Yates County Chamber of Commerce events offer opportunities for interaction and information; recognition and recreation; marketing and making a difference. These events promote member business and community leader involvement throughout the county, enabling them to raise their profile to the markets and constituents they serve. Check out our annual events below. We also host the most dynamic local calendar for the Yates County area, listing all sorts of events happening in our community – great for residents and visitors. Click here for the Community Calendar
Annual Dinner
The Yates County Chamber of Commerce Annual Dinner attracts more than 250 Chamber Members, community leaders, and county residents and is one of the Chamber’s most widely attended events. With something for everyone—from opportunities for connecting with others from throughout the county to inspiring continued growth and positive developments—this annual event includes a presentation of community awards, and a silent auction
The Chamber seeks nominations from the community for Maxwell, Snow, and Seager Awards. Nominations are accepted year-round by emailing info@yatesny.com.
The Snow Award is given annually to an organization or individual in Yates County that demonstrates tremendous community spirit. The award was established years ago as a tribute to Norman Snow, Jr. who served as a Chamber Director and Chair of the Chamber’s Tourism Committee at the time of his death. Norm exemplified community spirit in his service to the Chamber and in his day to day contributions to the community and his family business.
The Seager Award is given annually to an individual who demonstrates great community pride. The award is named in honor of Emily Seager who was a Chamber staffer and ultimately held the position of Executive Director. Emily adopted Penn Yan as her home and in all of her activities, church, chamber and family, she demonstrated a level of pride not often found.
The Maxwell Award is given to The Director of the Year selected by the President and CEO. This person who should be one who: gives unselfishly of him/her self towards the enhancement of Yates County and the Chamber; serves on a number of committees; volunteers to chair projects; attends meetings regularly; contributes ideas and concerns to meetings and is an active force in the community. Robert Maxwell was a Chamber Director for many years and exemplified Chamber and community service.
Business After Hours (BAH)
Chamber Members, Business Owners and their employees are invited to participate in a Business After Hours, which are typically offered most months throughout the year at various different businesses throughout the county on the second Wednesday of the month. This event allows additional networking opportunities and relationship building with our neighbors.
2023 Dates & Locations:
1/11/23: Finger Lakes Premier Properties
2/8/23: Yates County Building
3/8/23: Keuka Spring Vineyards
4/12/23: Dudley Poultry
5/10/23: Mozaic
6/13/23 (Tuesday): Seneca Lake Duck Hunters Club
7/12/23: Humane Society of Yates County
8/9/23: The Moorings on Keuka
9/13/23: Lakeside Country Club
10/11/23: Yates Community Center
12/13/23: Bk8d & Loaded
Growth Series
The Chamber offers various professional development seminars, workshops, and roundtables throughout the year for a small nominal fee (Chamber Members save on fees). These opportunities provide insight & support on what businesses need to be successful and grow with a focus on topics that you face the most when running your business. We’ll bring in experts or fellow Chamber Member businesses to speak at every workshop in a fun, comfortable setting throughout the year.
2023 Growth Series
Thursday, April 27th, 2:00-4:00pm at Mansion on Keuka Lake: Onboarding Your New Employees with Ryan Guererri, Program Manager: Global Onboarding at Peloton
Friday, May 12th, 8:30-10:30am at Keuka College Commons: Work-Life Balance with Meredyth McMichael of Health & Wellness by Meredyth
Wednesday, June 21st, 12:00-2:00pm at Lakeside Country Club: How to Grow, Protect, & Exit Your Business with Rocky Martini of Alliance Advisory Group
Wednesday, August 16th, 12:00-2:00pm at Plum Point Lodge: Email Marketing with Break the Ice Media
October 2023: State of the County
Tuesday, December 12th (time and location TBD): Tourism Roundtable, 2023 Recap
Ribbon Cuttings & Ground Breaking
Are you planning a grand opening or celebrating a milestone? Do you want to showcase a new expansion or location? We can be there with the big scissors to cut the ribbon and help you commemorate your accomplishments! We’ll help with advertising and public relations to spread the word to members of the business community. We can also include the following:
- Photo opportunity with professional high-resolution photos
- Help you write and distribute a press release post event
- Invite VIP members of the community
We ask that you book with us at least 3-4 weeks in advance. Ribbon cuttings and ground breaking can be scheduled Monday-Friday, between 8:30am and 4:30pm, unless specially arranged otherwise.
Annual Events
Business Meeting
The Chamber holds its annual business meeting each November. This informative program highlights the Chamber’s accomplishments for the year and, outlines goals for the upcoming year, and announces new officers and directors.
Cruisin’ Night
The Chamber hosts an evening block party and car show in downtown Penn Yan. For over 25 years the the event has taken place Friday evening of Father’s Day to showcase classic cars and other speciality vehicles. There is also a live band, food trucks, kids activities, and vendors.
StarShine
Held the first Saturday in December in Downtown Penn Yan. This popular holiday event started over thirty years ago and has grown to become one of the most popular community Christmas celebrations in the Finger Lakes. The evening hosts a variety of music, entertainment, colorful lights, treats, historic displays, an elf school, special sales, the arrival of Santa and Mrs. Claus, and the crowing of Miss Penn Yan. The Chamber works with the Village of Penn Yan, Keuka College, and multiple organizations around the County to bring a memorable Christmas event that many talk about for years to come.
Golf Classic – sold out
Join us for the 3rd Annual Chamber Golf Classic at Lakeside Country Club on Monday, August 21st, 2023. Enjoy a day full of friendly competition on the beautiful course overlooking Keuka Lake.
Community Table Dinner – sold out
Saturday, September 9th, 2023 on the Main Street Bridge in Penn Yan. This farm-to-table style dinner is a benefit that raises funds for a local non-profit that serves the Yates County community. A beautiful and unique end of summer celebration where dinner is served at one long communal table, highlighting local food and beverage.