News, Happenings & Collaborations |
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Included in this Issue ... |
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- CMoG star of Netflix series "Blown Away"
- Nominations sought for Annual Awards
- Join a Chamber committee
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- Planning Hints from Hardy
- Winter Interlude Auction starts Saturday
- Restaurants: Take the "FLX to Go" survey
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Visit Watkins Glen
& Schuyler County
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Watkins Glen
Area Chamber
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Get ready to bid!
Winter Interlude Auction
goes live online this Saturday
With the annual Winter Gala postponed for COVID-safety reasons, a virtual auction has been organized to assist the Chamber in raising funds necessary to continue its mission of advancing the economic success of members and the community, through support, promotion, and education.
The Winter Interlude Auction will be online Jan. 23 through 30, featuring items donated by our members and partners, including "Buy Now" grab bags and many options for you to support your Chamber. The auction link will be distributed this Friday, Jan. 22 via email and social media. Keep an eye out for updates and a sneak peak of auction items!
If interested in donating an item, or supporting the auction in another way, please contact Liz Salamendra at liz@watkinsglenchamber.com
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Chamber seeking nominations for
2021 Annual Awards
Nominations are being accepted now through Feb. 15 for the Watkins Glen Area Chamber of Commerce’s 2021 Annual Awards. The four awards are: Community Spirit Award, Leader in Business Award, Lifetime Achievement Award, and the Max Neal Award. Community members are encouraged to nominate deserving individuals. The award criteria for consideration are listed below. Winners will be announced on March 3 at the Chamber’s virtual March After Hours Mixer.
Community Spirit Award: Awarded to a business and/or individual that has demonstrated leadership and excellence in philanthropy. The person or organization must have encouraged civic initiatives, and/or facilitated humanitarianism; made a significant contribution within the last five years; positively impacted the community in which the business operates. Click here to download nomination form.
Leader in Business Award: Awarded to one who is has made a dynamic contribution to the Schuyler County business community within the last decade. He or she must have expanded the business mix in Schuyler County; continues to foster economic opportunity such as creating new job opportunities; must have assumed considerable risk; and be a highly respected entrepreneur. Click here to download nomination form.
Lifetime Achievement Award: Awarded to a business owner/manager or a partnership that is respected and recognized throughout the community. Recipient must own or manage a local business and have taken business risks to create jobs or trade over a period of time; must have demonstrated staying power as an established business; must be actively involved in community and civic organizations in Schuyler County over the last 15 years; must be of the stature as to keep the award prestigious and compliment past/future winners; and must be a resident or own/manage a business in Schuyler County. Click here to download nomination form.
The Max Neal Award: Awarded to an individual who has demonstrated consistent dedication, selflessness, faith, determination, and solid support in the future and well-being of the Chamber. Recipient must have made it clear to the community that they recognize the Chamber as their Schuyler County organization of choice; is an amazing investor and mentor into the future leadership of Schuyler County; must be well-respected, highly honored and beloved by the residents of Schuyler County; and must have served on a Chamber committee or the board of directors or been employed by the Chamber for a minimum of five years. Click here to download nomination form.
Award nominations must be completed and sent to the Watkins Glen Area Chamber of Commerce by no later than Monday, Feb. 15. Nomination forms can be dropped off or mailed to 214 N. Franklin Street, Watkins Glen, NY 14891, faxed to (607) 535-6243, or emailed to Michael Hardy, Executive Director at michael@watkinsglenchamber.com.
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Chamber members invited to join committees
Enjoy some ROI — a ‘Return on (Your) Involvement’
In line with the old adage of “the more you put in, the more you get out,” the Chamber has created committees to enable engaged members to become more involved … working collaboratively on efforts that fit your personal and professional goals and needs.
Marketing Committee
Committee Chair and Board Liaison: Positions Open
The Marketing Committee serves as an advisory committee for the WGACC Executive Director and his team, discussing marketing strategies and tools, developing innovative ideas, and providing feedback on marketing activities. Next Meeting: Tuesday. Jan. 26, at 3:30 p.m. via ZOOM
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Tourism Task Force
Committee Chair: Carmella Hoffman, Sunset View Creamery
Board Liaison, Kerry Keller, Glenora Wine Cellars
The Tourism Task Force promotes, develops, and enhances the tourist experience in Watkins Glen and Schuyler County area.
Next Meeting: Tuesday, Feb. 0 at 8:30 a.m. via ZOOM
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Ambassador Committee
Committee Chair and Board Liaison: Positions Open
The Ambassador Committee supports, strengthens, and grows membership and the business community through direct contact and recruitment of special-interest groups, who may meet or vacation in our area. Next Meeting: Wednesday, Feb. 10 at Noon via ZOOM
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Events Committee
Winter Gala Chair: Michel Ray, Visions FCU
Golf Tournament Chair: Stephen Klemann, SK
Board Liaison: Position Open
The Events Committee assists the WGACC Events Manager in meeting financial and attendance goals; elevates the visibility of the organization’s public-facing events; and organizes specialized events for members.
Next Meeting: Thursday, Jan. 21, at 3 p.m. via ZOOM
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Membership Committee
Committee Chair: Dena Carrigan,
Chemung Canal Trust Co.
Board Liaison: Michele Ray, Visions FCU
The Membership Committee encourages participation from present members, recruits new members, promotes the Chamber to potential sponsors, and lends an open ear to member concerns and wishes.
Next Meeting: Thursday, Feb. 11 at 8:30 a.m. via ZOOM
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Sponsor a 2021 event
The Chamber is currently recruiting sponsors for 2021 events that are in development. Opportunities include sponsoring a full event or portions of an event, such as a basket, hole, and/or board sponsorship for cornhole, disc golf, and golf tournaments.
These opportunities put your name in front of our community and our visitors, as well as your fellow members. Please contact Michael Hardy, Executive Director, to learn more about sponsorship opportunities at michael@watkinsglenchamber.com.
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A major benefit of the new explorewatkinsglen.com website is that members have the option to be listed on multiple locations on the site with subcategories. Each member is assigned a category upon joining the Watkins Glen Area Chamber of Commerce, and like their amenities, have the ability to pick their subcategories. If you would like to change/update your subcategories, please make up to four selections of subcategories by downloading this document. You can submit the document with updates, including business name and contact information, via email, in person, or by mail.
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Next 'B2B Meet Up' is Wednesday Focus: 'A marketing checkup'
Join the Watkins Glen Area Chamber of Commerce for its next "B2B Meet Up" via ZOOM on Wednesday, Jan. 20 from 2 to 3 p.m. During this Meet Up, Dresden Engle of Dresden Public Relations will guide businesses through a marketing checkup — taking the temperature of all of your platforms, which may need updated descriptions, photographs, and more.
Attendees will also 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.
Meeting ID: 815 3020 0081
Passcode: 538028
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Next 'Talking Tuesdays' is Jan. 26
Chat with Executive Director Michael Hardy about the pressing issues for tourism-based businesses. The next "Talking Tuesdays" will be Jan. 26 from Noon to 1 p.m. 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. Sessions take place on the second Tuesday of each month from 10 to 11 a.m. and the fourth Tuesday of the month from Noon to 1 p.m. All sessions are held via ZOOM, and advance RSVP is not required. Brown Bag Lunches during Zoom encouraged.
Zoom link:
Meeting ID: 874 4108 3852
Passcode: 896020
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Next "Coffee Connections" is Jan. 26
Join our next Coffee Connections networking meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 26 at 8:30 a.m. The hour will be comprised of speed networking as members have the chance to share updates from their business, learn about other Chamber members and current happenings, and get an update from Chamber Executive Director Michael Hardy.
Meeting ID: 894 1470 8608
Passcode: 236355
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Attention restaurants:
Please complete the "FLX to Go" survey
“FLX to Go” was founded by Watkins Glen Area Chamber of Commerce in 2020 as a one-stop resource for diners and restaurants in the Southern Tier and Finger Lakes region, as we navigated the COVID-19/social-distancing world.
“FLX to Go” is now moving to a MEMBER ONLY benefit of WGACC. To ensure we're able to share your most up-to-date information with the public on the “FLX to Go” Facebook page, we ask restaurants to please take a few minutes to complete our survey.
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Hints from Hardy
Business and hospitality hints
from Michael Hardy,
Executive Director of Watkins Glen
Area Chamber of Commerce
HINT 1
Planning is a big theme for 2021 — at least for the first two quarters, if not all year long. Though many of our members, as well as businesses and organizations in the region, are “seasonal” or “season-dependent,” please know these time frames have and will continue to change as we navigate the pandemic. And while navigating, we discovered last year that there is a new and growing interest in our natural beauty and our varied outside and recreational offerings, as well as our natural and manmade assets (for all the senses). This not only redefines our traditional “season” but also our wintertime “shoulder season” (Nov. 1 to April 30). Traditionally, the “season” has meant we are busiest from roughly May 1 through Nov. 1, but certainly 2020 challenged that as many of us could not get momentum until mid-July, and then many, if not most, were busy through Thanksgiving. As our tourist season grows, we need to plan staffing, hours of operation, supplies and products and services to meet the demand these lengthening periods necessitate.
We need to work together to plan, strategize and maximize offerings when visitors and customers want them, beyond May 1 to Nov 1. If you and your business do opt to shut down during shoulder season, please inform the Chamber and your fellow businesses so we can best plan to meet demand and/or temper our offerings, events, and activities, in order to serve customers and visitors. Please know the Chamber (along with our committees, programs, and partners) are ready to take full advantage of these expanded growth and revenue opportunities.
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HINT 2
A key for solid planning is updating your calendar as far out in advance as you can. I personally like to take some downtime post-holidays to mark my calendar with all the exciting activities of the year ahead. It is almost indulgent, but certainly motivating and somewhat empowering. It makes me feel a sense of control (often in chaotic times) in plotting out all that I need, can, or may want to do to reach my personal and professional goals, not to mention get my job done (hopefully well) and aid others in doing the same.
I am fortunate here at the Chamber to have inherited some great processes and procedures and new initiatives that I and the team are developing. However, it would be a rocky path to success for each effort if we did not keep calendars. We share with you a lot of information that requires calendar planning. The Chamber’s master Events Calendar on Simpleview and www.ExploreWatkinsGlen can only be as good and relevant as the updates you share with us. Please visit the POST BOARD for members and post what you’re doing that could benefit your business or collaborative businesses. Here’s to the benefits of calendar planning, including helping you navigate a positive work-life balance.
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TODAY is final day
for Bargain Bash
Today is the final day for Bargain Bash on Seneca Lake Wine Trail — Monday, Jan. 18. Participating wineries are offering clearance and inventory-reduction sales during regular business hours. Please check each winery’s hours before visiting and remember to follow COVID-19 guidelines when visiting.
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Castel Grisch Winery's Festival of Lights on thru Jan. 31
Castel Grisch Winery lines the road with illuminated creations for their inaugural Festival of Lights. Daniel Lai, Castel Grisch owner, said the display includes more than 200 individual, LED-illuminated figures and also reflects his Chinese heritage. The drive-thru display continues through Jan. 31 every night from 5 to 9 p.m. Admission is $20 per vehicle, up to six passengers. Admission may be paid at the gate or tickets may be purchased online here. Learn more about the festival through this article from The Star-Gazette
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Watkins Glen International invites artists to create poster for 25th Anniversary Finger Lakes Wine Festival
As planning for the 25th annual Finger Lakes Wine Festival gets underway, Watkins Glen International has created an opportunity for fans to get involved with festival branding efforts. Now through Jan. 31, WGI is accepting artwork entries that reflect wine and the Finger Lakes region with a "throwback style" to represent the festival’s silver anniversary. One winner will be selected and his or her artwork will be featured on the official event poster and other promotional mediums.
The contest is open to the public. Entries of hand-drawn or painted art are limited to one entry per person and must be digitally submitted through FLWineFest.com.The Finger Lakes Wine Festival, which has been voted “Best Wine Festival” by readers of USA Today, is scheduled for July 9 to 11, 2021.
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Member News & Collaborations |
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Corning Museum of Glass featured
in Netflix series "Blown Away"
Corning Museum of Glass is back in the national spotlight as the Netflix series “Blown Away” returns for a second season this Friday, Jan. 22. This season introduces a new group of 10 talented glassmakers from around the world as they compete for the title of “Best in Glass” and a coveted residency at the museum.
The series’ executive producer said Corning is invaluable to the show’s success, noting their “valued partnership” and “unwavering support and guidance.” “Their contribution to the grand prize, offering a prestigious residency to the winner, raises the stakes that much more,” Matt Hornburg said.
CMoG houses the world’s most comprehensive collection of glass and one of the top glassmaking schools in the world. When the first season of “Blown Away” launched in the summer of 2019, CMoG provided its expertise in an artform that much of the world was discovering for the first time through the show.
“Watching new audiences around the world embrace glassblowing because of this series has been exciting, and we look forward to seeing that enthusiasm grow with the release of a second season,” said CmoG president and executive director Karol Wight.
The Season 2 winner will be decided by a guest expert judge — Rob Cassetti, CMoG’s recently retired senior director. He shaped hot-glass programs at the museum for more than 20 years and previously served as design director of Steuben Glass.
CMoG is hosting an exhibit of work made during Season 2, featuring one object from each of the 10 contestants. The exhibit Blown Away Season 2 opens on the museum’s West Bridge this Friday.
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Kyle Anne Pallischeck named executive director of Finger Lakes Wine Alliance
The Finger Lakes Wine Alliance has announced Kyle Anne Pallischeck will serve as its new executive director, leading the effort to raise the visibility and reputation of the wine region. Pallischeck is a Finger Lakes native and certified sommelier with 10 years in the local wine industry, most recently working as brand manager at Sheldrake Point on Cayuga Lake. She also has worked with Fox Run Vineyards and Seneca Lake Winery Association.
“Kyle’s extensive experience in and enthusiasm for the Finger Lakes region, its wines and wine producers will surely help the Wine Alliance continue its successful marketing efforts,” said Liz Stamp, partner at Lakewood Vineyards and board chair for the alliance, in a news release. “She will be able to bring new ideas and programs to member wineries, and we look forward to working with her to increase awareness of the fine wines produced in the Finger Lakes.”
In her new role, Pallischeck will focus on reinforcing the reputation of the Finger Lakes as North America's preeminent cool-climate winemaking region, and exposing its wines to a broad audience.
“I have experienced firsthand the strength of the programming and outreach of the Alliance,” Pallischeck said, “and I am enthusiastic about the years ahead with this dynamic organization. To work with such a wide range of premium wines and producers is a singular opportunity, and I look forward to building on the successes of the past in 2021.”
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WGACC members receive discounts
for Business Council webinars
WGACC is a member The Business Council, which means Chamber members can, in turn, benefit from this membership. This includes the ability to register for webinars at the discounted fee of just $49. Presentations cover a range of topics, including human resource guidance on new state and federal policies; certified training credits; updates on new and proposed state and federal legislation; and important employer topics including workforce development.
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Watkins Glen Village Board issues
RFP for waterfront development
The Watkins Glen Village Board voted on Jan. 5 to issue a new RFP for development of the waterfront site of the former wastewater treatment plant. The developer would enter into a long-term land lease with the village, which would retain land ownership.
The new RFP will be more generalized to allow developers more room to imagine how they could use the land. The desire is for a year-round operation The Observer-Review reported that the standing structures on the site are scheduled to be demolished in late February, with the metal structures scheduled to be removed at a later date. The RFP deadline is March 26. Click here for RFP details.
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Matthew W. Burr publishes new book,
Slay the Student Loan Dragon
WGACC member Matthew W. Burr of Burr Consulting has published a new book, Slay the Student Loan Dragon: Tips and Tricks on How to Conquer the Student Loan Game. It is a followup to his first book, $74,000 in 24 Months: How I killed my student loans (and you can too!). Readers learn how to conquer the student loan game and take control of their financial future. The book can be purchased through Amazon.
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Downtown Revitalization Initiative grants
being accepted now through Feb. 8
Do you own a commercial building located in the Watkins Glen Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) Area? Is your building in need of commercial façade renovations, interior commercial renovations, and/or the rehabilitation of residential rental units?
The DRI fund provides reimbursable matching grants of up to 50 percent for qualified and approved projects, with totals between $5,000 and $100,000. Applications are accepted through Feb. 8. Applications and program guidelines are online at flxgateway.com/dri. Applications also can be picked up at the SCOPED office located at 910 S. Decatur Street and at the Village Hall at 303 N. Franklin St., Watkins Glen.
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Watkins Glen Promotions welcomes
new director, Michaela Christensen
Cheers to Carole Pierce, who retires
after 17 years serving the community
Watkins Glen Promotions (WGP) welcomes Michaela Christensen as its new Events Director, following the retirement of Carole Pierce on Dec. 31, after holding the position for 17 years. Christensen, formerly vice president of operations at Three Brothers Winery in Geneva, has served on the WGP Board of Directors since 2016.
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Watkins Glen Promotions produces four major events each year: the Seneca Lake Waterfront Festival and Cardboard Boat Race in June, the Watkins Glen Grand Prix Festival in September, the Falls Harvest Festival in October, and the Watkins Glen Village Christmas in December. Pierce has spearheaded the organization of the four festivals since joining WGP in 2004, and plans to continue as a volunteer even while in retirement. She also helped the non-profit WGP develop the retail store Village Memorabilia, currently at 211 N. Franklin St., which sells locally branded clothing, souvenirs, and Grand Prix Festival merchandise.
Another WGP staff update is the promotion of Cindee Crosby of Watkins Glen to store manager, for Village Memorabilia. She will take charge of sales and merchandise for the operation.
New director Michaela Christensen can be reached at the Village Memorabilia store, by phone at (607) 535-3003 or email at Events@WatkinsGlen.com.
The Chamber is pleased to collaborate with WGP whenever possible, including the new “Holiday Lights — Schuyler Style!” event, which has light displays on view through this Sunday, Jan 17.
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Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel offers
Winter Wine Weekdays packages
Enjoy cozy Winter Wine Weekdays in Finger Lakes Wine Country with a new package presented by Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel!
Now through April 2021, book a weekday stay and receive VIP Tasting Passes for two at 15 Seneca Lake Wine Trail wineries. Learn more here .
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Attention Loding Members:
Any and all lodging members are welcome to share their winter specials
with the Chamber, to help spread the word here in our e-news
and on our social media platforms and website. Shoot us a note, please.
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The Watkins Glen Area Chamber is staying as up-to-date on all pandemic response, preparedness and recover as possible and passing it on to you as soon as we know it so you can maximize any and all opportunities as will we. |
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'Masks Up' with Finger Lakes Wine Country
The Finger Lakes Wine Country community is masking up and inviting the community to join in, citing masking up as the best way to show support for one other and keep businesses open. There are so many reasons to wear a mask. Share your reason — along with a selfie of you proudly sporting a mask — and
Pictured at top are four Schuyler County mask mavericks: Michael from Watkins Glen International; Amanda from Harbor Hotel; Judy from SCOPED; and Tim from the County offices. WGACC thanks our partners for helping convey the importance of mask-wearing for our neighbors and visitors alike.
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New York Forward Loan Fund supports small biz
New York Forward Loan Fund (NYFLF) is a new economic recovery loan program aimed at supporting New York State small businesses, nonprofits and small landlords. NYFLF is providing working capital loans so that small businesses, nonprofits and small landlords have access to credit as they reopen. The fun targets the state’s small businesses with 50 or fewer full-time equivalent (FTE) employees (90% of all businesses), nonprofits, and small landlords that have seen a loss of rental income. Learn more at
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Schuyler County COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution
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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
Karen Dodson, Part Time/Contract Membership email
Michael Hardy, Executive Director email (585) 721-6032 (cell)
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