Kim Argenta, owner of Art Ah La Carte on Jackson Street, painted a new mural of wings, adding to the art trail through Batavia, and the Chamber of Commerce hosted an unveiling on Friday. The video is by Steve Falitico for the Chamber.
The Genesee County Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce that the 2019-2020 version of the Genesee County Chamber Business Directory has been published!
With nearly 500 local organizations in Chamber membership, we consider this the “who’s who in business” in Genesee County. Descriptions and contact information for small businesses, large corporations, nonprofits, municipalities and schools, all operating in Genesee County, all in one convenient publication!
Stop by The Chamber today to get your copy: Our office is located at 8276 Park Road, Batavia.
We are also pleased to announce the launch of our new Online Business Directory on www.geneseeny.com. With links to member websites, social media pages, emails, and phone numbers: the online directory is the perfect place to interact and learn more about local organizations right here in Genesee County!
Some member listings even have video and pictures to accompany their contact info, Check it out on website here.
The Genesee County Chamber is a not-for-profit organization that consists of nearly 500 local businesses and organizations. Whether you operate a small operation or a large corporation, a membership with the Genesee County Chamber is the perfect way to improve your visibility and make your business more engaged within Genesee County!
If you are interested in scheduling a tour to find out more information, please contact Steven Falitico at 585-343-7440 or by email at sfalitico@geneseeny.com
More membership information can also be found on our website under “Membership.”
The business community is invited to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Harvester Center in Batavia, the world's first business incubator.
In partnership with Start-Up Genesee, which is the networking event coordinator, and the Genesee County Chamber of Commerce, the anniversary celebration will take place from 4 to 6 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 15. The address is 22 Masse Place.
These organizations are thrilled to have such a unique and forward-thinking facility in our county.
Catering will be provided by D & R Depot Restaurant.
There is no cost to attend, but registration is required.
Click here to find out more and click the button on the right side of the page to register. Or call 343-2800.
There will be a speed networking (or speed business meeting) sponsored by the Genesee County Chamber of Commerce on Wednesday morning, May 15, at the Arc of Genesee Orleans Community Center in Batavia. Time is 8 to 9:30 a.m.
It's a meeting format designed to accelerate business contacts. It involves participants gathering together to exchange information. Participants greet each other in a series of brief exchanges during a set period of time.
Fill your tank and come ready to network! Coffee and tea and other light snacks will be provided.
Arc of Genesee Orleans Community Center is located at 38 Woodrow Drive.
All aboard! Thomas the Tank Engine invites little engineers to go full steam ahead for a weekend of engaging activities and fun adventures at Day Out With Thomas: The Steam Team Tour 2019. Children are invited to spend the day with their friend Thomas when the #1 Engine pulls into Medina on May 17. Day Out With Thomas: The Steam Team Tour 2019 is presented by Mattel.
Day Out With Thomas is a fun-filled event that provides children of all ages the opportunity to climb aboard and take a ride with Thomas as well as participate in Thomas & FriendsTM themed activities.
The tour, now in its 24th year, will make 37 stops across the United States and Canada, and is expected to welcome nearly one million passengers this year. For one weekend, little engineers and their families are invited to take a 25-minute ride on their favorite engine, meet Sir Topham Hatt, Controller of the Railway and enjoy a day of Thomas & Friends fun with crafts, photo ops, and more.
Typically held over two weekends in Medina, this year’s event is being held just one weekend and is jam-packed with fun for the kids! Your wristband to the grounds includes:
Train rides with Thomas depart every 45 minutes, rain or shine. Departure times begin at 9:15 a.m. through 5:30 p.m. each day of the event. Tickets for Day Out With Thomas are $23 plus tax for ages 2 and up. Tickets include the train ride with Thomas, all of the Thomas & Friends activities on the grounds as well as admission to the Medina Railroad Museum. Wristbands for entry will be provided to all ticket holders upon arrival. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased online at www.medinarailroad.com
Thomas the Tank EngineTM is the star of Thomas & Friends the award-winning global brand franchise enjoyed by families in more than 160 territories and in over 55 languages across multiple touch-points and formats, including: 500+ original TV shows; 12 feature-length films; 27 websites in 13 languages; apps; toys (ranked number one property in the preschool toys category in the United Kingdom and Australia and number two in the United States); consumer products; publishing; live attractions and much more.
About the Medina Railroad Museum; located in the old New York Central freight depot in Medina, NY, the Medina RR Museum is one of the largest freight depot museums in New York State. The building itself was built in 1905-06 and is one of the largest (301 feet by 34 feet), last surviving wooden freight depots in the United States.
The Museum’s train has five passenger cars and two first-class cars that ride out on the tracks to Lockport and back several times per year for special events. Train season is March through October, with special Polar Express rides after Thanksgiving through mid-December. The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday year-round. Closed on Mondays and major holidays. To contact the museum, call (585) 798-6106 or visit www.medinarailroad.com
The Chamber of Commerce Home Show is in full swing at the Falleti Ice Arena. It continues until 5 p.m. today and runs tomorrow from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The Genesee County Chamber of Commerce is thrilled to partner with over SIXTY local vendors to coordinate the area's premier home show!
Get a head start on some summer projects and welcome spring with this weekend long event. Take a look at just what Genesee County and the GLOW region has to offer the local consumer.
Falleti Ice Arena, Evans Street, Batavia - Evans Street, Batavia
Admission: $3 per person
The Genesee County Chamber of Commerce is thrilled to partner with more than 60 local vendors to coordinate the area's premier home show!
Get a head start on some summer projects and welcome spring with this weekend-long event. Take a look at just what Genesee County and the GLOW region has to offer the local consumer.
Falleti Ice Arena, Evans Street, Batavia - Evans Street, Batavia
Admission: $3 per person
Press release:
“Managing Your Online Reputation” will be the subject of the Genesee County Chamber of Commerce’s Small Business Workshop on Wednesday, March 13.
“With so many ways for people to review organizations these days, how do business owners keep a tab on all of it?" said Tom Turnbull, president of the Chamber. “This workshop will teach the fundamentals of keeping a good reputation in today’s electronic environment and how to use your reputation to gain sales.”
Greg Lindberg, of the Small Business Administration, will conduct the workshop. This is the one of a series of business workshops held in conjunction with the United States Small Business Administration and the Genesee County Chamber of Commerce.
The workshops are open to all Chamber and non-Chamber businesses and their employees and will offer expert advice from experienced professionals designed to help small businesses succeed and grow.
The workshop will be held at the Chamber of Commerce office, 8276 Park Road, Batavia.
The session will run from 8 to 9 a.m. and includes a question-and-answer period.
Cost for non-Chamber members is $10 for each attendee. Chamber members and Batavia Business Improvement District members may attend all small business workshops free of charge but should make reservations to insure space.
To reserve a seat in any workshop or for more information, contact Kelly Bermingham at 585-343-7440 or by email at kbermingham@geneseeny.com
It was a celebratory evening at the Quality Inn and Suites on Saturday as the Chamber of Commerce honored local businesses and individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the community.
For more on each award winner, click on the story links below:
Dan Fischer, emcee.
Jay Gsell, emcee, with the "Genesee Is Great Already" (GIGA) hat that he introduced at the event and gave to each honoree.
Tom Turnbull, president of the Chamber of Commerce.
Bob Stocking and Penny Arnold.
Larry Webster and Mike Davis representing Upstate Niagara Cooperative.
The Harrower family, Genesee Lumber.
Jim McMullen and Sue Schuler representing the Rotary Club of Batavia.
Videos, produced by Paul Figlow, were used to introduce each award winner.
Bob Stocking's hat.
Spring sports, golf, and bus tours, filled mostly with visitors from China seeing the sights in NYC and Niagara Falls, continue to drive tourism dollars to Genesee County, members of the County's Ways and Means Committee were told Wednesday.
Tom Turnbull, president of the Chamber of Commerce, and Kelly Rapone, tourism marketing director, provided the committee with an annual review of tourism activity.
For 2018, bed tax revenue was up 10 percent. It was up 15 percent in the second quarter, which is the quarter that sports teams from throughout the region travel here for softball and soccer tournaments.
Hotel rooms during that period, especially on weekends, tend to be sold out.
The bed tax was revenue was $498,000 in 2018.
Total related revenue flowing into the county was about $176 million.
The tourism department also sold out of its annual local golf packages. The packages brought in 600 golfers to the county over the course of the season.
Niagara Falls continues to be an attractive destination for Chinese tourists and their tourist buses during the summer have become a frequent sight in Batavia. The tour companies have figured out that Batavia is both close to Niagara Falls and hotel rooms are less expensive than those in Niagara County, Rapone said.
Tourism representatives attended 39 trade and consumer shows last year where they promote Genesee County as a tourism destination, including an annual golf show in Toronto, Canada, which is proven fruitful in promoting golf packages.
There are also more interest groups coming to Genesee County, Rapone said, such as a writers' group in 2018, and more car clubs.
Car clubs are an interesting niche the county might be able to attract, Rapone said, because of the restoration project locally of the Thomas Rocket Car. She is working on arranging tours at Dick McClurg's shop on West Main Street.
Press release:
The Genesee County Chamber of Commerce is celebrating its 47th Annual Awards Ceremony which will be held on Saturday, March 2, at the Quality Inn & Suites, Park Road, Batavia.
This is the County’s premier event that honors businesses and individuals for their achievements in business, community service and volunteerism. Tickets are $50 per person or a table of 10 for $450.
The evening begins at 5:30 with hors d'oeuvres, entrée tables & cash bar (no formal sit-down dinner is to be served). The Award Program starts at 7 p.m. where dessert and coffee will be served.
This year’s honorees are:
- Business of the Year: Genesee Lumber Company Inc.
- Agricultural Organization of the Year: Upstate Niagara Cooperative Inc.
- Special Service Recognition of the Year: The Batavia Rotary Club
- Geneseean of the Year: Bob Stocking, of Corfu
A Business After Hour Schmoozer hosted by the Genesee County Chamber of Commerce will take place from 5 to 7 p.m. on the second floor of the Harvester Center, 56 Harvester Ave., Batavia, on Thursday, Nov. 15.
You are invited to join your fellow Chamber members and learn about the unique business incubator -- the Harvest Center -- we have right here in Genesee County!
Enjoy some local food and drink, too. There will be craft beer provided by Eli Fish Brewing Co.; wine tastings by WNY ONEHOPE Studio; and hors d'oeuvres prepared by D&R Depot.
Plus there will be a 50/50 raffle to benefit Crossroads House, along with door prizes and other fun giveaways.
Click here to register.
It's been a banner year for the Genesee County Chamber of Commerce -- more ribbon cuttings, more members, more tourism dollars, and even higher attendance at the chamber's annual meeting at Terry Hills.
This year, 156 people turned out for the luncheon and Chamber President Tom Turnbull's upbeat review of the past year of chamber activity.
Membership has increased from 425 businesses on the Chamber's rolls to 464, a 9-percent increase, the largest single-year climb in membership on record.
"I think we've done a better job of conveying the value of being a Chamber member," Turnbull said after the meeting. "From our improved staff, improved social media, improve the communication with our members, we've been able to let people know what the chamber does and that it's growing.
"It also is a reflection on the business community. Businesses are growing. We're doing ribbon cuttings because there are new businesses. I think we that reflects what's happening in the business community."
The new visitor center on Park Road has given a boost to local tourism, Turnbull said, but new hotels, more travel, a good economy, are also giving a boost to the bed tax, which funds tourism promotion in Genesee County. Bed tax revenue was up 11 percent in 2017.
Tourism is the county's second leading industry, after agriculture, Turnbull said, with nearly two million visitors passing through the county annually contributing $180 million to the local economy. Darien Lake alone draws 800,000 people during its short 100-day season.
During the summer, sports events have become a big draw for the county, leading to all rooms booked at every hotel in the county on many weekends.
This past summer, 53 events in Genesee County drew 123,000 people.
Asian tour companies have discovered Batavia is a convenient location for an overnight stay, Turnbull said, because it's still close to Niagara Falls but with competitive room rates. As many as 10 tour buses a day stop in Batavia.
Local tourism employes more than 2,000 people at 380 tourism-related business with a $58 million annual payroll, Turnbull said.
Press release:
The Genesee County Chamber of Commerce's Annual Awards Committee announced today that the ceremony for 2018 honorees will be held on Saturday, March 2.
It will take place at The Quality Inn & Suites, Park Road, Batavia (formerly The Clarion Hotel).
This is the county’s premier event that honors businesses and individuals for their achievements in business, community service and volunteerism.
Please note that a brief write-up will qualify your nominee for consideration.
Nominations are now being accepted for: Business of the Year; Entrepreneurial Business of the Year; Agricultural Business of the Year; Innovative Enterprise of the Year; Special Service Recognition; and Geneseeans of the Year.
Business nominees must be a chamber member (If unsure of your nominee, call the chamber to verify).
Nomination forms are available at the Chamber of Commerce office, 8276 Park Road, Batavia, and can also be downloaded from the chamber website at www.geneseeny.com.
Nominations MUST BE RECEIVED BY Dec. 28 to be eligible for consideration.
If you would like more information, feel free to call Kelly J. Bermingham, director of Member Relations & Special Events at the Chamber office, 343-7440, ext. 1026.
The wind whistling through the trees, the sun peeking through the clouds, and just around the corner, a bird is singing. There’s no better way to start your morning than surrounded by nature, and no better way to get in touch with your outdoorsy side than by pitching a tent and setting up camp.
And truly, how great is camping? With the aroma of marshmallows in the air, the sound of the crackling fire, and the stars burning bright overhead, it’s one surefire way to relax, recharge, and reconnect with nature.
Luckily for those in the area or visitors wanting an easy outdoor getaway, Genesee County is home to some seriously awesome campsites.
Skyline Camping Resort is your “one stop for family camping fun.” Located atop scenic rolling hills, they boast over 300 campsites with 275 of those sites offering water and electric hookups. Families can enjoy three wading and swimming pools, a pond for fishing, and recreational activities (shuffleboard, basketball, volleyball, horseshoe) for all ages. Send the kids out to enjoy a game of tennis or mini golf, or to play the old-fashioned way at the playground and burn off that pent up energy. Then hype them back up with a candy bar at Skyline’s mini on-site Grocery Store. With something for everyone to enjoy, one weekend just won’t be enough!
Southwoods RV Resort is a family friendly campsite in a park-like setting. What does that mean? It means that kids can explore and play on the playground, in the game room, hop in the swimming pool or take to the special wagon rides, while others enjoy the bike track, hiking trails, sand volleyball court or mini-golf course. More than 200 spacious campsites with full hookups for RVs, a propane station, laundry facilities, and more mean that there is room for everyone to camp out and enjoy Southwoods all summer (and fall!) long. The Resort also hosts special events like coffee and donuts, casino night, and live music on holiday weekends.
Lei-Ti shows guests how to enjoy LEIsure TIme the right way in Western New York. Started in 1971, the campground has been voted one of the top 100 campgrounds in North American by Woodalls readers. And it's easy to see why - with two huge playgrounds, golf cart sales, swimming in the pool or at Leisure Lake beach, fishing, a rec. lodge (complete with an arcade and fitness room) and live entertainment, activities and events! It's an extended camping trip that's going to feel just like home - busy, fun, relaxing, and with all the amenities you could ever need.
Cherry Hill Campground takes you straight back to the basics, while also offering a crazy convenient location - just across from Darien Lake Theme Park! Enjoy lush, shaded campsites or a lean-to cabin with double doors that close for privacy. Cherry Hill is pet friendly and each site comes with a picnic table and fire ring.
Formerly known as Frost Ridge Recreation Area, The Ridge is a campground that takes its entertainment seriously. The site boasts a pool, camp and farm store, playground, and The Big Ridge Restaurant serving up homemade and homegrown meals. They also hold regular “Jam at the Ridge” concerts featuring local and statewide bands. Concerts are open to the public for single access into each event, but campers staying on property get special passes allowing in-and-out access to come and go as they please. The Ridge is truly where the fun is!
Hills, woodlands, ravines, streams, a sandy beach and the 12-acre Harlow Lake make up Darien Lakes State Park. Campers can take their pick of where to park their stuff – choosing from a total of 154 campsites, 141 with electricity and 13 primitive sites without. When you aren’t exploring the trails, fishing for largemouth black bass, or playing a round of 18-holes on the Angry Apple Disc Golf Course, you can make your way over to “Picnic Island” and enjoy a snack while surrounded by the serene views of nature.
Darien Lake Amusement Park Campground
Whether you’re relaxing after a day of thrills at the amusement park, or just getting away from it all, Darien Lake Campgrounds are a great way to unwind. Pitch a tent, pull an RV in, book a cabin rental or settle in to a “ready-made” glamping site nearby picturesque Darien Lake. Lodging Packages offer the best value for those looking to do it all – enjoy the outdoors, hit the waterpark, ride the roller coasters, and enjoy a weekend with family or friends.
Sleepy Hollow Lake is 104 acres of camping fun! It’s kid friendly, pet friendly, and home to beautiful walking trails and easy waterfront access. The camp has drive through RV sites, tent camp sites, and cabin rentals, with water, electric, on-site restrooms, picnic areas, and more. Each month they host special events ranging from pancake breakfasts and roast beef dinners, to flea markets, hayrides, petting zoos and horseshoe tournaments. There’s always something happening at Sleepy Hollow -- the place to make and preserve memories that last a lifetime.
It doesn’t matter which you choose or where you want to park it, family memories and outdoor fun await! For more information on these sites or other local offerings, check out the camping page on www.VisitGeneseeNY.com.
At Lockport Locks & Erie Canal Cruises, you’ll be singing and celebrating over a century of American history as you cruise down the Erie Canal. Located just outside Genesee County (just 15 minutes from Niagara Falls along historic Route 104) and headquartered in a renovated 1840 warehouse, Lockport Locks & Erie Canal Cruises offers a relaxing adventure and exciting take on history -- with daily and charter cruises, lively narration, and private charters and event space.
Experience the Canal
History is, in fact, the main theme at Lockport Locks & Erie Canal Cruises. Experience “Life in the Past Lane" when you take a two-hour scenic cruise down the Erie Canal and enjoy the sights and sounds of the waterway that changed the nation.
From May through October, book an experience that takes you through locks 34 and 35, the only double set of locks on the Canal, and ride 50 feet up as it fills with over three million gallons of water in mere minutes. Pass under Lockport’s "Upside Down Bridge," Lockport's "Big Bridge" (the widest bridge in the United States at 299 feet wide), through the "deep rock cut" and under lift bridges (everybody down!).
Cruise guides provide narration set to popular 1800s music – setting the scene and the mood as you navigate the canal.
Learn the History
Since 1987, Lockport Locks & Erie Canal Cruises has been a family owned business and community staple. From the boats to the building and event space, every detail has been carefully considered and immaculately preserved. The original stone walls are the remains of what was once Niagara Preserving Company, and the property was also at one time Western Block Company, a business that manufactured block and tackle for pulleys used on canal boats. Many of these artifacts can still be found throughout the spacious building.
Across the parking stands a four-story stone building built in the 1840s. The building was once a flour mill that used the water from the Erie Canal as its main power source, and channeled its excess water down a spillway, which still carries water to the canal today.
The building -- preserved in its original condition -- serves as the Lockport & Erie Canal Heritage Museum with hands-on canal related exhibits, a working model of a lock, and many interesting, and educational displays and artifacts.
Make a Memory that Lasts
But, Lockport Locks & Erie Canal Cruises is more than just a history lesson and a cruise along the canal. Each of its three vessels and spacious buildings can be rented out for private events, functions, and even weddings. Book time on a boat with food, drinks, music, and the opportunity to choose-your-own-adventure - we mean, route! Each has its own great atmosphere:
Back on dry land, choose from one of three event spaces:
So good are they at what they do, Lockport Locks & Erie Canal Cruises was recently entered into the TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence Hall of Fame for earning a Certificate of Excellence every year for the past five years! With so many satisfied customers, you’re sure to be one, too.
For more information on nearby attractions, visit www.visitgeneseeny.com.
Press release:
The Genesee County Chamber of Commerce’s Haunted History Trail of New York State program was recognized at the 2018 Rochester PRism Awards on Thursday, June 14.
The statewide tourism trail earned two recognitions for excellence in marketing and public relations – one first-place PRism Award and one Award of Excellence.
The PRism was awarded for the Trail’s “Spooky” Social Media campaign created and executed by Chamber member Break the Ice Media. Social channels saw growth across the board – nearly 40-percent page growth on Facebook, 22 percent on Twitter, and 90.4-percent engagement growth on Instagram -- with events selling out and new visitors traveling the trail.
The program was also recognized with an award of excellence for the 2018 Haunted History Trail brochure, a beautiful 36-page travel magazine that was designed by Corfu designer Matt Steinberg of The Quackenstein Graphic Design Co., and featured stunning photography from the official trail photographer Steve Shoemaker of Amityphotos.com. Break the Ice Media led the team with copywriting and project management.
The PRism Awards are an annual award show put on by the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA), Rochester Chapter, celebrating the best public relations work -- both elements and campaigns -- from the previous year.
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About the Haunted History Trail of New York State
The Haunted History Trail of New York State is a tourism collaboration spearheaded by the Genesee County Chamber of Commerce in partnership with 32 county tourism offices that features haunted locations from almost every region of New York State. Haunted dining, tours, and overnights are available on the trail, with many of the locations tying back to New York’s history. For more information, visit: www.hauntedhistorytrail.com.
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