Groundbreaking Celebration
We were excited to break ground for the Ithaca Downtown Conference Center this past Friday. The Tompkins Chamber, CVB, and Chamber Foundation have all played a part in this important project.

Chamber President, Jennifer Tavares said, "This important economic and tourism development project is the result of the hard work, collaboration, and investment of numerous individuals, organizations, and agencies over the course of the last five years. Our team is incredibly proud and grateful that the Ithaca Downtown Conference Center will come to life in 2023, thanks to the support of local and state officials, community partners, and the Vecino Group - all who shared our vision for this project and investing in downtown Ithaca."
Conference Center Project Team Members

Leonard Skrill, Assistant Commissioner, NYS Homes & Community Renewal; Assemblymember Anna Kelles, NYS District 125; Jennifer Tavares, Chamber President; and Gary Ferguson, Downtown Ithaca Alliance.
L.E.A.R.N. New York State Cannabis Supply Chain Webinar
September 30 @ 6:00-7:30pm

In collaboration with the New York Cannabis Growers and Processors Association (NYCGPA), Downtown Ithaca Alliance, Conventions and Visitors Bureau, and City of Ithaca; the Tompkins Chamber is proud to host a panel discussion on the New York State Cannabis Supply Chain. Come prepared to learn from experienced cannabis business owners, and bring your questions for the panelists.
L.E.A.R.N. Small Business Recovery Grant Program Webinar
October 7 @ 9:30-10:30am

The Tompkins Chamber have partnered with Chamber Alliance of New York State (CANYS) and Ithaca Area Economic Development (IAED)  to co-host a webinar on the NYS COVID-19 Pandemic Small Business Recovery Grant Program. This webinar will include information on the newly expanded eligibility requirements, an overview of the application process, and what to expect once you have applied.
Business After Hours
October 13 @ 5:00-7:00pm

Join us at South Hill Cider for our next Business After Hours in celebration of Cider Week! This is a great networking opportunity where you can connect with lots of chamber members and community leaders. 

Be sure to drop your business card at check-in to win some great prizes provided by sponsors and local businesses.
VIRTUAL 8-WEEK COURSE
November 1- December 20
Mondays 6:00-8:00pm
Part of the new Tompkins County Microenterprise Assistance Program
This course is for microenterprise business owners with five or less employees including themselves; startups and existing microenterprises who wish to write a new business plan/develop a project for completion in 2022.

Projects can include establishing new businesses or expanding existing businesses. If participants complete this course, and write a business plan which is feasible to execute, they may be eligible for grant funding through the Tompkins County Microenterprise Grant Program

There is no charge, however participants are expected to attend entire program.
Member Updates, News & Events
Statement from Dr. Martin Stallone, President & CEO of Cayuga Health, on Mandatory Vaccinations
Released September 27
“Last month, New York State announced that all healthcare workers in the state will need to be vaccinated against COVID-19 by today, September 27th. The announcement applies to all medical staff in New York State including Cayuga Health employees across our entire system and network of providers..."
Youth Entrepreneurship Market
September 30 at 5:00-8:00pm

Meet at the Ithaca's Farmers Market for the last Thursday night market of the season where Ithaca's youngest entrepreneurs will be vending alongside experienced IFM vendors: Spirit & Kitsch, NY Cider Company, and more... Bring your appetite and dancing shoes and help us celebrate our community in grand finale after a summer of reconnections!
The Inn at Taughannock Falls
October 3 at 12:00-3:00pm

The Inn at Taughannock Falls, a luxury boutique hotel, restaurant, and event center overlooking Cayuga Lake in the heart of the Finger Lakes Wine Region, is excited to announce their 4th Annual Wedding Showcase hosted in the grandeur of their new Enchantment Wedding Garden. 
Business Fraud Webinar: Protection for Your Business
October 13 at 9:00-10:30am

The discussion will review the current risk and threat landscape for businesses as it pertains to cyber security and payment fraud, and various ways you can pro-actively protect your business.
Community Arts Partnership
Greater Ithaca Art Trail has begun!

Visit www.ArtTrail.com to find the list of the 35 artists who will open their studios on the weekends of October 9,10 & October 16, 17, 11am-5pm each day. There will also be great zoom workshops on Thursdays & Fridays, October 7,8 & 15, 16. On Gallery Night, October 1, an Art Trail group exhibit opens at the CAP ArtSpace. Click the link below to learn all about the trail and the artists, register for zoom events and download the map/brochure.
Have news to share? Email npotenza@tompkinschamber.org to have it included in the Chambergram!
Updates, Resources & Important Reminders
New Email Subscription Service
Tompkins County NY is pleased to announce implementation of a new email subscription service, govDelivery, to make it easier for you to learn about updates on the news and topics that interest you. 
On-the-Job Training Grant Program funding is intended to support people in recovery receiving educational and training supports, new or expanded job opportunities, and maintaining a recovery friendly employer base in Tompkins County. The Chamber and program partners still have over $75,000 in funding available.
Member Job Postings
Please, share with appropriate referrals/candidates!


Hiring? Send us a link to your job posting at npotenza@tompkinschamber.org, AND tag #workinithaca when you post on social media.
View COVID-19 Business Resources
Our team is here to help.

Just call the Chamber at 607-273-7080, or email us at info@tompkinschamber.org. For specific need areas:

Sarah Barden, Member Relationship Manager
Carly Hansen, Director of Operations & HR
Diane Hemly, Office Manager & Bookkeeper
Nana Potenza, Marketing & Communications Manager
Jennifer Tavares, CEcD, President & CEO
David Walton, Event & Program Manager

Note: Our East Shore Dr. office is staffed most weekdays from 10-4pm for pick up or delivery, and our entire team is available by appointment. Please call 607-273-7080 during normal business hours.