Chamber OnLine
News from the Genesee County Chamber of Commerce
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PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
While the primary mission of the Genesee County Chamber of Commerce is to create an environment for business success, the Chamber is also concerned with the quality of life for all the citizens of Genesee County.
And while the recent controversy regarding the suspension of raffle fundraisers by many local not-for-profit organizations does not necessarily qualify as a business issue, it does affect the quality of life for all county residents.
That's because these not-for-profits, made up of many local business persons who volunteer their time, generate hundreds of thousands of dollars through their raffles. These monies are then used to fund important and vital community services such as fire departments and hospitals as well as a myriad of other not-for-profit organizations that are so important to our quality of life in Genesee County.
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FREE CHAMBER SMALL BUSINESS WORKSHOPS
"Public Speaking Tips for Business" will be the subject of this month's Genesee County Chamber of Commerce's Small Business Workshop on Wednesday, May 11. Whether giving a small presentation in front of your co-workers or a keynote speech to hundreds of people, public speaking can be a terrifying experience for many people. Yet the ability to speak in public can be an invaluable asset in your professional development. In this one-hour seminar, participants will learn useful and practical tips to help make your next public speaking appearance more effective and less anxiety -ridden.
These Chamber business workshops are designed to help small businesses improve their skills and grow their businesses. The workshops are FREE to all Chamber members and their employees and will be made available to non-Chamber members for $10. Other 2016 workshops scheduled include: June 8 - "Leading vs. Managing Change" and August 3 - Identifying Drugs in the Workplace - Then Knowing What To Do Next".
All business workshops begin at 7:30 a.m. and last for approximately 1 ½ hours. For more information, contact Kelly Bermingham at 585-343-7440 ext. 26 or by email at kbermingham@geneseeny.com.
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BUSINESS DIRECTORY
The Genesee County Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce that the new 2016-2017 edition of the Business Directory will be available in June! All Chamber Members get a free basic listing in the directory however, to appear in the 2016 Business Directory, your dues must be paid by May 13, 2016. If you have not done so and would like to make arrangements for payment, please feel free to contact Kelly Bermingham at 585-343-7440, ext. 26, or email to kbermingham@geneseeny.com and she will be happy to help you do so.
We would also like to offer you the opportunity to advertise your business or organization at a higher level by purchasing a separate advertisement to appear on the same page as your listing! This advertisement can be one of 4 sizes and can be either black and white, or in full color for maximum impact. These business directories are targeted advertising... all Chamber of Commerce members receive copies of this directory, so you will be reaching all of the local business leaders and their employees!
If you choose to advertise in this year's Business Directory or would like to change your business category listing, contact Kelly Bermingham. Send us your logo and we can design your ad for you! Your ad will be submitted back to you for final approval before printing. Don't miss this amazing opportunity to reach the Chamber Membership and enhance your business.
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WHY DO OUR JOBS MAKE US SO TIRED?
Anyone who works in corporate America has heard the "I am so exhausted" refrain. Given how tired most of us feel by Wednesday, coffee manufacturers must have the system rigged so as to maximize our consumption.
You'd think with our continued embrace of technology and the fact that most of us do not work heavy labor-intensive jobs would make our work lives a bit easier. So, why do our jobs make us feel so tired and spent?
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Genesee County to Welcome 1,600 Sports Visitors the next two weekends
 Over the next two weekends (May 7-8 and May 14-15) Genesee County will host over 1,600 soccer players, coaches, families and fans at the Empire Cup College Showcase. The tournament will feature some of the Northeast United States and Canada's top high school and early-college level soccer talent. The influx of visitors is expected to create over a $250,000 economic impact during the span of both tournaments through hotel stays, dining and retail expenditures. The tournament will generate over 600 room nights at area hotels. The Genesee County Chamber of Commerce will assist visitors in finding local destinations by providing the new dining guide, maps, visitor guide, and area coupons from participating merchants. Tournament play for the boys weekend will be Saturday, May 7 and Sunday, May 8th. The following weekend the girls weekend will take play on Saturday, May 14 and Sunday, May 15th. Numerous college coaches will be in attendance scouting potential recruits for their soccer programs. The games will be played at Batavia Sports Park and Genesee Community College. (photo credit: Howard Owens)
Tourism Initiative Sees National Exposure
Genesee County's Haunted History Trail of New York State program was successfully pitched to a Buffalo based Associated Press Writer who on April 27th published our program as one of their "The Big Story" articles. The article has since appeared in over 200 national publications from ABCNews.com; Washington Times; Las Vegas Sun and more. You can read the article here.
Looking Ahead to "The Move"
As we begin to plan out our visitor center displays and distribution materials, we would like for all of our accommodations, restaurants, retailers and area attractions to make available to us your "rack card". Beginning this fall, Genesee County hospitality businesses will receive free marketing through our visitor center brochure racks. Only 4 x9 (card stock) rack cards will be distributed at the information center. To reserve your spot for your business please contact Kelly Rapone. We can also assist you in finding a professional designer, as well as sourcing printing quotes. Only pre-approved rack cards will be made available through the visitor center. Once we have our list of designated slots we will be in contact with you to receive quantities. Additionally, we are planning to develop the "mini menus" program for our restaurant partners. More information on that will be made available in the coming weeks.
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QUOTE OF THE MONTH
"If you don't make things happen then things will happen to you." -Robert Collier
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Your Chamber Resources:
Kelly Bermingham, Director of Membership & Special Events
Ginny Elsasser, Staff Accountant
Melissa A. George, Executive Assistant
Lauren Humphrey, Tourism Marketing Assistant
Beth Kemp, BEA Coordinator
Kelly Rapone, Tourism Marketing Director
Tom Turnbull, President
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Thank you
Chamber Champions!
at 585-343-7440.
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The Chamber of Commerce sells E-Z Pass. Stop in the office to learn more or to purchase one!
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Did you know the Chamber has
County Maps?
Stop by today to
pick one up!
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SAVE THE DATE
July 27, 2016
Golf/Bocce Outing at the Batavia Country Club.
Details coming soon!
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Darien Lake Tickets are now available at the Chamber of Commerce during normal business hours - $30 for chamber members
(includes parking!). Stop in or call for more details!
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Google Street View Inside!!
See which businesses took advantage of the great business tool by clicking here!
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Connect with your Chamber:
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210 East Main Street Batavia, NY 14020 M-F, 8:00am-4:30pm 585-343-7440 |
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