Leadership Tompkins Class of 2026:

Now Accepting Applications!

The application period ends Tuesday, Feb. 24th.


Leadership Tompkins engages a diverse group of aspiring and existing community leaders in building networks, developing leadership skills, and raising awareness of local issues.


Through the program participants will:

  • Hone professional development skills for future leadership roles in Tompkins County
  • Build capacity by immersing themselves in the community by participating in several interactive workshops - including facility tours, service outings, volunteer opportunities, training workshops, guest speakers, and networking events
  • Set realistic goals for professional and personal leadership development and develop skills that will prepare participants to further their career
  • Gain an understanding of key local issues and needs, how those issue areas impact historically and systematically disadvantaged populations
  • Expand local network of professional contacts, community leaders, and resources


More Questions? Visit our FAQ here.

Upcoming Chamber Events & Opportunities

CEO Roundtable

Thursday, Feb. 5 | 8-9:15am


Our 1st CEO Roundtable of 2026 will be a general roundtable discussion.


Thank you to our Roundtable series sponsor: M&T BankRasa Spa, and to our CEO Roundtable sponsor: Coach AL.

Chamber 101: Maximize Your Membership

Friday, Feb. 6 | 9:30-11am


Chamber 101 is designed for members looking to begin, continue, or further involvement with the Chamber. Hosted by Gina Cesari, Member Relations Coordinator.

Ribbon Cutting for Cornell Team and Leadership Center Noyes Challenge Course

Tuesday, Feb. 10 | 2-3pm


Cornell Outdoor Education and the Cornell Team and Leadership Center are proud to announce the opening of the Noyes Challenge Course! Located in the gym in Noyes Fitness Center on Cornell's West Campus.

Business After Hours

Wednesday, Feb. 11 | 4:30-6:30pm


We are excited to invite you to an evening of celebration and connection with our host: Museum of the Earth!


As always, this event offers our members a special opportunity to share ideas and build connections. Thank you to our Business After Hours sponsor: One Step Coaching and Consulting.

2026 Economic Summit

Tuesday, Feb. 24 | 8:30am-1:30pm


The Economic Summit brings together regional leaders to explore the state of our local economy, highlighting key conditions, recent developments, and shared successes. Designed to foster informed dialogue, the summit offers members a meaningful opportunity to engage in advocacy-focused discussions alongside business leaders, nonprofit executives, elected and government officials, and members of the media. A special thanks to our hosts: Cinemapolis & Ithaca Downtown Conference Center!


With thanks to:

Presenting Sponsor: M&T Bank

Economic Development Partner: Ithaca Area Economic Development

Keynote Sponsor: Cornell University

Breakout Session Sponsor: Ithaca Downtown Conference Center

LGBTQ+ Roundtable at Asempe Kitchen

Tuesday, Feb. 25 | 3:30-5pm


The LGBTQ+ Roundtable is the perfect platform for queer professionals to cultivate relationships, explore topics relevant to their professional journeys, and advocate for LGBTQ+ representation in Tompkins County. 


Thank you to our Roundtable series sponsors: M&T Bank and Rasa Spa.

Coffee Talk at the Chamber: Education & Childcare

Friday, Feb. 27 | 9:30-10:30am


Join the Chamber Team and peers in your industry for fresh coffee & conversation. This month we invite professionals from the education & childcare industries to connect with friends & colleagues.


Thank you to Just Be Cause Center for sponsoring the series, and Gimme Coffee for providing the coffee and pastries!

Farm to Fork Microgrants

Open through Feb. 23

Free workshop on Wednesday, Feb. 4th

 

Visit Ithaca is offering Microgrants of up to $2000 to farm, agriculinary businesses, and restaurants looking to start new agriculinary enterprises or to market or expand existing enterprises. The purpose of the matching grant is to help kick-start new farm ventures or expand existing ventures, with a focus on initiating or expanding visitor-ready tourism opportunities in Tompkins County.

 

Would you like to learn more or receive tips for filling out the application? Join the free workshop on Wednesday, Feb. 4 from noon-1pm at the Visit Ithaca & Tompkins Chamber office.


Anyone welcome, please register by emailing Lucy@visitithaca.com

Member News & Events

Ithaca Loves Teachers returns February 13-28th, 2026!

Sign-up Opens Feb 1st.


For over 20 years, Ithaca area attractions, shops, and restaurants unite to host a community-wide celebration honoring PreK-12 educators and school staff. The celebration includes events throughout Tompkins County. It's our way of saying thanks to educators & school staff everywhere for all of your hard work and dedication!

2026 Tompkins Chamber & CVB Annual Award Nominations

Nominations are due by Friday, February 20th


Nominations will be accepted for Tompkins Chamber members by Chamber members only. We encourage nominating multiple members, so please fill out this form as many times as you wish. You are welcome to nominate more than one member in a given category. Self-nominations are also accepted. To submit additional nominations, select "submit another response" on the last page after hitting "submit." 

Greater Ithaca Activities Center’s 2026 Black History Month Talent Showcase

Thursday, Feb 5 | 6:30–8:30 pm


The Greater Ithaca Activities Center (GIAC) will host its 2026 Black History Month Talent Showcase at the Hangar Theatre. This year’s theme, “We Won’t Be Silenced & We Won’t Be Erased!” celebrates resilience, truth-telling, and the enduring impact of Black history and culture.


A special performance by the critically acclaimed Garifuna Collective will also be featured. This annual showcase is free and open to the public “but donations are welcomed,” with open seating.

New Show at State of the Art Gallery!

February 5th through March 1st


Please join State of the Art Gallery this month as fifteen of their artist members celebrate the returning light. The show will feature paintings, photos, prints, and drawings representing a broad spectrum of styles. The show will run from February 5th through March 1st, 2026. Gallery Night is Friday, February 6th, 5–8pm

March CE Course: Proactive End-of-Life Care Planning: Starting the Conversation Early.

Thursday, March 19 | 12-1pm


Brookdale is excited to share that they are relaunching the March CE program for their professional referral partners and would love for you to join the second free CE of the year! This session will be informative, engaging, and designed to support you in your work with older adults and their families—while making it easy to earn your CE credit over lunch.


Please RSVP over email to junobr@brookdale.com by Wednesday March 11th, 2026 to reserve your spot.

Timeless Hearing Sponsors National Tinnitus Awareness Week


By partnering with the American Tinnitus Association during Tinnitus Awareness Week, Timeless Hearing is bringing national-level advocacy to the local community. The sponsorship reflects the practice’s alignment with current research and best practices in tinnitus management, as well as its role as a trusted resource for both patients and referring healthcare professionals.

Host a Tompkins Chamber Event!



Why host an event with Tompkins Chamber? Visibility for your business, marketing to invited guests & attendees, expansion of your network, support of community, and to have fun!

Request a Meeting or Support from SBDC Counselor Liam McMahon


Use the link below to fill out an intake for to request services or a meeting with Liam McMahon. We are excited to host SBDC Counseling three days a week, right in our office! Many thanks to our sponsor Tompkins Community Bank.

Request Services Here >

Job Postings & Relocation Support

All Member Job Postings on our Website


PLUS: Members can post open positions here! >



Reminder: NYS Requires a compensation range for all job postings.

Tag #workinithaca if you post on Instagram!

Live + Work in Ithaca relocation digital flipbook is available!

Your business always has access to a professionally designed digital relocation guide– for your recruiting needs, or to share with visitors who are chatting about relocating to the area. Access the guide at the link below.

Grab the digital version of the guide here >

Our team is here for you:

Just call the Chamber at 607-273-7080, or email us at info@tompkinschamber.org. For specific need areas:


Peggy Coleman, President & CEO

Rob Montana, Vice President

Aleshia Akers, Event & Program Coordinator

Gina Cesari, Member Engagement Coordinator

Shelby Green, Administrative Assistant

Kay Gutierrez, Business Manager

Maria Telincho, Marketing & Communications Specialist

Carly Hansen, Director of Operations & HR

Diane Hemly, Office Manager & Bookkeeper

Carrie Bolton, ERN Success Coach

Mary Kay Marks, ERN Project Coordinator

tompkinschamber.org

607.273.7080

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