May - Greece Chamber of Commerce

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Belong. Engage. Succeed.
2496 West Ridge Road, Suite 201
Greece, NY 14626
Telephone: 585-227-7272
Fax: 585-227-7275
Email: info@GreeceChamber.org
Volume 11, May, 2011
Chamber Members Get Creative
with Social Media!
Save the date
Thurs., May 19th, 2011
11:30am—1:15pm
Power Networking Luncheon
Lake Shore Country Club
Tues., May 24th, 2011
7:30am-9:00am
Small Business Success Series
Organizing Your Marketing Plan
Greece Chamber Conference Room
Inside this issue
On the cover...
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Chamber Members Get
Creative with Social
Media!
Page 2
Business Matters:
Page 3
Chamber Events
Renewing Members
Save the Date: Social
Media Seminar
Page 4 & 5
Chamber At a Glance
Page 6
Greece Chamber Travel
Walgreens Cuts the
Ribbon!
Page 7
Member Spotlights:
Wehner Mowers, Inc.
Greece Go Getters
Page 8
New Members
Stroke Awareness Month
Page 9
Member News—
Commercial Loans
Non-profit News—Spring
Fire Safety Tips
Page 10
Greece Chamber Training
Calendar of Events
Page 11
YEA Investor Panel
Follow us on...
Jennifer
Reeve (left),
“genX” niece
of Keith and
Wendy
JonesRockcastle
(right) was
adamant
about and
very
instrumental
in creating a
strong social
media
presence for
Rockcastle
Florist.
Members are finding Social Media to
be a one-stop shop for building business
relationships.
Greece Chamber members are
always looking for ways to improve
products and services, communicate with
their customers and to grow their
businesses. They are finding that social
media is a very creative business tool.
Social media is a one stop shop for
businesses to grow their brand, generate
leads, increase business, and identify
trends. Most importantly it serves as a
relationship builder for businesses to
connect with clients and customers on a
more personal level. It opens the door to
a better understanding of the needs, the
wants and the desires of today’s
consumers.
For Greece Chamber member’s
Keith and Wendy Jones-Rockcastle,
owners of Rockcastle Florist at 800 Long
Pond Road in the town of Greece, social
media serves as a tool for connecting
with the different generations. “About
two years ago when our “genX” niece,
Jennifer Reeve came back into the
business full time she was adamant about
Rockcastle Florist developing a presence
on Facebook,” says Wendy JonesRockcastle. Facebook has provided them
the opportunity to show their work in an
immediate and visual way to potential
brides, capture input and attention from
teenagers that focuses on prom flowers
and fashion trends, as well as an
opportunity to market and provide
information to the masses of baby
boomers now using Facebook. “The
advantage that we as a Floral professional
have is that we can provide great visual
information. We have found that people
who “like” us really just want to see what
we are doing,” remarks Wendy.
“Facebook provides a voice, identity and
new dimension to a business looking to
reach markets in a unique way.”
Rockcastle Florist has also found that
people love to hear about great
experiences. The Rockcastle Florist
Facebook page has provided their
customers with a way to share these
experiences. “We had a man at
Valentine’s Day who delivered 30 dozen
roses to his office staff…what a kind and
generous man…everyone who posted
agreed,” comments Wendy.
The Bike Zone has found social
Cont on Page 11
Business Matters
May 2011
The Start of Something Big…
BOARD of DIRECTORS
Chairman: Al Meilutis
Vice Chair: Paul Chatfield
Treasurer: Del Smith
Secretary: Deb Walker
Immediate Past Chair: Kyle Van Putte
Member at Large: Chrissy Andrews
Lou Alaimo
Cheryl Ann Bilski
John Cirella
James Cummings III
Donald Felter Jr.
James Hofford
Michael Masiello
Jeffrey McCann
Kirk Morris
Todd Schirmer
Brian Ward
Michael West
COMMITTEE CHAIRS
Annual Awards Banquet: Wendy Rockcastle
Erie Canal: Todd Schirmer & Dave Pandina
Ambassador: Debi Kirkey & Phil Hurwitz
Small Business of the Year: Jim Cummings
Race on the Ridge: Jim Hofford
Dewey Avenue Roundtable: Paul Chatfield
Youth Hall of Fame: Ralph DeStephano
GREECE CHAMBER CHARITABLE
FOUNDATION
President: Kyle Van Putte
Vice President: Jodie Perry
Treasurer: Gilbert Cooper
Secretary: Raymond DiRaddo
P. Robert Fox
Joan Korsch
Anne Loria
Dan Richardson
William Selke
Eugene Welch
Al Meilutis
-By Jodie A. Perry, IOM, President & CEO
If you have been reading my column this year,
you’re aware of the program that our Chamber
Foundation has been doing this year called the Young
Entrepreneurs Academy (YEA!). YEA! is an intensive
entrepreneurship training program that guides high
school students through the process of starting and
running a legitimate business or social movement over
the course of a full academic year. We kicked off an
afterschool model of this program last November and
recently had 7 students pitch their business ideas to a
group of 8 Investors who donated real money to help
these students get started.
I have had the privilege to serve as the Program Manager this year,
attending the weekly classes to work with the kids and helping to line up the
countless volunteers who have helped make the program such a success. I
cannot tell you how proud I was of our students at the Investor Panel
presentations back in April. The students (who ranged in age from 14-18) were
poised, professional and able to think on their feet when investors asked them
spontaneous questions. Our two instructors – Diane Hennekey (Edward
Jones) and Roz Brooks (Brooks Financial Services) – taught these students
what they needed to know to start a business.
I’m pleased to tell you that the Greece program is serving as a template
for other Chambers of Commerce nationwide. I have worked with this
program since 2007 in a variety of ways (this year was the most hands on) and
I have been a big advocate for other Chambers offering this. There are
currently two Chambers that have it, but over a dozen other sites are seriously
considering signing on for next year (everywhere from Texas to Illinois).
In June, an article that I wrote will be featured in a national Chamber
publication called Chamber Executive and will profile the work being done
here in Greece. YEA! Founder & CEO Gayle Jagel has big plans for the
program. “Our goal is to launch 75 new sites by this fall and 1,500 additional
sites over the next two academic years. In so doing, we will be transforming
the lives not only of the students who enroll in the academy, but the
thousands of people that will be affected by the enterprises the students
launch and the culture of entrepreneurship and innovation that comes with
the implementation of the YEA! program in a community.”
The partnership between YEA! and Chambers all started right here in
Greece! It’s an exciting prospect and something that our community should
be very proud of!
STAFF
President/CEO: Jodie A. Perry, IOM
Director of Member Services & Events: Sue Edgett
Director of Marketing & Communications: Terry
Hogan
Director of Finance & Member Benefits: Christine
Sortino
Office Manager: Rae Shults
Membership Development Manager: Ann Hallick
The Greece/Hilton Young Entrepreneurs Academy went on a field trip to Solutions Studio
& Spa in May. The students learned about professional style while there. One student
was given a makeover as part of the class. Thanks to everyone at Solutions for a fun trip!
Pictured from left: Mik LeTourneau (Solutions), Rachel Wakefield, Tom Hebert, Jacqulin
Janis, Paige Janis, Stephanie Krist, Mitch Abbott, Euphemia Menjay.
Page 2
Chamber Events
First Friday
Networking Breakfast
Power Networking
Luncheon
Friday, June 3rd, 2011
Thursday, May 19th, 2011
7:30am—8:30am
Hosted by:
11:30am—1:00pm
Legacy at Park Crescent
1000 Providence Circle (off Mt. Read Blvd.)
First Friday Networking Breakfasts are a great way to
meet other business people in the community and to let
them know about your business! Be sure to bring plenty
of business cards.
This is a FREE event!
Register online at www.GreeceChamber.org
SAVE THE DATE:
Tuesday, June 14th, 2011
Link to Success: Your Social
Media Connection
Greece Chamber Social Media 1/2 Day
Seminar—Brook House Restaurant
Lake Shore Country Club
1165 Greenleaf Road
$20 for Greece Chamber members
$25 for Non-Members & Guests
Mark May 19th on your calendar and make the most
of your lunch hour with the ultimate networking
experience. Power networking is the sensational
event that has been compared to “speed dating” with
business cards.
Lunch will be served at 11:30am and networking
will begin promptly at 12:00 noon.
Remember the key to any successful networking
opportunity is to share an effective and focused
message about your business or organization in 60
seconds or less.
Table sponsorships are available for this
luncheon. Call Sue Edgett at 585-227-7272
for sponsorship details.
Details coming soon to
www.GreeceChamber.org
Member Testimonial
Help Us To Honor Our
Greece, NY Veterans!
The Chamber is asking for your help in locating families of U.S.
men and women currently serving in Afghanistan and Iraq. If
you have contact information for any of these families please
contact Terry Hogan at 585-227-7272 or email her at
Terry@GreeceChamber.org. We would like to honor them in a
Hometown Heros series on our Facebook page and
on SuccessLink.
(Promotional Mailers)
I wanted to send you a quick note to express our
satisfaction for the exposure we at Frontier have received
through advertising monthly in the Greece Chamber
Newsletter.
Your publication offers a simple and affordable way to
reach out to not only the 700 plus members of the Greece
Chamber of Commerce but also to those customers that
your members do business with as well.
Thanks again for providing this service to
your members. –Kirk Basmajian, Frontier
Member Testimonial
“I love the Greece Chamber because everyone is "family" there.
There is a great sense of community through networking, and
through sharing ideas with other small business owners
in the community.”
–Debbie Best, Avon Representative
Renewing Member
Pro-Tech Automotive
* As of April 26, 2011
Page 3
Greece Chamber At a Glance
May
TO-DO
LIST
Bike Zone
Celebrates Grand
Opening of New
Location on West
Ridge Road!
On Thursday, April 7th, 2011
David Silloway, President of
the Bike Zone celebrated the
grand opening of their new
location on West Ridge Road
NYS Senator Joe Robach,
Greece Town Supervisor John
Auberger, Greece Town Board
Member Bob Bilsky, Town of
Greece Deputy Supervisor Jeff
McCann, and Greece Chamber
President / CEO Jodie Perry all
attended the event!
EGGS & ISSUES
BREAKFAST
The April 2011 Greece
Chamber Eggs & Issues
Legislative Breakfast at
Brook House Restaurant
featured guest speaker
NYS Joe Robach. The bimonthly breakfast gives
members an opportunity
to stay current on
government issues that
can affect their business.
Pictured to the right:
NYS Senator Joe Robach
and Christina Gullo,
President & CEO of St.
Joseph’s Villa.
Event sponsored by St.
Joseph’s Villa.
April
2011
Chamber businesses filled the Chamber conference room for a 90 minute Tech
Tuesday seminar on Tuesday, April 26th, 2011. Greg Gartland from Gartland
Technologies, LLC presented Google AdWords, Google AdSense &
Google Corporate. Event sponsored by Bidders Guide Publication.
MEMBER TESTIMONIAL
I enjoy the networking lunches because it provides a very
effective and efficient way to meet and get to know a
number of prospects. Also, helps keep me sharp and
focused on an effective "elevator" speech.
-Mike Masiello, Masiello & Associates
REGISTER for the Greece Chamber
Power Networking Luncheon at Lake
Shore Country Club on Thursday, May
19th, 2011. Be sure to bring plenty of
business cards.
FOLLOW the Greece Chamber on
Facebook, and Twitter.
ATTEND the Member Orientation /
ChamberMaster Training session in the
Chamber Conference Room on Friday,
May 20th, 2011. It’s FREE! Learn all about
Chamber benefits and how they can
work for your business!
Engage at the Greece Chamber’s Small
Business Success Series 90 minute
seminar, Tues., May 24th from 7:30am—
9:00am as Diane Hennekey presents
“Organize Your Marketing Plan.”
Erie Canal
Mural Prints
Available
Prints of the new
murals installed on
the bridge at
Henpeck Park are
available for
purchase. Contact
the Greece
Chamber office at
585-227-7272 for
details.
Page 4
Ambassador
Corner
Small Business Success
Series—Tech Tuesday
Upcoming Seminar
June 21st—Creating an Effective Facebook
Page presented by Adrienne McHargue, Director
of Communications at Lollypop Farm ($15 for
Greece Chamber Members & $25 for NonMembers, Greece Chamber Conference Room,
(price includes continental breakfast.)
Name: Barbara Giancursio
Business: Silver Star Jewelry
Quote: “As a Greece Chamber Ambassador, I am the welcoming
face for new and prospective members, extending the Chamber’s
hospitality to them at both business and social functions. It also
offers me the opportunity to personally promote my own
business to the Greece community.”
7 DAY BUSINESS CHALLENGE
Greece Chamber members will soon have an opportunity to participate in
the 7 Day Business Challenge. Participating in the 7 day challenge will
give members the necessary training for
using SuccessLink, the Chamber’s private social media site, to
it’s fullest potential. Details coming soon!
Member Mini Spotlight
Strassner’s Kleen
Sweep Cleaning
Greece Chamber member Kathy Strassner, owner of Strassner’s
Kleen Sweep Cleaning has been offering both residential and
commercial cleaning services since 1996. In addition to normal
cleaning services, for additional fees, she also offers more
customized services that can include:
♦Floors
♦Windows
♦Laundry
♦And more.
Greece Chamber of Commerce, Henrietta Volunteer Ambulance and
Rush Fire Department are a few of Strassner’s Kleen Sweep Cleaning
accounts. Her cleaning services are offered mornings, evenings
and weekends.
If you are in need of cleaning services, be sure to call Kathy Strassner
at 585-750-3467 or email her at KBStrassner@yahoo.com. Be sure to
tell Strassner’s Kleen Sweep Cleaning that you saw their mini
spotlight in SuccessLink Journal! -Terry Hogan, Director of
Marketing & Communications
Greece Chamber members and their employees are
eligible for the following discounts from fellow
Chamber members participating in the
Members F1RST discount program:
Edible Arrangements, Patricia Wilson, 585-2715470—Free Delivery ($12 value). *Not available for
orders for locations other than Pittsford, Webster and
Greece stores.
Functional Interiors—Cheryl Ann Bilski, 585-2271045—Interior Design Consultation and Services at $10
per hour discount and also receive 30% off all
commercial & healthcare furniture, lamps and art
work. Excludes freight and installation.
Hydro Jet Power Washing—Patrick Brennan.,
585-690-1261—25%off Commercial Power Washing of
patios, sidewalks, drive-thrus, gas stations, dumpster
pads, and small fleet washing.
LeGault Limousine, Roger LeGault, 585-227-9334—
Savings up to $150. Reserve 4 or more hours receive 1
additional hour free.
Principle Bookkeeping, Todd Niedopytalski, 585582-2693—10% off per hour for six months with a one
year contract.
Silver Star Jewelry, Barbara Giancursio, 585-704—
9242. Take 25% off your jewelry order. Minimum
purchase $50. Call Barbara Giancursio @ 585-704-9242
to place an order. Ask for a FREE catalog of Fine
Sterling Silver and Semi-Precious Gemstone Jewelry.
*No other discounts apply. Not valid on gift
certificates.
Watch for more discounts in next month’s newsletter or visit
www.GreeceChamber.org for a complete listing.
Page
5
Walgreens in Buckman’s Plaza
Celebrates Grand Opening!
Member Testimonial
On Saturday, April 9th the Greece Chamber joined in
the celebration of the grand opening of the new
Walgreens in Buckman’s plaza. Joe Boyer, store
manager at the new location cut the ribbon with the
assistance of: Justin Peterson and Mike Tougas,
Walgreen store employees, Jim Monahan Walgreen
Auburn location store manager, Mark Obuhanyck
Walgreen District Pharmacy Supervisor, George
Johnson Walgreen District Manager, Officer Mary
Beth Kowalski Greece Police Department, McGruff
the Crime Dog, Greece Town Supervisor John
Auberger, Greece Chamber President / CEO Jodie
Perry, Ralph DeStephano Partner at Buckman
Enterprises, and Kirk Morris Greece
Town Board Member.
Page 6
Member Spotlight— Wehner Mower, Inc.
Address: 2321 Ridgeway Avenue
Rochester, NY 14626
Telephone: 585-227-2160
Fax: 585-723-1117
Email: sales@wehnermower.com
Website: www.wehnermower.com
power equipment available and back it with
the best local service and parts stock,”
comments Larry Wehner. “It is all part of
what we call the Wehner Advantage.
Wehner Mower, Inc. has earned
the Platinum Dealer accreditation from the
Ferris Company, Master Service Dealer
Wehner Mower, accreditation from both the Ferris Company
Inc. is a family
and the Toro Company, and the Gold
business now in
Dealership accreditation as an Echo Dealer.
its 4th generation. Robert Wehner, Master Service Technician
They have been
at Wehner Mower has been recognized as a
providing
Master Technician for both Kohler and
excellent service Briggs and Stratton engines. “Our business
Pictured above: Robert Wehner,
Mike Wehner, Joyce Wehner, to the town of
is weather driven which requires us to
Larry Wehner, Sr., Lauren
Greece and
continuously be prepared to change
Wehner-Stoessel,
surrounding
direction on the fly,” says Larry. “We are
Larry Wehner, Jr
areas for the past blessed with a staff that understands and
71 years. The company sells and services
respects this and is willing to make
outdoor power equipment. The do-itadjustments when necessary and many
yourselfer will find a large inventory of
times with little notice.” Larry Wehner
maintenance parts in stock. Wehner Mower, credits much of the company’s ability to
Inc. employs 14 professionals.
make necessary business adjustments to
The full service mower company
having family in key areas. “This has been
offers: professional assembly of new
instrumental in supplying time sensitive
equipment, carton disposal, automatic
feedback with regard to sales trends, service
warranty registration of new equipment.
efficiency and financial analysis,” remarks
priority service benefit for two years, a huge Larry.
parts inventory, factory trained Master
As Greece Chamber members
Service Technicians, a staff of over 90 years Wehner Mower, Inc., finds real value in the
of combined experience, state-of-the-art
many programs that the Greece Chamber
computer technology, a well equipped fleet offers such as healthcare and credit card
of trucks for pickup and delivery, and more. processing discounts as well as the regular
“Our goal is to offer our customers the best networking events that provide
opportunities to connect with fellow
Chamber members. They are also regular
supporters of the Greece Odyssey Academy
of Music and
“Our most treasured
Drama.
achievement is
“We
running
our 71 year
are thankful for
old
family
business,
the support of
now in its 4th
the Greece
generation. Thank
Chamber, its
members and
you for allowing our
our local
family to serve your
community,”
family!” –Larry
says Larry. “We
Wehner
directly
attribute our success and our growth to the
community. We appreciate and respect the
trust that we receive from our customers.”
Spring hours at Wehner Mower,
Inc. are as follows: Monday and
Wednesdays 8:00am – 7:00pm, Tuesday,
Thursday, Friday 8:00am – 5:00pm, and
Saturdays from 9:00am – 3:00pm. If you are
interested in finding out more about
Wehner Mower, Inc or their services call
585-227-2160 or email them at
sales@wehnermower.com. You can also visit
them on the Internet at
www.wehnermower.com. Be sure to tell
them that you saw the Wehner Mower, Inc.
spotlight in the Greece Chamber newsletter,
SuccessLink Journal. –Terry Hogan, Director
of Marketing & Communications
Member Spotlight—Greece Go Getters
about each other’s businesses, in fact, so
well that we have no hesitation
recommending that person,” comments
Dave. “Since the group’s inception we have
counted 356 referrals, averaging
approximately $742 per referral, $13,919 per
seat, with a total estimated value of
The Greece Go
$264,459 through these referrals.” Members
Getters are a
of the Greece Go Getters attend one hour
member owned
weekly meetings that follow an agenda. The
group of professionals, meeting on a weekly focus of the meeting is based more on
basis, for the sole purpose of exchanging
performance than attendance. Performance
referrals. Founders, Mark Palazzolo and
is measured by the number of referrals
Dave Sine have seen continuous growth
given, the number of table talks conducted
since launching the group about a year ago. and number of visitors procured. Members
There initial start up included 9 members, it are rewarded financially if their visitor
is now at 19 and they are projecting 25 by
becomes a Greece Go Getter Member. “We
summer’s end. The group still has hundreds publish weekly a detailed matrix that
of openings for professionals interested in
communicates each member’s production
joining a referral based networking group.
level as compared to the expectations,”
Dave Sine attributes trust as one of remarks Dave. “Attendance is measured but
the Greece Go Getters key success elements. becomes irrelevant if the monthly
“We spend a great deal of time learning
performance metrics are met.”
Contact: Mark Palazzolo (585-292-9850 ext.
14) and Dave Sine (585-368-7157)
Fax: 585-225-9368
Email: mpalazzolo1962@yahoo.com or
dsine@nothnagle.com
Website: www.GreeceGoGetters.com
The Greece Go Getters are a
member of the Greece Chamber of
Commerce. “The Greece Chamber presents
a very strong and
“The Greece Go
trusted forum for
Getters
have no
communicating
paid positions.
not only with
Dues and fees
other business
collected
stay in
people in Greece
the
group
and
are
but with the
used for operating
whole town at
expenses that
large,” says Dave.
include
referral
“We plan to
books,
card
wallets,
become more
website expenses,
active in the
and group
Chamber
promotional
functions over
events.” -Dave Sine
the next 12
months.” The
group also plans to sponsor a booth at an
upcoming classic car show in June. Watch
their website at www.GreeceGoGetters.com
for details.
Cont on page 11
Page 7
New Members
BARBERS
House of Hair
Thomas Gianvecchio
459 Stone Road
Rochester, NY 14615
(585) 225-5022
BUSINESS CONSULTANTS & COACHES
The Farrell Edge
Bob Farrell, President
275 Matwood Drive
Rochester, NY 14618
(585) 739-0919
COMPUTERS – IT/SALES/SERVICE/
SOFTWARE
Affinity Enterprises LLC
Norm Erwin, Director
121 Thunder Ridge Drive
Rush, NY 14593
(585) 314-1824
www.affinityenterprises.net
INTERPRETER
Nydia Rivera
Nydia Rivera, Owner
57 Jay-Vee Lane
Rochester, NY 14612
(585) 503-8021 Fax: (585) 227-4549
REAL ESTATE
Prudential Discover RE
Bernard Chase, Realtor
492 Bennington Drive
Greece, NY 14616
(585) 581-2075
www.discoverbernardchase.com
TRAINING
Media-Wright
Diane Hibbard, Owner
42 Meadow Glen
Fairport, NY 14450
(585) 223-9546
* As of April 26, 2011
May is National Stroke Month
May is National Stroke Awareness Month. Knowing the signs and acting quickly can make the difference between life and death.
Stoke symptoms may often be minimized and possibly reversed if treatment is delivered early.
A stroke occurs when a blood vessel in the brain is blocked or bursts. Without blood and the oxygen it carries, part of the brain
starts to die and the part of the body controlled by the damaged area of the brain can’t work properly. There is an FDA approved
clot-bursting medication that may reduce long-term disability for the most common type of stroke if it is given with three hours
of the first symptom.
It is important to recognize the warning signs and call 911 immediately. A stoke usually happens suddenly but may occur over
hours.
•
•
•
•
•
•
Sudden numbness, tingling, weakness, or paralysis in your face, arm or leg, especially on only one side of your body.
Sudden vision changes
Sudden trouble speaking
Sudden confusion or trouble understanding simple statements
Sudden problems with walking or balance, coordination or dizziness
A sudden, severe headache that is different from past headaches.
Symptoms that last for only a few minutes and then subside may indicate a transient ischemic attack or TIA. This is a serious
medical event and requires treatment to help prevent future stroke issues.
To help you with symptoms, remember the acronym FAST:
•
•
•
•
FACE: Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop
ARMS: Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
SPEECH: Ask the person to repeat a simple phrase. Is their speech slurred or strange?
TIME: If you observe any of these signs, call 9-1-1 immediately! Remember to note the time of the first symptom.
National Stoke Awareness Month is also a timely reminder of stroke survivors and how organizations such as National Stroke
Association support stroke survivors through their lifelong journey of recovery.
(Information provided from Excellus BC/BS website)
Member Testimonial
“Bryant & Stratton is a proud sponsor of a variety of Chamber events. Doing so has been a great way to promote the
college while demonstrating our solid commitment to the Greece Community.” -Marc Ambrosi, Director of Greece
Page 8
Campus, Bryant & Stratton College
Member News
Tips for Preparing for a Commercial Loan
Below are 3 simple steps you could follow when your business is in the market to purchase a piece of equipment,
finance short term cash needs, or purchase a building or investment property.
1. Talk to your lender. Schedule a time to sit down and talk with a commercial loan officer and talk about
your business. Talking with your lender will provide you with all the steps involved in applying for a
commercial loan. You will be able to discuss the types of loans and rates to determine which is best for
you, your company, and your financial situation.
2. Personal credit will be a factor in you receiving a loan. Make sure your personal credit is strong as you will
be looked upon to guaranty the business loan.
3. Make sure your financial information and bookkeeping is up to date. Depending on the request, most
financial institutions will require 1-3 years of Personal and Business Tax returns along with other financial
information related to the business.
It has been my experience that forming a partnership between the business owner and the loan officer is very
important for both parties. Having a relationship with your banker should be beneficial to your business. -John
Cirella, Vice President Commercial Lending, Northwest Savings Bank
If you have any questions about commercial loans John Cirella, Vice President Commercial Lending at Northwest
Savings Bank will be happy to assist you. John can be reached at 1-800-572-6972 or email him at
jcirella@nwbcorp.com.
Non-profit News
Spring Fire Safety Tips
◊
◊
◊
◊
◊
◊
◊
◊
◊
◊
◊
◊
Fuel for lawn and garden equipment, tools and vehicles should only be stored in approved
containers. Never store or use propane gas cylinders inside the home.
Never operate a propane-powered gas grill inside the home or garage.
Barbeque gas grills, including gas hoses, gas grill lines, and propane tanks, should be inspected prior to
use.
When using gas grills keep children and pets away from the grill area.
Never leave your grill unattended.
If you smell a strong odor of gas, leave the area immediately and call 9-1-1 from outside the home.
Never add charcoal fluid or any other flammable liquids to any fire.
Keep charcoal fluid out of the reach of children and away from heat sources.
When you are finished grilling, let the coals completely cool before disposing in a metal container outside
of the home.
Have a qualified professional perform proper maintenance on lawn equipment such as mowers, weed
trimmers and leaf blowers.
Clean up work areas by putting away dangerous tools, adhesives, matches and other items that should not
be accessible to children.
Clear leaves, debris and other yard waste from around the garage and storage sheds.
GREECE BUSINESS EXPO
Saturday, September 24th, 2011 10am—3pm
Details coming soon!
Page 9
Greece Chamber Training
Small Business
Success Series
ChamberMaster Training
Tuesday, May 24th, 2011
Friday, May 20th, 2011
Reaping all the Benefits of
Chamber Membership
7:30am—9:00am
8:00am—9:00am
Organizing Your Marketing Plan
Greece Chamber Conference Room
2496 West Ridge Road, Suite 202
Greece, NY 14626
Presented by: Diane Hennekey,
Edward Jones Investments
Greece Chamber Conference Room
$15 for Greece Chamber members
$25 for non-members
You will learn about the many facets of the Chamber’s
current benefits and service offerings...AND how to make
the best use of your organization’s business directory listing
on the Greece Chamber website.
* Opportunities for networking and advertising
* Health, dental and vision insurance
* Upcoming events and programs
* Money-saving benefits for Chamber members only
* Learn how to make the best use of your Chamber
Website
* Personalize your business listing
* Add Hot Deals and post open positions in Job Search
(price includes continental breakfast)
Diane will share her expertise in organizing a
successful marketing plan. She will discuss:
• planning
the selection process
the evaluation process
an overview of measuring progress towards business goals
Coordinating and reviewing monthly marketing actions
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You won't want to miss this exciting
90 minute seminar!
Sponsored by:
This session is FREE to members.
Call the Chamber office at 585-227-7272 for event
details and registration or visit us online at
www.GreeceChamber.org.
Calendar of Events
May
5/12, Thursday – Dewey Avenue Business Roundtable –
Business Development Sub-Committee Meeting at
7:30am at Chatfield Engineers, 2800 Dewey Avenue
5/13, Friday - Leadership Greece Class Day
5/17, Tuesday - Board of Directors meeting at 7:30am
5/19, Thursday – Power Networking Luncheon ~
11:30am to 1:00pm, Lake Shore Country Club, 1165
Greenleaf Road ~ Lunch served at 11:30am ~ Program
begins promptly at 12:00n
5/20, Friday – Reaping All the Benefits of Chamber
Membership & ChamberMaster Training ~ 8:00am to
9:00am, Greece Chamber Conference Room, Suite 202 ~
Register online or contact the Chamber office for more
information
5/24, Tuesday - Small Business Success Series,
“Organizing Your Marketing Plan,” presented by Diane
Hennekey, Edward Jones Investments ~ 7:30am to
9:00am, in the Greece Chamber Conference Room,
Suite 202 ~ Sponsored by USA Payroll, Inc.
5/25, Wednesday – Ambassadors meeting at 8:00am
June
6/3, Friday - First Friday Networking ~ 7:30am to
8:30am, hosted by Legacy at Park Crescent, 1000
Providence Circle, off Mt. Read Blvd.
6/7, Tuesday – Canal Committee meeting at 8:00am
6/9, Thursday – Dewey Avenue Business Roundtable
Meeting at 7:30am at Aldersgate United Methodist
Church, 4115 Dewey Avenue
Reservations are requested for all Chamber luncheons &
events; call 227-7272 to make reservations. All committee
meetings and training sessions, unless otherwise noted, will
take place in the Greece Chamber’s Conference Room at 2496
West Ridge Road, Suite 202. If you are interested in one of our
many active committees or you would like to gain more
exposure for your business, please call us at the Chamber.
Page 10
Cont from front cover (Greece Chamber Members Get
Creative with Social Media)
media to be a great way to engage with
their customers and vendors. They have
seen a definite increase in traffic because of
their Facebook presence. “We have created
a dynamic online community via Facebook
– a true and engaging representation of the
in-store experience,” says Bike Zone owner
Dave Silloway. ‘It’s a venue for Bike Zone’s
customers to ask questions, share pictures
of their favorite rides, and receive product
and industry updates, among other things.
The Greece Chamber recently assisted the
Bike Zone in their Grand Opening
Celebration with a Ribbon Cutting
ceremony at their new Greece location at
2100 West Ridge Road in Greece. “We used
Facebook to augment the promotion of our
grand opening sale, resulting in one of Bike
Zone’s most successful months to date”,
says Dave. “RSVP’s helped us to estimate
the number of attendees, tagging vendors
in our posts gave us exposure to even
broader audiences, and photos were posted
in real-time throughout the four-day event
to showcase special deals and activities.”
Because non-profits operate on a very
tight budget social media has provided
them with both the opportunity and the
means to communicate to the community
information about their services that they
might not be able to afford otherwise. It
provides the tool that allows them to bring
increased awareness to their organization.
“We have found that social media has
helped to strengthen our brand and
establish our expertise as well as support
our staffs credibility within this industry,”
remarks Rosa Smith-Montanaro, Placement
Specialist at RochesterWorks. “We are
using a multitude of social media
platforms. Blogging allows us to post
articles that are geared toward job search
keeping job seekers motivated, utilizing
technology, and overall career guidance.
Primarily we use Facebook to focus on
youth workers and employment
opportunities that are available for them.
LinkedIn has been a great tool to support
Job Network, a group that meets weekly, as
well as for sharing job leads and search
tools.” For job seekers and those
considering a career change
RochesterWorks utilization of social media
provides 24/7 support.
In a nutshell, social media provides
businesses and organizations tools to
improve their brand, increase their
visibility, learn more about their target
markets, monitor conversations, and really
develop positive and lasting business
relationships with their clients.
Of course you can connect with the
Greece Chamber on social media sites, too.
You can follow us on Facebook, Twitter
and LinkedIn and join us on SuccessLink,
our own private social media site for
members only. If you need assistance in
creating or advancing your social media
presence we have several Chamber
members that specialize in this field. Check
out our member directory at
www.GreeceChamber.org. Be sure to watch
for details on how you as a Greece
Chamber member can participate in our
upcoming 7 Day Business Challenge using
SuccessLink! –Terry Hogan, Director of
Marketing & Communications
Cont from page 7 (Greece Go Getters spotlight)
“We welcome anyone to our
meetings to see how they differ from
what you may think you know about
referral groups,” says Dave Sine. The
Greece Go Getters meet on Tuesday
mornings at 8:30am for two consecutive
weeks at Elmgrove Family Restaurant
and two consecutive evening meetings at
6:00pm at Romeo’s Restaurant. If you are
interested in getting more information
about the Greece Go Getters or becoming
a member of their group email Mark
Palazzolo at mpalazzolo1962@yahoo.com
or dsine@nothnagle.com. Be sure to tell
them that you saw the Greece Go Getters
spotlight in the Greece Chamber
newsletter SuccessLink Journal. –Terry
Hogan, Director of Marketing &
Communications
Young Entrepreneurs
Academy Investor Panel
On Wednesday, April 13th, the Greece/Hilton Young Entrepreneurs
Academy (YEA!) held its Investor Panel event. Seven students
pitched their business ideas to a group of investors that the Chamber
put together. The students have been guided by teachers Diane
Hennekey (Edward Jones) and Roz Brooks (Brooks Financial
Services) and program manager Jodie Perry (Chamber) since
November. One student, Paige Janis, was selected to compete in the
Saunders Bright Ideas Scholarship competition at the beginning of
May. Thank you to all of our Investors:
Anthony Ariola – Vice President/Branch Manager,
First Niagara Bank
A. Christina Breen-Hale – Agent, State Farm Insurance
Russell Herman – CEO, Pet$aver Healthy Pet Superstore
Martin Hunte – President, Omega Consolidated
(representing Services for Seniors)
Greece Athena Senior, Stephanie Krist, presents her business idea –
handmade greeting cards – at the Investor Panel. Stephanie was
awarded a grant of $830 from the investors to launch
“Kard Karisma”.
Keith Rockcastle – Owner, Rockcastle Florist
Joe Sangiorgi – Owner, Servpro of NW Monroe County
Robert Smith – General Manager, Rochester West,
Frontier Communications
Michael West – Owner, West Fire Systems, Inc.
Page 11
2496 West Ridge Road, Suite 201
Greece, NY 14626-3053
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