Feb. 1, 2021
News, Happenings & Collaborations
Included in this Issue ...
  • Virtual After Hours Mixer is Wed, Feb. 3
  • Nominations due Feb. 15 Annual Awards
  • Join a Chamber committee!
  • Valentine's Day on Seneca Lake Wine Trail
  • Schuyler libraries offer free book delivery
  • DRI grant applications due Feb. 8
Visit Watkins Glen
& Schuyler County
Watkins Glen
Area Chamber
News
Hope you are enjoying the Chamber's print monthly newsletter "The Engager"

“The Engager” has gotten some good feedback from its first run in January and will return to your mailbox the last week of every month. Member readers have shared they are enjoying being informed via print vs. being plugged in, as they learn all they can to be engaged with The Chamber and one another. 

We are encouraging members to suggest names for our new monthly Chamber newsletter. The creator of the winning name will receive free advertising. Email suggestions through Feb. 17 to Katherine Jack at Katherine@WatkinsGlenChamber.com.

As featured in "The Engager" sent out last week, here are Chamber committees seeking members and involvement:

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." Learn more at ExploreWatkinsGlen.com/chamber-members/committees. To join a committee, please email Executive Director Michael Hardy at Michael@WatkinsGlenChamber.com.

Marketing Committee
Committee Chair and Board Liaison: Positions Open 
Next Meeting: Tuesday. Feb. 2 at 3:30 p.m. via ZOOM
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
Ambassador Committee 
Committee Chair and Board Liaison: Positions Open
Next Meeting: Wednesday, Feb. 10 at Noon 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
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
Nominate citizens and organizations for
2021 Annual Awards — deadline in two weeks

Nominations are being accepted now through 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.
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.
Next 'Talking Tuesdays' is Feb. 9

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. All sessions are held via ZOOM, and advance RSVP is not required. Brown-bag lunches during Zoom encouraged. Coffee Break, snacking and /or brown-bag lunches during zoom are encouraged.

Zoom link:
Meeting ID: 874 4108 3852 
Passcode: 896020
THIS WEEK!
Virtual After Hours Mixer is Wednesday, Feb. 3
Join the Watkins Glen Area Chamber of Commerce for the February Virtual After Hours Mixer on Wednesday, Feb. 3 from 5 to 7 p.m.

After Hours Mixer Agenda:
5 to 5:15 p.m.      Welcome and introductions 

5:15 to 5:45 p.m. Virtual tour of the Brick Tavern Museum of the Schuyler County Historical Society, highlighting community assets, the gift shop, and Schuyler County history, plus a “Hidden Landmarks Live” presentation from J.D. Iles. 

5:45 to 6 p.m. Q&A
6 to 7 p.m.      "What’s in Your Glass?” (hopefully a local beverage) networking and updates on upcoming Chamber events and programs 

For questions or comments, please call the Chamber at (607) 535-4300. 

Meeting ID: 853 3917 6221
Passcode: 584174
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.

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:
DTN Placement Sample Page: illustrates where the placements will run on a page relative to other content. 

DTN Digital Media Kit: outlines the image size minimums and copy limits for each of the placements.

Hints from Hardy

Business and hospitality hints
from Michael Hardy,
Executive Director,
Watkins Glen Area Chamber of Commerce


HINT 1
What are you reading?
(Actually, what should we be reading?)  

I am excited to share an article from our partners and collaborators at The Community Foundation. It is so timely that I could not resist re-sharing. The article is titled, “Can Deep Listening Heal Our Divisions?” by Simon Greer.

For bridge-builders in the United States, the way forward is to engage deeply across lines of difference. At the start of 2021, five very different college campuses kicked off a program called "Bridging the Gap," which is focused on deep listening as the basis for effective communication across lines of difference. The promise relays that we can better solve the pressing issues facing our nation if we engage the “other,” listen to all stakeholders, and lead with humility and curiosity. Click here to read the full article.

Reminder: Please let me know if you have articles or books you think will help your fellow community and business members

And on the topic of reading, our Schuyler County libraries are making it easier to read books during the pandemic, via a free delivery service! Please see more information about this incredible new service under the "Member News & Collaborations" section of this newsletter.
 
HINT 2
Celebrate diversity, strive for equity, and be inclusive
it’s good for body, mind, soul and, yes, business!
 
On this first day of Black History Month, the timing is ideal to encourage the Chamber staff and members to strive to celebrate the diversity of our community — and those who historically contributed to our area, state, and country.
 
Let’s make an effort to attend a virtual Black History Month event or seek out a movie or program about African American innovators and entrepreneurs. Perhaps share in your circles and on social media a related inspirational story that has affected you. This is the time to celebrate and recognize African Americans who have contributed so greatly to this wonderful melting pot that is our nation, through the sciences, arts, business, agriculture, and education. 
 
One upcoming virtual event on Feb. 9 will be presented jointly by Corning Community College and Corning Museum of Glass. Click here to register for “Celebrating Black Artist featuring Chris Day: Blown, Bound & Bold. If you know of others Black History Month events, please share with us so we can share them on the Chamber’s social media platforms and newsletters.
 
Also, click here to read an article I recommend titled "Meet 7 Black Women Entrepreneurs Who Run Successful Businesses."
Happenings

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 at pairings@belhurst.com.
 
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.
 
Member News & Collaborations
Ribbon cutting on Jan 29.
at Schuyler Hospital 
on completed $11 million project 


Convenient Care and Primary Care Center now open

 Schuyler Hospital and Cayuga Health (CH) officials held virtual ribbon cutting Friday announcing the opening of the new Convenient Care and Primary Care center at Schuyler Hospital. This is the final component of Phase II Transformation capital improvement project, where nearly $11 million has been invested into the hospital. Fast web check-in is also now available for Convenient Care, and all COVID-19 safety protocols are being implemented for patient safety.
 
Phase II included the complete renovation of the former Medical-Surgical unit into a 9,185-square- foot center, which is a 58 percent expansion. This move enhances patient care by having the new space in the front of the building and adjacent to the Specialty Clinic to improve interdisciplinary coordination for treatment plans. The new space also increases patient capacity so the healthcare team can see an additional 50 to 60 patients per day. The Primary Care Center was previously located above the hospital. Dr. Stephen Spaulding has also moved his practice from his original Main Street location in Montour Falls. 
Connect with SUNY Cortland students for jobs, internships

SUNY Cortland Career Services Office is offering on opportunity to connect with graduating seniors and students with a virtual career fair on Wednesday, March 3, from
1 to 4 p.m. The event is ideal for those looking to fill full-time, part-time, camp and internship opportunities. Please direct questions to career.services@cortland.edu or (607) 753-4715.
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. 
“We are extremely proud of our dedicated professional staff, who made this acknowledgement possible in 2020,” said Joe Valicenti, president and CEO. “We sincerely thank each of our clients for supporting our beliefs and the passion our firm has for delivering a unique client experience based upon relationships, expertise and trust. Our success largely hinges upon maintaining relationships and providing meaningful services to our clients. “    
Valicenti Advisory Services is located at 400 East Water Street in Elmira.
WGI to hold racing
auction during opening weekend in April

Watkins Glen International is gearing up for a grand return this spring, and has planned an online charity auction during opening weekend April

A total of $75,000 worth of merchandise will be up for auction, including items from Dale Earnhardt, Jeff Gordon, and more. Items and information will be posted closer to the event at TheGlen.com
Entrepreneurial classes offered for business growth

Incubatorworks is launching entrepreneurial accelerator classes throughout February, March, and April, sponsored by Alternatives Federal Credit Union. To apply, contact: Ashleigh Madison at AMadison@IncWorks.org or (410) 713-8612. The application deadline is this Friday, Feb. 5.
Collaboration Impact Study results
shared via live Q&A Tuesday, Feb. 9

The results of the Collaboration Impact Study will be shared live at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 9, along with insights that will help rebuild the travel, tourism, and hospitality industry.

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 reply link sent to your inbox: https://breaktheicemedia.com/collaborate/  
Wags to Riches expands to 6 days a week and hosts several sales
 
Wags to Riches has expanded its hours and is hosting several sales this month!

The store is now open six days a week, every day but Tuesday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday hours are Noon to 4 p.m.
 
All purchases made at the Wags to Riches store at 313 N. Franklin Street in Watkins Glen supports the care of shelter animals. 

Jewelry Sale: Feb. 5 to 14   
  • Jewelry $19 and under is Buy One, Get One Free                          
  • Jewelry over $10 is 25% off
 
Housewares Sale: Feb. 1 to 28 
Housewares and decorative items
are 20% off
 
Women's Clothing Sale: Throughout February 
Shop early for the best selection!
  • Feb. 1 to 13: Women's clothing is 25% off
  • Feb. 14 to 28: Women's clothing is 50% off 
One more week to apply
for Downtown Revitalization Initiative grants; applications are due 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.
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 .

______

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.
Books delivered free
via new Schuyler Library Delivery Service

The Montour Falls Library, Watkins Glen Public Library, and the Dutton S. Peterson Memorial library are offering a free delivery service to Schuyler County resident.

The delivery service is generously provided by the volunteer members of the Watkins Glen-Montour Falls Lions Club.

Sign up for the service at starcat.stls.org with your library card number and PIN, or by calling your branch to browse and place holds. For more information, call (607) 535-7489.
Holistic Help For Employers & Employees!
Government News
COVID-19 Update Regarding Sports and Recreation
 
“Schuyler County Public Health is authorizing High-Risk Sports and Recreation to begin starting February 1st in Schuyler County. This decision was reached based on NYSDOH Guidelines and in consultation with our school districts and county health officials in the Southern Tier and Western Regions.” Learn more here.
Governor Cuomo Updates New Yorkers on State Vaccination Program

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo updated New Yorkers on the state's vaccination program. Approximately 7.1 million New Yorkers are currently eligible to receive the vaccine. The federal government has increased the weekly supply by 16 percent over the next three weeks. Learn more here.
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.
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.
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

Schuyler County COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution

Clinic details and links to register for vaccines will be provided on Schuyler County Public Health’s website at www.schuylercounty.us/publichealth. New registration links will be added as doses of vaccine are received. Individuals should only register if they meet the current eligibility criteria which can be found on SCPH’s website or by visiting https://covid19vaccine.health.ny.gov/phased-distribution-vaccine.
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
at Michael@watkinsglenchamber.com by noon on Thursdays.

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)