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 Mixer
- Media shout-out
- New digital archive available
- Recruit fave customers for teams
|
|
- Job Fairs
- NASCAR spirit
- 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
|
|
|
|
 |
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.
|
|
|
|
|
Join us at the
August Mixer!
Next month, we'll be meeting 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.
August 4, from 5pm to 7pm
Elks Lodge #1546
Watkins Glen
Register online. https://tinyurl.com/WGC-AugustMixer
|
|
|
|
|
More networking.
All skill levels welcome.
Register your team today!
The Chamber is registering teams for 3 summer events. We get that this is the busy time ... if you can't play yourself, recruit some of your best customers to represent you! Meet reps from other businesses and customers -- all prospective partners and customers. Here's the summer line-up:
>Alternatives Federal Credit Union Disc Golf (Aug. 19)
> 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!
|
|
|
|
|
Online travel pub highlights
region and members
Read Wine and Waterfalls in the Finger Lakes, an article that was recently published in GoNomad. Congrats and many thanks to the Chamber members who hosted the writer in May. According to GoNomad's website, during an average month, more than 5.2 million search impressions include GoNomad stories resulting in 86,000 clicks to their website. GoNomad is ranked fourth, worldwide, in Travel Blog Authority. The Chamber plans to host writers and influencers throughout the year. Please watch for requests to host these visitors in the future.
|
|
|
|
|
Chamber/FLWC/NASCAR partner to
show NASCAR pride
A regional, community-wide campaign is underway to welcome NASCAR fans, teams, and drivers to our community for the August event at WGI, organized by Finger Lakes Wine Country (FLWC). Banners and yard signs are available to purchase and complimentary posters are available for download. All requests for purchased options must be placed by 5pm on 7/19.
BANNERS FOR PURCHASE
Large Banner with grommets (6’w x 3’h): $95 or $100 with yard step stakes
Standard Retractable Banner with storage case (34”w x 80”h): $275
To purchase, email [email protected] by today (7/19) at 5pm. Finger Lakes Wine Country will invoice your business directly.
FREE OPTIONS THAT NEED TO BE ORDERED
Posters (12”w x 18”h)
Yard Signs (24”w x 18”h) on yard stakes
The options above will be available for pick up at the Watkins
Glen Area Chamber of Commerce (214 N Franklin St., Watkins
Glen) on or after Tuesday, July 27.
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.
|
|
|
|
|
Second request: Agritourism insight and content needed for Farm Country campaign
The Chamber is looking for social content to help the growing (pun intended) successes of our Farm Country campaign. Please contact Stephanie Specchio at [email protected] with any information or story ideas in the following areas:
- Farm Stay/Experience
- National Farmers Market Week (first full week in August)
- World Honey Bee Day– Third Saturday in August
- Meet the Farmer
- Family Fun (value travel, farm activities)
- Farm to Table (destination dining, recipes, local food)
- Learn (How-to, farming, raising animals, gardening, etc.)
|
|
|
|
|
Feedback requested: Fort Drum
In-Person Career Fair 9/16/2021
There is a potential for resources going to recruiting efforts to fill job vacancies here in the Schuyler/Watkins Glen Area. One of these opportunities is listed below. Do you have an interest in trying to obtain workers yet to be determined from the Fort Drum Job Fair(s)? If so, respond to [email protected] with your organization’s name, a hiring contact, phone and/or email for that contact, the job title, pay range, and start date for us to pass on. Should there be enough interest we will consider attending the show and/or pass on that information when and where possible. You may also make contact on your own if you want to consider attending for you own efforts.
EVENT (shared by Fort Drum):
Who: Fort Drum Transition Assistance Program and participating employers
What: Fort Drum Career Fair
When: September 16, 2021 – Thursday
Why: To offer career opportunities to our separating population
How and more information: Fort Drum will host its first indoor, face-to-face, post COVID-19 restriction Career Fair at the Commons on Fort Drum. Forty slots are available. This fair is open to all employers until slots are filled.
- Each employer will have one table with two chairs.
-
Application for sponsorship must be completed and returned no later than September 6, by 11:30am. ** The sponsorship form is needed to ensure you have access to the post; it does not ensure a table.
-
To ensure a spot, please complete the form at https://bit.ly/2TqCF0e. Email once you have completed the registration.
- As this is a Career Fair, there will be no sales of items or services. Fort Drum reserves the right to limit, forbid, or restrict attendance.
- COVID-19 restrictions and concerns: As this is an indoor event, in a congested space:
- Recommend limiting yourself to just one person. Fort Drum will authorize just 2.
- If not fully vaccinated, in accordance with CDC guidelines, you must wear a mask at all times.
- Bring hand sanitizer for your table.
Fort Drum is currently working on meal arrangements.
After reading the above, here are some tips to help ensure or improve your success:
- Send Fort Drum a one-page flyer of what careers you are trying to fill.
- Recommend using QR-codes for web address and/or point of contact information.
- Tell the prospective employee (on the flyer) if you would like them to bring or email a resume.
- Bring a table cloth for your table.
- Can’t attend this event? Here are more tips for success:
- You can still send a flyer for any open career positions. Once received, Fort Drum will share with some other entities on post, the counselors’ databases, physical bulletin boards, and some social media.
- Fort Drum is currently planning the next four career fairs and hope to have that out by early August so that you may plan ahead.
-
Local area, or willing to fly or drive? Fort Drum can offer you a table in our hallways in order to have contact with our separating population. We only have five tables and they fill up quick. Please email Desmond regarding the tables at [email protected] *** Please do not email him regarding the career fairs or flyers. Doing so will increase the response time.
|
|
|
|
Marketing & spotlight
opps still available
Visitors are here. Summer is here.
Share your message with several
great marketing opportunities
with the Chamber.
|
Questions? Contact Executive Director Michael Hardy: [email protected] or (607) 535-4300.
|
|
|
|
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 Consumer confidence in travel is soaring
This article in Groups Today Daily reminds me to remind you, our members and partners, that as confidence grows and the nation and world open to travel the tremendous numbers we are experiencing to our county and region will eventually level off and we will have more competition that will require us to stay vigilant in marketing, considering cooperative and collaborative programs. We will need to decide what we will do during shoulder seasons and long-term product and service development. Stay tuned, stay close, and stay connected with us here at your chamber and tourism promotion agency.
|
|
|
|
Join us 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
|
|
|
|
How-to: Make the most of the Chamber's website...tomorrow
Register for this month's Simpleview training on Tuesday, July 20 at 10am via zoom. Simpleview is your link to promoting your business on the Chamber's website (explorewatkinsglen.com). This session walks you through how to access and update your info on our website. Also, learn how to leverage the Chamber to increase attendance at your events during this training. Register with Abby Lane, Events and Membership Manager.
Zoom link:
Meeting ID: 845 7188 3465
Passcode: 505818
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
Beer Garden to bloom in Village Square
Join Lucky Hare Brewing in the Village Square (Third Street, Watkins) on 7/24 from noon to 8pm for a fun afternoon with newly released Glen Ale (in partnership with Finger Lakes Distilling). Music and food will be on-site for an all-inclusive afternoon. This is rescheduled from the event originally scheduled for July 17.
|
|
|
|
Exploring Census Data:
How Americans Spend
Leisure Time
Subject matter experts will dive into business data relatable to everyday life. You will learn how to access these valuable resources through real world case studies and examples.
July 22 at 2pm
- Dial In: 800-593-9969
- Passcode: 6273681 #
- WebEx Event Number (if needed): 199 648 0201
-
Event Password: #Census1 (If required, this password is only for users who join from a WebEx application or mobile app.)
|
|
|
|
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!
|
|
|
|
Live entertainment in Lafayette Park
Mark your calendar: On July 20, enjoy Harry Havery, with music from the 50s, 60s, and 70s. Performances begin at 7:00pm. Share this news with family, friends, and visitors.
Rock the decades with Harry at Castel Grisch on July 21, August 11, and August 22. For other events to enjoy, please visit the Chamber's events calendar (www.explorewatkinsglen.com/events/).
|
|
|
|
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 to10 for the CLASH Watkins Glen® to participate 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.
|
|
|
|
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 from WGI: Job Fair & NASCAR on-deck
Congratulations to WGI for another strong finish -- #2 -- in the 2021 High Octane Readers' Choice Awards for Best NASCAR track. See the complete list.
Watkins Glen International will host a job fair from 10am to 2pm on Saturday, July 24, in the WGI Media Center in advance of the Go Bowling at the Glen NASCAR race weekend. Applicants will be considered for positions as guest services attendants, event operations staff, event staff, cleaners, and gate staff. Attendees should enter through Gate 2 (2790 County Route 16, Watkins Glen). Job fair attendees are reminded that they will be required to complete an application and supply two forms of identification to WGI. Resumes are encouraged, but not mandatory.
Watkins Glen will host its NASCAR Go Bowling at the Glen weekend 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.
NASCAR and Ruoff Mortgage, a full-service residential mortgage company with 70+ brick and mortar retail locations and a national online consumer direct division, recently announced a multiyear partnership that will designate the company as the “Official Mortgage Partner of NASCAR.” The wide-ranging agreement includes branding of the most coveted real estate in all of motorsports, Victory Lane. Beginning at Watkins Glen International, Ruoff Mortgage will be the presenting sponsor of Victory Lane for the Cup Series, Xfinity Series, and the Camping World Truck Series across all NASCAR-owned tracks.
|
|
|
|
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
|
|
|
|
Regional icon
ready to write new chapter
This year is the 39th, and final, season for the Christmas House. The owners report that it's "time for us to go have some shenanigans." We wish them well and look forward to collecting some final treasures this year.
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
The Sanctuary is open
The Farm Sanctuary is officially welcoming guests once again to the Watkins Glen location. Tours are available Wednesdays through Sundays in July and August and are planned for weekends only in September and October. Pre-registration/booking is required online. Please be sure to share this with frontline staff, visitors, friends, and family.
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
Appalachian Nonprofit Resource Center graduates 159 leaders
The Appalachian Regional Commission recently announced the graduation of its first group of nonprofit leaders from the Appalachia Nonprofit Resource Center. Representing 12 of the 13 states in the Appalachian Region, the 159 participants from 95 organizations successfully completed a multi-week course in either financial management, fundraising, or nonprofit management/operations. Online registration for the Fall 2021 courses beginning September 13 is now open to any nonprofit organization located in the Appalachian region, including graduates from the inaugural courses. The registration form can be found here. Participants can request financial management, fundraising, programs and operations, or a new course focusing on board development as their 10-week course. The deadline for applications is August 6.
|
|
|
|
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 [email protected].
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?
|
|
|
|
Valicenti Advisory Services
announces new VP
Congratulations to Elizabeth A. Zarnoch, EA, who was recently promoted to Vice President of Tax and Business Services. As Vice President, Liz will oversee the day-to-day operations of the department, including tax, bookkeeping, sales tax and payroll and to enforce policies and procedures. Her extensive tax knowledge has proven to serve our clients well. If you have announcements, including promotions or new hires, please let us know.
|
|
|
|
New complex unveiled
Cayuga Health, Park Grove Realty, and community leaders held a groundbreaking ceremony recently for the newly unveiled Cayuga Park complex, located in Carpenter Park in the City of Ithaca just off NYS Rte. 13. The new complex will house a large Cayuga Health medical location, offering Walk-In Immediate Care, Medicaid friendly Primary Care, Specialty Services, Women’s Health, on-site imaging and a lab patient service center. It will also include affordable housing, retail space, and the Ithaca Community Gardens green space.
|
|
|
|
Dine out & support children
CASA of the Southern Tier is partnering with a restaurant in Elmira on July 29 from 4pm to 8pm to raise funds that will be used to help abused and neglected children in the Southern Tier. Visit the web to learn more.
|
|
|
|
Alzheimer's Walk
comes to Watkins Glen
The Alzheimer's Association of the Finger Lakes has announced that the 2021 annual walk will be held at Watkins Glen International on Thursday, October 14. Onsite registration begins at 3:00 p.m., but team captains and participants are encouraged to register early and help support the organization's mission with fundraising.
|
|
|
|
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. Send us a note, please! Also, be sure to post your offers for public and members on the WGACC Bulletin Board when you are checking out and/or updating your listing on the Simpleview Extranet.
|
|
|
|
Recent stats
More than 72 percent of adult New Yorkers have received at least one vaccine dose, per the CDC. To date, New York has administered more than 21 million total doses with greater than 66 percent of adult New Yorkers completing their vaccine series.
Outdoor dining rules have been extended for another year. Recently signed legislation allows bars and restaurants to continue using municipal spaces for outdoor dining. Outdoor dining was popular throughout the pandemic and was an important lifeline for many businesses.
|
|
|
|
Volunteers recognized
Schuyler County Public Health held a volunteer recognition event on June 25, 2021, to celebrate the hard work and dedication of volunteers who have helped combat COVID-19 by assisting with County vaccination efforts. Speakers included Chairman of the Legislature Carl Blowers, County Administrator Tim O’Hearn, Public Health Director Annmarie F. Flanagan DNP, FNP-C, Public Health Emergency Preparedness Coordinator Emily Warfle, and Schuyler Hospital Public Safety Manager Brian Gardner. The Department’s volunteers – the Medical Reserve Corps or MRC – have given more than 1,200 hours of their time helping with the clinics. The event, which was held at Clute Park, included recognition of each volunteer, a token of appreciation, and a brief lunch.
|
|
|
|
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?
Monday, July 19, from 4:00pm - 6:00pm at the Burdett Volunteer Fire Department
Adults 18 and older are currently eligible to get this vaccine.
The vaccine is provided at no cost to you.
Arnot Health is hosting a COVID vaccination clinic on Tuesday, July 20 at the Ira Davenport Memorial Hospital in Bath. All 3 COVID vaccines will be available. The clinic runs from 10am to 2pm, with walk-ins accepted until 1:30 pm.
Stay informed:
|
|
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)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
