News, Happenings & Collaborations |
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Included in this Issue ... |
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- Attend this week's Lodging Summit
- Watkins Glen movie theater reopens
- Better Business Bureau offers webinars
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- FLX may become Nat'l Heritage Area
- I LOVE NY updating LGBTQ biz info
- Restaurants soon to open at 75% capacity
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Visit Watkins Glen
& Schuyler County
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Watkins Glen
Area Chamber
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This week!
Lodging & Accommodations Summit
is Wednesday & Thursday, March 10 & 11
Free registration! Only need to attend one of the days —
two-hour summit features exchange of ideas and strategy
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The Watkins Glen Area Chamber of Commerce presents the Lodging & Accommodations Summit, offering two options this week to virtually attend — on the heels of the successful first-ever Wine & Craft Beverage Summit in February.
Each two-hour Zoom session will feature a collaborative and 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 Lodging & Accommodations Summit will focus what we've learned into success for 2021. Participation is free and prizes will be given.
Two summit sessions from which to choose:
10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Wednesday, March 10
2:30 to 4:30 p.m. Thursday, March 11
RSVP by Noon on Tuesday, March 9 by emailing Info@WatkinsGlenChamber.com
to receive an agenda and Zoom link. You may attend one or both sessions
and/or the networking activities that follow. If you have specific topics
or questions to share, please contact the facilitator, Michael Hardy,
at Michael@WatkinsGlenChamber.com or (607) 535-4300.
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Join us this week
for 'Talking Tuesdays'
Chat with Executive Director Michael Hardy about the pressing issues for tourism-based businesses. The next "Talking Tuesdays" will be 10 to 11 a.m. Tuesday, March 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. 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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The next Simpleview training is 10 a.m. Tuesday, March 16
Mark your calendar for this month’s Simpleview training on March 16. The web is your best marketing tool. The Chamber’s new website (explorewatkinsglen.com) offers many benefits for members. This month’s training will help you make the most of these benefits. Discover all of your options to connect with potential customers and ask questions during this live training.
One of the benefits is the ability to list your business in up to four sub-categories. Each member is assigned a category upon joining the Watkins Glen Area Chamber of Commerce. Members are able to choose descriptive sub-categories. Please make up to four selections of sub-categories by downloading this document. You can submit the document with updates, including business name and contact information, via email, in person, or by mail. If you don’t find what you’re looking for, please let us know!
Zoom Link for the March 16 training:
Meeting ID: 845 7188 3465
Passcode: 505818
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Next B2B Meet Up
is Wednesday, March 17
The next Business to Business (“B2B”) will be Wednesday, March 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. Guest speaker will be Melanie McGovern of the Better Business Bureau.
Meeting ID: 815 3020 0081
Passcode: 538028
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Hints from Hardy
Business and hospitality hints
from Michael Hardy
Guidance for recruiting and hiring employees
Some managers and business owners feel like hiring new employees is an art unto itself. There are many factors and questions: How do you find the right employee? How do you eliminate surprises so that candidates know what day-to-day responsibilities will be? What does a respectful search look like? We share some employee-search hints, with guidance from fellow WGACC member Matt Burr from Burr Consulting.
Answer the “so what?”: Your organization currently has a job opening; so what? Many organizations have job openings. What will make your job posting stand out from the thousands listed on job search sites? Why should applicants apply for this position? Ensure your posting tells a story about the organization and the position, clarifying the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed.
Honesty is the best policy: This might be the most important suggestion on Matt Burr’s list of recommendations. Be open and honest regarding any challenges and opportunities associated with the job. If you are looking for an applicant who will be expected to facilitate change, talk about the changes and expectations. If the job requires 60 percent travel, say so. Most applicants are making long-term decisions within the first 90 days of employment. Turnover is likely (and costly!) if you are not having honest conversations about the job.
Be brief and specific in job postings: Using a full job description as a job posting is too much. Instead, tell your story with snippets from the job description. Ideal job postings are concise, structured, and direct. Posting on your social media platforms and utilizing tools on job-posting sites will increase your visibility. Look for inclusive language, be specific, focus on local (unless it’s a national or regional search), and stay current. Using an old job description will not serve you well. Be sure to stay on top of the search, by reviewing metrics and following up with all applicants.
Timely follow up: Taking months to respond after an initial resume or application is submitted is ineffective. Develop a process to follow up with every applicant that applies. After your top applicant has accepted your offer, follow up with the other people who were interviewed. Burr recommends treating applicants the way you want to be treated during the recruiting process. I couldn’t agree more!
Matthew Burr has more than 12 years of experience working in the field of human resources. He is the chairman of the Watkins Glen Area Chamber of Commerce. For more information, visit https://burrconsultingllc.com/
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Sam Sprague is "Artist in Focus"
for March at Franklin Street Gallery
The Franklin Street Gallery at 209 Franklin Street in Watkins Glen presents the work of Sam Sprague throughout the month of March as its “Artist in Focus” exhibition. The artwork may also be viewed online at https://www.franklinstreetgallery.org/. Please remember, the art you purchase from Franklin Street Gallery supports the Arc of Chemung-Schyler. Art from the gallery is also for sale at the Chamber's Visitor Center and Graft restaurant.
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Castel Grisch Winery Festival of Lights
runs though Saturday, March 13
Castel Grisch Winery is continuing its popular Festival of Lights through Saturday, March 13. The drive-through light-show fee is $20 per car when purchased in advance (and $30 at the gate). The winery is open during the light show from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. this Friday and Saturday for all ages, with parfaits for kids and tastings for adults. Learn more and get tix at https://castelgrisch.com/
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Farm Sanctuary webinar focuses on sheep
Join the Farm Sanctuary at 9 a.m. Wednesday, March 10 for an hour-long Zoom webinar about the inner lives of sheep. Explore the latest research on sheep science and intelligence with Dr. Camille Raoult, sheep cognition scientist; Dr. Lori Marino of the Kimmela Center for Animal Advocacy; and Lauri Torgerson-White, Farm Sanctuary’s director of research.
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Member News & Collaborations |
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Watkins Glen movie theater reopens!
The Glen Theater has reopened! The new owner is Julie Krause (pictured above), who has worked for the village of Watkins Glen for several years. She plans to screen classics, family-friendly movies, and new releases, and to rename the theater The Glen Beacon in the future.
Krause opened the theater on March 5 with a new Hollywood release, Tom & Jerry. Due to COVID restrictions, seating is limited to 22 patrons per screening. The entire opening weekend was sold out in advance. Weekend screenings of Tom & Jerry will continue through March 18.
The prices remain the same as previous ownership: $8.50 for adults; $6.50 for children under 12; and $6.50 for seniors over age 62. Reservations are required at this time. You may text (607) 425-8056 to reserve your screening time of choice and where you prefer to be seated (top, middle, lower). Please include your name and the number of people in your group. The theater will respond with a confirmation. The theater also can be rented privately for groups of 10 or more.
To ensure patron safety, the facility is deep cleaned between showings; patrons are seated socially distanced; and wipes and hand sanitizer are available for guests. Also, masks must be worn, even while patrons are seated, unless they are eating. Details regarding sell-outs and future screenings will be shared on the theater’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/The-Glen-Theater-107436451400021
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Small business may apply
for PPP through tomorrow
Tomorrow, March 9, is the deadline for applying for new PPP opportunities. If you are a small business owner with fewer than 20 employees or are self-employed, you have until 5 p.m.. EST, Tuesday, March 9, to apply.
Our partners at the U.S. Small Business Administration are ready to answer your questions. A webinar at 3 p.m.TODAY, March 8, will focus on restaurant owners, youth entrepreneurs, and LGBTQ business owners. Click here to register
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Better Business Bureau
offers March webinars
As a member of the Watkins Glen Area Chamber of Commerce, you are able to benefit from offerings of the Better Business Bureau, including three free webinars in March.
Managing Your Online Reputation
Tuesday, March 16
10 to 11 a.m.
Online reputation is the reputation of a company, person, product, service, or any other element on the internet. This can be managed by taking control of your public information. Join Better Business Bureau's Melanie McGovern and Lauren Kirchmyer for an overview of online reputation management—from your website to your customer reviews, social media, and everything in between.
Optimizing Your Instagram Profile for Success
Wednesday, March 17
12 to 1:30 p.m.
Presented by our partners at the Niagara Small Business Development Center. Join us as we welcome Instagram expert Jenn Herman, who will give tips and tactics to help you optimize your Instagram profile. Learn how to optimize your Instagram profile, with valuable tips and tactics. Hear what is most important in an Instagram search, discover how to write a profile bio that attracts new followers, and master the skills to drive website traffic and sales.
Understanding How the Instagram Algorithm Works
Wednesday, March 24
12 to 1:30 p.m.
Presented by our partners at the Niagara Small Business Development Center. Demystify Instagram’s algorithm and learn actionable content strategies.
For more information please contact Melanie McGovern
at (716) 276-3738 or mmcgovern@upstatenybbb.org.
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FLX Best WineTours/
Brewery Tours accepting reservations as of April 1
FLX Best Wine Tours/Brewery Tours will begin accepting tour reservations beginning April 1, for tours starting May 1. The business had been on hiatus due to COVID concerns, but is now anticipating a robust tourism season. Follow FLX Best Wine Tours’ Facebook page at FLX Best Wine Tours for the most up to date information.
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I LOVE NY updating content
regarding LGBTQ businesses
The I LOVE NY team is working to refresh its I LOVE NY LGBTQ content and expand knowledge of businesses in geographic areas that fit into any of these categories:
- Establishments that are LGBTQ owned and/or operated
- Establishments that are geared toward or frequented by LGBTQ visitors/residents
- Establishments that aren’t specifically LGBTQ-owned or geared toward LGBTQ patrons but are LGBTQ friendly and may be appreciated by an LGBTQ audience
Your suggestions will help inform current and future content surrounding I LOVE NY’s LGBTQ marketing efforts for your region. A Google form to enter responses can be accessed here. Questions, comments, and responses should be sent to David Turley at David.Turley@esd.ny.gov. Turley is director of tourism, programs and education for Empire State Development. Responses must be received by March 12. Locally, you may contact the WGACC at info@watkinsglenchamber.com for more information.
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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. Currenlty, 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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Easing the transition as
employees return to the office
One year into the pandemic, as infection numbers decline and vaccinations rise, local organizations and businesses are beginning to transition employees back to the office. As employees adjust to the workplace again after working from home, Clinical Associates of the Southern Tier has advice to share that may help ease the transition. Click this link to read the blog: https://www.clinicalassociates.org/returning-to-work-after-covid.
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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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Just announced: Upstate restaurants
can open at 75% indoor capacity
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Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced on Sunday, March 7, that restaurants outside of New York City may open at 75 percent indoor capacity beginning March 19.
"The data has shown that restaurants can operate safely and in accordance with strict health protocols at 75 percent capacity," stated a state-issued news release.
Also, beginning March 5, billiard halls were able to re-open statewide, as were movie theaters in New York City. Beginning March 15, weddings and catered events can resume statewide.
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Interim COVID19 Guidance for food services |
The "Interim Guidance for Food Services" during the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency was created to provide owners/operators of food service businesses and their employees and contractors with precautions to help protect against the spread of COVID-19.
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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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Indoor family entertainment centers
and outdoor amusement parks reopening
Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo today announced that indoor family entertainment centers and places of amusement can open with a 25 percent capacity limit beginning Friday, March 26. Outdoor amusement parks can open with a 33 percent capacity limit beginning Friday, April 9. Click here to learn more
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New York's health insurance
Open Enrollment Period now extended
Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo announced that New York's health insurance Open Enrollment Period will be further extended to May 15, 2021, aligning with states across the country. Click here to learn more
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Schuyler County expands vaccine eligibility |
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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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