The Chamber Connection: Monthly Newsletter | January 26, 2024 | |
Chamber Reveals New Brand | |
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The Chamber held its final BAH Networking Mixer for 2023 at the Smith Center for Arts on Wednesday, December 13. During the Mixer, guests enjoyed a variety of hors d’oeuvres and refreshments. Tours were given of the historic interior, while attendees went behind the scenes to learn more about the iconic property.
The December Business After Hours also served as the Chamber’s Annual Meeting, which included an on-stage presentation from the past year, presented by the Chamber staff with an overview of new members, and a vote for the 2024 Board of Directors with the Slate of Officers. The main highlight was a preview unveiling of the Chamber’s new logo and website, which is part of its regional rebranding project that has been in the works for nearly two years.
The Chamber announced the transition to its new name, the Finger Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce, or FLX Chamber for short, which will better reflect its commitment to serving members and customers throughout the Finger Lakes region.
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The change comes due to being a private, non-geographic Chamber, and from the growing trend of regional customer growth. Because the Chamber is not a tourism or tax-based operation like other county wide Chambers or TPAs (Tourism Promotion Agency), it does not have a geographic boundary or responsibility to maintain and can therefore expand its operations or name to accommodate any customer or area.
“We have been steadily growing our customer base outside of Geneva for the last few years,” stated Miranda Odell, the Chamber’s President. “To be precise, 55% of our new customers as a whole have come to us from outside of the area since 2018,” she added.
“When we had looked closely at the data and started discussing this idea more seriously with our board in 2021 and received unanimous support to move forward with going regional, we then checked and started talking more with the membership and realized the same support was there. Then over the last year the interest in a Finger Lakes-based Chamber with new member growth continued to expand exponentially,” she added. “We had a large goal of three dozen new customers this year, and to our surprise we are closing out 2023 with 45 customers from all over the Finger Lakes Region and beyond,” Odell said.
At the Annual Meeting presentation, the Chamber showcased that it was proud to be a “Finger Lakes Friendly Chamber” by representing businesses/organizations within its membership roster in ten of the 14 official Finger Lakes counties.
“Because we focus on Public Relations, networking, and being able to make official connections, many customers chose to join our Chamber instead of others, and not shop around,” noted Tara Sauve, the Chamber’s Director of Marketing and Member Engagement. “They come to us because we’re Finger Lakes-based, yet we’re still centrally located with a home base in Geneva, and we have a solid team of staff that’s able help them with their basic promotional needs for a much cheaper price tag, rather than hiring a big city-based firm,” she added.
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The Chamber’s new logo was designed by Justin Blue, a professional graphic designer who has worked for the Chamber for two years. It features a clean design with an image of the 11 Finger Lakes and a star over Seneca Lake/Geneva to pay homage to its roots of where the Chamber is based. Below the image is text of both the branded nick name, FLX Chamber, as well as the official name, and a fitting new slogan, “Creating Connections Across the Region.”
The rebranding and additional details for the Chamber’s transition will start in January and continue to take place across various platforms over the next few months. For additional info and questions, please call the Chamber at 315-789-1776 or visit the new website, www.flxchamber.com.
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January Annual Partner
Welcome Reception Recap
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Canandaigua – The Finger Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce held its first Business After Hours Networking Mixer of 2024, which was an exclusive event for all Annual Partners and Season Pass Holders. The event was held at Canandaigua National Bank & Trust Headquarters on Wednesday, January 10 from 4-6 PM, located above the historic downtown location on South Main Street in Canandaigua. | |
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Photo by Neil Sjoblom: Guests gather in the unique glass structure referred to as “the bridge” which connects the recently renovated conference room above the headquarters of Canandaigua National Bank’s downtown location off of Main Street and the side entrance off of Chapin Street, which houses their commercial operations and loan center as well as a drive-through.
Front row from L to R: Michael O’Donnell, Business Banking Officer II for CNB; Miranda Odell, Chamber President.
Middle row, L to R: Lindsay Morrow, VP of Corporate Events for CNB; Kelly Scott, Corporate Event Coordinator for CNB; Anthony Valerio of Four Winds Chimney and Chamber Board Member; Tamara Carter of the Fairfield by Marriot and Chamber Board Member; Polly Clark of CNB and Chamber Board Member; Justin Blue, Digital Content and Designer for the Chamber; Tara Sauve, Director of Marketing and Member Engagement for the Chamber; Kiana Larham, Chamber Intern.
Back Row: Meghan Rodgers of Finger Lakes Federal Credit Union and Chamber Board Member; Gwen Crawford, Executive VP Chief Retail Officer for CNB; Jason Tonkery, Commercial Services Group Manager for CNB; Diana Perry, Geneva Community Office Manager, AVP for CNB.
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During the mixer, attendees enjoyed a variety of refreshments and appetizers that were catered while learning about the space, in the recently renovated George W. Hamlin, IV Community Boardroom. Canandaigua National Bank & Trust staff were present where they spoke about the Headquarters building and also highlighted some of the history and architecture of the building. One of the highlights was the group photo that was taken in the glass structure, also referred to as “the bridge” which can be seen outside from the back parking lot and the Chapin Street entrance and that connects the different departments of the downtown headquarters property.
The next Business After Hours Networking Mixer will be held on Wednesday, February 21 from 4-6 PM at 41 Lakefront Hotel. Admission is $5 for members and $10 for non-members and is included for all 2024 BAH Season Pass holders. Reservations are required one week in advance. Please contact the Chamber via email at info@flxchamber.com for more information.
Business After Hours are held on the second Wednesday of each month 4 – 6 PM unless otherwise noted. Business After Hours Networking Mixers are open to the public, but hosting is one of the promotional opportunities and benefits that is only offered to members. For more information about Business After Hours Mixers, the 2024 Season Pass Program, or learning more about being a customer of the Chamber, please visit www.flxchamber.com or call 315-789-1776.
Business After Hours Events are proudly supported by the Chamber’s 2024 Annual Partners – Canandaigua National Bank, Casella Waste Systems Inc, Community Broadband Networks, The Eye Care Center, Fairfield By Marriott, Finger Lakes Federal Credit Union, Finger Lakes Partners Insurance, Four Winds Chimney, Generations Bank, Guardian Glass, Pedulla’s Wine & Liquor, and Seneca Lake Resorts.
The FLX Chamber is a private, membership-based organization that specializes in public relations services for its customers. With a primary office in Geneva, it is one of a kind that offers specialty services, and operates on a regional level, serving customers throughout various counties and communities in the Finger Lakes. Originally founded as the Geneva Chamber of Commerce in 1902, the Finger Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce is also one of the oldest in operation. Learn More: www.flxchamber.com.
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Hampton Inn & Seasons Banquet & Conference Center
110 Mace Street
Penn Yan, NY 14527
https://seasonsonkeukalake.com/
https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/elmpyhx-hampton-penn-yan/
Pictured:
Miranda Odell (Chamber President) & Donna Yudin (General Manager)
Welcome to one of our newest Chamber Members, located in Penn Yan! The Hampton Inn by Hilton, is a 72 room hotel located directly on the northern shore of eastern branch of Keuka Lake!
Seasons Banquet & Conference Center offers space for groups of 5 or 300. It is the perfect space to host a work conference, event or wedding! Be sure to visit their website to learn more about this beautiful venue!
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Friendly Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Geneva
1051 Routes 5&20
Geneva, NY 14456
https://www.friendlycdjrgeneva.com/
Congratulations to our members & friends at Friendly on opening their new dealership in Geneva! Be sure to follow their Facebook Page to stay up to date!
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Finger Lakes Premium Outlets
655 Route 318
Waterloo, NY 13165
https://www.premiumoutlets.com/outlet/finger-lakes
Congratulations to Finger Lakes Premium Outlets on their recent name change! Chamber staff, Tara Sauve, attended the official ribbon cutting on December 11, 2023 hosted by the Seneca County Chamber of Commerce.
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*Program Ending Soon*
2024 Season Pass Program
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Business After Hours Season Pass Program
The Finger Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce is thrilled to bring back the BAH Season Pass Program! Now available for purchase, this favored benefit is exclusive to Chamber members only and is one of the most popular programs that the Chamber hosts each year.
For the primary card holder, this fast-pass style, all inclusive program grants access to all ten (10) of the Chamber's 2024 BAH Mixers throughout the region. Custom metal cards are created locally and printed with the pass holder's name and business on them to bring to the monthly events to show at registration to easily pass through the check in line. Pass holders also receive five (5) guest passes upon purchase of their Season Pass to give to colleagues or friends/family to use.
Usually a $100 value, the Chamber's BAH Season Pass is only $75.
BAH Mixers are a great way to network and connect with regional member businesses while gaining even more exposure. The Chamber encourages you to bring a co-worker or friend to the next BAH Mixer!
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*Last Call for Signups*
2024 Annual Partner Program
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The Chamber is proud to offer the return of our popular
Annual Partnership Program for 2024.
*Last day to sign up to be included on all printed material for 2024 is
Wednesday, January 31, 2024.*
Introduced in 2020, the Annual Partner Program gives members the opportunity to sign up and save in advance on an exclusive and convenient one-stop-shop
Event & Advertising Bundel, which offers a mix of our top programs.
Value: $4,500
Cost: $2,024
Even if you're limited on staff, cannot plan to attend events, or even participate in any programing, your business is STILL represented through this top tier exposure.
Annual Partners are key stakeholders make up of valuable businesses throughout the region that we serve. These critical members support and participate in ALL major programming and events with their annual investments towards the services that the Chamber Offers.
*Spaces for this program will close out soon.*
*Limited Availability as space allows on advertising signage.*
*All spaces filled on a first-come, first serve basis.*
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Welcome To Our Newest
FLX Chamber Members!
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Hampton Inn by Hilton
Penn Yan
110 Mace Street
Penn Yan, NY 14527
(315) 536-8202
https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/elmpyhx-hampton-penn-yan/
Hampton Inn by Hilton, Penn Yan, is a 72 room hotel located directly on the northern shore of the eastern branch of Keuka Lake.
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Seasons Banquet & Conference Center | |
110 Mace Street
Penn Yan, NY
(315) 526-8202
https://seasonsonkeukalake.com/
Seasons on Keuka Lake Banquet and Conference Center, adjacent to the Hampton Inn by Hilton, Penn Yan, is the only Keuka Lake venue located directly on the lakeshore, offering stunning lake views from the ballroom and patio. Contact us to plan your memorable event, wedding, meeting, conference, or gala.
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Knifley Accounting & Tax CPA, PLLC
225 Exchange Street
Geneva, NY 14456
(315) 828-1909
Knifley Accounting & Tax CPA, PLLC is a Certified Public Accountant firm based in Geneva, NY, offering services such as tax preparation, bookkeeping, planning, and other accounting needs.
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2620 Elmwood Ave Unit 1
Buffalo, NY 14217
(716) 919-6584
https://dominguezmarketing.com/
Dominguez Marketing Marketing and Website Design with honesty and integrity. Combined 50+ years of experience on a wide range of quality services including website design, SEO, PPC, social media management, social media advertising, reputation management and more.
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KTB Marketing & Promotions
Clifton Springs, NY
(315) 828-1909
ktb.dcpromosite.com
KTB Marketing & Promotions helps businesses with graphic designs, advertising, and more! Offering custom promotional products (swag/gifts) for your business or event.
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1312 Mott Road
Phelps, NY 14532
(315) 830-1995
https://rocksolidservicesflx.com/
Rock Solid Services is an excavating, demolition, concrete, and hardscapes construction company. They offer stamped or decorative concrete, epoxy floors, resurfacing, coatings, and more for residential, commercial, and industrial customers.
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Airy Acres Vineyard
8011 Footes Corner Road
Interlaken, NY 14847
(315) 828-1909
Airy Acres Vineyard produces high quality wine made solely from the vinifera grapes harvested at optimum ripeness, grown on their 3rd generation family farm overlooking Cayuga Lake, near Interlaken, NY.
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1312 Mott Road
Phelps, NY 14532
(315) 830-1995
https://rocksolidservicesflx.com/
Optimum Pest Pros is a local family owned pest and vegetation management company that handles all residential and commercial customers. Specializing in ford-grade commercial accounts and bed bugs.
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Member News & Updates: #MembershipMatters | | |
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Learn more about what our Members are doing throughout the region. Check out the featured news posts below or visit our website for more information.
*This is a benefit of being a member- if you'd like to see your news included, please email it to info@flxchamber.com*
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SHARE YOUR SPECIALS
If you have specials, promos, or events coming up for Valentine's Day that you would like to have included and promoted on our website,
e-blasts, or socials, please send them to us below:
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Member Pay-to-Play Options | | |
Need something a little extra to give your message a boost or to promote your business? We have a program for that and are happy to help! Check out our Pay-to-Play Member Programs below to give your business that extra exposure. | | |
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Limited Availability:
Window Display Advertising
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No signage, no visibility, no downtown location? No problem! Sign up for our Monthly Window Display Advertising Program.
This Member Program is ideal for members that are looking for additional visibility downtown. Take advantage of our busy downtown location by placing your ad in one of our office windows.
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Digital Marketing Member Program | |
Want to see your Ad in our next Newsletter?
The Chamber continuously sees a consistent 45-49% open rate on all of its digital marketing communications, more than double the industry standard.
Take advantage of our successful email marketing campaigns by placing your ad in our weekly e-blasts and/or monthly newsletter.
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A huge thank you to our 2024 Annual Partners! | |
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Annual Partners are key stakeholders made up of valuable businesses throughout the region that we represent. These critical members support and participate in ALL major programming and events with their annual investments towards the services that the Chamber offers.
THANK YOU to these dedicated members, for helping to strengthen our long-standing Chamber, and continuing to make these valuable programs and services possible for all Chamber customers to enjoy and benefit from. #ThankYou #MembershipMatters
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Finger Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce | www.flxchamber.com
537 Exchange Street, Suite 202
PO Box 587
Geneva, NY 14456
(315) 789-1776 | info@flxchamber.com
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The Finger Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce is a private, membership-based organization with a sole focus of serving and representing its member businesses and organizations. As a primary benefit of membership, the Chamber generates awareness and provides exposure for its members by effectively promoting the people, property, products and services of each. | | | | |
