News, Happenings & Collaborations |
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Included in this Issue ... |
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- Take-aways from Lodging Summit
- It's maple sugar season!
- Coffee Connections virtual networking
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- Farm-to-Table Chef Competition
- Hints from Hardy: Participate, Collaborate
- Eight Schuyler County businesses thanked
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Visit Watkins Glen
& Schuyler County
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Watkins Glen
Area Chamber
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Lodging lessons — what we learned from 2020 and the Lodging & Accommodations Summit |
After a successful Wine & Craft Beverage Summit in February (and sharing those wrap-up notes with you in the last “NHC”), I am pleased to inform you that I enjoyed two sessions with lodging partners and members of other Chamber categories over two days during our Lodging & Accommodation Summit on March 10 and 11. Each day a nice cross-section of hotels, motels, inns, B&Bs, and campgrounds met to discuss the highs and lows of 2020 and the triumphs and tribulations of processes and procedures used during the pandemic. Here are some of the highlights:
- Flexibility with cancellations: Many lodgers used deposits and advance payments toward gift certificates to keep the money and still offer future stays. That was well received by guests.
- Using early or forced cancellations due to ever-changing quarantines and/or event cancellations to build higher-rated stays and often with longer minimum stays — 2, 3 or 4 nights). Ironically many visitors were coming for the first time and wanted to stay longer.
- Providing cleaning and sanitation descriptions on websites and in sales and confirmation information to make people comfortable in visiting and staying was and will continue to be a best practice that drew people to our region and the accommodations who did this in detail and with confidence, consistency and care.
- Having guests request refreshed supplies and linens and/or room cleaning instead of offering daily service which would put guests and/or staff at risk was a labor and cost savings, assured lower health risks and were intended and/or perceived as environmentally friendly. The down side of delayed cleaning was longer cleans between guests and fewer/if any early check-ins.
- Guests sought and/or were offered information about outdoor activities, especially the National Forest and the State Park, but also farms and outdoor eatery and beverage options.
- Many of the smaller accommodations closed (some all year), reduced rooms for rent and/or the season. Others did not pivot from their traditional visitors (Canada, Track Event Guests and/or event related). These owners and managers were clear to say that in hindsight they MIGHT have done things a little differently but were happy to stay healthy as well as keep others healthy also.
- Lastly, people took note that it would be best to keep the lessons learned from what did work as well as what didn’t as even where mistakes were made there could be adjustments that can, did and would work if ever we have another situation like this. Lots of phoenixes came from the fire — opportunities from crisis!
We are getting pretty consistent messages that many of those new visitors (from NYC, throughout NYS, and Philly) did go back and invite and/or inform their family, friends and work associates about all they enjoyed about the Finger Lakes/Schuyler County and are returning this summer/fall as reservations are up over 25 to 35% from pre-pandemic days over a year ago (before COVID-19). FYI, the Bed Tax for the county was close to 2018 numbers and sales tax loss was less than 2 to 3% of 2019 (2020 budgets).
This is all enlightening and REMARKABLE. Congratulations to all of you very hard-working owners, managers, and staffers. Much success in what looks to be a very busy 2021!
Pictured at top: Idlwilde Inn in Watkins Glen
Photo credit: Michael O'Neill Photography
ANNOUNCEMENT!
Our next summit will be the Visitor Service, Customer Care, & Hospitality Training Summit at the end of April. It will likely be two sessions and registration will be mandatory. Please send a request for dates and more info to info@watkinsglenchamber.com if you or your staff are interested in attending.
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Let the Chamber know about
your events and spring traditions
Let us help you celebrate spring traditions, holidays, and festivities! We want to share your events on our social media platforms and newsletters. Like us on all our social channels (Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter) and we’ll return the favor! Using this form, please submit your public event to notify the Chamber and its staff. Pending membership the Chamber will assist in promoting the event to visitors and locals alike!
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Coffee Connections
is tomorrow, March 23
Join our next Coffee Connections networking meeting tomorrow, Tuesday, March 23 from 8:30 to 9:30 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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Join us tomorrow
for 'Talking Tuesdays'
Chat with Executive Director Michael Hardy about the pressing issues for tourism-based businesses. The next "Talking Tuesdays" will be 12 to 1 p.m. Tuesday, March 23. 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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Spark Leadership Summit postponed until October
The Spark Leadership Summit is officially postponed until fall, now taking place on Oct. 27, 2021. This summit offers a fresh take on leadership and management development to bright, dynamic professionals from all industries across New York State and beyond. Activities include a national keynote speaker, eight break-out sessions, a final general session, and the opportunity to network with attendees. Keep an eye on ExploreWatkinsGlen.com for registration information.
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Hints from Hardy
Business and hospitality hints
from Michael Hardy
Hint 1: Participate
Return on Involvement – AGAIN? Yes, today and always!
We have experienced a year of challenges that have forced many to stop participating in “normal” and rewarding activities and/or trying to substitute those activities with a facsimile of the former through Zoom, calls, emails and text — it barely worked, and frankly it has left the reserves of enthusiasm, energy and involvement low for us as individuals and the organizations we work for, with and/or belong to.
This absence of occasions to network, volunteer, share, and learn are vital to each of us as well as the collective communities that benefit from those endeavors. As we begin the slow and safe return to a “newer normal” of life, in-person interactions with family, friends, peers, customers, and suppliers I encourage all of us to respect, honor and appreciate each other’s needs and time but also to acknowledge how participation in professional and personal activities will make a significant difference in how we prove our resilience, look toward a brighter future and stay involved and engaged in each other’s successes at home, work and in life. Please consider the Chamber's events, committees, and activities as you ramp back up and into the next 6 to 12 months. Thanks in advance for your participation!
"No experience in this world has ever been cathartic without the willing participation of the individual. Life does not automatically bestow wisdom or growth on anyone just for showing up." – Elizabeth Gilbert
"Many activities and team play participation will give you a training that will prove invaluable later on in life." – Walter Annenberg
"If you want to do something that really changes someone’s life, the best thing you can do is make the person you’re trying to help a participant in the process." ― John Stahl-Wert
Hint 2: Sponsorship
Connecting with Community, Customers, and Collaborators
Now this is going to seem like an extremely self-serving hint, but suggesting to readers they give thought to, and take action on, the best possible marketing opportunities is a major responsibility of your Chamber team. So, here we go ...
It is imperative that our members, partners and collaborators review, ponder and then act on the many, MANY, sponsorship opportunities we offer. This process should be done in the beginning of the year (NOW) as part of everyone’s marketing, PR and community outreach strategies. Sponsorship is NOT a donation, hand out, or money ill-spent. Take advantage of being connected to the numerous events, activities and/or initiatives the Chamber offers and the wide variety of levels of affordable and deep impactful connections with your fellow members to do business with, customers to show new products and services you offer and certainly pathways to maintain, growing and/or forming new prosperous relationships with fellow members and collaborators.
We have levels that meet every budget but more crucial each level will help you meet your sales goals. Let us help target your time and dollars to exceed the expenditures of both and your desired outcomes by just meeting (in-person or via Zoom) with us so we can evaluate your needs together. It is actually one of the most rewarding process for our team to aid in discovering the perfect fit with you. So, be sure to look over all the advertising, marketing, and event sponsorships we offer and let us know how we can collaborate with you!
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Editor's Note
In last week's newsletter (March 15) an image featuring our wine country ran without credit and caption. We apologize for this error as we fully respect the rights of photographs and photographers. We thank Ryan Williams of Chateau LaFayette Reneau for bringing this to our attention.
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It’s maple sugar season!
Let's celebrate the FLX region as a
leading producer of maple syrup in the world
March is maple season in Finger Lakes Farm Country. And we have several sweet reasons to celebrate (and indulge) since New York State is the second largest producer of maple syrup in the United States (Vermont is first) and also the third leading producer of maple syrup in the world! And (be proud!) much of this syrup comes from the Finger Lakes region.
Chamber member Hawk Meadow Farm in Trumansburg garnered national attention last year when named one of the “10 Small Batch Maple Syrup Producers You Need to Try” by readers of USA Today (check out the article here).
Hawk Meadow taps their trees by hand and collects the sap the old-fashioned way, with buckets! And the long, slow boil is done over a wood fire in their sugaring shack. It takes 40 gallons of sap to make 1 gallon of maple syrup — syrup that is full of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.
Here's what USA Today had to say about Hawk Meadow: "This little farm on the edge of the Finger Lakes National Forest ... produces their own small-batch maple syrup. They use the traditional method of wood-firing their syrup, which cooks it while adding a caramelized, subtly smoked flavor. Everything is sustainably produced, utilizing agricultural practices that work with nature."
Check out more of the maple syrup produced locally in Finger Lakes Farm Country available all year round at farms, local shops, and farmers markets. One location, Sweetrees Maple Products in nearby Berkshire, is hosting a Maple Weekend Open House from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, March 27 and 28.
Pictured at top: Maple sugaring at Hawk Meadow Farm
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Save the Date: April 7 Virtual Mixer focuses on WGI
It’s a GO for Summer 2021! Mark your calendars for the Chamber's Virtual Mixer on Wednesday, April 7 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. with a spotlight on Watkins Glen International. Look for announcements about Opening Weekend and highlights of races and events coming this summer to our community. Login info to come.
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Member News & Collaborations |
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Harvest Schuyler Farm-to-Table Chef Competition
cooks up the best of our farms
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Some of the region’s top chefs are competing to make the most delicious and memorable dishes using farm goods produced in Schuyler County.
The first-ever Harvest Schuyler Farm-to-Table Chef Competition is being held virtually today through April 4, with the chefs documenting their progress on the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Schuyler County Facebook page and website (www.cceschuyler.org). Look for the “Harvest Schuyler Farm-to-Table Chef Competition” event.
Each chef has been given a box of locally produced items, from which to create a dish using all ingredients. The items include meat, dairy, vegetables, fruit, something sweet (maple, honey or preserves) and a liquid fruit-based condiment (such as wine, juice, or shrub).
"We wanted to draw attention to the great variety and quality of farm products in Schuyler County," said Roger Ort, CCE Schuyler's agriculture educator. “I think when people see what the chefs create, they’ll learn new ways to use local ingredients, and perhaps also be inspired to try other dishes from the restaurants where the chefs work.”
Your votes will help determine the outcome and which chefs win the prizes: most creative, dish voters would most like to try, and best presentation. Posters are on display at The WGACC Visitor Center through April 1, at which time they will move to The Farm Open House at the Performing Arts Center (PAC) for more public voting. Votes can be cast via smartphone, as you discover the chef’s secret recipe posted online and cast your ballot.
Chefs competing in this event are Elin Dowd from Idlwilde Inn, Hilary Niver-Johnson from Finger Lakes Wine Flour, Lisa Shrout from Hidden Valley 4-H camp, Nicholas Thayer from Nickel’s Pit BBQ, and Samira Baida from Ryan William Vineyard.
The mission of Harvest Schuyler — a cooperative effort among CCE Schuyler, Watkins Glen Area Chamber of Commerce and the Schuyler County Farm Bureau — is to connect chefs, farmers, producers and consumers in Schuyler County.
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SCCUDD recognizes eight Schuyler County businesses with Shining Star award
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The Schuyler County Coalition on Underage Drinking and Drugs (SCCUDD) partnered in December with eight area businesses to thank community members for not providing alcohol to minors during the holiday season by holding a “Pizza Box Sticker Shock” event.
To show appreciation, each business has been presented with the SCCUDD Shining Star award for their continued effort to make our community safe and drug free.
SCCUDD members developed the prevention awareness stickers that would be placed on 1,000 pizza boxes that were sent out to the community. Businesses that partnered with SCCUDD in making the project a success were Linda’s Citco, McGillicuddy’s Bar & Grill, Jerlando’s Pizza in Montour Falls, the Dandy Mini Mart in Odessa, and Jerlando’s Ristorante & Pizza Co., Scuteri’s Connoli Connection, Landon’s Pub & Pizza, and Pudgies Pizza in Watkins Glen.
Due to social distancing, many places helped to get SCCUDD’s message out by placing the stickers themselves. “We wanted to make sure that we thanked all of these businesses and their staff members that went above and beyond to help, because they did the lion’s share of the work in making this a success,”said SCCUDD Project Coordinator Ward Brower. “It never ceases to amaze me how welcoming and helpful the people and businesses are in our community. It really is a great place to live.”
Pictured; Mariah Brisbois, Allison Willsey, and Mandy Degraw
of Odessa Dandy Mini Mart and Vincent Scuteri of Scuteri’s Cannoli Connection
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Farm Sanctuary debuts
spring treats and tees
The Farm Sanctuary has created new spring-inspired merchandise to support their advocacy for farm animals. Spring into the new season while supporting a meaningful cause. Click here to shop
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Better Business Bureau
webinar focuses on Instagram
As a member of the Watkins Glen Area Chamber of Commerce, you are able to benefit from offerings of the Better Business Bureau, including a free webinar this week:
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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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. Currently, 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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Tips for keeping a growth mindset
vs. fixed mindset in the workplace
Clinical Associates of the Southern Tier shares workplace tips related to growth mindset vs. fixed mindset in their blog this week. In short, having a growth mindset will keep you competitive in a changing workplace. Read the blog here
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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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Paid time off to receive COVID-19 vaccination
Cuomo has signed legislation granting employees time off to get the COVID-19 vaccine. Under this new law, public and private employees will be granted up to four hours of excused leave per shot that will not be charged against any other leave the employee has earned or accrued. This legislation is in effect now. Click here to learn more
The 'Am I Eligible' screening tool has been updated for individuals with co-morbidities and underlying conditions with new appointments released on a rolling basis over the next weeks.
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Shuttered Venue Operators Grant Application
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New York Tax Deadline Extended
The Department of Tax and Finance will be extending the New York State income tax deadline to May 17. This aligns with the federal decision to do the same and provides New Yorkers still coping with the complications of the COVID-19 pandemic ample time to file.
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NY Forward Rapid Testing Program |
The State has launched the New York Forward Rapid Test Program. This is a unique public-private partnership to make low-cost rapid testing available to the public to support enhanced economic activity, including weddings, catered events, and arts and entertainment venues. Visit NY.gov/RapidTestProgram to learn more about this initiative and find sites in your area – new locations are being continuously added statewide.
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Interim COVID-19 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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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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