Congratulations to Our 2024 Annual Award Winners! | |
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Entrepreneur of the Year:
Kuukua Dzigbordi Yomekpe
| Kuukua has shown excellent leadership in her 2+ years at the Ithaca Farmer's Market and now as a new restaurant owner. Her leadership fosters community and diversity. Using food as a bridge across race, culture, gender, age, religion, and other complex identities, Kuukua has developed a safe and welcoming space for all to connect, communicate, learn, and share. In addition, she has brought incredible West African cuisine to Tompkins County. | |
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Not-For-Profit of the Year:
The Cherry Arts
| In addition to providing unique shows and galleries, the Cherry offers a slate of programs to engage and support folks who live in the Arthaus, alongside the broader community—with “art hives,” writing workshops, a public mural project, an open mic series, classes, and more. These programs are designed to make a big impact on the lives of the people in this community, empowering people to tell their stories and make positive change in the world. | |
GIAC’s Hospitality Employment Training Program (HETP) has been training participants to be work-ready in the hospitality industry or office administrative work. HETP is more than a job training program. It provides wrap-around services tailored to each individual to help eliminate barriers to success. HETP has countless success stories to demonstrate a successful impact on the tourism industry. | |
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Distinguished Business of the Year:
EcoSpect
| Ecospect has been consistently growing for the past three years. The company began by offering lead-based paint testing and has since expanded to provide basement waterproofing, foundation repair, concrete lifting, radon mitigation, carbon fiber, insulation, and more. Owner Adam Schrader and his team of certified technicians are a trusted resource for locals as well as active participants in community fundraisers. | |
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Noel Desch Key Person of the Year:
Jennifer Tavares
| From July 2014 through September 2024, Jennifer Tavares's dedication to excellence has driven meaningful results and exemplified the values that guide our organization. Her contributions have influenced economic development and quality of life in this community. Most memorable efforts include her stewardship in development of the Tompkins Center for History and Culture, the Ithaca Downtown Conference Center, and a key moment in the Chamber’s 125-year history—sale of its building at East Shore Drive and renovation of a beautiful new space at 124 Brindley Street. | |
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Upcoming Events & Opportunities | | |
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Annual Celebration & Awards
Thursday, October 24th | 5:30 - 9:00
Ithaca Downtown Conference Center
The Tompkins Chamber & Visit Ithaca are excited to host you at the brand new Ithaca Downtown Conference Center. This event will feature a cocktail reception, passed hors d'oeurves, a seated dinner, remarks, and our annual awards.
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Community Conversations: Caroline
Tuesday, October 29th | 9:00 - 10:30 am
526 Valley Rd, Brooktondale, NY
Join your neighbors in Caroline for hyper-local networking, conversation, and advocacy at the Brooktondale Community Center Old Fire Hall. Registration is requested but the event is free and open to all; you do not need to be a Chamber member to participate.
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Gov. & Community Affairs Roundtable
Monday, November 4th | 12:00 - 1:15 pm
Tompkins Chamber | 124 Brindley St
Our Government & Community Affairs Roundtable features discussions focused on key state, local, and federal issues. Open to any Chamber member or municipal partner who would like to share ideas and take action.
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LGBTQ+ Roundtable
Tuesday, November 5th | 3:30 - 5:00 pm
Hair Color Art | 950 Danby Rd Suite 120
Looking for a supportive space to share ideas, get advice, and connect with mentors? The LGBTQ+ Roundtable is the perfect platform for queer professionals to cultivate relationships, explore topics relevant to their professional journeys, and advocate for LGBTQ+ representation in Tompkins County. This opportunity is reserved for Tompkins Chamber members who identify as LGBTQ+.
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Professional Headshots
Friday, November 8th | 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Tompkins Chamber | 124 Brindley St
Update your professional image with a quick and affordable headshot session provided by Chamber member photographer Mike Smith of Manifesto Designs Photography.
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Member News, Events, & Opportunities | | |
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Join Tompkins Connect for a Happy Hour Hike | On Thursday, October 10th at 5:15PM, take a guided hike through Cayuga Cliffs with other young professionals. The hike will be less than an hour. Following the hike, we will meet at Salt Point Brewing for some drinks, food, and conversation between 6:30 and 7PM! | |
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14 Coughlin & Gerhart Attorneys Honored in Best Lawyers® List
“It is an honor to have so many of our attorneys recognized by their peers in the legal profession, said Rachel Abbott, Managing Partner of Coughlin & Gerhart. “Maintaining and demonstrating a high level of skill, decorum and ethics in the representation of our clients, regardless of the type of legal matter, is of the utmost importance to our Firm,” said Abbott.
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Tres Leches Celebrates One Year in Business | Calling all locals! Come celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with a ribbon cutting and anniversary celebration at Tres Leches (under Dos Amigos in Collegetown) this Friday, October 11th at 5:00PM! A happy hour with drink specials will follow. | |
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Big Red Microenterprise
Open for Applications
Cornell University
Big Red Microenterprise is a free coaching program that connects MBA students, promising local small business or entrepreneurs, particularly those focused on sustainability or underserved communities, who seek support in overcoming a challenge they may have with their business such as operations, strategy, marketing, etc. Applications are reviewed through December.
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Rt 96 Power & Paddle Shoe Outlet Sale | Come to our Dansko shoe sale on Saturday, October 12th! Get 20% off select Dansk styles as well as a free gift and a chance to win more shoes! One day only at 1035 Owego Rd, Candor, NY. | |
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Request a Meeting or Support from SBDC Counselor Michael Herceg
Use the link below to fill out an intake for to request services or a meeting with Michael Herceg. We are excited to host SBDC Counseling two days a week, right in our office! Many thanks to our sponsor Tompkins Community Bank.
Request Services Here >
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Job Postings & Relocation Support | |
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Live + Work in Ithaca community relocation guides are available!
If your business or organization would like to have some copies on hand – for your recruiting needs, or to share with visitors who are chatting about relocating to the area – please contact Shelby Green at info@tompkinschamber.org. Also, a digital version of the guide is available at the link below!
Grab the digital version of the guide here >
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