Street Visitor Center and the State Park Visitor Center staffed and open 7 days a week from May 22 to Oct 21ish. We know so many of you are having difficulty hiring: it is a national challenge. We had hoped to work with Simpleview, our web supplier, to create a Job Board, but it was beyond cost prohibitive to do so. As I have suggested here and for some months now to many of you in calls and meetings, there are lots of reasons people will not come back to work or can’t. Whatever those are and whether we agree with, sympathize, or empathize with them, to meet the prime objective to draw people to be on your teams you have to be more flexible with shifts, wages, benefits, and/or incentives. Padding with more people, but then setting minimum shifts and/or a fair and balanced work load of weekends, evenings, and holidays is one of many options. Please feel free to share others that have (and haven’t) worked for you with us.
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Business Council
hosting events
Labor/HR Series:
Annual Harassment Training - Train the Trainer
5/20/21; 11am to noon; Registration fee for non-members
Webinar intended to provide individuals responsible for providing training the tools and strategies necessary to deliver a training program that meets New York State guidelines as defined in the new sexual harassment laws effective October 2019. We will also cover requirements related to the development and communication of the required sexual harassment policy. Registration and more info.
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.
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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.
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USMCA explained
Considerations for Leveraging the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA)
May 18
Presented virtually, via MS Teams.
Register with Tammi Parsons, SBA at tammi.bennett@sba.gov
This two-part webinar series will discuss the changes to this new Free Trade Agreement, implications for your business, how to qualify your goods, and properly declare them.
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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 business cards, questions about the Chamber, our membership, or our dynamic county and 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.
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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:
Meeting ID: 874 4108 3852
Passcode: 896020
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Member News & Collaborations |
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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!
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Broadband benefit program
The FCC has announced that consumers can now apply for and enroll in the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program. Check if you qualify here. The program will end when the fund runs out of money, or six months after the Department of Health and Human Services declares an end to the COVID-19 health emergency, whichever is sooner. The Emergency Broadband Benefit Program is a Federal Communications Commission (FCC) program that provides a temporary discount on monthly broadband bills for qualifying low-income households. If your household is eligible, you may receive:
- Up to a $50/month discount on your broadband service and associated equipment rentals
- Up to a $75/month discount if your household is on qualifying Tribal lands
- A one-time discount of up to $100 for a laptop, tablet, or desktop computer (with a co-payment of more than $10 but less than $50)
Only one monthly service discount and one device discount is allowed per household.
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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.
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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.
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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 the WGACC Bulletin Board when you are checking out and/or updating your listing on the Simpleview Extranet.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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In Schuyler County? Note the following walk-in COVID-19 vaccine clinics:
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Tuesday, May 18, from 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM at the Watkins Glen Elementary School Cafeteria. Vote and Vax! School board voting and the clinic will both be occurring that evening at WGCSD.
- Wednesday, May 19 (see graphic above)
- Tuesday, June 1, from 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM at Bradford Central School
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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.
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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.
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Possible Fund Opportunity
REDEC has secured funding from Steuben County and Chemung County to provide emergency relief funds to assist small businesses with employee and operational expenses. For additional information contact REDEC at (607) 962-3021.
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Outdoors? Drop your mask with vaccination
On 4/27, Governor Cuomo announced that New York State will adopt the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's new guidance on mask use for fully vaccinated people. The guidelines state that fully vaccinated people, defined as two or more weeks after receiving the second dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine or the single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine, no longer need to wear masks outdoors, except in certain crowded settings and venues. However, masks should still be worn indoors and should still be worn by people who are not fully vaccinated. This guidance reemphasizes the importance of getting vaccinated and closely adheres to public health guidance, particularly if you are not yet vaccinated. Fully vaccinated individuals with immunocompromising conditions should consult with their healthcare provider first.
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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.
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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.
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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
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Small business guidance and
loan resources during COVID-19
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SBA offers several different relief options to help businesses, nonprofits, and faith-based organizations recover from the impacts of COVID-19.
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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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