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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- Naturluxe in the news
- Ribbon cuttings
- Erie Canalway photo contest
- Register for Partner with the Chamber & Media
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- Chamber Mixer: June & July
- Get your teams ready
- Fireworks are on!
- Congrats to tourism peers
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Visit Watkins Glen
& Schuyler County
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Watkins Glen
Area Chamber
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Pandemic Spotlight Updates
Scroll down for important updates on the pandemic protocols, restrictions, and revisions, including news this week for catering, restaurants, PPP, and more. We will do our best to keep you up-to-date, but it is likely that there will be new updates as soon as we hit send!
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NY Forward & Other Government News
- Schuyler vaccine clinics & others
- Tuition/room/board give-away
- Join your neighbors and VaxUp
- $800 million in grants for small businesses available
- FEMA funds
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We were live & it was fun!
This month's mixer at the Idlwilde Inn is in the books. With support from the Inn, Barnstormer Winery, Sunset View Creamery, and Chemung-Schuyler Arc, a great time was had by all. Watch for more pictures in the July Engager to see the who's who list of fun-seekers and make plans to join us for the July mixer.
July 7, from 5pm to 8pm
Watkins Glen State Park
Lakewood Vineyards will be on tap with a cash bar and Bleachers Sports Bar and Grill will cater. Register online. http://ow.ly/fbKo50F7EqP
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Congratulations are in order ...
Tourism peers recognized
The New York State Tourism Industry Association recently recognized trend-setting thought leaders in the global tourism community. Congratulations to the following members and/or partners:
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Christine Worth, from the Finger Lakes Regional Tourism Council for Excellence in Leadership in Response to the COVID-19 Crisis by an Individual
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Wayne County Office of Tourism for its Apple Tasting Tour U Pick the Way App for Excellence in Tourism Marketing Best COVID Response Marketing Effort to pivot to Success and Excellence in Tourism Marketing: Digital Marketing Campaign
- Corning Museum of Glass for its Penguin Pierre Safety & Visitation Campaign for Excellence in Tourism Marketing campaign: Digital Marketing Campaign
- Visit Rochester's Family Marketing Campaign for its Come Play in Our Backyard for Excellence in Tourism Marketing: Niche Marketing
- Visit Rochester's Rochester Rising, Sparking a Message of Goodwill and Hope for Excellence in Tourism Marketing: Public Relations Campaign
- Seneca County Chamber of Commerce's Discover Seneca Visitor Guide for Excellence in Tourism Marketing: Printed Collateral Materials
- Ontario County Finger Lakes Visitors Connection's Visitor Experience Fund - Accessibility for Excellence in Tourism Stewardship: Economic Development & Destination Improvement
- Ontario County Finger Lakes Visitors Connection's Visitor Services: Virtual, Value Added and Virus-Free for Excellence in Visitor Service: Public Sector
Congratulations one and all for great work!
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Naturluxe in the news
After a successful ribbon-cutting with NYS Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul, Naturluxe and Stars is open for glampers. During the ceremony, Ross Levi, Executive Director and VP of the NYS Division of Tourism / Empire State Development, congratulated owner Dawn Aprile and reflected on the many options available for travelers in the Finger Lakes. For more, check out news coverage here and here.
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Ribbon cut at Montour businesses
Congratulations to Rebekah Carroll, president and owner of Statements Accounting & Consulting Services and Eric Levine, CEO of Alternatives Federal Credit Union. Elected officials, regional and local dignitaries, and representatives from the Credit Union cut the ribbon for their permanent home at the historic Montour House last week. Great company, superb food, lovely libations from Chamber member Damiani Wine Cellars ... a celebration all around.
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Ribbon cut for mural &
new member
The Watkins Glen Area Chamber of Commerce cut two ribbons on June 11 to unveil the Farm Friends mural and welcome the Cheese Bus to the community. The Farm Friends mural was painted by Filomena Jack, an artist from Elmira, NY, and was supported with a grant from the ARTS Council of the Southern Finger Lakes. On the southeast corner of the Chamber’s 214 N. Franklin Street location, the street art is a tribute to nature. Subtitled “Our landscape transforms us,” Filomena hopes that her creations will inspire others and spark transformation. Read more here. |
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Fireworks on July 4
They're on! After taking a year off for the pandemic, the Watkins Glen Area Chamber of Commerce is thrilled to present the traditional July 4 fireworks show with media partner Seven Mountains Radio. The display is expected to begin at approximately 9:45 p.m. We expect prime viewing locations will be at Clute Park and locations on or around the southern tip of Seneca Lake. The pyrotechnics display will be presented by Young Explosives.
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Get your teams ready
All work and no play make for a pretty boring day! And ... if that play is done right, it doubles as an opportunity to network with your colleagues and develop stronger relationships with prospective partners and customers. With that in mind ... get your teams together for the Chamber's summer line-up: Disc Golf (August); Corning Credit Union Cornhole Tourney (September); and the Chemung Canal Trust Company Golf Tournament (September). More info is online. www.explorewatkinsglen.com/chamber-members/events/.
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Chemung Canal counts! Erie Canalway
Photo Contest:
Call for entries
The Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor is calling for entries for its 16th annual Erie Canalway Photo Contest. Images should convey the unique character of New York’s canals and canal communities. Entries must be postmarked by August 27, 2021. Winning photos will be featured in the 2022 Erie Canalway calendar. Images will be judged in four contest categories: On the Water, Along the Trail, Canal Communities, and Classic Canal. Judges will select first-, second-, and third-place winning images in each category, as well as 12 honorable mentions. Submitted images should be horizontal and must be taken within the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor, which spans 524 miles across the full expanse of upstate New York. It encompasses the Erie, Cayuga-Seneca, Oswego, and Champlain canals and their historic alignments, as well as more than 230 canal communities. Download official contest rules and an entry form at https://eriecanalway.org/get-involved/photo-contest
Caption: Previous contest winner "Buoy Boat" by Dale Evva Gelfand
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Marketing & networking
opps still available
Visitors are here. Summer is coming.
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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Partnering with the
Chamber and media
The Chamber looks for opportunities to connect members with media who are writing stories about your services, products, and timely events relative to your industry. This month's training opportunity -- included with your membership -- focuses on making the most of media opportunities. What are they? And, how do you make sure your points are heard and understood? How do you respond if you are asked you a tough question? Let's talk about options to make sure everyone's points are heard. This session will be presented online (Zoom) by Stephanie Specchio, director of communications and marketing. Register online.
June 16 || 10 am to noon
Meeting ID: 843 4161 2118 || Passcode: 696929
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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
HINT 1 Standout on the Job
Want supervisors and co-workers to notice your efforts at work? The experts at Clinical Associates of the Southern Tier share six tips to get the kind of attention that will make you indispensable. Check out the tips and see how you can incorporate them.
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Update your listing
The Simpleview extranet is your portal to the Chamber's website. Want to update your listing? Add some images? An event? Or share a member-to-member discount with other Chamber members? Then join us for a training session. It's quick and easy and a good way to share your messages with people who are looking for info about our area.
June 15 at 10am
Zoom: Request login info from info@watkinsglenchamber.com
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Mark your calendar
Castel Grisch is planning a weekend-long event in celebration of Pride Month. Mark your calendar for June 25-27 and look forward to yard games, face painting, a dj and live music, giveaways with an expected appearance by LGBT-Rex! The winery is partnering with Corning Pride and a portion of the sales from retail items (pins, branded rainbow picnic blankets, wine [labeling still underway!]) will go to them in support of youth programs.
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Join us
for "Talking Tuesdays"
Chat with the Chamber about pressing issues for tourism-based businesses in the Finger Lakes. The next "Talking Tuesdays" will be June 22 from noon to 1pm. 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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Join us for B2B
Whether you have an in-house HR department or not, we have you covered with our Business to Business (B2B) sessions, always from 2:00 to 3:00 pm. Mark your calendar for July 21 featuring Jennifer Close (employee assistance tips).
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Selfies & Give-away
Fairfield by Marriott invites you to take pictures with the Watkins Glen International Pace Care at the Fairfield by Marriott Geneva Finger Lakes. The car will be available July 23-25, 2021 at 383 Hamilton Street in Geneva. While you're there, enter to win 2 Go Bowling at the Glen NASCAR tickets for Sunday, August 8.
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Member News & Collaborations |
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Art at War
Glenn H. Curtiss Museum officials announced today that their new Art at War Exhibit opened to the public on Saturday, June 12, and will hang through the fall of 2021. The Art of War: Squadron Insignia from the Curtiss Collection Exhibit started as part of a relatively simple, yet tedious effort to catalog their collection of 60 years in more detail. During the process they came across some long, slim archival boxes containing a series of canvas rolls. As they gently unrolled each one from the first box, images began to appear for the first time in decades: a parrot, a hound, a duck with an umbrella, an alligator and a beautiful ladybug. It wasn’t until they had them all together and rolled out that they realized the true scale of their collection of aircraft fabric art. Make plans to visit: https://glennhcurtissmuseum.org/
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A'maze'ing Acres opens for season
Are you or your visitors looking for something to do? Owner Eleanor Liebson, from A'maze'ing Acres, invites you to spend some time in nature with a hedge maze, playhouse, and more. The attraction is now open Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays or by appointment with advance notice. Like all opportunities in the Finger Lakes, it's best to call ahead. 607-592-5493 or 607-582-6727 (cell). A note from Eleanor to parents: children never want to leave! You may need an incentive to get them back in the car!
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Path through History
takes a local turn
Two of the Schuyler County Historical Society’s museums will be open on June 19, for New York State’s Path through History Weekend. The Brick Tavern Museum and Wickham Rural Life Center, both at 108 N. Catharine St./Route 14, Montour Falls, will be open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Admission is free. The current special exhibit at the Brick Tavern Museum is the “Stoneware of Havana,” spotlighting the functional and beautiful pottery manufactured in the 1880s in Montour Falls, then known as Havana. Path through History Weekends are organized by the state’s I Love NY program. For more information, contact the Schuyler County Historical Society at (607) 535- 9741.
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Schuyler Health Foundation welcomes new officers
The Schuyler Health Foundation recently announced its new Slate of Officers for the 2021 – 2022 year. Congratulations to Erin Thaete, Chairperson; Tom Phillips, Vice-Chairperson; and Jerry Mickelson, Treasurer/Secretary. These Executive Officers are joined by new members of the Board of Directors, Aimee Churchill and Chuck Franzese. Current and renewing Board members include Brenda Warren-Fitch, Jeff Dill, Ken Wilson, Marsha McElligott, Nanette Hanley, Philly DeSarno, and Chris Stamp.
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SUNY CCC program
recognized for excellence
SUNY Corning Community College’s A.S. in Community and Public Health Education (CPHE) was awarded the Outstanding Instructional Program Award by the Community Colleges of Appalachia (CCA). The award was presented in May by the CCA’s award committee during the CCA’s virtual Annual Conference. The Community Colleges of Appalachia boasts nearly 100 community college members from New York to Alabama. The Community and Public Health Education program is designed to provide the specialized knowledge and skills students need to address current and emerging public and community health issues. Offering distinct tracks to meet student interests and academic pathways (i.e. allied health/nursing, health sciences/education and community and public health), the program allows students to transition into the workforce or transfer into a B.S. program in related fields. CPHE features capstone projects and opportunities for interdisciplinary training, certifications, and micro-credentials that are aligned with course objectives and program outcomes.
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News from Seneca Sunrise Coffee
Our local coffee roaster has a busy summer planned. Look for them at the Trumansburg Farmers Market, at Sunset View Farmers Market, and the Montour Falls Farmers Market. Also ... hot off the roaster is a new signature coffee blend called FLX Pride, available at least through the month of June and produced in support of Family Counseling Service of the Finger Lakes LGBTQ program. (https://www.senecasunrisecoffee.com/)
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Be in-the-know with news from Seneca Lake Pure Water Association
Organized in 1990 and incorporated in 1991, the Seneca Lake Pure Water Association partners with area organizations to protect the water quality of Seneca Lake. Check out opportunities to partner with SLPWA through citizen science projects. The Association also sponsors educational sessions and publishes an electronic newsletter. Interested? Register for the newsletter here: https://senecalake.org/e-news
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Recipe contest open for entries
Healthy Eating Active Living (HEAL) Schuyler is having a recipe contest for amateur and professional chefs to showcase the creative ways people are eating healthy in Schuyler County. We are looking for recipes that meet the Choose HEALth gold standards, use local ingredients, and sizzle our taste buds from the grill. Prizes will be awarded to first-, second-, and third-place recipes. To learn about the Choose HEALth gold standards and nutritional requirements, visit the Gold Standards section of the HEAL Schuyler website: https://tinyurl.com/i38slo8p
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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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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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Incentives to vax up
Win a full ride at a SUNY or CUNY school. Get a Shot to Make Your Future is a new incentive for 12- to 17-year-olds to get vaccinated for COVID-19. Read the details here:http://ow.ly/LZ4g50EW6AX.
The Vax and Scratch program - which provides free NYS lottery scratch-off tickets to individuals 18 and over with a grand prize of $5 million - will extend into next week at ten new state mass vaccination sites. The participating sites will be open from May 31 through June 4. All sites will be open from 8 am to 7 pm. The program will not impact education funding.
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Vaccine clinic info
In Schuyler County?
Anyone who works or lives in New York State and is 16 years old or older can now get the COVID vaccine. NOTE: Only the Pfizer vaccine is approved for those 16 and 17 years old.
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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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