Promote. Support. Engage. | | FEATURED MEMBER OF THE MONTH | | |
The Tavern Restaurant:
Celebrating 40 Years of Chamber Membership
Celebrating 40 years as a member, The Tavern Restaurant has remained a longtime favorite on Elm Street in Penn Yan. Known for its casual pub-style dining atmosphere, popular menu favorites, and social connections, the Tavern continues to serve as a gathering place for residents and visitors, guaranteeing good food, good friends, and good times.
Purchased by Dan Thomas (Uncle Dan) in 1972, he established patronage and elevated the bar experience to mean camaraderie and community. When Dan decided it was time to retire in 2012, he passed The Tavern Restaurant on to his nieces and nephew. Steven, Donna, and Lisa Sneckenburg have remodeled and expanded The Tavern. Lunch and Dinner are offered daily, with extended dining space, and guests can enjoy the traditional tavern games of pool, darts, and shuffleboard.
The Tavern is more than a restaurant, bar, or pub. It is a place where friends meet for lunch, families gather for dinner, and visitors experience a true small-town atmosphere while exploring the Finger Lakes region. The dedication to customers, consistent friendly service, and tasty pub offerings have helped the business remain a familiar and trusted part of Penn Yan for decades.
The Tavern also carries an important piece of local history right out front. The iconic sign that greets guests at the entrance was crafted by a sign maker from Geneva and installed shortly after Prohibition ended. The historic sign continues to stand as a reminder of the restaurant’s longstanding place in the community and the generations of customers who have walked through its doors.
Steve, Donna, and Lisa continue a tradition of hospitality and hometown pride that has made The Tavern Restaurant a piece of Yates County for generations. When asked about the value of Chamber membership, owner Lisa Sneckenburg said, “The Yates County Chamber of Commerce helps us amplify our visibility in the community and helps us expand that further to visitors and tourists that come to the area year-round. We have been proud members for 40 years.”
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Sunshine Farm
Owners: Esther and Chester Sauder
3720 Lakemont Himrod Rd | Himrod
(607) 243-5466
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Yates County Chamber of Commerce Annual Dinner
Wednesday, June 10th
5:00 p.m. Cocktail Hour; 6:00 p.m. Dinner & Awards
at Climbing Bines Hop Farm & Brewery
Join us for the 2026 Yates County Chamber of Commerce Annual Dinner and Community Awards! Get ready for a fun twist on the evening with a Hawaiian theme. Hawaiian attire is encouraged. Hawaiian fare catered by Ben Comstock of True Roots Catering.
In addition to the festivities, this event raises funds for the Chamber to support our work in fostering economic development, business growth, and community involvement throughout Yates County.
Stork Insurance will be presented with the Mike Linehan Business of the Year Award!
Enjoy live music, plus New this Year: Dessert and Vacation Live Auctions.
Dinner catered by True Roots
$85 Per Person | $800 Corporate Table
Additional Sponsorships Available
Nominations are open for the annual Snow Award and the Seager Award!
Full announcement and award details.
| | 2026 Business After Hours Schedule | | July 8th: Chubb Hollow Event Center
August 12th: Howard Hanna Lake Group | | |
October 14th: Main Deck
December 9th: Keuka Housing Council
| | 2027 BAH Hosting Opportunities Now Open | | |
Host BAH in 2027. Business After Hours hosts have the opportunity to showcase their business, products, and services while engaging with the community.
We are currently looking for the last host of the 2027 BAH program:
December 8th.
Contact Jody Tyler, Director of Member Services, by email jody@yatesny.com or by phone at (315)536-3111 for more information.
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Brochure and Literature Exchange
Yates County Chamber of Commerce & Visitor Center
Wednesday, May 20, 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
2375 Route 14A, Penn Yan
The Yates County Chamber of Commerce is hosting a casual, drop-in brochure exchange on May 20th from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM. This informal event is designed to help local businesses and organizations prepare for the upcoming tourism season by stocking up on key visitor materials, including the Travel Guide, Hike and Bike Guide, and the Taste of Yates Local Food Guide.
We encourage attendees to bring their own rack cards, brochures, and other literature to share, so their business is represented in our tourism office and lobby. Stop by at your convenience. There is no formal program, just a great opportunity to connect and exchange materials. Beverages and Oak Hill cookies will be provided.
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2026 Event Sponsorship Opens for the Yates County Chamber
Please consider sponsoring Yates County Chamber of Commerce events as a part of
your marketing plan this year. Sponsoring events is an investment in the success of
the entire community. These events bring residents, visitors, and businesses together, creating opportunities to market to an engaged audience.
Sponsoring an event has several key benefits for your business:
High-Visibility Brand Exposure
Building Reputation & Credibility
Direct Community Connection
Relationship & Networking Opportunities
Economic Impact & Local Growth
Learn more about sponsorship opportunities through a variety of events and offerings at the link below.
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This month's Business Beat was provided by Payroll Vault, locally owned and operated by Marty and Dawn Shipment. Payroll Vault offers customized payroll processing, compliance support, HR integration, retirement administration, workers’ compensation solutions, background checks, and more to help businesses operate efficiently and stay compliant. They also provide free payroll checkups to identify potential savings and compliance gaps, along with dedicated local support tailored to your business needs.
Seasonal Hiring:
A Payroll & Compliance Checklist for Summer Employers
Seasonal hiring is at its peak, and many local businesses are welcoming extra staff to keep up with the influx of visitors as we head toward summer. Since seasonal hiring happens quickly, having a smooth onboarding process, especially payroll, can really help protect your business and give your new employees a smooth, confident start.
Here’s your quick checklist to keep payroll stress-free and your summer team smiling from day one:
Collect a Federal Form W-4 (Employee’s Withholding Certificate). This tells your payroll process how much federal income tax to withhold.
https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/fw4.pdf
Collect NY Form IT-2104 (Employee’s Withholding Allowance Certificate). This supports New York State (and, when applicable, NYC/Yonkers) withholding.
https://www.tax.ny.gov/pdf/current_forms/it/it2104_fill_in.pdf
Complete Form I-9 (Employment Eligibility Verification) on time. Employees complete their section by the first day of work, and employers complete verification within the required timeframes (generally within three business days of the start date).
https://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/document/forms/i-9.pdf
Notice of Pay Rate. Employers must give a written notice of the wage rate to each new hire.
https://dol.ny.gov/notice-pay-rate
Submit New York New Hire Reporting. Report newly hired or rehired employees who will work in New York State within 20 calendar days of the hire date. https://www.nynewhire.com/#/login
Having a hire packet ready with all the essential paperwork helps you onboard new employees quickly while keeping payroll and compliance details organized.
| | Member & Community Updates | | |
Natalie Travis Named National President of Women for WineSense
Natalie Travis, owner of Outlet 111, a waterfront craft cocktail and wine bar overlooking the Outlet Trail on the corner of Liberty and Water Street in Penn Yan, has been selected as the National President of Women for WineSense. WWS is an organization founded in 1990 to support wine education and relationship building.
The Finger Lakes chapter of the organization was formed in 1992. WWS has grown into a national organization of professionals in the industry and has a dozen chapters throughout the country. They foster growth, knowledge, and appreciation of wine and its cultural and historical significance. Congratulations to Natalie as she takes over a well-earned and deserved role with Women for WineSense.
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Volunteers Need
Penn Yan Annual Cruisin' Night and Block Party
Friday, June 5
Main Street, Penn Yan
The Downtown Business Council of Penn Yan is excited to announce the upcoming Penn Yan Annual Cruisin' Night on Friday, June 5, 2026! This beloved event brings together car enthusiasts, families, and community members for a day of classic vehicles, fun activities, and local pride.
To make this event a success, we're looking for enthusiastic volunteers to join our team. Volunteers play a crucial role in creating a welcoming atmosphere and ensuring everything runs smoothly. There are a variety of volunteer opportunities from 1-hour shifts to the duration of the event. For more information follow the link below.
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Pedal Palooza Sets the Wheels in Motion for Summer in Dundee
Dundee Library
Saturday, May 30, 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
On Saturday, May 30, the Dundee Library will host a community-wide event known as “Pedal Palooza.” This bike safety program will feature a brief presentation by the Yates County Sheriff’s Office, along with various games and activity stations, free helmets, and even free ice cream. Kick off the summer with the Dundee Library at Pedal Palooza on Saturday.
Pedal Palooza will take from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the parking lot and backyard of the Dundee Library, located at 32 Water St., Dundee, NY. Baker encourages kids and their families to attend, learn valuable safety tips from the Sheriff’s Office, and, of course, bring their bikes for a fun-filled event. This free event is made possible through the support of Our Town Rocks’ partnership, the Keuka Area Fund, and the Dundee Library’s operating budget.
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Welding Technician Training Program in Yates County
Finger Lakes Community College and Coach and Equipment have partnered to bring a Welding Technician training program to Yates County beginning in July 2026. The program is designed to provide local residents with convenient access to hands-on welding training and career advancement opportunities.
Classes will be held at Coach and Equipment on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2:45 to 5:45 p.m., beginning July 14, 2026, and continuing through mid-December. Participants will receive instruction in MIG, TIG, and stick welding and may have the opportunity to earn Miller certifications.
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FLX Retreats Announces July Opening of The Seneca Lake Treehouse Lodge
FLX Retreats has announced the upcoming opening of The Seneca Lake Treehouse Lodge, a new weddings and events venue situated on the company’s private treehouse property overlooking Seneca Lake. The Lodge will officially open its doors this July, offering a modern-rustic setting designed for weddings, corporate gatherings, retreats, and celebrations.
The Seneca Lake Treehouse Lodge features wooded lake views, natural timber architecture, indoor-outdoor event flow, and access to the property’s signature elevated treehouses. The space is designed to accommodate both intimate and larger events, with flexible layouts for receptions and other gatherings.
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ONYA Bud to Bloom Luncheon and Silent Auction
The Ontario Yates Fund for Women and Girls, Inc. (ONYA) will host its annual Bud to Bloom Luncheon and Silent Auction on Saturday, May 30, 2026, at the 41 Lakefront Hotel by Wyndham in Geneva. The event will begin with a silent auction from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m., followed by luncheon festivities at noon.
The Bud to Bloom Luncheon and Silent Auction celebrates the work supporting women and girls throughout the region while raising funds for future community initiatives. Guests are encouraged to RSVP by May 25, 2026. For more information, contact ONYA at ONYA14424@gmail.com or call 585-733-2216.
| | Memorial Weekend Events
In & Around Yates County throughout the Memorial Weekend holiday | | |
18th Annual Keuka Arts Festival
Hosted by the Arts Center of Yates County, Along the Keuka Outlet Trail
Saturday, June 13th & Sunday June 14th
10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
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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:
Thursday, June 4, 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Location TBA
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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