Gaffer District Business Partners with Corning Community College Students

Corning, NY - June 9, 2011 - Corning's Gaffer District is pleased to recognize a recent partnership between students at Corning Community College and Lando's Nightclub and Lounge.

As a downtown Corning landmark for 46 years, Lando's has been visited by multiple generations and continues to welcome new guests each week.  Opened in October 1966 by brothers Joseph Lando Jr. and Donald Lando, the club offers an exclusive experience and nightclub atmosphere with a modern, spacious dance floor and professional sound booth.  In addition, Lando's offers 30 modern hotel rooms for anything from single night to long-term stays.

With nearly half of a century of business experience, the Lando family hasfound the recipe for success.  In a campaign to continue promoting the club to young adults, co-owner Joe Lando met with Timothy Bonomo, Instructor of Marketing at Corning Community College, to offer a real-world opportunity to current students.  Bonomo immediately saw the value of the project and recruited students to participate.  "While we have done "outside" projects before, our projects typically remain in the cl

(L-R): Lando's co-owner Joe Lando, manager Sheryl Rook, Sarah McNeill, Ashley Hoffmeier and Silk Mitchell

assroom," noted Bonomo.  "This offered a group of students a great opportunity to work one-on-one with a local business on a real campaign."

Throughout the spring semester, students Ashley Hoffmeier, Sarah McNeill and Silk Mitchell spent several hours working with Lando's and helped generate ideas about reaching out to their target audience.  Several suggestions, such as interior renovation and website design have already been implemented, with a great deal of positive feedback from regular customers.  The students have found the experience extremely rewarding.  McNeill notes, "It's great to see our ideas brought to life."  Mitchell agrees, "The best part is seeing the positive reaction and hearing the great feedback from the customers."

Although the first of such projects, both Bonomo and Lando applaud the partnership between the school and the downtown business district.  Student Ashley Hoffmeier noted, "I hope the college will find more ways to get involved with the community.  This was a great experience."  Lando grins from ear to ear when asked about the project.  "This has been a terrific venture for us."  Lando continues, "It's a big plusfor the community because it brings Corning Community College and the business district together."