July 26, 2021
News, Happenings & Collaborations
Included in this Issue ...
We are pleased to share the following news, happenings, and collaborations with you! The information contained in this week's newsletter was shared with the Chamber on or before noon on the Thursday before it was sent. To have your information considered for inclusion in future issues, please submit your information on or before noon on the Thursday before you'd like it published.
  • Save the Date: August Mixers
  • Media shout-out
  • New digital archive available
  • Recruit fave customers for teams
  • Hero Act deadline approaching
  • Docks anyone?
  • Webinars explain laws & opps
  • Hiking safety tips
Visit Watkins Glen
& Schuyler County
Watkins Glen
Area Chamber
Pandemic Spotlight Updates

Even with the loosened restrictions for the pandemic, there are still reasons to check the CDC and State web sites for updates. Scroll down for helpful information. We will do our best to keep you up-to-date, but it is likely that there will be new updates as soon as we hit send!
NY Forward & Other Government News

  • Recent stats
  • Schuyler vaccine clinics & others
  • Join your neighbors and VaxUp
  • $800 million in grants for small businesses available
  • FEMA funds
Chamber News
ROI2

Are you leveraging your Return on Investment and Return on Involvment with the Chamber? Chamber members leverage a list of benefits and also have opportunities to share recommendations for decisions the Chamber is considering. Executive Director Michael Hardy invites members to join a committee and reap even more benefits: networking, collaborations, and an opportunity to share your expertise. Scan the QR code if you are interested in joining any of the following committees: Business and Education Committee; Tourism Taskforce; Events Committee; Marketing Committee; or Membership and Ambassador Committee.
Do you have a dock?

Visitors are asking ... which wineries and attractions have docks? For our guests who are traveling by boat, please let us know if you have a dock that customers can tie up to so they can visit your your location. Email info@watkinsglenchamber.com and we will share with our and other frontline staff.
Communication is key!

The Chamber produces this weekly electronic newsletter (the NHC) and also a monthly printed newsletter (the Engager). Both of these communications provide important updates from the Chamber as well as Chamber members and partners. If you miss one of the issues, we invite you to visit the digital archive.
Keep us (& your visitors) in the know

The Chamber is looking for restaurants and attractions that are open on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Our favorite saying this summer is "every day is a Saturday in Schuyler County." Lots of visitors with intense interest in our area. Where should we send them?

On a related note, we often use search engine results (like google and bing), social media, and websites to determine if our members are open or closed and what your offerings are. We really want to share accurate information so we hope that your online information is up-to-date.
Join us at the
August MixerS!

Next month, the Chamber is hosting TWO mixers for our members.

The first will be at the Elks Lodge, with light food provided by the Bucket. Join us for a couple hours of relaxing, networking, and tasty treats, 50/50 raffle, and door prize drawings. Cash bar will be available. Register online. https://tinyurl.com/WGC-AugustMixer

August 4 from 5pm to 7pm
Elks Lodge #1546
300 N. Madison Ave., Watkins Glen

The Chamber has re-imagined the Alternatives Federal Credit Union Disc Golf event to be a Chamber mixer (members are free; non-members $10). On August 19, members are invited to attend a mixer at Castel Grisch. Bring a desire to play disc golf (and discs if you have them). Daniel Ragland, a recognized player with the Professional Disc Golf Association, will offer disc golf demonstrations, after which the course will be opened for casual play for Chamber members. The Chamber will have some discs available for those who want to try their hand at this up-and-coming sport. Cash bar, light bites, and raffles. Register online: https://tinyurl.com/WGC-Aug19Mixer

August 19 from 4:00pm to 7:00pm
Castel Grisch
3380 County Route 28, Watkins Glen
More networking.
All skill levels welcome.
Register your team today!

The Chamber is registering teams for 2 September events. We want you on the course, for sure, but we know that timing and staff might be issues. If you can't play yourself, recruit some of your best staff and most loyal customers to represent you! Meet reps and customers from other businesses -- all prospective partners and customers. Here's the summer line-up:
> Corning Credit Union Cornhole Tourney (Sept. 2)
> Chemung Canal Trust Company Golf Tournament (Sept. 17)

Register your team now to secure your spot online (www.explorewatkinsglen.com/chamber-members/events/). Also, we're looking for sponsors who want to share their message with Chamber members and the public. Call Michael Hardy for options!
Marketing Opportunities

The Visitors are here. Summer is here. Share your message with several great marketing opportunities with the Chamber.
 
Window space at 214 N. Franklin Street: $125/month


Video segments at the State Park & at 214 N. Franklin: $130/month
 
Questions? Contact Executive Director Michael Hardy: michael@watkinsglenchamber.com or (607) 535-4300.
Media coverage highlights
region & our experts

Have a listen to this video featuring Orlando Rodriguez and Graft from the Dining Traveler: https://fb.watch/v/4_fjSEJZw/
Vote for Best Wine Region

The Finger Lakes has once again made it to the list of finalists for Best Wine Region in the USA TODAY 10Best Readers' Choice contest. We are thrilled to be named among these other regions and would love to take the top spot for a third time. Vote FLX! You can vote on each of your devices once a day through Sunday, August 1. Let's all get to work and ensure Finger Lakes takes the top spot in 2021.
Olympics underway; local athlete competing

Watkins Glen native Olivia Coffey has secured a spot on the U.S. women’s eight rowing team for the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, and we could not be prouder! Coffey was an alternate for Team USA for the 2016 Rio Olympics. This is the first time she has been chosen to compete in an Olympics. Be sure to tune in and cheer her on! Download a poster to show your spirit.
Chamber/FLWC/NASCAR partner to
show NASCAR pride

If you purchased materials in support of the regional, community-wide campaign to welcome NASCAR fans, teams, and drivers to our community in August, please make plans to stop by the Watkins Glen Area Chamber offices at 214 N Franklin Street for pick-up on or after Tuesday, July 27. Free, printable materials can still be accessed with the info below.

PRINTABLE SIGNAGE FROM YOUR COMPUTER
Printer Ready 8.5x11 Sign
www.dropbox.com/s/85zmkjbenbzxj9o/FLXNASCAR%20Printable%
20Sign%208.5x11.pdf?dl=0

Customizable 8x5x11 Sign
www.dropbox.com/scl/fi /ma6ti2nure5i32ivsw0zt/FLXNASCAR-
Printable-Sign-8.5x11-Customizable.docx-
?dl=0&rlkey=z5wpyvs253v4y35wr0t830c3z

Choose from either a PDF, ready for you to print, or a customizable Word document to include your business’ name. Please note, NASCAR has approved the logo/design and we ask that you do not alter it in any other way. Display these in windows, on doors, at your point of sale, or in any other highly visible areas of your business.
Let the Chamber know about
your events and summer traditions 

Let us help you celebrate summer 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, (https://www.explorewatkinsglen.com/events/submit-your-event/) 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! 
Hints from Hardy

Business and hospitality hints
from Michael Hardy

 
HINT 1 Share your hours
We know many of you are short staffed and/or trying not to burnout yourselves and/or your teams as well as maybe closing or adjusting your hours of operation. If you are closing early and/or on select days be sure you are updating your Google listings (and others as mentioned above) to reflect that and/or outgoing messages on your emails and/or voice/phone messages. These simple steps plus are key as is letting the Chamber know so we can inform our frontline guest service staff (who direct a lot of visitors your way). We use up-to-the-minute information to best inform people and set expectations realistically for all. We are really recommending people “Call Ahead” so they get confirmation of hours, products and service so not to be disappointed. We are advising frontline staff everywhere to do the same.

HINT 2 Consider social to hit your advertising goals
While this article from Groups Today acknowledges that advertising on social may not be for everyone, it also says that 97% of business to consumer companies advertise with Facebook. It's definitely an option to consider. This article shares two common mistakes and how to avoid them. It's all about people and words!

HINT 3 Be strategic with email
Email marketing is a popular tool to reach your audiences. Done well, it's efficient and cost effective. This article shares thoughts to keep in mind as you're writing subject lines, picking your audiences, and attempting to reduce the number of spam complaints.

HINT 4 Care for natural resources
I hope each of us looks for opportunities to be good stewards of our region's natural assets. These assets include Ontario County, as what happens there impacts our neighbor to the north Geneva. Tourists often choose our region as their vacation destination simply because of our natural resources. Please consider the information shared in this newsletter by the Ontario County Soil & Water Conservation District.
Happenings
Wine Education on our doorstep

Cultivate FLX helps people grow their knowledge about wine through the globally recognized Wine & Spirit Education Fund (WSET). Located here in the Finger Lakes, Cultivate FLX is an approved program provider, offering best-in-class education and qualification to "inspire and empower wine professionals and enthusiasts." Credentials obtained through WSET are recognized around the world and set the standard for wine expertise. Options are available for people who are just starting in the industry as well as those with established careers. Should you want to enhance your knowledge of the wine industry, please visit Cultivate FLX online.
Join us tomorrow for
"Talking Tuesdays"

Chat with the Chamber about pressing issues for tourism-based businesses in the Finger Lakes. The next "Talking Tuesdays" will be July 27 from 12 noon to 1pm. This will be the last afternoon Talking Tuesday until further notice. These sessions are comprised of brainstorming, planning, information from the Chamber, and from time to time a guest speaker. At most upcoming sessions, we will review Domo+rove mobile device data collected for 2019, 2020, and into 2021. These mobile device stats are great for making marketing and advertising decisions for your businesses, both in the short- and long-terms. 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
Coffee Connections:
July 27 @ 8:30

Mix and mingle over a cup of coffee with business professionals, community leaders, and the Chamber team! Coffee Connections is a great way to meet people, build partnerships, make friends and casually network with Chambers members and staff. This is a face-to-face event and will be held in the Chamber's conference room (214 N. Franklin Street, Watkins Glen). Register here.
NYS HERO Act:
deadline approaching

The deadline is approaching for NYS businesses to comply with the Health and Essential Rights Act, the state's newly enacted infectious disease prevention requirement. The HERO Act creates enforceable safety and health standards to stop the spread of COVID-19 and other infectious diseases in the workplace through prevention plans and the creation of employee safety committees. The Upstate chapter of the BBB is offering a live webinar on Monday, July 26, at noon. Join with questions!

Information is also available from Burr Consulting. Review detailed information about the new requirements here.
Community thank you planned

The Schuyler County Sheriff’s Office is holding a community thank you event on Wednesday, July 28, 2021, from 11am - 1pm on the Schuyler County Courthouse Lawn (918 N Franklin St, Watkins Glen, NY 14891) in partnership with Schuyler County Public Health. Free hot dogs, cookies, and bottled water will be given out as a thank you for the community's support. Community members can also meet Sheriff’s Office and Public Health personnel at the event. The COVID-19 vaccine will also be available.
Live entertainment in Lafayette Park

Mark your calendar: On July 27, enjoy Donna & the Mystics, playing a variety of genres, including country. Performances begin at 7:00pm. Share this news with family, friends, and visitors.
CLASH Watkins Glen
is on the books

In combination with Wine Fest Weekend 2022, triathlon athletes will be in the Glen we call Watkins. Mark your calendar for July 8-10, 2022, for the CLASH Watkins Glen® to participate (register here) or cheer on those who are. The course will finish at the historic Watkins Glen International Speedway, where the Finger Lakes Wine Festival will be in full swing and hosting a finish line festival. Just an FYI ... the Ironman is being held the same weekend in Geneva.
Roll up your sleeves sessions

Summer Planting for an Autumn Harvest: July 27 from 6pm to 8pm via zoom. Details here.

First Fridays with Cornell Integrated Pest Management: August 6 from noon to 12:30pm and the first Friday of each following month. Presented virtually. Speakers will offer practical solutions to pest problems. Details here.
Member News & Collaborations
Updates all around

A little birdie told us that the Seneca Lake Wine Trail will be hosting an incarnation of the traditional Deck the Halls events. Details are still being created, so please watch for updates!

Does your organization have news to share? A promotion, a new service, a new product? New hours or location? Send us your news so we can help you share it. Looking for advertising opportunities? We have them too. If you'd like to encourage sales of your product line and/or service offerings, please contact Stephanie Specchio.
Updates from Seneca Lake
Wine Trail

The Seneca Lake Wine Trail supports many local organizations and charities through their Donations Program. The Trail's member wineries provide wine to help the Trail fulfill these requests. If you have an upcoming event where Seneca Lake wine might have a presence, please be sure to reach out to the Seneca Lake Wine Trail for the Guidelines and Donation Request Form, especially for silent auctions. For more information, please contact: Seneca Lake Wine Trail Office Manager Glenda Stermer Simpson, info@senecalakewine.com.
Updates from WGI

As thousands of fans prepare to camp at Watkins Glen International for the upcoming NASCAR race weekend, the track has formalized a relationship with RVshare as the Official Camping Partner of Watkins Glen International in a multi-year partnership. RVshare is the world’s first and largest peer-to-peer RV rental marketplace that matches RV owners with travelers looking to rent recreational vehicles, from affordable travel trailers to luxury motorhomes.

Hazlitt 1852 Vineyards has also renewed as a presenting sponsor on “The Bog Sponsored By Red Cat” hospitality area for the upcoming Go Bowling at The Glen NASCAR race weekend.

This year's NASCAR Go Bowling at the Glen weekend is Aug. 6-8. The Clean Harbors 100 at the Glen ARCA Menards Series race will be on Friday, Aug. 6 at 6pm. The United Rentals 167 at the Glen NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race will be on Saturday, Aug. 7 at 12:30pm and the NASCAR Xfinity Series race is scheduled for 4pm. On Sunday, Aug. 8, the NASCAR Cup Series Go Bowling at the Glen takes the green flag at 3pm. More information can be found online. Please share details with frontline staff, visitors, friends, and family.
Update from Insero and Co.
As of July 26, 2021, Insero and Co.'s Ithaca office will move to 20 Thornwood Dr., Suite 200, Ithaca. Check out their new location and read more. The Chamber also wants to thank Insero for their help in securing yet another clean audit for 2020!
Update from
Sunset View Creamery

Sunset View Farmers Market will be participating in the National Farmers Market Week, held this year from August 1 to August 7. The Creamery will be offering recipes that will include the vegetables/fruits that will be available that week. Watch for updates from Sunset View Creamery. If you will be participating in this national event, please let us know!
Silver medal winner in regional competition

Congratulations to Horseheads Brewing for its silver-medal finish in the Fruit and Spice (non-sour) category of the Best Beers in NYS Craft Beer Competition. Their ale was chosen from 79 entries. Read more about the competition here.
Update from the Montour Falls Library

Patrons are now welcome to enter the building for browsing, computer use, and printing services without first making an appointment. Library staff still encourage patrons to call ahead to schedule meetings or tutoring. Masks are required inside the building, regardless of vaccination status. Please know that the Library will be temporarily closed on Saturdays. Tomorrow, July 27, the Corning Science & Discovery Center will offer special presentation on giraffes. The session will be at Havana Glen and starts at 10am.
New use for welding skills: art

Corning Community College has announced a new workshop that teaches people how to use weld pieces of art. Find the details here.
Vote for a fellow Chamber member

Daily to-do through Aug 6 (please!)!! Experience! The Finger Lakes has been nominated for a second year in a row for the USA Today Best Wine Tour reader’s choice competition. Let's move them to 1st place! Vote daily: http://ow.ly/Nyq850FwNe7
August is FLX Wine Month

Although details are still being finalized, it's official. During August 2021, Finger Lakes wineries will celebrate with FLX Wine Month. To be among the first to know the details, register for email updates online.
Be smart and safe while you hike

With thanks to the Finger Lakes National Forest, please consider the following recommendations to stay safe this summer on hiking trails. Share this graphic with frontline, family, friends, and visitors.
Women Leaders Launchpad

The Community Foundation of Elmira-Corning and the Finger Lakes is collaboratively sponsoring a program designed for women in non-profit organizations who are willing to make an investment in themselves, are open to creative expression, committed to applying learning in all areas of life, and eager to become a role model. For more information and to apply by August 13, visit the website.
Want to work at CMOG?

The Corning Museum of Glass is recruiting for part-time museum guides to start in September. Apply by August 6. Interested candidates should apply for this position by submitting a resume and cover letter by August 6 to edu@cmog.org.
 
The cover letter should briefly address the following questions:
--What excites you about this position?
--How do your skills and experience match up with this position?
--How has your experience prepared you to support CMoG’s mission, vision, values, and equity statements 
A Summer of art planned

The Franklin Street Gallery has a summer of art planned. The En Plein Air Artist Series features Mike Kniffin on Saturday, August 21, and Sandy Cook on Saturday, September 18. All events are from 11am to 2pm and will be in the Village Square (intersection of Third and Franklin Streets).

The Montour Falls Library also has a summer learning program is in full swing, with a Tails & Tales series, programs every Friday through August 13, and Grab & Go Activity Packs. Registration is required for some activities and quantities may be limited. For more information call (607) 535-7489.
GOT NEWS? THIS SPACE RESERVED FOR
LODGING MEMBER UPDATES
Any and all accommodation members are welcome to share their food, entertainment, and packages with the Chamber. We will help spread the word here in our e-news and on our social media platforms and website. Please know that we do NOT have complete information on availability and openings. In most cases, we direct guests to www.explorewatkinsglen.com, where they can find links to area lodgers. With this in mind, we hope you will keep your listings current and be sure to post your offers for the public and members on the WGACC Bulletin Board when you are checking out and/or updating your listing on the Simpleview Extranet.
Government News
Grants for small businesses

The successful recovery of small businesses is key to New York State's future. Empire State Development is happy to announce the New York State COVID-19 Pandemic Small Business Recovery Grant Program is open now. It was created to provide flexible grant assistance to currently viable small businesses, micro-businesses, and for-profit independent arts and cultural organizations in the State of New York who have experienced economic hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Grant awards will be calculated based on a business’ annual gross receipts for 2019:
•Annual gross receipts = $25,000-$49,999: $5,000/business;
•Annual gross receipts = $50,000-$99,999: $10,000/business; and
•Annual gross receipts = $100,000-$500,000: 10% of gross receipts (max grant is $50,000).

For eligibility requirements and more information regarding the New York State COVID-19 Pandemic Small Business Recovery Program, please visit www.nysmallbusinessrecovery.com. The program is administered by ESD and powered by Lendistry.
Non-medical private non-profits: apply for FEMA funds

Because the pandemic was declared a Major Disaster and is ongoing, public assistance is authorized for Category B Emergency Protective Measures related to the COVID-19 response. To mitigate the pandemic’s impact on nonprofits, New York State is launching a targeted initiative to provide information and training to NON-MEDICAL Private Nonprofits (PNPs) and intermediary organizations applying for FEMA funding to reimburse costs incurred as a direct result of the COVID-19 pandemic. PNPs and their umbrella organizations are invited to FEMA overview sessions, offering an overview of the FEMA public assistance process as well as a number of COVID-19 disaster-specific topics and policies that FEMA has implemented. For more details on the initiative and related resources, please access the Grants Gateway site. To register for the informational overview, see below for next steps or access the Grants Gateway for more information.
Arts funding to help COVID recovery

$105 million in arts and cultural funding is available through the New York State Council on the Arts, to reinvigorate near-term live performances. Apps are being accepted now. The grants will aid in the arts sector's multi-year recovery from COVID-19. For more info: 518-474-8390
Vaccine clinic info
In Schuyler County?
  • Wednesday, July 28, 2021, from 11 AM - 1 PM on the Schuyler County Courthouse Lawn during the Community Thank You Event with the Sheriff's Office
  • The single-dose Janssen Johnson & Johnson (J&J) vaccine will be provided at this clinic.
  • Adults 18 and older are currently eligible to get this vaccine.
  • The vaccine is provided at no cost to you.
  • Free hot dogs, cookies, and bottled water will be given out as a thank you for the community's support.
  • Tuesday, August 3, from 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM at the Reading Town Hall
  • The single-dose Janssen Johnson & Johnson (J&J) vaccine will be provided at this clinic.
  • Adults 18 and older are currently eligible to get this vaccine.
  • The vaccine is provided at no cost to you.
  • Saturday, August 14, from 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM at the Clute Park Pavilion during the Italian-American Festival
  • The single-dose Janssen Johnson & Johnson (J&J) vaccine will be provided at this clinic.
  • Adults 18 and older are currently eligible to get this vaccine.
  • The vaccine is provided at no cost to you.
Stay informed:
Interested in tracking vaccine results? Bookmark this page: ny.gov/vaccinetracker.
For the latest updates on news and regulations, bookmark the New York Forward webpages.
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
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)