A message from the Chair of the Board of Directors | |
Happy New Year! As we step into this new year, my heartfelt wish is that the months ahead will unite the members of the Tompkins Chamber in support of our community—both collectively and individually. Let's approach the coming days with kindness, humility, and an abundance of positive energy!
2025 is especially exciting for me, as I have the distinct honor of serving as the Chair of the Tompkins Chamber. Alongside the dedicated volunteer members of the Chamber Board, I look forward to guiding the Chamber and the Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) toward continued success.
One of our Board’s first priorities will be the selection of a new CEO/President. As many of you know, Peggy Coleman has been serving as our Interim CEO/President since the fall and has been doing an exceptional job leading the team forward. A Chamber President Search Committee, composed of Chamber Board Members, has been formed to help identify and hire a permanent CEO/President. The national search wrapped up its application period in early December 2024, and we look forward to providing updates as the process continues.
I invite you to stay engaged with our progress and encourage you to take full advantage of your Chamber membership. Attend one of our monthly Business After Hours and Coffee Talks, or join one of our quarterly roundtables: Women in Business, Unity in Shades, or LGBTQ+ Networking sessions. The Tompkins Chamber is a vibrant, community-minded group, and together, we achieve amazing things!
Wishing you all a prosperous and fulfilling 2025!
Aly
Aly Evans, MM; Executive Director
Foodnet Meals on Wheels
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Unity in Shades Roundtable
Monday, January 13th | 1:00 - 2:30 pm
Tres Leches | 403 College Ave
This Roundtable aims to cultivate an environment where professionals of color can forge significant relationships, engage in discussions pertinent to our experiences in both business and non-profit sectors, and enhance the visibility of multicultural individuals in Tompkins County. Our Roundtables serve as peer affinity groups, providing a confidential setting for sharing insights, seeking advice, and obtaining mentorship.
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Upcoming Events & Opportunities | | |
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This morning!
Small Business Roundtable
Tuesday, January 7th | 9:00 - 10:30 am
Buffalo Street Books | 215 N Cayuga
Small Business Roundtable is for organization leaders and business owners/managers with 50 or fewer employees to come together and discuss challenges and share successes in their work. Bring your biggest challenge, opportunity, or need to your peers for feedback, problem solving, accountability and more in a safe, supportive, confidential space.
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Business After Hours
Wednesday, January 8th | 4:30 - 6:30 pm
Coltivare | 235 S Cayuga
We are excited to join Coltivare as our host! This event offers our members a special opportunity to share ideas and build connections. Held at various locations in Tompkins County, this gathering is the perfect place to form long-lasting partnerships. There will be a lovely spread of food, wine, and door prizes.
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BAH Annual Pass
Chamber Members: save up to $70 on registration for the monthly Business After Hours events and support the Tompkins Chamber by paying in advance for all monthly BAH events, January through December 2025. Individual registration for each BAH is $10 in advance for Chamber members and $15 at the door. $100 (Regularly $120-$170) Forget about having to remember to register and just breeze through registration. Your name badge will be waiting for you. Offer expires February 11, 2025.
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Community Conversations
Thursday, January 16th | 11:00 - 12:30 pm
St. Luke Lutheran Church | 109 Oak Ave
Community Conversations serve as a forum for the Tompkins Chamber and Visit Ithaca to engage leaders of businesses and organizations in different localities within Tompkins County and allow us to better understand and support the unique needs of each community. All business owners, non-profit leaders, and government officials are invited to attend.
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Fab5 Young Professional Awards Celebration
Thursday, January 23rd | 6:00 - 8:30 pm
The Hotel Ithaca | 222 S Cayuga St
| The Fab5 Awards celebrate excellence in five key categories, highlighting the diverse talents driving our community forward. With the generous support of presenting sponsor AmeriCU, this year's awards will showcase remarkable individuals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, community service, and professional achievement. | |
Member News, Events, & Opportunities | |
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Ribbon Cutting at
Rosie's Cafe & Parlor
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Friday, January 10th at 3:00 pm
312 E Seneca St, Ithaca, NY 14850
Join us to celebrate the grand opening of this new cafe and mental health hub in the community!
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Virtual Homebuyer Class
Thursdays in January
January 9th–30th,
6:30–8:30 pm at INHS
Join INHS's homebuyer class to learn how to become a successful and happy homeowner! We cover how much money you need to buy a home, credit scores and how they affect you, how much house you can afford, what a Realtor can do for you, how to get a mortgage, home inspections, and how to protect your investment. You can also get a free copy of your credit report as well as free one-on-one support. Up to $20,000 in down-payment and closing-cost assistance is also available to first-time buyers — find out if you qualify!
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Challenge Workforce Solutions | Since 1968, Challenge Workforce Solutions has provided vocational services and supports to disabled workers in Tompkins County. While for many years we were associated with the famous “pink building” on East State Street, in more recent years we have transitioned entirely to services based in the community. In 2025 Challenge will support more than 200 clients and partner with more than 100 employers. | |
This level of community based programming requires extensive, aggressive outreach. Challenge staff are always anxious to meet with new businesses or non-profit agencies to discuss our services and clients. | | |
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January "New Year, Best You" Chambergram Features | This January, we'd like to feature member businesses that focus on mental health, wellness, self-care, & success coaching. If you'd like to be featured, please email Libby Feltis with your logo/photo, a link to your web page, and a small blurb (six lines max) about your business. These features will be placed for free under this "Member News" section of the Chambergram. | |
In February, over mid-winter break, Ithaca area businesses & attractions unite to host a community-wide celebration honoring preK-12 educators with over 150 activities, discounts, and events throughout Tompkins County. It's our way of saying thanks to educators everywhere for all of your hard work and dedication! | |
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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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