MAY 2005 CHAMBER LINK
Finger Lakes Wine and Dine
~Esperanza to Host Second Annual Charity Event
Imagine spending an evening in the casual elegance of Esperanza Mansion, enjoying the finest in Finger Lakes wine and cuisine. Imagine listening to the music of Ed Clute, a renowned pianist from Watkins Glen. Imagine marveling at the works of art created by a lamp-worker from the Corning Museum of Glass (CMOG). Imagine that your contribution to this type of event will help the Yates County Chapter of the Red Cross and your local Chamber of Commerce.
Well your dream has come true as we once again host “Finger Lakes Wine & Dine”, a charity event designed to highlight the foods and wines of the our beautiful region, while raising money for worthwhile community organizations.
Finger Lakes Wine & Dine will be held on Monday, May 23, 2005 beginning at 6PM at Esperanza Mansion in Bluff Point, NY. The format for the evening is exciting. Over 20 local restaurants and nearly 30 local wineries will be on hand, offering samples of their signature dishes and world-class vintages. Attendees will circulate around the room, enjoying the samples and mingling with other folks from Yates County and beyond.
Tickets for the event, which include the food & wine tastings, a souvenir wine glass and tasting plate and all the entertainment are just $35.00 with the proceeds being shared by the Chamber and the Red Cross. To make your reservations, call the Chamber today at 315.536.3111.
Business After Hours
~ Seneca Flight Operations!
Well Gene Berardo and the gang at Cole’s Furniture and Floor Fashions put on a great event in April. Nearly 150 folks packed the downtown store and enjoyed the catered food and ice cold beverages. We even had a cash prize winner!! Susan Baron of Los Gatos B & B took home $150.00
This month, join us on Wednesday, May 11th, beginning at 5PM at Seneca Flight Operations at the Yates County Airport. The airport is located on Old Bath Road, about a mile south of the Village of Penn Yan. Rich Leppert is the President of Seneca Flight Operations and the manager of the airport and he is excited to introduce the community to the facilities and equipment at our aviation facility. Several of the jet aircraft that are housed in Penn Yan will be on display and tours of the facility will be offered.
As always, an array of hors d’oeuvres and liquid refreshments will be offered and several door prize drawings will be conducted. These events are a great way to increase your circle of business contacts and we always offer each and every member a chance to address the crowd with product or service updates.
One of the highlights of the evening will be the cash prize drawing which this month has a value of $50.00. Every Chamber member’s name is in the pot for the drawing and all you have to do to win is be in attendance when your name is drawn. Each month that we don’t have a winner, the prize increases by $50.00.
We’ll also be conducting our 50/50 raffle, with the help and cooperation of the folks at the Yates County Workforce Development office. Fifty percent of the proceeds will go to the lucky winner with the other half added to our donations for the Yates County Christmas for the Needy program, which have grown to date to over $130.00.
Mark your calendars and plan to join us!
New York State Outdoor Writers on Keuka
~Spring Safari May 13-16
The Chamber is pleased to announce that the New York State Outdoor Writer’s Association will hold their “Spring Safari” on the shores of beautiful Keuka Lake. The safari is an opportunity for writers from around the Empire State to gather in a fun, social atmosphere, conduct the business of the Association and experience the natural wonders of their host location.
This year’s safari will be headquartered at the Viking Resort, located at 680 East Lake Road, just 7 miles south of the Village of Penn Yan. The Viking boasts 1000 feet of private shoreline and a variety of housekeeping accommodations. The resort is conveniently located to all the outdoor sporting outlets in the Keuka Lake area.
Attendees to the safari will be treated to a wine and cheese reception on Friday evening, hosted by many of the Keuka Lake wineries. On Saturday, the group will board the Viking Spirit Cruise Ship for an evening cocktail party and barbecue, hosted by the Chamber and Captain Ken Christensen of the Viking.
Planned activities include: guided turkey hunting; trout fishing on Keuka; fly casting on the Keuka Outlet or on Cold Brook; a sporting clays competition; an Outlet Trail Guided Tour; tours of the local wineries; an Eggleston’s Gully tour and an opportunity to visit the Windmill Farm & Craft Market.
Mike Linehan, President of the Chamber and event coordinator noted that, “this will be the first time that the NYSOWA has held an event on Keuka Lake. We look forward to having the writers experience our unique blend of outstanding outdoor sport activities and true Finger Lakes hospitality.
The Chamber is currently looking for outdoor enthusiasts to assist in all of the mentioned activities. For more information, call the Chamber at 315.536.3111.
Strategies for Wealth Creation
~Ed Barlow is Back!
Ed Barlow, President of Creating the Future, Inc., is returning to the Finger Lakes June 1, 2005 for another enlightening session focusing on "Preparing the Finger Lakes for a 21st Century Economy."
Once again, Ed's presentation is being sponsored by the Finger Lakes Workforce Investment Board, Inc., The session will feature a progress update from the first summit, and focus on building partnerships among education, economic development and workforce development for community wealth. A healthy community generates economic prosperity. Ed presents information in a dynamic approach to anticipating and preparing for what's ahead. Plan to be part of this exciting event!
The event will be held on Wednesday, June 1 from 8:00AM – Noon at the Ramada Geneva Lakefront. The session last year generated some really great ideas and networking opportunities.
Who should attend?? Employers, economic developers, Chambers of Commerce members, educators, and community planners. Plan to be part of this exciting event! Register online now at www.fingerlakesworks.com or by calling 315.789.3131.
Keuka in Bloom!!
~May 14th & 15th on the Trail
Get growing! Get gardening! Get away in May to the Keuka Lake Wine Trail! Collect a potted flower or herb at each winery, enjoy the rebirth of the season and start your own garden! Please join us in the celebration of the new season as spring is in the air and flowers and herbs are blooming around Keuka Lake.
A beautiful spring drive around clear blue Keuka Lake is highlighted by stops at Keuka Overlook for lavender herb dip on French bread slices along with lavender blueberry cookies. Travel on to McGregor Vineyard Winery for Spring frittata, herbed chevre on cucumber rounds and lemon bars. Remain on the trail to enjoy Hunt Country Vineyard’s herb dip on French baguette accompanied by a selection of Kutter’s Cheeses. Continue on to Keuka Spring Vineyards, Barrington Cellars, Rooster Hill Vineyards, Chateau Renaissance Wine Cellars, Heron Hill Winery and Dr. Frank’s Vinifera Wine Cellars and treat your palette to more outstanding wine and food combinations. Those on the tour will also receive a complimentary 20th anniversary Keuka Lake Wine Trail wineglass.
Keuka in Bloom will take place on Saturday May 14, 2005 from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM and Sunday May 15, 2005 from Noon to 5 PM. Eastside wineries will open at 11:00 AM on Sunday, for your convenience. The cost is just $25 per person, $35 per couple
Advance sale tickets only! Available until Friday, May 6th by calling 1-800-440-4898, visiting www.keukawinetrail.com or by stopping at any Wegman’s Food Market.
SCORE SEMINAR
~Marketing Your Small Business
Marketing your products and services is often the most important aspect of a successful business. In response to continued interest in optimizing your marketing, the Penn Yan SCORE office will provide a seminar on small business marketing.
Marketing techniques for your small business will be discussed in detail and will include: a business marketing overview covering the basic strategies every business owner should consider; low and no cost marketing approaches; information on how to jump-start your marketing efforts with a limited budget; and how to create a "selling agenda" - learn the eight factors that will help you develop more customers.
The seminar will also include a description of the SBA (U.S. Small Business Association) and the SBDC(Small Business Development Center) programs and services available to aid small businesses in our area.
Marketing on the Internet will be the subject in the afternoon. A clear understanding of what the Internet can - and can't - do for small business will be presented. Each participant will learn how to create and maintain effective, functional, informative web
sites to help use the power of the Internet to develop and grow his or her business.
The seminar will be held Wednesday, June 8th from 8:30AM to 3:30PM at the Elks Lodge, 133 Main Street, Penn Yan, lunch will be provided. Co-sponsors with SCORE are the SBA, the SBDC, the Yates County I.D.A. (Industrial Development Agency), and your Chamber.
Registration is required at the Chamber office by June 3rd. The fee is $30 (including lunch). Call the Chamber at 315-536-3111 for information.
Yates County Business Briefs
All-American Armed Forces Day - the Yates County American Legion Family is sponsoring the Yates County All-American Armed Forces Day Celebration on Saturday May 21, 2005 at the American Legion Post #355 in Penn Yan.
Events begin at 3:00 PM with a proclamation by Mayor Marchionda. Entertainment includes Bagpipes by Bobby Fitzpatrick & Friends, Fiddler Roy Liteer, Irish dancers, and DJ music for dancing! Come and see Army Reserve Equipment, Local EMS equipment, Fire Trucks and more! 'All American Lunches', Pie A la Mode, Cake Booth and refreshments available. Games, rides and face painting for the kids - with special guests 'McGruff' the Crime Dog and Sponge Bob Squarepants! Many local businesses and services have been donated for our Chinese Auction - come take a chance! A spectacular fireworks display held at dark will conclude the days events. For complete event information log on to http://marshadevine.com/armedforcesday.htm
Social Security On-line Wage Reporting – is now available on CD-ROM. This simple system will allow you to file W-2 wage information, on-line. The CD comes complete with a tutorial to make the job even easier. To request a copy, e-mail Danita Holley at OEA.Net.Post@ssa.gov.
Ravines Wine Cellars – had a great mention in the Living section of the Democrat & Chronicle on Sunday, April 17th. The writer really captured the essence of this comfortable winery, located on Route 54 near the Switzerland Inn. Congratulations to Morton and Lisa for being noticed!!
Cruisin’ Night – the date is set, Friday, June 17th for the 2005 edition of this VERY popular event. Last year we had over 200 cars participate and a crowd of thousands came downtown to join in the fun. We’ll have all the details for you next month.
Streetscape - nearly three years ago, the Chamber applied for grant monies on behalf of the Village of Penn Yan to upgrade the downtown streetscape. This grant was successful and over $25,000 was made available to the Village. We are pleased to report that the project will get underway this month and visitors to downtown will see new street banners, park benches and trash receptacles.
Winemaker’s Dinners at the Mansion – this month Esperanza Mansion is hosting a winemaker’s dinner. Ravine’s Wine Cellars will be at the mansion on May 6th.. These multi-course meals match each course with a wine from the featured winery and the winemaker and chef are on hand to discuss the nuances of the pairings. Visit www.esperanzamansion.com or call 315.536.4400.
Free Events Publicity – here’s the best deal going. If you have a special event that you would like the world to know about – all you have to do is let us know. We will include it on our website – free of charge. The event listings on the website are used by a variety of media outlets around the Empire State so your listing on there will get you tons of exposure. All you have to do is FAX us the information, 315.536.3791 or e-mail jody@yatesny.com
Folding Paper – do you produce your own brochures on a copier or do you do mailings that require a bunch of folding and stuffing?? The Chamber has a great new folding and stuffing machine from Pitney Bowes and we’ll let our members use it for free. Just give us a buzz for the details!
Defensive Driving Course – advance registrations are now being taken for the next Defensive Driving Course sponsored by the Chamber. The next session will take place on Monday and Wednesday, May 16th and 18th from 6PM – 9PM each evening. The course location is the Yates County Visitor’s Center at 2375 Route 14A, just south of Penn Yan. Successful completion of the course affords drivers a ten-percent reduction in their collision and liability insurance premiums, as well as a four-point reduction of their DMV point total. The cost of the course is $35.00 per person. Advance registration is mandatory and can be made by calling the Chamber at 315.536.3111.
Internet, Internet, Internet – we keep reminding you and will do so until we have EVERY member listing on www.yatesny.com perfect. Log on today and search for your business, then search for your competition. Think about what keywords we could add to your listing to assist customers in finding you. This is one of the many benefits of membership and unlike other Chambers, we have never charged you a dime!!
Chamber Talk – be “in the know” and “ahead of the game” by listening to the only radio program in the County devoted to business issues. Chamber Talk can be heard on WFLR Radio (95.9FM and 1570AM) the first Thursday of each month at 8:30AM. Hosted by Chamber President Mike Linehan the program features a guest host each month. The program looks at current trends in the business community and gives listeners an inside look at Chamber programming. Tune in!!
SCORE – don’t forget that another great Chamber service is SCORE, small business counseling. Offered by the US Small Business Administration, SCORE matches retired business leaders with emerging entrepreneurs. The retirees offer their years of knowledge and expertise to help support the new businesses. The service is free, confidential and VERY effective. Call the office today to learn more!
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
May
5 Chamber Talk – 8:30AM – WFLR
Tourism Committee – 4PM – Chamber Office
6 Retail Council – 8:00AM – Chamber Office
8 Mother’s Day!!!
11 BAH – 5PM – Seneca Flight Operations
12 Board of Directors – 7:45AM – Chamber Office
NYSOWA Spring Safari through Sunday the 15th
23 Wine & Dine – 6:00PM – Esperanza mansion
24 Long Range Planning – 8:30AM – Chamber Office
30 Memorial Day – Office Closed
Thought of the month
Remember Mom!
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