Something special at EVERY turn...Your Chamber’s Quarterly Newsletter • Fourth Quarter 2016 • Volume 12 • Issue 4

WINTER GALA TICKETS ON SALE NOW

CALENDAR OF EVENTSJanuary 2: Chamber Connection Luncheon • Chamber Office • 12-2pmJanuary 6: Friday on Franklin • Downtown Watkins Glen • 5-8pmJanuary 10: Think Tank • Chamber Office • 4-6pmJanuary 20: Winter Gala • Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel • 5-11pmJanuary 26: Harvest Schuyler Buyer + Farmer Networking Event • Schuyler County Human Services Complex, Room 120 • 6-8pmFebruary 2: Chamber Night at ICE Bar • Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel • 5-9pmFebruary 6: Chamber Connection Luncheon • Chamber Office • 12-2pmFebruary 10: Friday on Franklin • Downtown Watkins Glen • 5-8pmFebruary 14: Think Tank • Chamber Office • 8-10amFebruary 15: After Hours Mixer • Schuyler Hospital • 5-7pmMarch 1: Head Shot Day • Chamber Office • Time TBAMarch 3: Friday on Franklin • Downtown Watkins Glen • 5-8pmMarch 6: Chamber Connection LuncheonMarch 7 + 8: SPARK! Leadership Conference • Watkins Glen Harbor HotelMarch 14: Think Tank • Chamber Office • 4-6pmMarch 15: After Hours Mixer • Grist Iron Brewing Company • 5-7pm

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To RSVP for After Hours Mixers or other Chamber events:please give us a call at 607-535-4300.

The Watkins Glen Area Chamber of Commerce will host its largest fundraiser of the year, the 2017 Winter Gala at the Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel on Friday, January 20, 2017, presented by Visions Federal Credit Union. Don your finest attire and enjoy a complimentary glass of champagne upon arrival, and get ready to have a wonderful evening out with colleagues, friends, and business partners.

Stock Your Cellar... and win $500?! You’ll be greeted with the impressive display of our popular Stock Your Cellar Wine Raffle! 100 bottles of Finger Lakes wine are yours to peruse. Tag a bottle for $25. At the end of the night, everyone gets to take their tagged bottle home, BUT if you happen to tag the right bottle, you will take home a $500 cash prize!

Bring your bidding spirit! The planning committee has put together some exceptional silent and live auction items. You don’t want to miss these great packages! You can preview them on our website: www.watkinsglenchamber.com/winter-gala!

The Portal

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Message from the PresidentAs with every turn of the calendar year, change is inevitable. The way in which we adjust to change defines not only the success of our businesses, but it also defines whom we are as individuals, leaders, and members of our teams. The Watkins Glen Area Chamber of Commerce will be no exception to change in this new year - we’ll see change in our board leadership, our Strategic Plan, our programming, our staffing, and even the space of our visitor center.

First and foremost, I would like to thank Chris Karam for his endless work as the Chairperson of our board of directors in 2016. Welcome to Anne Welliver-Hartsing (newly-named President of Welliver) our new Chair, Paul Thomas (Seneca Lake Wine Trail) our 1st Vice-Chair, and Amanda Smith-Solaris (Seneca Physical Therapy), our 2nd Vice Chair! Welcome to our recently add and newly voted in board members - Deb Harrington, Betsey Hale, Jennifer Herrick, Dave Louch, Will Siemele, Liz Salamendra, and Jim Watson!

As you know, we are putting the final touches on our 2016-2017 Strategic Plan. Thank you to all whom participated in our member survey. Your input was invaluable, and I can’t wait to share with you how we’ve utilized your comments to make significant changes to our programs!

Other items on the horizon in 2017...as we said good-bye to Katie Strawser our Events Manager, we will be making an announcement about her replacement in the near future. We will be introducing three new programs / events - Chamber Connections Luncheons (a new monthly program offering a more intimate and intense way to network with other professionals), a Hospitality Training Conference, and an event spotlighting our Non-for-Profits. Stay tuned in as we unveil more about each of these events!

It has been a pleasure to serve as the President and CEO of this dynamic organization, and I am looking forward to all that is coming in 2017!

My door is always open,

Rebekah

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REGISTER TODAY!

New LeadersEmerging LeadersVeteran Leaders

Professional GrowthPersonal Development

NetworkingAmazing Speakers

REGISTRATION CLOSESFEBRUARY 10!

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Barbie the Welder27 Shamrock Drive, Erin, NY (607) 331-1528 • www.barbiethewelder.com“My goal as an artist is to bring attention to your business by creating epic metal sculpture. “

Barry Family Cellars3821 Main Street, Burdett, NY(607) 569-2352 • www.barryfamilywines.comFamily-run small, premium winery focused on dry vinifera wine.

Cushman and Wakefield / Pyramid Brokerage Organization8 Denison Parkway, Corning, NY(607)-937-9720 • www.pyramidbrokerage.comWhether you want to sell or buy commercial real estate property, need buyer or tenant representation services or have specific requirements, Pyramid has the people and resources to help you achieve your commercial real estate goals.

Grist Iron Brewing Company4880 State Route 414, Burdett, NY(607) 882-2739 • www.gristironbrewing.comOpen year-round, enjoy a premier selection of handcrafted beer, signature locally-sourced menu, and weekly live music at our microbrewery overlooking Seneca Lake.

Hatfield Real Estate452 Milton Street, Elmira, NY(607) 731-8298 • www.hatfieldre.comCustomer service, technology, and good ol’ fashion business sense combined to make your Real Estate transactions smooth. Always an agent on call so call today!

Kangen Water - Hydrated 4 Life452 Milton Street, Elmira, NY (607) 731-8298 • www.hydrated4life.comBringing knowledge and health to families all around us! If you have any health issues you need to talk with us. Change your water, CHANGE YOUR LIFE!

Seneca Lake Byway, Inc.9048 Barbara Drive, Lodi, NY(607) 582-6487 To maintain the 414 Route from a scenic viewpoint working with the State Department of Transportation.

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Signature Properties15 West Market Street, Corning, NY(607) 796-9817 • www.signaturepropertiesre.comSignature Properties is a hybrid boutique-style real estate firm that brings together the best of two worlds - the knowledge of established real estate leaders and the fresh approach of results driven entrepreneurs.

Southern Tier Life and Homes452 Milton Street, Elmira, NY(607) 731-8298 • www.lifeandhomesA multi-media publication that is bringing you your next customer through Print as well as Online services. Real Estate and Real Estate related businesses getting noticed in 11 counties, 2 states, and growing their businesses with affordable communication!

The Barber Pole and Parlor109 East Main Street, Odessa, NY(607) 301-1976 Specializing in men’s, women’s and children’s haircuts. Lunch special from 12-2pm men’s cut $10 women’s $15. No appointment needed! Walk-ins welcome!

Three Rivers Development19 East Market Street, Corning, NY(607) 962-4693 • www.3riverscorp.com“The mission of Three Rivers Development Corporation is to maintain and promote the economic viability of the Southeast Steuben County area through Board and staff service to the public and private sectors in the fields of planning, housing, and commercial and industrial development, and community renewal.”

Watkins Glen Vacation Rentals(607) 228-7892 • www.watkinsglenrentals.comVarious vacation rentals throughout Watkins Glen.

Westervelt’s Camp Firewood3221 County Route 16, Watkins Glen, NY(607) 535-5121 Convenient location just off State Route 414 near Watkins Glen International and the southern gateway to Watkins Glen. Wood is certified to meet DEC requirements. Dry and affordable, in big or small lots. Stop by on your way into town for all of your camp wood needs! Open 7 days a week.

WSKG601 Gates Road, Vestal, NY(607) 351-6671 • www.wskg.orgWSKG Public Broadcasting is the region’s member supported radio and TV station. Thank you for your support!

Welcome to our newest members!

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The Chamber strives to offer information to tourists and locals alike, via our website. A new website was unveiled in September to rave reviews! We encourage our members and the public at large to utilize the Public Calendar on our website to view events and also share events that are taking place around the county and the region.

View the calendar by visiting our homepage(www.watkinsglenchamber.com), then hover over Resources Menu and select Public Calendar.

HOW TO ADD EVENTS

For Members: Chamber members can add their events by logging in to their member account on the website and going through the steps. If you have any questions on this process, please contact Membership Service Manager Meredith Williams (607-535-4300 • meredith@watkinsglenchamber.com)

For the Public: The public at large can contact the Chamber and request to have an event or events added to our Public Calendar. Please contact Visitor Center Resource Coordinator Cassandra Putman (607-535-4300 • cassie@watkinsglenchamber.com).

We hope that everyone continues to make use of this great avenue for event sharing and publicity! It is our pleasure to provide this Public Calendar.

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PUBLIC EVENTS CALENDAR REMINDER UPDATES TO OUR NETWORKING EVENTS

We are excited to unveil new monthly networking events called Chamber Connection Luncheons, plus a refreshed take on our popular Think Tank events in 2017. Be sure to “like” and follow us on Facebook for all of the latest and upcoming events!

Chamber Connections Luncheons

The Chamber Connections Luncheons are a NEW benefit that the chamber will offer to both potential and current members in 2017! These luncheons will not only offer a unique spin on networking, they will also provide one more avenue to teach the chamber staff how to be an expert on making referrals for your business.

These luncheons will be held monthly, and we encourage you to attend as many as you are able to! Each luncheon will offer different faces and different businesses in the mix. Be sure to bring a friend or a colleague to make the most out of the terrific networking opportunity!

Lunch will be provided for just $5. You may RSVP to Membership Services Manager Meredith Williams at 607-535-4300 or Meredith@watkinsglenchamber.com.

Refreshed Think Tank Events

Formerly known as our Small Business Think Tank, these roundtable-style events will take place monthly, rotating between morning and evening sessions, in the hopes of making it easier for members with varying schedules to attend!

You’ll also notice that we’ve dropped the “Small Business” from the name... and that’s because we don’t want to exclude anyone! All businesses are important to us - big, small, solo, and everything in between! Think Tanks will be held monthly on the second Tuesday, with times alternating between 4-6pm for odd months and 8-10am for event months.

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2017 Travel Guide Cover Photo Contest Winner

Our 2017 Travel Guide Cover Photo Contest went live on Facebook on November 1, 2016 and ran through November 30, 2016.

It reached tens of thousands of people and resulted in over 1,000 votes being cast. The top three photos then went to the Tourism Committee, who made the final selection, the image at left.

This photo was taken by 14 year old Aiden DiGregorio of Watkins Glen. What a stunning image he captured of iconic Seneca Lake.

Thank you so much to everyone who submitted photos and voted in this contest! We have had such

a great response the past two years and received two incredibly beautiful cover photos as a result. We cannot wait to see what this will look like when the 2017 Travel Guide goes to print in February. The cover will be unveiled in March 2017!

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NEW GROUP: THE TOURISM TASKFORCE

The Watkins Glen Area Chamber of Commerce has recently transitioned what was formerly known as the Tourism Committee to the Tourism Taskforce. With this new name, comes new objectives, new faces, and a new optimism for what this group can accomplish. Going forward, this group will take on specific projects and objectives. Set out a work plan, accomplish the goal, and move on to a new project.

Hospitality Training Opportunity - Coming In 2017!

The group met for the first time in December and have already scheduled a hospitality training in May. Save the date for May 23 at the Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel. The committee, comprised of tourism and hospitality experts from across the region is working hard to plan a stellar, all-day training for those in the hospitality industry with an eye toward improving and enhancing the visitor experience.

Beyond that, the Tourism Taskforce will assist with improving upon the already-established first Friday event series, Friday on Franklin, in hopes of growing the event and increasing participation. Other projects will be determined in early 2017.

Committee members include: Katie Budd of Finger Lakes Distilling, Chelsea Guererri of Fulkerson Winery, Eric Hollenbeck of the Finger Lakes Film Society, Stephanie Jarvis of Hazlitt 1852 Vineyards, Kimberly Rossi of Namaste Spa and Event Center, Liz Salamendra of the Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel, and Brittany Gibson of the Watkins Glen Area Chamber of Commerce. Chamber support is generously offered by Rebekah Carroll and Meredith Williams.

Stay tuned, this talented, dynamic, and hardworking group is off to a great start!

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Schuyler County had a banner year when it comes to national and international news! Here is a partial recap of our amazing accolades...

Four Schuyler County Attractions Have Made the USA Today 10Best Travel Lists!Readers named the Finger Lakes Wine Festival the Best Wine Festival in the country in late August. This was the fourth Schuyler County attraction to be named to a 10Best list in just over a year. Earlier in August, the Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel was selected as the Best Waterfront Hotel in a USA Today/10Best Readers’ Choice competition. In June, Watkins Glen International was chosen as America’s Best NASCAR Track and in March of last year, Watkins Glen State Park was named the 3rd Best State Park in America. Schuyler County is the only county with four attractions to land at or near the top of the 10Best lists.

USA Today: Best of America’s Wine RegionsThis article further leverages the win by Finger Lakes Wine Festival as the Best Wine Festival in the country. USA Today sites see an average of 108 million visitors monthly.

Trip Advisor named Watkins Glen State Park one of the top attractions in the United States for 2016Trip Advisor announced the results of its Attractions Trend Index, revealing the top 25 US attractions that have seen the greatest increase in traveler interest this summer, based on year-over-year search activity on Trip Advisor. Watkins Glen was listed at number 9, posting a 96.4% increase in year-over-year search activity. Trip Advisor sees an average of 38 million unique visitors monthly. Money Magazine also highlighted the summer’s hottest destinations as announced by Trip Advisor. Money Magazine sees an estimated 10 million+ unique visitors monthly on average.

Expedia.com: The 55 most breathtaking destinations in the worldNamed Watkins Glen, New York as one of the 55 most breathtaking destinations in the world. Expedia sees an average of 25 million unique visitors monthly.

Orbitz recognized Watkins Glen on its list of 8 Charming Small Towns Close to Stunning NatureThis article highlights eight small towns in America that offer the opportunity to become one with nature without giving up the modern day creature comforts. The towns listed offer “eight small towns for escaping to nature and still being back in time for dinner.” Watkins Glen was listed along with Bar Harbor, Maine; Taos, New Mexico; and Woodstock, Vermont; among others.

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Hosting travel writers is a primary piece of our public relations work, shared so much love for Schuyler County in 2016. We hosted 35 between May and September alone. Here is feedback from just a few...

“Walk the town. The community is so inviting and right out of a movie. The streets cater to pedestrians and you can walk from store to restaurant to pier with ease. They also have several murals to look at and capture.” – Liz Cleland, Huffington Post

“Seneca Lake is one of the most picturesque of the Finger Lakes. You won’t want to leave… we sure didn’t!” – Shannon Schmid, Travel Blogger

“Loved our wine tasting. The views are breathtaking and the wine is spectacular!” – Renee Blodgett, We Blog The World

“The Finger Lakes have long been a getaway for Philly, NYC, and Connecticut residents looking for a country escape. The region is home to one of the most visited state parks in New York, surrounding multiple waterfalls and a stunning gorge. Head out on sunset sails on Seneca Lake. Vineyards dot the landscape, offering impressive views paired with fantastic wine, which means you’ll also find plenty of great places to eat.” – Sara Ventiera, Food and Wine Magazine

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SCHUYLER COUNTY IN THE NEWS

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Places and Faces: October through December 2016

Special thank you to those members who host, attend, and support our events.We could not host successful events without you!

Janine, Rebekah, and Norrie having fun at JBK Bridal & Promduring the Montour Falls Progressive Mixer in October.

Sipping and chatting at The Harvest Cafe during the Montour Falls Progressive Mixer in October.

Closing out the night at MuraBella’s Italian Steakhouse during theMontour Falls Progressive Mixer in October.

Do you recognize these three little reindeer from Rose’s Cuttin’ Upspotted during our December Mixer?

The human Christmas Tree Decorating Contest was a hootduring the December Mixer at the Harbor Hotel.

Smiles for miles, all wrapped up in ugly sweaters for our annual holiday mixer at the Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel.

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Ambassador Program 2017

“Really good things take time to grow. Foundation is not built over night.” -Iggy Azalca

The Ambassador Program started in 2014 with the goal to support, strengthen, and grow our membership and business community. For the last three years we have done this with the help of dedicated Ambassadors and we thank those Ambassadors for all their hard work!

In 2017 we will continue to have a strong and passionate group of Ambassadors that are eager to meet with you! The Ambassador Program hopes to reach the entire Chamber membership, increase attendance and interest in Chamber events, and continue to build a relationship between our members and the Chamber.

If you hear from an Ambassador, please schedule some time with them and discuss your membership and any questions on benefits you have. The Ambassadors are here to help!

Have you considered joining us as an Ambassador? With our membership growing to nearly 470 members, we need more Ambassadors to join our mission so we can reach our entire membership in 2017! Being an Ambassador provides a unique connection to fellow members. The connections, relationships, and possibilities are endless!

If you are interested in learning more, please join us at our next Ambassador Luncheon on January 16, 2017 from 12 PM to 2 PM at the Chamber. Please contact Meredith Williams for more information: (607) 535-4300, Meredith@watkinsglenchamber.com.

Again, thank you to the Ambassadors, past and present, and members of the Chamber for supporting such an ambitious program!

Meredith WilliamsMembership Services Manager

Tourism: Visit Watkins Glen & Schuyler County

Chamber: Watkins Glen Area Chamber of Commerce

Update on the Ambassador Program2017 Board of Directors

Chairperson: Anne Welliver-HartsingDirector, Welliver

First Vice Chair: Paul ThomasExecutive Director, Seneca Lake Wine Trail

Second Vice Chair: Amanda Smith-SocarisOwner, Seneca Physical Therapy of the Finger Lakes, P.C.

Treasurer: Jeffrey DillPresident, JR Dill Winery

Secretary: Peter HonsbergerOwner, Great Escape & Everything Ice Cream Inc.

Immediate Past Chairman: Christopher KaramVP of Business Development, Fagan Engineers

Director: Justin BoyetteCo-Owner/Wine Maker, Hector Wine Company

Director: Betsey HalePresident, Three Rivers Development Corporation

Director: Father Michael HartneyEpiscopal Churches of Schuyler County

Director: Debra HarringtonAdult Training & Development Specialist, Greater Southern Tier Boces

Director: Jennifer Herrick-McGonigalExecutive Director, Elmira Downtown Development, Inc.

Director: David LouchAssociate Broker, Keller Williams Realty Southern Tier & Finger Lakes

Director: Michel RayBranch Manager, Visions Federal Credit Union

Director: Ronald RoneyDirector, Watkins Glen State Park

Director: Liz SalamendraSales Manager, Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel

Director: Williams SimieleOperations Manager, Seneca Harbor Station

Director: Stephanie SpecchioOwner, The Gorgeous View Motel

Director: James WatsonPresident and CEO, Schuyler Hospital

Director: David ZingerOwner, Vedder and Scott Funeral Home

Ex-Officio: Judy McKinney CherryExecutive Director, SCOPED

Ex-Officio: Dennis FaganChairman, Schuyler County Legislature

@visitwatkinsglen Tourism: @tourwatkinsglen

Chamber: @WGAreaChamber

Watkins Glen AreaChamber of Commerce