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An update from Executive Director Gina Mintzer
Who said this time of year was slow?!?!
Your Chamber & CVB continues to juggle many balls to ensure the health and vitality of our tourism economy. 
From consumer show attendance to gearing up for CVB trade shows to re-energizing mixers to working with our local producers with the Taste NY Market at the Adirondacks Welcome Center, this winter has been jam-packed with events and activities to keep everyone moving and grooving. 
We continue to focus on collaborations and here are a few that may directly impact you: please let us know if you are offering any specific discounts to our J1 students and/or to hospitality employees in general as well as any type of Hospitality Days. We know that The Great Escape is hosting their hospitality days to showcase the new Hurricane Harbor on May 24 and 25 as well as May 31 and June 1 while The Hyde Collection is offering “concierge day” on May 14. Stay tuned for more details on that. Let us know if you are planning any of these types of activities so we can spread the good word! Email Amanda Metzger at amanda@lakegeorgechamber.com .
This event is important for all local employers of students visiting on a J1 Visa and those housing students.
For those of you opening restaurants, F&B outlets, and gift shops may we suggest partnering up with our Adirondack Craft Beverage Trail producers and Adirondacks Welcome Center Taste NY Market partners for products. Please call us at 518-668-5755 and let us know if you’d like a contact list! To continue the conversation, check out our members only Facebook page to stay connected.
We’re very fortunate to live in such a beautiful place, yet there are those in our community who need our help. In 2018, the Regional Food Bank of NENY supplied more than 1.6 million pounds of food to 33 non-profit agencies in Warren County, that translates into 30,000 meals to over 5000 neighbors on a monthly basis. They are asking for our help to offer raffle prizes for their upcoming 3rd Annual Strawberry Festival, June 15, at the Altamont Fairgrounds. They have grown this event to attracting over 4000 people and it is a major fundraiser for them.
As many of you know, Common Roots was devastated by a fire recently and our thoughts and prayers are with the Webers, their employees and all those touched by this tragedy. Please read below about some ways you can support them.
We look forward to seeing you at one (or many) of the events coming up throughout April!

Cheers,

Gina Mintzer
RSVP Today!
Please join us for networking, delicious food and drinks and a chance to win your business a live commercial at the April Business After Hours Mixer at The Longhorn Restaurant & Pub in Lake Vanare!
Welcome New Members!
Alpine Lake RV Resort
78 Heath Road                                       
Corinth, NY 12822                               
Phone: 518-654-6260
POC: Bob Scott

Description of business:  Centrally located between Lake George and Saratoga Springs, at the foothills of the Adirondack Mountains. Simply relax by a fire or take advantage of our two private lakes with vacation rentals, camping, boating, fishing, sandy beach, restaurant and recreational activities for everyone. A place you can call home for any length of stay.

Krantz Cottage, A Retreat Program of Ronald McDonald Charities
161 Ottawa Street
Lake George, NY 12845
Phone: 518-438-2655
Website: rmhcofalbany.org
POC: Jeffrey Yule

Description of business:  Providing a beautiful retreat where families with a seriously ill child or those grieving the loss of a child, can spend precious time together in a relaxed, natural environment, a world away from the hospital, while enjoying all of the hospitality the Lake George Region is known for

Lake George Dinosaur Partners, LLC
1912 State Route 9            
P.O. Box 392        
Lake George, NY 12845                                        
Phone: 518-668-7627
POC: John Collins

Description of business:  Lake George Expedition Park promises adventure, discovery, and excitement to attendees of all ages. Each of its attractions are a quality experience that will spark imagination and creativity. Visitors will explore and immerse themselves in unique outdoor environments, including Dino Roar Valley that will transport guests back to when dinosaurs roamed the earth.
 
Nettle Meadow
484 S. Johnsburg Road     
Thurman, NY 12885                                             
Phone: 518-623-3372
Website: Nettlemeadow.com
POC: Sheila Flan

Description of business:  A cheese company, goat and sheep dairy, and animal sanctuary in Thurman, just below Crane Mountain. Renowned nationally for award winning cheese and farm animal sanctuary. Cheese Shop is open 10:00am to 4:00pm daily, year round.

Bartlett, Pontiff, Stewart & Rhodes, P.C
1 Washington Street
P.O. Box 2168
Glens Falls, NY 12801 
Phone: 518-832-6446
Website: Bpsrlaw.com
POC: Megan Irish
 
Description of business:  The attorneys at Barlett, Pontiff, Stewart & Rhodes, P.C. create a diverse group with expertise and experience which allows us to provide a broad spectrum of legal services for our clients. As a result, no matter what your legal issues, Bartlett, Pontiff, Stewart & Rhodes, P.C. will be able to address your needs.
 
 
Morgan Stanley-Philip A. Barnes II
20 Maple Street
Glens Falls, NY 12801 
Phone: 518-742-2080
Website: None available at this time
POC: Philip Barnes
 
Description of business:  As a financial advisor, Philip emphasizes a client-centric approach the clients he serves. His process begins with gaining a thorough understanding of the client's stated goals. Once determined, he provides value through proper due diligence and leveraging Morgan Stanley's intellectual capital, so he can assist with bringing their wealth legacy goals to fruition.
Submit You Specials!
Please tell us about your upcoming specials whether they are for Easter, Passover or something else. We want to help promote your business. Please click here to submit your special!
If you're interested in advertising in our monthly consumer e-blast, the cost is only $50 per email. Please email Amanda Metzger at amanda@lakegeorgechamber.com for more details. This is sent to approximately 25,000 emails. The average Open Rate is 14% and the average Click Through Rate is 22 percent. The deadline for materials for the next consumer e-blast is this Thursday, April 4.
Season Finale!
We had a phenomenal Travel Show season. For a reminder of all the places we've been promoting our destination, click the image to your right.
The members who joined our brochure co-op received tremendous exposure at several well-attended shows.

Please contact Kim Saheim at (518) 668-5755 if you are interested in participating in next year's Travel Show Co-Op program. Stay tuned for the schedule! Travel Show season starts in the fall.
Here are some images from the Le Salon de la Femme (National Women's Show) in Montreal last weekend. This was our last show of the 2018-19 Consumer Travel Show Season. Stay tuned for a full breakdown on our Travel Show Season in the next newsletter.
SlickFin Ribbon Cutting
Congratulations to SlickFin Brewing Company on their grand opening! We joined them for an Adirondack Craft Beverage Trail Ribbon Cutting on Friday, March 15. Stop in and enjoy a brew!
If you're adding to your business, opening a new location or celebrating an anniversary, we'd like to help publicize your great news! If you'd like to have a ribbon cutting at your business, click here for our form.

The Lake George Regional Chamber of Commerce Ribbon Cuttings are sponsored by Kingsbury Printing .
Members only Facebook Group!


We have a new Facebook group for members ! Please request to join this group so you can network online with other Chamber members.

News
We are looking for restaurants and dining facilities who would be interested in participating in our Dine Around programs for the following upcoming sporting events:

USBC Women's Bowling Championship weekends  (April 6-7, April 12-14, April 26-28, May 3-5, May 17-19). Total of approximately 1600 participants over 5 weekends April-May. -  DEADLINE: April 2

IREVA/TEAM USA Regional Championship s - May 4-5. Total of approximately 2000 attendees over the weekend.  DEADLINE: April 19

Firecracker Baseball Battle of the Borders  - July 16-21. 50 teams, 2000+ attendees.  DEADLINE: June 1

If you are interested in offering group/team discounts for these athletes, participants and families, please email Kristen Hanifin at Lakegeorgecvb@gmail.com   with the name of your establishment, location and offer. We will then include your business in our official Dine Around program for these events. Please pay special attention to the deadlines to provide information to us for these events.
Our hearts go out to Common Roots after the devastating fire this week. They are a member of the Adirondack Craft Beverage Trail and we are dedicated to doing whatever we can to support them.
We were happy to hear Taps & Apps featuring Common Roots beer is still on at Seasoned! Taps and Apps is a collaborative and unique tasting event, pairing delicious appetizers created by the SUNY Adirondack Culinary Arts School and Chef Matthew Bolton, with fine craft beers provided by Common Roots Brewing Co.
Adirondack Salt Cave has dedicated 20% of their sales from March 29 to April 20 to help Common Roots!
Please note that the April CVB meeting is scheduled for Thursday, April 25 at 9 a.m. at Surfside On the Lake on Canada Street in Lake George. Please RSVP by April 18 to Kristen Hanifin by email or by phone at 518-668-5755.
A&J Radio Group , a radio station member of ours based in Plattsburgh, has approached us in hopes of teaming up with our local businesses to help them reach their listening audience in the Plattsburgh and Montreal areas.

They have 3 stations: 97.9 The Moose — Real Country; WPLB AM 1070 and FM 103.7 — Mid-century Radio; and 107.1 WPLA Plattsburgh Rocks.

We hope this will help spread the message of our area’s year-round economy to another market!
What a great night for a great cause! These ladies of Lake George Regional Chamber of Commerce Women in Business formed a team to participate in the Charity Lip Sync Battle in support of  Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Capital Region  and Krantz Cottage. This wonderful event was organized by Events to a T!
We think the ladies nailed their “Bohemian Rhapsody” performance!
Looking for help with marketing? Advokate offers several great workshops on a range of topics! Here is some info on an upcoming Marketing Budget workshop on May 21!

"Is print dead? What is a marketing mix? With X amount of dollars, where should I spend it?

Inbound marketing — what even is that?

Come to this Advokate-produced workshop and let’s share our collective knowledge. Light refreshments provided.

AGENDA
5:15 p.m. Networking and check-in
5:30 p.m. Presentation by Kate Austin-Avon
6:15 p.m. Question and Answer
6:30 p.m. Break and chat
6:45 p.m. Group workshop led by Advokate
7:15 p.m. Wrap up

This is the fourth in our sequel of four-part series. Come to one, or come to all and save!

Learn more about the other workshops here: https://advokate.net/workshops/ "
SUNY Adirondack Continuing Education is offering the following Business & Career Training: (Pre-registration is required. Call 518.743.2238 or email conted@sunyacc.edu  to register today.)

SERVSAFE FOOD SAFETY CERTIFICATION WORKSHOP
Local hospitality and food service businesses seeking certification for employees are invited to register for a workshop.
April 29
Monday | 8am to 6pm | Wilton Center
Course #20087
Registration closes on  Monday, April 15

LEADING IN HOSPITALITY
Learn about or advance your skills with customer satisfaction-focused leadership through this two-session course focused on current and future leaders in the hospitality field. 
April 25 and May 2
Thursdays | 6:30pm to 8pm | Wilton Center
Course #20085

Learn more under  Professional Development  at  www.sunyacc.edu/continuing-education-catalog
We are a member of the ACE Cultural Tourism Initiative. The following upcoming program is sure to provide valuable information about cultural tourism!
Making the Scene: Lessons from Austin 
April 30 | 4:00pm - 8:30pm | Troy Music Hall | $20

Columbia Economic Development Corporation invites you to join the Upstate Alliance for the Creative Economy on April 30th for an important cultural tourism conversation.  
The greater Capital Region is home to hundreds of stellar cultural assets - museums and historical sites, music and theater venues, galleries, boutiques, farm-to-table restaurants, breweries and more - yet does not enjoy the international renown of its neighbors, such as the Berkshires, Hudson Valley, Vermont and Adirondacks. Since 2017, the Alliance for the Creative Economy (ACE) has enlisted hundreds of people and partners in conversation and planning about how to make NY's Capital Region into a thriving world-class destination that attracts a next generation of visitors, businesses, investors and talent. ACE is now embarking on a series of "Next Steps" events, beginning on April 30th, to advance this regional agenda.  
Public City , a non-profit consultancy that let Austin's Cultural Tourism planning efforts and produced its landmark Cultural Tourism Plan, will be coming to our region on April 30th to lead a conversation on how Austin came together for their plan, and what the Capital Region can do next to create its own.  
 
About CEDC
Columbia Economic Development Corporation is the lead economic development organization for Columbia County, New York. Our mission is to strengthen the area's tax base through economic development and job creation, to assist businesses to locate and expand within the County, and to promote Columbia County as a premier spot for both business investment and personal opportunity. Learn more at  www.columbiaedc.com. 
Adirondack Life Magazine is starting to work on the Adirondack Life Show coming up July 12-14 at the Lake George Forum. 
If you're interested in purchasing a booth for the show, click on the above image for more information!
EVENTS
April is packed with great events in the area! Easter is later this year, falling on April 21 while Passover begins April 19 and continues through April 27. Please let us know about your special spring and holiday events or pricing so we can promote them to locals and visitors alike.
If you're a member and have news you'd like us to include in the next newsletter, please email Amanda Metzger at amanda@lakegeorgechamber.com or call the office at (518) 668-5755.
Not a member yet? Contact Kim Saheim at membership@lakegeorgechamber.com or call the office.
Thanks for reading!