News, Happenings & Collaborations |
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Included in this Issue ... |
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- Final week for Annual Awards nominations
- Collaboration Impact Study report Feb. 9
- Join a Chamber committee
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- Valentine's Day on Seneca Lake Wine Trail
- Virtual NYS budget overview on Feb. 12
- Free business webinars
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Visit Watkins Glen
& Schuyler County
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Watkins Glen
Area Chamber
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Low bridge, everybody down ... to Schuyler County!
Erie Canal attracts visitors to our area;
enjoy a digital copy of Canalway Trail Times
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Watkins Glen and Schuyler County are destinations for Erie Canal explorers. In fact, the Watkins Glen Area Chamber of Commerce has applied to I LOVE NY and the NYS Canal Corp. to sell services and products related to the region’s lakes and Eric canal on behalf of its members and partners. The Chamber will begin selling vouchers in our Franklin Street Visitor Center starting in May for those who are interested in collaborating on this project. If interested, contact Michael Hardy at Michael@WatkinsGlenChamber.com.
Learn more about the historical Erie Canal through a complimentary digital version of the Winter 2020-2021 edition of Canalway Trail Times with you. Click here to access the issue.
Print editions were mailed to partners throughout the canal corridor. Find some time to flip through our publication, whether at home, the park, or in a coffee shop. We hope it inspires you to experience the canal trail firsthand.
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Chamber seeks members
for committees
The Chamber has created committees for members to work collaboratively on efforts that fit their personal and professional goals and needs. The new program is called “ROI – Return on (Your) Involvement."
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Tourism Task Force
Committee Chair: Carmella Hoffman, Sunset View Creamery
Board Liaison, Kerry Keller, Glenora Wine Cellars
Next Meeting: Tuesday, Feb. 9 at 8:30 a.m. via ZOOM
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Ambassador Committee
Committee Chair and Board Liaison: Positions Open
Next Meeting: Wednesday, Feb. 10 at Noon via ZOOM
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Membership Committee
Committee Chair: Dena Carrigan, Chemung Canal Trust Co.
Board Liaison: Michele Ray, Visions FCU
Next Meeting: Thursday, Feb. 11 at 8:30 a.m. via ZOOM
Events Committee
Winter Gala Chair: Michel Ray, Visions FCU
Golf Tournament Chair: Stephen Klemann, SK
Board Liaison: Position Open
Next Meeting: Thursday, Feb. 18 at 3 p.m. via ZOOM
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Marketing Committee
Committee Chair: Position Open
Board Liaison: Brittany Gibson, Seneca Lake Wine Trail
Next Meeting: Tuesday. March 2 at 3:30 p.m. via ZOOM
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Final Week!
Nominate citizens and organizations for
2021 Annual Awards through Feb. 15
Nominations are being accepted now through next Monday, Feb. 15 for the Watkins Glen Area Chamber of Commerce’s 2021 Annual Awards. 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 After Hours Mixer.
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Click here to download nomination form
Click here to download nomination form
Click here to download nomination form
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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Next B2B Meet Up is Feb. 17
The next Business to Business (“B2B”) will be Wednesday, Feb. 17 from 2 to 3 p.m. via ZOOM.
Attendees will have the opportunity to share updates regarding their business/organization during our "Around the Screen" portion of the program. The "B2B Meet Up" is a monthly networking and business exchange program. The guest presenter will be Jenn B. Smith of GROW NY, with a discussion surrounding the agricultural richness of our state and region.
Meeting ID: 815 3020 0081
Passcode: 538028
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The next Simpleview training is scheduled for 10 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 16 via Zoom.
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.
Zoom Link for Feb. 16 training:
Meeting ID: 845 7188 3465
Passcode: 505818
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'Talking Tuesdays' is tomorrow
Part of the discussion:
The future of group travel
Chat with Executive Director Michael Hardy about the pressing issues for tourism-based businesses. The next "Talking Tuesdays" will be next week, from 10 to 11 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 9. 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 are held via ZOOM, and advance RSVP is not required. Coffee, snacks, and brown-bag breakfast or lunch encouraged during Zoom.
Zoom link:
Meeting ID: 874 4108 3852
Passcode: 896020
A related article to read prior to the meeting:
https://groupstoday.com/blog/1686-what-does-the-future-of-travel-hold
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LAST CHANCE
for restaurants to participate
in "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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Advertise in the Chamber newsletters |
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Website ad sales begin Feb. 15
for ExploreWatkinsGlen.com
with Destination Travel Network
Destination Travel Network (DTN) has partnered with the Watkins Glen Area Chamber of Commerce to offer a variety of paid content opportunities across ExploreWatkinsGlen.com.
The premium website placements will deliver your marketing message to visitors who are actively planning their trip to the Watkins Glen area and are ready to book and buy. This means a more qualified user audience, higher content engagement and conversation rates, and a bigger bang for your buck. DTN placements run seamlessly within the site's content, designed to highlight exactly what it is that makes you special in the market, appealing to the emotional needs (which drive decision making) of our visitors.
Taylor from DTN is managing the campaign planning and will be reaching out to Chamber members and non-members soon.
Below are DTN links for you to view before you are contacted:
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Hints from Hardy
Business and hospitality hints
from Michael Hardy,
Executive Director,
Watkins Glen Area Chamber of Commerce
HINT 1
Pushing on with ‘know how’ while eyeing
the light at the end of this tragic tunnel
We are now in the middle of the first quarter of 2021 (or, as I have heard some say, “2020.2”). This means we’ve had a bit of a breather (hopefully), made some plans for thriving (likely), and decided to push through (definitively) the next three quarters with a solid base of knowledge — the knowledge we did not have this time last year, as we started to hear (or even experience) murmurs (and/or symptoms) of a strange, undiagnosed “flu” that would eventually wreak havoc on all aspects of life since … and still.
Our best armor now obtained is KNOW HOW. Let’s push through with continued safety and precautions until vaccinations are widespread and making a difference. As we wait our turn for the vaccine, please keep the light at the end of this tragic tunnel in sight. WE CAN DO THIS TOGETHER! Now is the time to use all our resources and tools to keep, maintain, and even grow the surprisingly successful (for most) business numbers and receipts from 2020 throughout 2021. I am hearing a good number of our lodging members and partners talking about reservations being up 20 to 25 percent for the winter (“shoulder”) season and into spring and even summer. That is a great indicator, as well as an optimistic motivator! Together we can stock our arsenal in this battle. Opportunities for sharing ideas, energy and optimism is the upcoming Winery/Craft Beverage Summit in two weeks and the Lodging Summit in March. Join us!
HINT 2
WGACC members can help you navigate
government relief loans and programs
Seek out assistance and expertise
I have to confess that understanding and navigating relief efforts from our government is overwhelming to me, my staff, and many of our members. Fortunately, our financial-focused members (such as, banks, credit unions, accounting firms, and financial planners) are ready to interpret, recommend, and facilitate options that may not only “get you through” but even help you grow. Whether the aid, grants and/or low interest loans are forgiven or offering long payment plans, we should look into them. I am.
With full disclosure, the Chamber made it through so far by staying lean on staff (three instead of six), and while it has been challenging, and many days draining, we’re fulfilling goals, projects, and programs for and with you, our members, partners, collaborators, and local officials. Come to find out, with only slightly diminished bed tax and sales tax revenues that affect our budgets (and many of yours), we still fell short. However, this was mostly due to lost event, state, and member revenues. Please know I am keeping the health of our organization(s) strong by seeking advice from the Chamber board and our service providers on the loans, grants, and funds to make up for those losses. I encourage you to do the same. This government support isn’t a handout, but rather a “hand up,” as needed and if needed. Please do not be ashamed or embarrassed, but also don’t procrastinate. Seek out information that helps you decide the best course of action to direct your organization toward success.
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Castel Grisch Winery's Festival of Lights extended through Sunday eve, Feb.14
By popular demand, the the drive-thru Festival of Lights at Castel Grisch Winery has been extended, with three more nights to enjoy the magic, Friday to Sunday, Feb. 12 to 14, from 5:30 to 9 p.m.
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. Admission is $20 per vehicle, up to six passengers. Admission may be paid at the gate or tickets may be purchased online here.
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Wine & Craft Beverage Tourism Summit
Feb. 24 and 25
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2:30 to 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 24
10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 25
Join us for an intriguing discussion of the tribulations and triumphs during the pandemic, as pertaining to tourism. Come to exchange ideas, strategize, and learn from one another. In short, the summit will take what we know and turn it into success for 2021.
Presented by WGACC and Schuyler County’s Tourism Promotion Agency (TPA), along with Seneca Lake Wine Trail and Yates and Seneca County TPAs.
RSVP by sending an email to info@WatkinsGlenCamber.com to receive an agenda and Zoom link. You may attend one or both sessions and/or the networking activities after. If you have specific topics or questions to share, please contact the facilitator, Michael Hardy, at Michael@WatkinsGlenChamber.com or (607) 535-4300.
SAVE THE DATE
A Lodging and Accomodations Summit
will take place March 9 and 10!
Details will be shared soon.
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Celebrate Valentine’s Day weekend
along Seneca Lake Wine Trail
Wineries offering a variety of experiences in which to indulge
The wineries on Seneca Lake are offering indulgent experiences to celebrate Valentine’s Day (while following health and safety protocols — with masks, social distancing marked out, and capacity restrictions noted).
Belhurst Winery: February Food and Wine Dinner
Indulge in a six-course food and wine pairing dinner. The executive chef has created unique, seasonally inspired dishes that feature a perfectly paired Belhurst wine with each course. Book by email.
Boundary Breaks: Cheesecake Flights and Brunch Bites
On Saturday, Feb. 13, enjoy a Wine and Cheesecake Flight including two cheesecake tarts paired with two glasses of the 2019 Riesling Ice Wine, and two peach mimosas made with the 2018 #356 Dry Riesling Bubbly and two custom passion fruit chocolates. Coast is $28 per couple. Or, if brunch is more your style, on Sunday, Feb. 14 enjoy a flight of five brunch bites each paired with a Boundary Breaks wine. Cost is $28 per person. Reservations required. Book by calling (607) 474-5030.
Chateau LaFayette Reneau Winery: Chocolate and Wine Tasting for 2
Friday, Feb. 12 through Sunday, Feb. 14 — a table overlooking Seneca Lake, homemade chocolate dessert bites for each guest, a wine flight built for two, and two wine glasses to take home. Tickets are $30 for two people. Reservations required. Book by calling (607) 546-2062.
Fox Run Vineyards: Valentine’s Dinner To-Go
A three-course meal featuring locally sourced ingredients that you can savor in the safety and comfort of your home. Chef Brud Holland’s gourmet dinner includes prepared ingredients and sauces and step-by-step instructions for reheating and plating, plus a Spotify playlist. Dinners are $50 per person and must be preordered by Tuesday, Feb. 9 at 5 p.m. Call to place orders at (315) 536-4616.
Glenora Wine Cellars: Chocolate + Wine Experience
For chocolate lovers and those looking for a unique food and wine pairing. Reservations required. Please call (800) 243-5513 to schedule your tasting.
Lakewood Vineyards: Private Barrel Room Dessert Wine Flight
Treat your Valentine to a private barrel room dessert wine flight. Upon arrival, you will be escorted to a cozy table for two in their barrel room to indulge in a curated dessert flight with sweets created by 3812 Bistro at Lakeside Resort. Reservations required. Cost is $45 per person. Book by calling (607) 535-9252.
Miles Wine Cellars: Roses & Rosé
Get a free rose with your purchase of two or more bottles of Rosé (on special at two bottles for $30). This special will run in the tasting room Saturday, Feb. 13 and Sunday, Feb. 14, while supplies last.
Tabora Farm and Winery: Valentine Weekend Wine + Dessert Pairing
Enjoy three wines each paired with a Tabora Bakery indulgence. Cost is $20 per person/$40 per couple. Pairings available by reservation only during regular winery hours (11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) Friday, Feb. 12 through Sunday, Feb. 14. Call the winery (607) 678-4343 or email tastingroom@taborafw.com to make reservations.
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Red Newt and Lively Run host wine-and-cheese virtual tasting Feb. 26
Assistant Winemaker Meagz Goodwin of Red Newt Cellars and Pete Messmer, co-owner of Lively Run Goat Dairy, will host a wine-and-cheese pairing virtual tasting on Friday,Feb. 26 at 5:30 p.m., featuring four selected pairings.
Join us for an evening where winemakers and cheesemakers taste and talk about wine and cheese, and why they go together so well, as well as the creative process behind the making of their products.
If you're interested in tasting along, simply visit www.livelyrun.com to order your cheese. Order your Red Newt Cellars Tadpole Pack here. Use Promo Code: GOAT to get the special shipping pricing. You'll receive four 4 oz portions of cheese and four 6 oz portions of wine. Please note: The wine and cheese are sold separately, so be sure to order both.
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Cultural cooking class debuts Feb. 18
The SUNY Corning Community College Development Foundation is partnering with Wegmans in Corning to celebrate the diverse culture of the college campus and our community through virtual cooking events. The debut "Celebrating Cultures Through Cooking" at 6:30 p.m.Thursday, Feb. 18 will be moderated by Sky Moss, professor of history at SUNY Corning Community College (SCCC), and hosted by guest chef Andy Plaisted of Wegmans and Nogaye Ka-Tandia, Executive Office Manager for the President’s Office at SCCC.
The chefs will demonstrate the preparation of “thiou,” a Senegalese sauce legume that Nogaye frequently prepared in her native Senegal. Chefs Andy and Nogaye will demonstrate the preparation of “thiou” and ingredient baskets can be purchased for $35 prior to the event through online registration. Once purchased, baskets will be available for pick-up at the customer service desk at Wegmans Corning. Guests are invited to prepare their own “thiou” at their home, while the chefs create the demonstration. Learn more at corning-cc.edu/events/celebrating-cultures
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Member News & Collaborations |
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Collaboration Impact Study
results shared Tuesday, Feb. 9
The results of the Collaboration Impact Study will be shared live at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 9 via a free webinar, offering insights that will help rebuild the travel, tourism, and hospitality industry. One finding: 90 percent of study respondents said collaborations can help the travel, tourism, and hospitality industry survive and thrive.
You will learn:
- Three types of collaborators and how their attitudes and opinions shape the collaboration.
- Benefits, risks & challenges of collaboration
- 3Cs framework for successful collaboration
The virtual live discussion will include a Q&A at the end of the session. If you cannot join on Feb. 9, the free webinar will be recorded for later viewing. Sign up here to join live or get the replay link sent to your inbox: https://breaktheicemedia.com/collaborate/
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New app for Southern FLX Craft Beverage Trail
Craft Your Adventure is a self-guided beverage trail celebrating the exceptional craftsmanship found in each glass and growler paired with the amazing outdoor recreation opportunities available throughout the scenic Southern Finger Lakes.
The Craft Your Adventure app has the information to help you navigate your way through breweries, distilleries, cideries, and outdoor adventures. You can also earn rewards for visiting our beverage trail tasting rooms by checking in through our passport. We invite you to "Craft Your Adventure" by sipping your way through some amazing brews, hard ciders, and spirits as you explore the natural beauty of the Finger Lakes region.
Features of the new app:
- Easily navigate the craft beverage tasting rooms in the Southern Finger Lakes
- Earn rewards by checking in to the tasting rooms
- Find craft beer, cider, and spirits in seconds
- Discover suggested outdoor adventure pairings
- Keep lists of your favorites all in one place
Learn more at https://www.corningfingerlakes.com/craft-your-adventure/app/
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Adopt 'bonded' animal pairs for Valentine's Day
at Farm Sanctuary
The rescued animals at Farm Sanctuary spend their days doing what they love most, with the ones they love most. These vital relationships and bonds help the more than 1,000 animal heal from trauma.
This Valentine’s Day, Farm Sanctuary staff is asking for us to help celebrate these life-saving bonds with a generous gift from the heart. With a one-time gift of $35, you can “adopt” Squid & Otto sheep, Bella & Vector hens, or Emmett & Wyatt pigs. In gratitude for your support, you will be sent you a digital adoption certificate featuring your bonded pair. Donations help care for the rescued animals.
Plus, Farm Sanctuary has released a new behind-the-scenes video! The staff noted, "One thing we can say about caring for farm animals is that it's never boring." Enjoy the video by clicking here.
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Better Business Bureau
hosts webinars
The Better Business Bureau of Upstate New York is hosting webinars this month. Register by clicking below. Even if you cannot attend live at the time noted, registering will ensure your access to the webinar’s recording.
“PPP Updates and Loan Forgiveness Information”
Thursday, Feb. 11 from 11 a.m. to Noon
Join Better Business Bureau as we welcome Dan Rickman and Greg Lindberg from the U.S. Small Business Administration to learn about Paycheck Protection Program updates and information to help you in filing your loan forgiveness. There will be a presentation followed by Q&A.
“Three Things Employers Need to Know
about COVID-19 and the Workplace in 2021”
Wednesday, Feb. 17 from 9 to 10 a.m.
Join Better Business Bureau as we welcome Joseph Brown, an attorney with Hurwitz and Fine (A BBB Accredited Business) specializing in employment and labor law, as he outlines changes to New York State's sick leave, vaccines, and COVID-19 policies and your employees.
“Make Your Website Work for You”
Wednesday, Feb. 24 from 1 to 2:15 p.m.
During this webinar, we will discuss how to create a search-friendly website that drives user action and supports their goals. Whether launching a new website or sprucing up an old one, this workshop will help.
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Corning CC enrolling now
for new technician program
Central Service Technicians are highly in demand in our area health care facilities, and Corning Community College is enrolling students now for the new program. Also known as a Sterile Processing Technician, the professional is responsible for decontaminating, sterilizing, assembling, storing and distributing medical devices and equipment needed for patient care, especially during surgery.
Classes run from March 1 to June 8 on Monday and Tuesday evenings from 6 to 9 p.m. (90 hours of instruction) at SUNY CCC’s Health Education Center in downtown Corning. Click here to learn more about tuition and the program.
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Workplace suggestions
for handling difficult personalities
Clinical Associates of the Southern Tier shares tips this week regarding handling difficult personalities in the workplace. The workplace is often challenged with personality traits that pose a challenge, such as frequent gossiping, constant complaining, aggression or hostility, or outright selfishness. Suggested solutions include remaining calm and using empathy. Read the article at https://www.clinicalassociates.org/difficult-personalities
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Valicenti Advisory Services Inc. ranked
26th on 2020 Top 50 Emerging RIA list
Valicenti Advisory Services Inc. has been recognized nationals, having been ranked at no. 26 on the “2020 Top 50 Emerging RIA” list. The wealth-management company was ranked by RIA via a proprietary set of criteria and data, based on size and growth in assets reported to the SEC as of Oct. 31, 2020. Valicenti Advisory Services is located at 400 East Water Street in Elmira.
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THIS SPACE RESERVED FOR LODGING 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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NYS New York Dining Updates
"Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced that assuming New York State's COVID-19 infection rate stays on its current trajectory, indoor dining in New York City can reopen at 25 percent capacity on Valentine's Day." Learn more here.
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Grant program supports rural businesses
The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, working in partnership with The Landmark Society of Western New York, has announced the Genesee Valley Rural Revitalization Grant Program to support rural communities in the Finger Lakes and Western New York.
This funding is made possible by a grant received from the Paul Bruhn Rural Revitalization Grant Program, offering reimbursable sub-grants for historic building repair and rehabilitation in small rural communities located in eligible counties. This program will support local governments, non-profit and commercial property owners, and small businesses in their efforts to preserve the historic places that have shaped their community’s social fabric and economy. Eligible projects include masonry, windows, roof replacement, ADA compliance, storefront revitalization, and more.
The program will include two grant rounds, with application deadlines of March 31 and Sept. 30, respectively. For learn more about the application, process, a webinar will be hosted Tuesday, Feb. 9 at Noon. Register online at www.landmarksociety.org/GVRR.
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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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Empire State Digital Initiative supports food and beverage industry
The Empire State Digital Initiative, in partnership with Gov. Cuomo, will provide much-needed support and relief to the food and beverage industry, which has been hit hard by closures due to COVID. The program arms each NYS small business (restaurant, cafe, bar, etc.) with free digital ordering tools, supported by a $1 million investment in the form of a customer marketing campaign funded by Ritual and PayPal.
The goal of Empire State Digital is to assist mainly restaurants, though hotels and attractions with take-out food service options for the general public may be interested as well. Restaurants et al are invite you to proceed as the see fit.
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State budget presentation Friday, Feb. 12 at Noon |
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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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