Promote. Support. Engage. | | Chamber Annual Dinner & Community Awards | | |
The Yates County Chamber of Commerce honored the people, businesses, and organizations who make the Yates County community shine at its 2026 Annual Dinner, held June 10th at Climbing Bines. The evening was presented by Lyons National Bank and brought together members, sponsors, and community leaders for happy hour, dinner, and an awards presentation recognizing outstanding contributions across Yates County.
"Every year, this dinner reminds us just how much heart goes into building a stronger Yates County," said Chamber President Jessica Bacher. "These award winners aren't just doing good work. They're doing it because they genuinely care about this place."
The 2026 Annual Dinner was made possible by the generous support of our sponsors, including presenting sponsor Lyons National Bank, premium sponsors Stork Insurance Agency and Roots Decks & Remodeling, and many other local businesses that continue to invest in Yates County's community and economy.
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Snow Memorial Spirit Award: Friends of the Outlet
Judy Irwin, Board Member of Friends of the Outlet accepted the award
| | Seager Memorial Pride Award: Dawn Shipman | | Maxwell Memorial Award (Director of the Year): Kim Hughes | |  | Mike Linehan Memorial Business of the Year Award: Stork Insurance Agency; Derek and Matt Stork accepted the award | | | |
BAH Howard Hanna Lake Group
Wednesday, August 12, 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
229 Lake Street, Penn Yan
Howard Hanna Lake Group has been helping buyers and sellers navigate one of life's biggest decisions with confidence. Their experienced team combines local knowledge with personalized service to guide clients through every step of the real estate journey. As trusted real estate professionals, Howard Hanna Lake Group is committed to making the buying and selling process smooth and stress-free.
Join us for an evening of networking and connecting with community members and business owners while enjoying refreshments and engaging conversation. We look forward to seeing you there!
Please remember to bring your business card for door prizes and cash for the 50/50 raffle.
Plus: Attend all BAH's in 2026 be entered to win FREE Chamber Membership in 2027.
| | 2026 Business After Hours Schedule | | |
October 14th: Main Deck
December 9th: Keuka Housing Council
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2026 Community Table Dinner
Saturday, September 12th, 2026 at 5:00 PM
The Landing on Keuka Outlet Trailhead | Penn Yan, New York
136-138 Water Street
Tickets go on sale Monday, August 3rd at 9:00 a.m.
2026 Community Table Beneficiary: The Yates County Chamber of Commerce and the Community Table Planning Committee are proud to announce this year's Community Table Beneficiary, Dundee Public Library. The library supports the tight-knit community of Dundee that has come to rely on its variety of services, including books, audio and media items to borrow, computers, laptops and Wi-Fi access, a community room to host both children's and adult programming, and a local history collection to foster a continued interest in Dundee’s development and inspire future community members to continue to support their local library.
The Community Table Dinner is an annual event that raises funds to support a local nonprofit organization in Yates County. The event creates a warming sense of community while raising funds for a worthy cause. Since its inception in 2019, the event has donated over $71,000. Organizations that have benefited from the event include Keuka Advocacy Services, The Living Well, Our Town Rocks, Yates County Community Center, Penn Yan Theatre Company, and the Outlet Trail.
Mission of the Community Table Dinner Committee: We aim to create a sustainable, farm-to-table, community-driven event that brings people together to celebrate local food, support regional farmers, and foster meaningful connections. Rooted in sustainability, this gathering highlights fresh, locally sourced ingredients while promoting environmental responsibility. Through collaboration with local organizations, we strive to make a positive impact by giving back to the community and strengthening the local economy.
| | Mary & Vic Cottengim (far right) of The Trimmer House Bed & Breakfast accepted the award on behalf of Yates County Tourism | | |
Travel Alliance & Yates Tourism Win PR Award for Blogger Campaign
Yates County Tourism has been recognized with a PRism Award for its innovative Bed & Breakfast Crawl blogger campaign, a collaborative effort with Travel Alliance Partnership that highlighted the authentic hospitality and unique lodging experiences in Penn Yan.
Held in January, the campaign invited five travel content creators or writers to experience a curated Bed & Breakfast crawl featuring four historic inns located in Penn Yan. During their visit, the creators met innkeepers, explored the character and charm of each property, and documented cozy winter experiences that reflected the welcoming spirit of the destination. They also visited Keuka Spring Vineyards, Once Finger Lakes, and Laurentide Beer Company.
The four Penn Yan-based inns that were featured were Los Gatos Bed & Breakfast, Aubergine Bed & Breakfast, The Laurentide Inn, and Trimmer House Bed & Breakfast.
Through engaging social media content, photography, and storytelling, the campaign showcased the people and places that make Yates County a memorable getaway year-round. The campaign generated more than 125,000 views across digital platforms and secured upcoming editorial coverage, extending the reach of Yates County's tourism message to new audiences.
Theresa St. John's article, "Experience a Charming B&B Crawl in the Finger Lakes Region," about the experience was featured in the magazine Simply Saratoga. Copies are available at the Chamber office.
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Auto Wash Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting
Auto Wash Car Wash is now open in its newest location at 114 Lake Street in Penn Yan, bringing one of the region's favorite express car wash experiences to the center of Yates County. For Owner Bobby Marchenese, it’s not just about expanding his business, it's personal.
Marchenese grew up in Penn Yan and has long been part of the community on a personal level. Now, he's making it official as a business owner too. "Growing up in Penn Yan leaves its mark in your heart," said Marchenese. "I have always enjoyed being part of this community on a personal level, but have aspired to build a car wash here and be part of the business community as well. I look forward to working with our team here and putting our best foot forward every day."
The grand opening was celebrated with a ribbon cutting ceremony on June 2nd, hosted in partnership with the Yates County Chamber of Commerce. The Penn Yan location follows the Auto Wash express model: a fast, high-quality wash with free vacuums available at no extra charge. Customers can also sign up for the Auto Wash Club. For hours and membership information, visit their website at https://www.autowashcarwash.com.
| | Natalie Payne (Center) Executive Director of Saunders Finger Lakes Museum | | |
Natalie Payne Honored with Professional Achievement Award
Saunders Finger Lakes Museum Executive Director Natalie Payne received a 2026 Women of Distinction Award from Professional Women of the Finger Lakes.
She has been with the museum for over 15 years and celebrated 11 years as executive director this spring. Natalie is the current board chair of the Yates County Chamber of Commerce.
The NYS organization honored Natalie in the Professional Achievement category for leadership and regional impact, a well-earned award for her instrumental work and dedication to the museum.
Congratulations, Natalie! Thank you for all you do for the Yates County Chamber of Commerce, Finger Lakes Tourism, and the Saunders Finger Lakes Museum.
| | Member & Community Updates | | |
Penn Yan Residents Steve and Sue Heller to Receive Stork Award
For more than three decades, the Penn Yan couple has asked a single question when it comes to strengthening their community: How can we help? The answer has always been to roll up their sleeves.
In recognition of their efforts, Keuka College has selected Steve and Sue Heller as the recipients of the 2026 Donald and Corinne Stork Award for Community Service.
The award will be presented during a luncheon on Tuesday, Aug. 11, at noon on the Keuka College campus. The public is invited to attend and can register for the luncheon through the link below.
“Steve and Sue exemplify the spirit of service that the Stork Award was created to celebrate,” said Keuka College Associate Vice President for Advancement Billy Jo Jayne ’10. “They’ve spent years investing their time, talents, and energy into organizations and initiatives that make our communities stronger.”
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Keuka Comfort Care Home Launches Community Shoe Drive
Keuka Comfort Care Home is once again inviting the community to clean out their closets while supporting a meaningful cause through its annual Shoe Drive, running from July 1 through August.
Following the overwhelming success of the organization's first shoe drive two years ago, which collected an impressive 3,360 pairs of shoes, Keuka Comfort Care Home is bringing the fundraiser back after strong community interest.
New and gently used shoes of all sizes are being accepted, including men's, women's, children's, and baby shoes. Donations may include sneakers, boots, slippers, heels, cleats, and more, provided they are clean and in wearable condition. Skates cannot be accepted.
Collected shoes are picked up by a partner organization, weighed, and converted into a financial donation for Keuka Comfort Care Home. The shoes are then distributed to developing countries, where they provide affordable footwear while helping reduce landfill waste.
Donations can be dropped off beginning July 1 at Keuka Comfort Care Home, the Penn Yan Public Library, Modeste Bedient Memorial Library in Branchport, St. Paul's Lutheran Church, and Family Dollar in Penn Yan.
With the community's support, Keuka Comfort Care Home hopes to surpass its previous total of 3,360 pairs and make an even greater impact this year.
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Yates County Work Place Safety and NYS Narcan Requirements
The Yates County Public Health Department is offering free Workplace Safety Training sessions to help employers and employees meet New York State Narcan requirements while strengthening overall workplace safety. This update to NYS Labor Regulation (Sec 27-F) goes into effect on December 12, 2026. Each one-hour training covers overdose response, concussion awareness, fall prevention, and workplace safety basics, with free Narcan provided to participants. Sessions will be held on July 29 and August 25 at the Yates County Office Building Auditorium in Penn Yan, and on September 24 at Our Town Rocks in Dundee. Registration is available by scanning the QR code on the flyer or by calling 315-536-5160.
The Yates County Chamber of Commerce is proud to serve as a Narcan distribution site. By making Narcan readily available, the Chamber is supporting safer workplaces and strengthening the health and well-being of the Yates County community as the NYS labor regulation goes into effect. Businesses can stop by the Chamber Monday through Friday 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. to pick up the Narcan nasal spray. Each kit provides 2-single dose devices and instructions to administer.
| | Supporting Local This July | | |
Krossin' Keuka is a .67 mile FUN family swim across Keuka Lake. FUNdraising event for Keuka Comfort Car
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Not Your Average Car Show Annual Humane Society of Yates County car show and Chicken BBQ. Benefits the Shelter of Hope
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Saunders Finger Lakes Museum Raffle
Jackson Tupelo 12.5' kayak at the annual Paddle Keuka Event on August 1st
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Welcome to Yates
A collaboration between the Yates County Chamber & Finger Lakes Economic Development Center
This is an opportunity for new and existing residents and businesses to meet neighbors, learn about local resources, and discover the many benefits of living and doing business in Yates County.
Typically held on the first Thursday of every month from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., we’ll gather at a Yates County business to introduce you to this vibrant community. These casual events are designed to provide you with valuable information, connections, and resources as you settle into your new home or workplace.
Come and enjoy a relaxed, friendly atmosphere where you can ask questions, share experiences, and learn why this community is special.
Next Date & Location:
Saunders Finger Lakes Museum
August 6, 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Finger Lakes Economic Development Center | Facebook
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Yates County Community Gift Card
Shop Local. Support Local. Give Local.
Designed to keep local dollars here at home and bring new customers through your door, this updated version of the gift certificate makes it easier than ever for shoppers to support local.
If you are a current member and are interested in participating, please fill out the application form at the link below or contact us at the Chamber. If you have any questions, please reach out to Chrissy Kramer at the Yates County Chamber of Commerce by phone at 315.536.3111 or email Christine@yatesny.com.
Help support local businesses — one gift card at a time!
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LOCAL EVENTS - CHECK OUT OUR COMPREHENSIVE & DYNAMIC FREE LOCAL EVENTS CALENDAR FOR YATES COUNTY!
How to Guide for event listings & effective event promotion
Submit events to be included in the Yates Event Calendar
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