Welcome New Members
Show our new members your support...
September 2 - Check-in at 10:00am

We are looking forward to our Annual Chamber Golf Tournament this Thursday at RaNic Golf Club. Our registration for this event is full. If you have already registered but still need to submit the names of those on your team, please email David today!

A big THANK YOU to our event sponsors:
Welcome Home Wednesday
September 8 @ 5:30-7:00pm

For our next Welcome Home Wednesday, the Tompkins Chamber is inviting new residents to Island Health and Fitness for a FREE all levels Kripalu Yoga class. Be sure to come dressed comfortably. Yoga mats will be provided if you don't have your own, with refreshments provided by Wegmans. 
Virtual Sexual Harassment Prevention Training
September 15 @ 9:00-10:30am

New York State law requires that employers provide a sexual harassment prevention policy and training on an annual basis to all employees, noting that employers may be liable for the actions of employees immediately upon hire.
Software and Digital Technology
Industry Insights
September 23 @ 12:00-1:30pm

Our next Networking at Noon will take place at Salt Point Brewing Company Lunch will be served, followed by a panel discussion and an interactive Q&A.
September 17 @ 3:00-4:30pm

Women in Business Roundtable events are open to member business owners, leaders, or team members who identify as women.

Important conversations, real-time brainstorming, and a supportive environment are the hallmarks of these gatherings.
September 22 @ 9:00-10:30am

Small Business Roundtable events are open to owners of small businesses with less than 50 employees.

Spend time with peers to share your experiences, opportunities, and challenges - especially as we move through recovery from the pandemic together.
Don't miss the next Business After Hours on October 13
hosted by South Hill Cider
The Tompkins Chamber & CVB are searching for a few new board members to support the organization’s staff in serving our members and tourism partners, realizing our vision and mission, and increasing our economic impact in the community. We seek board members who share our commitments to fostering sustainable economic growth, improving quality of life, and to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion within our organization and community. If you’re interested in Board service with the Chamber & CVB, please read more at the link below! 
Member Updates, News & Events
A one-time grant program of NYSCA (New York State Council on the Arts) Recovery Fund Initiative for live performances or programs occurring between July 1, 2021 and June 30, 2022. (Funding can be retroactive since the deadline is in late September.) Applicants must be a not-for-profit, although artists can apply with a sponsor. Due: September 21st
Sunbeam Candles
New Labels & New Website!
The new website offers all of their original and unique candles with a fresh look and more convenient way of shopping. In celebration, Sunbeam is offering 15% off of your next retail purchase.

Use coupon code: newtoyou15.
Offer valid for one time purchase through the end of September
Downtown Revitalization Initiative Public Input Meeting
Wednesday, September 1 at 6:00pm
What are the priorities and interests of the broader community pertaining downtown revitalization? The Downtown Ithaca Alliance seeks the thoughts and ideas of the broader community of people interested in the future of Downtown Ithaca.
Have news to share? Email npotenza@tompkinschamber.org to have it included in the Chambergram!
Updates, Resources & Important Reminders
*LIVE* Tompkins County COVID-19 Update
September 2nd at 4:30pm
Officials will discuss the recent increase in cases, third vaccine doses (or "boosters"), vaccination and mask guidance, and community and schools reopening.
Small Bus Recovery Grant Program
Increases Threshold for Eligibility
On August 25, 2021, Governor Kathy Hochul announced expanded eligibility to the program to enable more small businesses to apply for funding. Businesses with revenues up to $2.5 million, up from the previous threshold of $500,000, can apply for grants. Additionally, the limitation for businesses that received Federal Paycheck Protection Program loans has been increased from $100,000 to $250,000.

2020 Pandemic Unemployment with associated enhancements (Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation and/or Lost Wage Assistance Programs) will be added back to 2020 gross receipts and will be used in gross receipts loss calculation from 2019. New York State will work with the Department of Labor to obtain the correct Pandemic Unemployment Assistance and enhancement payments for each applicant.

Applicants who had not finished their applications prior to August 25, 2021 must complete their documents by September 10, 2021. New applicants can apply based on the expanded eligibility criteria and those applications will start to be processed on September 8, 2021. All applicants are encouraged to get their required documentation uploaded within 14 days from applying.
Reminder: Deadline Approaching for Hero Act Employee Notification
As we have previously shared, the HERO Act requires employers to adopt and maintain an airborne infectious disease prevention plan to be implemented when an airborne infectious disease is designated by the New York State Commissioner of Health as a “highly contagious communicable disease that presents a serious risk of harm to the public health.” The deadline for communicating the existence of your plan to your employees is Saturday, September 4, 2021.
Reminder: Get Your PPP Loan Forgiven
Under the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) created by the CARES Act, loans may be forgiven if borrowers use the proceeds to maintain their payrolls and pay other specified expenses.
 
Those businesses that borrowed $150,000 or less must apply for loan forgiveness with the lender that processed the loan or use the Small Business Administration's online direct forgiveness portal. Businesses that borrowed more than $150,000 must apply directly with the lender that processed the loan.
 
The US Chamber has put together a step-by-step guide to PPP Loan Forgiveness, which can be seen here.
The 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.