~   Summer 2017   ~
IN THIS ISSUE:
A Message from the Team
Business After Hours News
Milestone Celebration News
Welcome to our Newest Chamber Members!
Member Promotions
Chamber Member Advertising Opportunities
Social Media Central - Member Features & More
A MESSAGE FROM THE TEAM


Dear Members,

Its officially summer and our Chamber team couldn't be more excited!  We hope that you've been enjoying the warm weather and taking advantage of all of the activities that the region is known for- many of which are offered by our very own Chamber members!  From boat tours and wine tastings, to museums and specialty shopping experiences, our members are sure to have something to fit all interests and keep you busy this summer!

And speaking of keeping busy, you can bet that the Chamber team has kept busy behind-the-scenes, as we work to promote our members and their people, products, and services through our various programs, including:


Milestone Celebrations: The Milestone Celebration program provides awareness and exposure for member businesses by promoting who they are and what they do.  These are perfect for businesses celebrating an anniversary, grand re-openings, or relocation-based open houses.   (Be sure to see below for re-caps from our most recent Grand Opening Celebrations!)


Business After Hours:  Featuring ten locations a year, our Business After Hours Networking Mixers offer a variety of benefits to each hosting member business- from exposure and awareness, to generating new relationships and aiding in overall business growth.  (Interested in hosting for 2018?  Contact the Chamber team to find out how!)






E-News Advertising Program: This is popular for members looking to send a tailored message about their programs, services, people, products, or property location.  Even better if you already have a visual image or ad to include.  The Chamber's email list includes over 600 local and regional businesses, community members, individuals and group contacts. (Read on to learn about our Summer Special for this program!)



Be sure to keep reading and see below for more info, updates, and program/event news!  And as always, we look forward to working with you all, and encourage our members to reach out or stop in, touch base, and let us know what is happening in your world!


Sincerely,
The Chamber Team


BUSINESS AFTER HOURS NEWS


Thank You, Hospitality Chef Solutions!


Thank you to Peter Gillotte of Hospitality Chef Solutions for hosting our June BAH Mixer!  Attendees had the opportunity to tour the space at the iconic Geneva American Legion and learn about the venue and its rich history.  The event also featured remarks from Gillotte about his business and partnership with the venue, where he has developed a new menu and helped to expand its event and catering services.

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
























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Thank You, Finger Lakes Community College!


Thank you to Leigh Pitifer and the staff at the Finger Lakes Community College Geneva Campus for hosting our July BAH Mixer!  Event attendees enjoyed an extensive tour of the facilities, including classrooms and fully equipped computer, biology, chemistry, and medical labs. Several faculty members were on site to talk about some of the College's most notable programs of study, such as Viticulture and Wine Technology, Emergency Medical Services, and English as a Second Language.  Many guests on the tour even reminisced about their days as students, when the building was still the Geneva High School.

{Photos courtesy of Felicia Baker.  
For more photos from the event, visit the Chamber's website.}













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August Business After Hours at Vonnie's Boathouse

When: Wednesday, August 9, 2017
5 - 7 pm

Where: Vonnie's Boathouse
4446 State Rt. 14 South
Geneva, NY 14456

Cost: members $5
non-members $10


Vonnie's Boathouse Bar and Grille, celebrating 12 years in business, offers daily food and drink specials, such as their Wing Night and Taco Tuesdays. Vonnie's also features weekly Trivia Nights and even live music that guests can enjoy while kicking back on their outdoor deck! Be sure to join us at this local West Lake Road favorite!

Please RSVP by Monday, August 7th
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.


MILESTONE CELEBRATION NEWS

 
Congratulations to Lakeview Geneva on their Grand Opening Milestone Celebration!

(front row, from left) Building owners Mark and Susi Varvayanis of Dryden; Abby Wandell of the Geneva Chamber; Jessica Grant of the Fairfield Inn & Suites; Stacey Pierce of Hobart and William Smith Colleges; Ruri Chappell of Zotos International; Miranda Odell, Chamber Executive Director; and John Varvayanis.
(back row, from left) Ted Baker of Finger Lakes Radio Group; Ron Telarico, Chamber Ambassador; John Latanyshyn, Community Bank N.A; Jim Donnelly, project and building manager of Lakeview Geneva; and Alexa Wessie of Reliant Community Credit Union.

Chamber staff, Board Members, Ambassadors, and local business and community members attended the official ribbon cutting celebration at Lakeview Geneva, LLC (One Franklin Square) on Friday, June 2, 2017.

The event showcased the Grand Opening of the recently completed luxury apartments, located on the top floor of the historic downtown building. Guests had the opportunity to tour the 7 available residential spaces, while enjoying hors d'oeuvres and panoramic views of Seneca Lake and downtown Geneva.

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






















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Congratulations to Five Star Urgent Care on their Grand Opening Milestone Celebration!

(front row, from left) Abby Wandell of the Geneva Chamber; Michelle Waddell of Five Star Urgent Care (FSUC); Dr. John Radford, owner; Kelley Braman of FSUC; Jessica Grant of the Fairfield Inn & Suites; Senator Pam Helming; Stacey Pierce of Hobart and William Smith Colleges; and Denise Leary of FSUC.
(back row, from left) Mark Lukas of the Finger Lakes Times; Jason Hagerman of the Geneva City Council; Deena Gray of FSUC; Ron Telarico, Chamber Ambassador; Miranda Odell, Executive Director of the Geneva Chamber; Andrew Wilber of Congressman Tom Reed's Office; and Tim Christman of FSUC.

Chamber staff, Board Members, Ambassadors, local dignitaries and community members attended the official ribbon cutting celebration at Five Star Urgent Care on Wednesday, June 28, 2017.

The event was one of the Chamber's featured Milestone Celebrations and showcased the Grand Opening of the recently completed urgent care center, located at 1 White Springs Road in the Tops Plaza.

Guests had the opportunity to tour the new space and meet the facility's staff, and the event featured remarks from founder and owner Dr. John Radford. The event marked the significance of the new Geneva location as the company's 11th urgent care facility.

{Photos courtesy of Felicia Baker.  
For more photos from the event, visit the Chamber's website.}























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].
ALSO CELEBRATING MILESTONES:
 
Bank of the Finger Lakes 
is celebrating 10 years in business!

Congratulations to Bank of the Finger Lakes on their 10 year anniversary and the grand opening of their new branch  in Penn Yan! Click here to view their photo album from the event.

{Ribbon Cutting Photo courtesy of the Yates County Chamber of Commerce & Neil Sjoblom Photography.}











To learn more about the history and the people behind Bank of the Finger Lakes, click below to read their Business of the Week feature in the Finger Lakes Times!



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!



CleanSweep
789 Pre-Emption Road 300
Geneva, NY 14456
(585) 478-6682

CleanSweep owner and operator Denise Stone has been providing quality cleaning services to the Finger Lakes Region for over 20 years. She and her team are passionate about making your life easier and keeping your home fresh, comfortable, and tidy. Whether you're a busy young professional, a family with soccer practices and dance recitals to run to, or you have a loved one who isn't as mobile as they used to be, Denise wants to help.  Contact her at [email protected] or by calling (585) 478-6682.




The Cobblestone Restaurant
3610 Pre- Emption Road
Geneva, NY 14456
(315) 789-8498

The Cobblestone Restaurant is located at 3610 County Road 6 in Geneva in a beautifully restored 1825 farm house. Originally built as a Tavern and Stage Coach Stop in the 1700's, the second floor of the building was added on in the mid-1800's for living quarters. Today, you can experience one of the most innovative Italian menus in the Finger Lakes, featuring classic wood-fired cooking, fresh seafood, poultry and veal, steaks, as well as freshly made pasta, desserts and breads. Along with their menu, The Cobblestone also features party rooms, fireplaces, and porch seating that can accommodate groups of 10 to 70 guests. They are open Tuesday through Sunday for lunch and dinner.  For more information, visit their website at www.coblestonegeneva.com or call (315) 789-8498 to book your reservation.



FLX Live
427 Exchange Street
Geneva, NY 14456
(802) 282-1347

Coming soon to Exchange Street in downtown Geneva, FLX Live is a dedicated space for live music, with a carefully designed floor plan featuring both a dance floor and comfortable seating areas. Whether you are just here for the music or want to sit back with appetizers and have a drink, FLX Live is the place to be! FLX Live arose from the concept of contributing something new to Geneva. Their three founders, all graduates of Hobart and William Smith Colleges, watched as the city transformed during their four years at HWS. Their passion for music, matched by a desire to contribute to the local downtown revitalization, was fulfilled by the FLX Live project. It has been a long process, but they've managed to transform a previously vacant storefront into an exciting nightlife destination. Don't miss their official opening on August 5 with Danielle Ponder & The Tomorrow People!




Finger Lakes Premier Properties
142 Lake Street
Penn Yan, NY 14527
(315) 536-2201

Finger Lakes Premier Properties has the largest selection of vacation rentals and lakefront homes for sale in the Finger Lakes. From cozy cottages to luxury vacation homes, their range of available properties can fit any interest and budget.  W hether it's a 5 star with a hot tub, sweeping verandas and top-of-the-line amenities or a quaint fishing cabin in a sheltered cove,  you can count on them to find you a great Finger Lakes vacation home to rent or buy.   Their Finger Lakes vacation homes are located on Canandaigua, Conesus, Honeoye, Keuka, Seneca and Cayuga lakes, and can be rented by the week, by the month, or just for a few days, depending on the time of year.  For more information, give them a call at (315) 536-2201 or visit their website, www.fingerlakespremierproperties.com.


Five Star Urgent Care
1 White Springs Road,  Suite D
Geneva, NY 14456
(315) 230-4074

Founded and owned by Dr. John Radford, Five Star Urgent Care currently operates 12 locations throughout New York State, serving the Adirondack, Southern Tier, Chautauqua-Allegheny, and Finger Lakes Regions, with their main headquarters based in their original location of Ellicottville, NY. Five Star Urgent Care works to ensure that your visit  is convenient and comfortable from start to finish. Their  walk-in clinics offer affordable rates for self-pay patients and no facility fees, so billing is streamlined and patients pay one low price.  The Five Star difference is their continual commitment to provide the highest quality, affordable medical care with outstanding and timely service to their communities.  For more information, visit their website at www.fivestaruc.com.




Lake City Hobby & Toys
437 Exchange Street
Geneva, NY 14456
(315) 781-6397

Located in the heart of the Finger Lakes Region, Lake City Hobby and Toys is the area's premier source for hobby enthusiasts. As a family owned and operated business, Lake City Hobby originally opened its doors in April 1976, bringing quality service and a personal touch to their customers. Offering a variety of merchandise, Lake City Hobby offers discounts and specials on their various products, including Model Kits, Model Trains, Model Rockets, Kites, Radio Controlled Vehicles, Boomerangs, Sky Lanterns, Disc Golf Supplies, Collectibles, and more! Even if you do not find what you're looking for in their shop, you can visit them online and have your items shipped directly to you!  For more information, visit their website at www.lakecityhobbies.com, or call (315) 781-6397.




McDonald's of Geneva
307 Hamilton Street
Geneva, NY 14456
(315) 781-0077

The Geneva McDonald's, located at 307 Hamilton Street, is one of over 12,000 McDonald's restaurants in the U.S. that are independently owned and operated by local business people. As a leading food-service provider in the United States, they serve a variety of wholesome options to more than 26 million customers every day. They are proud of their quality ingredients and famous menu items like their Big Mac, Quarter Pounder, Chicken McNuggets, and their World Famous Fries! For the early risers, they also offer a range of delicious gourmet McCafé coffees and beverages, as well as a variety of breakfast items, like their Egg McMuffin. While they are a food service business, they don't stop there. Their involvement in youth sports, local charities and events that inspire the world are held at a high regard. McDonald's founder Ray Kroc once said, "McDonald's is a people business." They operate with the belief that it's essential to be a part of the communities they serve. So be sure to stop in today to meet the local team and to pick up your favorite menu item!



Sinicropi Florist
64 Fall Street
Seneca Falls, NY 13148
(315) 568-6345

Sinicropi Florist & Gift Shop was founded in 1975 at their present location of 64 Fall Street in Seneca Falls.  As a full service florist, Sinicropi offers a variety of floral arrangement options to fit their customer's needs and  also offers bridal consultation & servicing and plant maintenance for their commercial customers.   Along with their floral arrangement designs, Sinicropi Florist also carries a variety of gifts, from gourmet baskets, decorating accessories, greeting cards and much more! With their unique personal service and creative floral designs, the team at Sinicropi Florist works to exceed their customer's expectations, through their quality, value, and professional service.  For more information on their products and services, give them a call at (315) 568-6345 or visit their website at www.sinicropiflorist.com.





SmallGrid
44 Castle Street
Geneva, NY 14456
(315) 230-4070


SmallGrid, located in downtown Geneva, opened its doors in 2016 and works to provide energy saving options for the home.  Founding partner Ryan Wallace has worked with renewable energy sources for much of his life, installing is first solar array at the age of 15.   During his career, Ryan has climbed under, over and through 3000 homes, trying to solve each homeowner's energy needs. Frustrated with cost and complexity of making a home energy independent, Ryan began testing various heating and energy storage systems. In 2016, the Ryan designed the LifeWall, an all-in-one renewable energy device that provides renewable energy for the home. That same year, Ryan joined forces with Jamie Snow, a project manager for a fortune 500 software company. Together Ryan and Jamie lead a dedicated team of renewable energy experts, working to create sustainable, self reliant communities.  For more information, visit their website at www.smallgrid.com or call (315) 230-4070.


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!

Upstate Increte
Upstate Increte is the area's all-in-one source for stamped and decorative concrete! They install residential and commercial concrete, spray decks, garage floor epoxy systems, and resorations! They even offer free estimates!  Give them a call at their Geneva location at (315) 325-4548 or their Rochester Location at  (585) 254-2010, or l earn more at  www.upstateincrete.com .




CHAMBER MEMBER ADVERTISING OPPORTUNITIES


Digital Marketing Program
special_offer_tag.jpg
Save $50.00!
(off original price of $175)
Digital Marketing Program
E-News Advertising Combo Option
Offer Valid: 6/23/17 - 8/1/17
Use Coupon Code:  SummerSale
  
Do you have news you want to share on behalf of your business or organization?  Or maybe an upcoming event or summer special you'd like to share with your fellow Chamber members?

Then be sure to take advantage of our Digital Marketing Program!

Summer Special Price, now through 8/1:
$125 per month
*special for Option 2: Advertising Combo only*


  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

*Spaces available on first come, first serve basis.*
Additional options available for E-newsletter-only packages; see flyer for more details.
Window Display Advertising Program

No Downtown Storefront? No Problem!
Window Display Advertising Program

This program is for member businesses who are looking for some extra exposure or for an added visual that can help to tell their story. Utilizing the Chamber's centralized, downtown location, this option is also ideal for businesses that do not have a physical storefront, or are looking for an economical solution that allows them to have a dual presence in and around the Finger Lakes! Take advantage of the foot traffic that the Chamber receives from area visitors, community members, busin ess owners and local employees that visit our office looking for area information!

$125 per month
Your choice of 4 windows

Two Front windows face Seneca & Exchange St.
(4'2" w x 7'3" h)

Two Side windows face Exchange St.
(3'11" w x 7'3" h) or (2' w x 7'3" h)*

*Special pricing available for  smaller side window.
Please contact Chamber for details.
*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.


#MembershipMatters  Check out this great photo from the Geneva Branch of  Generations Bank ! Located at 342 Hamilton Street, their team is always ready to assist you with all your banking needs. Contact them today at 315-789-8100 or be sure to stop in to say hello! (Special shout out to our Membership & Ambassador Committee Co-Chair  Polly Clark  for the photo!)


July 8
Be sure to add this to your summer bucket list: sailing with  Schooner Excursions, Inc. ! Sail aboard the historical ship "True Love," which was featured in the 1956 movie "High Society" starring Bing Crosby, Grace Kelly, Frank Sinatra & Louis Armstrong. Learn more about our members at the southern end of the lake by visiting  www.schoonerexcursions.com , and to see how you can make the most of your summer by sailing aboard this first-class piece of American history! (video courtesy of Schooner Excursions, Inc & videography by Matthew Ziegler).



July 1
Our members at  Fairfield Inn and Suites Geneva  are celebrating their 1 Year Anniversary today! Congratulations and good luck with your next year!





 

June 28
#MembershipMatters The Chamber's Membership & Ambassador team was out and about today! They had the opportunity to stop in and visit Brian Finnerty, owner of   Pedulla's Wine & Liquor! Be sure to stop in yourself to pick up your favorite Finger Lakes wine, or follow them on Facebook to stay up-to-date on all of their tastings and special events!




June 20
The Chamber team had the chance to get out and about today to visit  Quail Summit Senior Community! This luxury senior living community in Canandaigua, NY offers a wide variety of options for its residents, including Independent Living, Enriched Living, and Memory Care neighborhoods, and each level of care comes with a wide variety of amenities to fit each senior's individual needs.  Be sure to check out the photos from our visit- and if you're interested in learning more or scheduling a tour, call the Quail Summit team at 585-396-1010! Thanks again for a great tour!


June 23
Wine's meant to be shared! Snap a photo of you and your friends on the Cayuga Lake Wine Trail and post it on Instagram using  #CLWTasting . Each week, @cayugawinetrail will select their favorite photo to share and the poster will win a prize! Plus, the shared photo with the most likes at the end of 2017 will win a prize package valued at $500, shipped right to your doorstep!



Geneva Area Chamber of Commerce
One Franklin Square, Suite 202
PO Box 587
Geneva, NY 14456
 
Phone: 315-789-1776  |  Fax: 315-789-3993
  
Like us on Facebook   Follow us on Twitter

Upcoming Chamber Member Events



Music Genre: Alternative Rock
Fun & Friends! No cover. Beverages, fresh bread baskets, snacks, and wine slushies available. Global Taco will be here serving up tasty tacos! Kid friendly event!

When:  July 28, 2017 
5:30 PM - 8:30 PM

Where: The Oasis at Hazlitt 1852 Vineyards
State Route 414 Hector, NY 14841


Enjoy the excitement of a communal dining table where The Ravinous Kitchen Chef Scott Riesenberger creates a seasonal menu of beautiful courses each perfectly paired with the expressive, balanced wines of Ravines Wine Cellars.

When: July 29, 2017
6:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Where: The Ravinous Kitchen at Ravines Wine Cellars
400 Barracks Rd, Geneva, NY 14456



Relax and revel in a lively afternoon filled with music, great food and wine, vineyard tours and fun times with friends old and new! Enjoy an authentic porchetta-style pig roast (an exclusive recipe - deboned and stuffed with a special blend of herbs and spices) alongside a scrumptious buffet spread of summertime favorites. ADVANCE RESERVATIONS ARE REQUIRED.

When:  August 5, 2017
1:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Where: Lamoreaux Landing Wine Cellars 
9224 NY-414, Lodi NY 14860


Join "Nate Michaels" at Anthony Road Wine Company, as he performs in our Summer music series. Come and witness a beautiful view of Seneca Lake on our back patio, while you relax to some great music, and enjoy some delicious Finger Lakes wines.

When:  August 12, 2017
1:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Where:  Anthony Road Wine Company
1020 Anthony Road, Penn Yan, NY 14527



Back again this year by popular demand. Chris Wilson, solo guitarist delights with his beautiful voice.  Enjoy this intimate connection as Chris gives music a chance to shine.   Bring your lawn chairs, your family and plan to have a great time.  Peaches Ice Cream truck will be selling ice cream during the show.

When: August 22, 2017 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM

Where: Quail Summit
5102 Parrish Street Extension, Canandaigua, NY 14424

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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, July 25
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


Felicia Baker
Communications Intern

 

 
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.