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IN THIS ISSUE:
A Message from the Team
Membership Harvest Celebration
Business After Hours News
Coming Soon! The Geneva Area Welcome Guide
Milestone Celebration News
Welcome to our Newest Chamber Members!
Member Promotions
Social Media Central - Member Features & More
A MESSAGE FROM THE TEAM


Dear Members,

Fall is in the air! That's right- today is the first official day of autumn!  With the changing of leaves and cooler temps, we continue to see the happy reactions of those who are welcoming the change in seasons with open arms.  Our Chamber team is excited as well, because have been working hard to bring you one of our best events yet- the Membership Harvest Celebration! As we wrap up the planning of next week's event, we want to once again thank all of our members and volunteers who have been working with us for weeks to pull all of the final details together! {THANK YOU!}

Along with the Harvest Celebration, the team has also been working hard behind-the-scenes to continue with promoting our members' stories, and tweaking those programs that were created to do just that. Here's a quick run-down of our recent favorites!

Milestone Celebrations: The Member Milestone program continues to grow! This provides awareness and exposure for member businesses by promoting and celebrating a business or organizational MILESTONE for that member, while emphasizing who they are and what they do.  These are perfect for businesses who are new and would like a Ribbon Cutting or Grand Opening Ceremony, as well as tenured businesses who are coming up on anniversaries, or would like to announce changes in ownership, grand re-openings, or relocations aka "We've Moved!" parties.   (Pics below from a recent Milestone Celebration!)



Business After Hours:  We're at it again! the 2018 BAH Calendar is in the works as we speak! Featuring ten locations a year, our Business After Hours Networking Mixers offer a variety of benefits to each hosting member business including marketing and promotional support that help with generating new business relationships and meeting future customers.  (Interested in hosting a BAH? Contact the Chamber to learn more!)






E-News Advertising Program: 
This is popular for members looking to send a tailored message about their programs & services, people, products, or property, by sending their information to a targeted business audience.  The Chamber's email list includes over 600 local and regional businesses, community members, individuals and group contacts.    graphic-chart-people.jpg
DYK!? According to Constant Contact reporting data, as of July 2017 and then updated in September of 2017, the Industry Average Open Rate for Marketing and Advertising services is only 9.5%, while other Membership-based Organizations and Associations have an average of just 14.12%  for their open rates!!!  The Chamber is proud to announce that for the past THREE YEARS it has maintained an average Open Rate of 30-32%, for all of its digital communications,
 and that number continues to grow!      --- WAY TO GO!!!


More program and event news is included below, and as always, we look forward to working with you all, and encourage you to reach out or stop in, to let us know what is happening in your world!

Happy First-Day-of-Fall-Friday,
The Chamber Team
9/22/17

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Membership Harvest Celebration 
{...see you Wednesday!}




WHAT:  GACoC Membership Harvest Celebration
WHEN:  Wednesday, September 27, 2017
WHERE:  Ravines Wine Cellars,  400 Barracks Rd, Geneva
TIME: 5:30 - 8:30 p.m.

.: Advance reservations only :.
*Changes or cancellations after 9/15/17 will be charged full rate*

 
 
 
 

Special Thanks to our Promotional Partners:
 
Valvoline Instant Oil Change
~celebrating 2 years in their new location at 288 Hamilton Street, Geneva!~


 
 
Special Thanks to our Community Partners:
 
 Wegmans of Geneva
located at 300 Hamilton Street 
~Chamber Members for over 25 years!~
 
 


{...sneak peek @ the Harvest Auction & Basket Raffle!}
 


Special thanks to the participating businesses 
for donating their goods & services:

Beef & Brew Restaurant, Fairfield Inn & Suites, 
Finger Lakes Community College, Generations Bank, 
Geneva Club Beverage, Hobart and William Smith Colleges, Hospitality Chef Solutions, La Mia Bella Sicilia,
 Luigi's Old World Market & Cafe, Mark's Pizzeria, 
Red Jacket Orchards, Saglimbeni's Liquor Store, 
Seneca Lake Wine Trail, Three Brothers Winery & Estates, 
& Zotos International
        

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BUSINESS AFTER HOURS NEWS


Thank You, Vonnie's Boathouse!


Thank you to Vonnie Keefer and the entire team at Vonnie's Boathouse for hosting our August BAH Mixer!  Event attendees enjoyed a casual summer evening while enjoying food and drinks out on the deck.  The event also included a special presentation from Vonnie, about the 12 year history of thee business.

{Photos courtesy of Dan Bell Photography.  
For more photos from the event, visit the Chamber's website.}




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Thank You, Beef & Brew Restaurant!


Thank you to Michael Colvin, Tracy Marquez, and the entire team at Beef & Brew for hosting our September BAH Mixer!  
Guests enjoyed delicious food and beverages, while experiencing the beautiful property.  The event also features special remarks from the Beef & Brew team about some of the updates and plans for upcoming projects.


{Photos courtesy of Dan Bell Photography.  
For more photos from the event, visit the Chamber's website.}


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October Business After Hours will be held at Paradise on the Lake Bed & Breakfast

When: Wednesday, October 11
5 - 7 pm

Where: Paradise on the Lake B&B
4136 High Banks Road
Geneva, NY 14456

Cost: members $5
non-members $10


Located on the east side of Seneca Lake, this lakeview property boasts 4 guest rooms and a full breakfast that is served daily.  The groups of Paradise on the Lake Bed and Breakfast are beautifully landscaped with various flowers and plantings, offering private seating areas in addition to those on the deck, overlooking the water.

Please RSVP by Monday, October 9th
by emailing [email protected] or calling (315) 789-1776

By promoting the host property's location, products, services, and staff, Business After Hours Networking Mixers offer a variety of benefits to each hosting member business. Featuring ten locations per year, BAH Mixers generate enhanced exposure and awareness for member properties, helping to build new relationships, connect with new customers, which aids with the overall growth of the business!

For more information about how your business can host a BAH Mixer, please call the Chamber at (315) 789-1776 or email [email protected].
Attention Season Pass Holders!
If you have one of the official 2017 BAH Season Passes, just show your card to staff as you arrive! Please note that anyone using a free guest pass needs to stop and register with the staff when arriving.


Coming Soon-
Advertising Opportunities!  
Geneva Area Welcome Guide
 
Coming in 2018.....
the new edition of the
Geneva Area Welcome Guide !
Plan Ahead to Reserve Your Ad Space for  the ONLY Geneva-based book in the Finger Lakes!
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Don't Miss Your Chance To Sign Up
Market your property to locals, visitors, and re-locators alike, who are contacting the Chamber FIRST for their questions, needs & area info requests!

Ad sales will be beginning soon...be sure to reserve your space early!

{Contact the Chamber for early bird sign ups & special offers.}
 

MILESTONE CELEBRATION NEWS

 
Congratulations to Billsboro Winery on their 10th Anniversary!

(front row, from left) Abby Wandell, Programs Manager for the Geneva Chamber; Mary Kubinski of Billsboro; Winery Owners Vinny and Kim Aliperti; Cary Beacraft of Billsboro; Miranda Odell, Geneva Chamber Executive Director; and Jessica Griffin of the Fairfield Inn & Suites and Chamber Ambassador. (back row, from left) Bob McCarthy, Town of Geneva; Paul Thomas, Executive Director of the Seneca Lake Wine Trail and Chamber Board Member; Glen Everdyke, Pablo Falbru, Tara Balistreri, and Deanna Fello of Billsboro.

Chamber staff, Board Members, Ambassadors, local dignitaries and community members attended the 10 Year Anniversary Celebration at Billsboro Winery on Thursday, August 10.

The event was included under the Chamber's popular Milestone Celebrations program, which provides awareness and exposure for its member businesses.




Guests enjoyed live music and had the opportunity to sample some of Billsboro's award -winning wines as well as wood-fired pizza courtesy of Toss 'n' Fire Pizza.

{For more photos from the event, visit the  Chamber's website.}







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Congratulations to FLX Live on their Grand Opening Milestone Celebration!

Photo by Dan Bell.  Included in photo, FLX Live team members include: Owner Ian Pattison, front row, (second from left- holding scissors); with other FLX Live team members, including general manager, Nick LaChance (second row, first from left), public relations & talent manager, Matthew Elkin (front row, second from right), and bartender, Scott Heffner (front row, far right). Kneeling in the front are members from The Crooked North, a bluegrass band from Rochester, NY, who helped provide live entertainment at the grand opening. Chamber representatives included Chamber Executive Director, Miranda Odell (second row, 3rd right); Member Programs & Events Coordinator, Abby Wandell (second row, fourth from right); Board Chairman, Josh Miller of Lyons National Bank (third row, second from left); Board Member, Chad Lahr of Community Proud Apparel and I Heart the FLX (second row, center). Also present and in photo: Chamber Ambassador Committee Chairwoman, Polly Clark of Generations Bank (third row, first from left); Chamber Ambassador, Jessica Griffin of the Fairfield Inn & Suites (second row, far right); Geneva City Council member Jason Hagerman (back row), and Adeline Rudolph and Jonathan Monfiletto of New York State Senator Pam Helming's office (back row).

A large crowd was present at the official ribbon cutting and grand opening celebration that was co-hosted by the Geneva Area Chamber of Commerce at FLX Live on Friday, August 25.  Chamber staff, board members, volunteers, local business owners and executives gathered to show their support at the event, which included a ceremonial ribbon cutting and was included under the Chamber's popular Milestone Celebrations. The program was introduced in 2016 as a benefit for members of the Chamber with the purpose of providing awareness and exposure for the many businesses and organizations that the Chamber represents.

FLX Live held a soft opening in early August, but had been in the works for well over a year. Its owners and management team consist of Hobart College graduates who had sought guidance and support from a variety of area resources, including joining the Chamber to help spread the word about their new venture.

Offering live concerts that feature both local and national talent, FLX Live also has a full bar and kitchen in the newly renovated space. The business is located at 427 Exchange Street, and is the only live music venue of its kind in downtown Geneva.


Milestone Celebrations are a benefit of Chamber membership and provide awareness and exposure for member businesses by promoting the important components of who they are and what they do, such as their people, property, products and services. Examples of other Milestone Celebrations can include Anniversary Celebrations, Grand Re-Openings, or Relocation-based Open Houses.

For more information about how your business can host a Milestone Celebration, please call the Chamber at (315) 789-1776 or email [email protected].

WELCOME TO OUR NEWEST CHAMBER MEMBERS!


On behalf of the entire staff and board members  of the Geneva Area Chamber of Commerce,  we would like  to extend a warm welcome  to our newest member businesses!



Full Steam Staffing
501 Exchange Street
Geneva, NY 14456
(315) 325-4341

If your business needs qualified, reliable workers, turn to Full Steam Staffing! Full Steam recognizes that every business and every individual is unique. That's why they work closely with every client and job seeker to understand their needs and develop staffing solutions that accurately address their goals and concerns. Get on the track to success with Full Steam Staffing! Learn more at  www.fullsteamstaffingnj.com !
 

H.J. Stead Company
34 Linden Street
Geneva, NY 14456
(315) 759-5896

H.J. Stead Company , located at 34 Linden Street, is a marketplace style eatery with a flair for street food. Co-owned by Erica Paolicelli, Dave and Luanne Mansfield, H.J. Stead highlights not only the Finger Lakes region's seasonal harvests, but also features the diversity and culture that guests experience when visiting Three Brothers Winery & Estates and War Horse Brewing.  In addition, H.J. Stead has also paid homage to the building's former tenants, a bifocal manufacturing company, through their name and décor.  The restaurant offers breakfast, lunch and dinner Thursday-Monday, and also features a special brunch menu for guests to enjoy on Saturday and Sunday.  To view their full menu, visit their website at   www.hjstead.com  
or call 315-759-5896 for more info.


 
Ichiro Japanese Restaurant
405 Exchange Street
Geneva, NY 14456
(315) 789-8889

Ichiro Japanese Restaurant , located at 405 Exchange Street, offers a wide variety of authentic Japanese food, including teriyaki chicken, tempura vegetable, hibachi steak, shrimp yuki udon, and much more.  Celebrating a special occasion? Want to treat yourself to something different?  Why not try the hibachi grill, where their trained chefs prepare your mean right in front of you!  Don't have time for a sit down meal?  Ichiro also offers your favorite meals for take-out.  For more information, call 315-789-8889 or to view their full menu, visit   www.ichirogeneva.com .



 
Luigi's Old World Market & Cafe
521 Exchange Street
Geneva, NY 14456
(315) 325-4199

 
Luigi's Old World Market & Cafe, located at 521 Exchange Street in downtown  Geneva,  is a brand new Italian restaurant offering a variety of options for lunch, including stuffed breads, sandwiches, salads, and pastas, all made fresh daily. Starting in October, Luigi's will also offer take & bake dinner boxes that will feature many Italian comfort foods, including lasagna, me atloaf, and more. In addition, guests can also shop The Market, where they'll find seasonal vegetables, dried & frozen pastas, sauces, breads and more. Luigi's is open Tuesday-Saturday, 9 am - 7 pm and Sundays 8 am - 1 pm. To view their full menu, visit  www.luigisoldworld.com
 or call 315-325-4199. 


 
 

Optavia- Lynanne Miller
Geneva, NY 14456
(360) 349-9362
www.optavia.com

Optavia is an organization of health coaches that work with individuals to achieve lifelong transformations one healthy habit at a time.  As a Health & Wellness coach,  Lynanne Miller believes that through personalized coaching, community support, education, and nutritionally balanced foods, you can achieve whatever wellness goals you set your mind to.  Lynanne is ready to help you begin your journey to a healthy and happy lifestyle, so be sure to call her today at 360-349-9362, or for more information about Optavia, visit  their website at  www.optavia.com.


 
 


Saglimbeni Liquor Store
28 East North Street
Geneva, NY 14456
(315) 789-2262

Saglimbeni's Liquor Store has been your stop for discount liquor, wine and spirits since 1933. Their family-owned store is dedicated to providing top-of-the-line customer service and great deals on a wide range of wine and spirits.  They sell wine from various wineries in the  Finger Lakes  region, including  Fox Run Vineyards Glenora Wine Cellars Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery  and more - as well as liquor and spirits from several well-known companies.  From pre-made cocktails and champagne to flavored liquor, you can find what you need at Saglimbeni's Liquor Store at a lower price than most major grocery stores. They're located at 28 East North Street in Geneva and are open 7 days a week. Stop in today or visit their website www.saglimbenisliquor.com 

 
Wagner Vineyards
9322 Route 414
Lodi, NY 14860
(607) 582-6450

Wagner Vineyards, located at 9322 State Route 414 in Lodi, NY is one of the oldest wineries in the Finger Lakes Region.  Since its opening in 1979 by founder Bill Wagner, the winery has been a popular tasting destination for visitors and locals alike.  With fifth generation growers, Wagner Vineyards produces over 30 types of wines including reds, whites, and blushes, all crafted from 20 different varieties of their estate grown grapes.  In addition to the winery, Wagner Vineyards is also home to the Wagner Valley Brewing Co. and The Ginny Lee Café.  For more information, visit their website at www.wagnervineyards.com  
or call 607-582-6450.

Water's Edge B&B Resort
4377 West Lake Road
Geneva, NY 14456
(315) 325-4431

Water's Edge B&B Resort, l ocated at 4377 West Lake Road (Rt 14),  is a newly opened and renovated B&B, nestled in a secluded cove and offers guests the opportunity to enjoy beautiful views of Seneca Lake while enjoying the elements of a traditional bed & breakfast and resort style living. Guests can choose from a variety of uniquely themed and decorated room options,  all of which feature amenities such as private dining areas, bathrooms, patios, and more.  In addition, all of their rooms are named in honor of some of the region's most popular Finger Lakes!  To book your next vacation (or even stay-cation!) give them a call at 315-325-4431 or visit their website at www.watersedgefingerlakes.com

MEMBER PROMOTIONS


Check out these promotions from our members! 
Want to see your ad here in our next newsletter? Keep reading to learn how your business can take advantage of the Chamber's advertising opportunities!

del Lago Resort & Casino

del Lago Resort & Casino is the area's newest area attraction, featuring a casino, dining, live entertainment, spa, and hotel.  Don't wait until the holidays are here- make your reservations today to recieve special rates and discounted packages.  Be sure to contact Hotel Sales Manager Jeremy Stephenson at (315) 946-7-1829 for more information!




*****


Do you have news you want to share on behalf of your business or organization?  Or maybe an upcoming event or special you'd like to share with your fellow Chamber members?
Take advantage of our Digital Marketing Program!

  Includes:
  • Placement of member's advertisement in monthly e-newsletter, The Chamber Connection
  • Placement of member's advertisement in additional e-blasts and communications for upcoming events, news, or reminders during that month
  • Printed copies of member advertisement to use for display and distribution at the Chamber's office and downtown visitor center during that month
  • Two (2) featured posts on social media


 

THE STATS: According to Constant Contact reporting data, as of July 2017 and then updated in September of 2017, the Industry Average Open Rate for Marketing and Advertising services is only 9.5%, while other Membership-based Organizations and Associations have an average of just 14.12%  for their open rates!!!   The Geneva Area Chamber of Commerce has proudly maintained an average Open Rate of 30-32%, for all of its digital communications, over the last 3+ years, ( and that number continues to grow!)

*Spaces available on first come, first serve basis.*

SOCIAL MEDIA CENTRAL
Follow us on Facebook  @GenevaAreaChamber


Our members have been staying busy! Click on the photos below to check out some of the most popular posts that we've shared on the Chamber's Facebook page.




Our partners at I Love NY know that its time to start planning your fall getaway.  Be sure to visit their website for some great ideas!







We're spreading some #MemberStories- including a Did You Know fact about The Dog Shop!  They offer massage therapy for your canine companions and have also been in business for more than four decades!  Give Sharon a call today at 3115-789-8446 for more info!







Cricket Wireless held a special event in the September, featuring refreshments, entertainment, and a raffle!  Even if you couldn't make it to this event, be sure to stop by their location to learn more about their different products and services!

 




Lots of great events have been happening with our friends at  Climbing Bines Craft Ale Company .  For more info, be sure to visit their website .









The Latino Festival took place September 14-17. Didn't have the chance to attend? Experience the cuisine all year round by visiting El Morro Restaurant, located at 284 Exchange Street in downtown Geneva!











Congrats to our member  Geneva Awning & Tent Works  on being featured as the  Finger Lakes Times ' Business of the Week from the 9.21.17! Be sure to check out the article and congratulate them on 141 years in business!



Geneva Area Chamber of Commerce
One Franklin Square, Suite 202
PO Box 587
Geneva, NY 14456
 
Phone: 315-789-1776  |  Fax: 315-789-3993
  
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Upcoming Chamber Member Events

What: The Ravinous Table- A Special Wine & Food Experience

When: Select Friday & Saturday evenings

Where: Ravines Wine Cellars


What: Smithsonian Magazine Museum Day

When: Saturday, 9/23/17
10 AM-3:30 PM

Where: Rose Hill Mansion


What: Basics of Alzheimer's Disease Class

When: Wednesday, 9/27/17
10:30 AM

Where: Quail Summit


What: The Tarps Live at The Oasis

When: Friday, 9/29
5:30 PM-8:30 PM

Where: The Oasis at Hazlitt 1852 Vineyards


What: Youth Basketball, Grades 3-8

When: Monday, 10/2
6:30 PM-8:30 PM

Where: Geneva Community Center


What: Spaghetti Dinner Benefit for Monte Carr

When: Saturday, 10/14
3:00 PM-6:00 PM

Where: The Rose Grange
4101 Main St, Rose, NY


What: Rylie J's Boo & Brew 5K to benefit Camp Onswyawa

When: Saturday, 10/28

Where: Downtown Geneva



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Additional Chamber Member events can be found by visiting the Chamber's website and viewing the 

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Want to see your event on the calendar and in the next newsletter? Email
for instructions on how to post your info!


More Local Events

Looking for something fun to do in and around Geneva?  Check out  the 
City of Geneva's 


Board of Directors

Next Meeting:
Tuesday, September 26
4:00 pm
One Franklin Square

Board Chair
Josh Miller
 
Officers
Mark Varvayanis
John Latanyshyn
Nick Peters
Paul Thomas

  Directors
Charles Bartishevich
John Cromartie
Robert Flowers
Chad Lahr
Rebecca Mack
Doug Parkinson
Ryan Wallace
Donna Yudin
 
Ex-Officio
Kim Aliperti
Neal Braman
Bob McCarthy
Trina Newton


Chamber Staff

Miranda Odell

Executive Director &

Vice-President 


   Abby Wandell
  Membership Programs & Events Coordinator

 
Chamber Mission and Vision

Our Mission Statement:

The mission of the Geneva Area Chamber of Commerce is to promote and support our Members and the markets we serve. We advocate for the business interests and economic growth of the region.

 

 

Our Vision Statement:

The Geneva Area Chamber of Commerce is a business catalyst, the go-to organization and the leader in regional collaborations fostering economic prosperity.