May 2016 - Greater Binghamton Chamber of Commerce

Transcription

Chamber Appoints New President and CEO
May 2016
Jennifer A. Conway has been named President and CEO of the Greater
Binghamton Chamber of Commerce. Ms. Conway, who recently
relocated to the Greater Binghamton area with her family from
Graham, TX, was chosen following a three-month search that attracted
more than 100 applicants.
The search for the Chamber’s President and CEO was an extensive
and inclusive process. The process involved the formation of a search
committee, consisting of the Chamber’s Executive Committee, as
well as Chamber member business representatives. The search committee worked with
Frank Valletta of Valletta Ritson & Company, an executive search firm that provides
highly-customized talent acquisition solutions for leading companies and organizations. In
conjunction with the search committee, Mr. Valletta identified and evaluated a number of
qualified and experienced candidates, both locally and nationally.
Jennifer replaces Lou Santoni, who announced his plans for retirement in December. She
brings to the Chamber an extensive background in business development, community
partnerships, and tourism. Ms. Conway’s experience includes serving as Chief Executive
continued on page 3
Recruit Employees at the Chamber’s
June 2016 Greater Binghamton Career Fair
Friday, June 17, 2016 • 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
The Greater Binghamton Chamber of
Commerce, in partnership with Visions
Federal Credit Union, invites you to
participate in the June Career Fair on Friday,
June 17, 2016. Hosted by SUNY Broome
Community College, the Career Fair will take
place at their Ice Center, located on Upper
Front Street in Binghamton, from 10:00 a.m.
– 3:00 p.m. The Chamber’s long-time Career
Fair partners, Broome Tioga Workforce and
NYS Department of Labor, will be on hand
to collect resumes from job seekers and offer
valuable advice on resume building and interviewing techniques.
Each year, our bi-annual career fairs draw hundreds of qualified participants who are
looking for employment or are seeking a career change. The SUNY Broome Ice Center
continued on page 3
Chamber Staff
2
ChamberDirectory
Directory ofof
Staff
Chamber
Staff
Administration
Main Phone: (607) 772-8860 | Dial Direct: (607) 772-8863 + ext
www.GreaterBinghamtonChamber.com
Jennifer C onway
Yvonne G las
L ori M eyers
P resident & CEO
E xt. 330
F inance D irector
E xt. 339
Taste NY F inancial
A ssistant
S usan Kuhn
Teresa Myers
C hristine S tezzi
A dministr ati ve
A ssistant
E xt. 322
Technical
C oordinator
E xt. 315
R eceptionist /
S ecretary
E xt. 300
Communications & Membership
A my S haw
D ebby E vans
Vice P resident ,
M ember S ervices
& E xecuti ve D irector ,
GBEOP E xt. 313
P roject and E vent
C oordinator
E xt. 317
Government
Relations
B rendan O’B ryan
M anager of
G over nment R elations
E xt. 316
Carol
A rmstrong
Development
M anager
E xt. 321
Gateway Information Center
K athi Murphy Jenny A rnold K ateri S ibley
D irector
Tr avel A dvisor
Tr avel A dvisor
Route 81N • PO Box 114 • Kirkwood, NY 13795
(607) 775-0156 • info@nysinfoctr.org
Convention & Visitor’s Bureau
Judi H ess
G ina Calisi
Cassandra G reen
M anager ,
Tour ism
& S pecial E vents
E xt. 329
M anager ,
C on vention S ales
E xt. 326
S ales
R epresentati ve
E xt. 328
May 2016
Highlights of 2016 – 2017
NYS Budget Agreement
The 2016 – 2017 New York State Budget adopted by the New York
State Legislature was described by Governor Andrew Cuomo as
“the best plan that the state has produced… in decades.” However,
the behind closed doors rush job budget that was enacted imposes
additional burdens and challenges for employers – especially those in
Upstate communities.
The $155 billion budget which includes $96 billion in state operating
funds spending. It increased School Aid funding by 6.5% ($24.8
billion) in School Aid and a 3.4% increase ($18.5 billion) for Medicaid
spending for 2016. It introduced a Personal Income Tax reduction
for income earners between $26,000 and $300,000. When fully
implemented in 2024, it will reduce the tax by $4.2 billion and will
be at 5.5%. Also included in the budget was the largest statewide
infrastructure investment in state history. The $55 billion, five
year transportation plan includes $27.14 billion for road and bridge
spending and $27.98 billion for the Metropolitan Transportation
Authority.
Some of the alarming specifics in the budget include:
• A three tiered minimum wage increase. This will separate
the state into three regions that will receive minimum wage
increases on different timelines. New York City will see a $15
minimum wage by 12/31/18 for any employer that has ten or
more employees and one year later for employers with ten or less
employees. Westchester, Nassau and Suffolk Counties will see the
$15 minimum wage by 12/31/21. The remainder of the state will
reach $12.50 by 12/31/20, then minimum wage will be indexed to
inflation. This increase will apply to all private sector employers
and the tip wage for food service workers was increased to 2/3rd of
the applicable minimum wage.
• Paid Family Leave was adopted and will apply to all private
sector employees. Employees will now be eligible for up to 12
weeks of “paid leave” and benefits will be up to 2/3rd of their
average weekly wages. Employees will be required to work
for 26 consecutive weeks to qualify and will be “guaranteed
reinstatement” to employment. This will in part be paid for
by a minimal employee payroll withholdings, but a $10 million
initial Paid Family Leave setup cost will be transferred from the
Workers’ Compensation Board assessment. The will become
effective on January 1st, 2018.
• All campaign finance changes were rejected. This includes
restrictions on contributions from LLCs and the adoption of public
financed campaigns.
• Metropolitan Transportation Authority utility relocation costs
were rejected. This proposed legislation was going to allow the
MTA to shift facility location costs to utility companies. This
would end up affecting utility customers’ state wide as their costs
would need to increase to compensate for these increased costs.
• Also rejected was the Department of Health’s “Critical Drug”
program that would have allowed the DOH to levy price controls
and penalties for pharmaceutical companies who are “price
gouging” critical drugs to Medicaid recipients.
The Greater Binghamton Chamber of Commerce and its members
fought hard for and against these issues. Without this fight some of
the items on this budget could have been much worse and we need to
remain vigilant to ensure the business community of the Southern Tier
continues to be heard!
ChambeReport
Chamber News
New President continued from page 1
Officer of the Graham Chamber of Commerce and
Convention & Visitors Bureau for the past three years,
and the previous six years as Senior Financial Analyst for
a large non-profit organization in Fort Worth, Texas. She
holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the Whitman
School of Management at Syracuse University.
During Jennifer’s time in Graham, she was able to
transform a dormant Chamber of Commerce to a
thriving and essential organization in the community.
She increased revenue by over 50% and increased
membership over 20%. She spearheaded multiple
partnerships to bring progress by uniting the Chamber,
Convention and Visitors Bureau and Main Street under
one director. This built many bridges in the community
and enabled them to maximize resources and accomplish
more in the long term. As a part of this partnership, she
raised funds to build a new Visitor and Business Center
for the community. This center now houses the Chamber
of Commerce, Convention & Visitors Bureau and
Economic Development and is the meeting place for the
City Council.
Jennifer and her husband, Ryan Conway, relocated to
Binghamton in December for his position as an attorney
for the City of Binghamton. They have 2 children,
McKenzie, 8, and Ian, 5 and reside in the City of
Binghamton. Ryan was born and raised in Endicott, NY.
“I am thankful to be in a position as the President and
CEO of the Greater Binghamton Chamber of Commerce
to work alongside the people and businesses of this
community to make the Greater Binghamton area a
vibrant place to live, visit and do business in New York
State” Ms. Conway said.
Jennifer officially started her new position as President
and CEO on May 2. If you would like to speak with
Jennifer directly, contact her at (607) 772-8860 or
jconway@greaterbinghamtonchamber.com.
3
Recruit continued from page 1
provides an excellent and dedicated venue for employees
to meet with prospective employees; it is conveniently
located on a bus line giving job seekers easy access to the
Career Fair.
This event is a very cost-effective way to recruit
workers for your company! With your registration you
receive:
• A multi-media advertising campaign, which
includes print, radio, television and on-line
visibility, targeted at quality candidates.
• One large, centrally located venue with dedicated
space for employers and potential employees and
private space for on-the-spot interviews.
• Exhibiting area with an 8’ table, tablecloth, skirt
and chairs. Coffee, water and snacks provided.
• Access to an on-line resume database compiled
after the event.
• Dedicated area for “break-out sessions” presented
by NYS Department of Labor personnel to enhance
job seekers’ attendance.
We look forward to your participation in our June
Career Fair!
To register, look for the registration form on page 26 or
if you have any questions, contact Debby Evans at (607)
772-8863 x 317 or devans@greaterbinghamtonchamber.
com
May 2016
4
May Anniversaries
Endicott Coil Co., Inc.
APR Supply Co., Inc.
Catskills Off Track Betting Corporation
Doron Precision Systems, Inc.
William H. Lane Incorporated
Number 5 Restaurant
Savitch Agency
R. V. Swinamer Associates Advertising, Inc.
Stephen J. Appel Photography
G H S Federal Credit Union
Safeguard Business Systems
Weathermaster Roofing Company, Inc.
Binghamton Hardware & HVAC Supply
Binghamton Local Development Corp.
The Bug Man/The Bug Killer
D & R Technical Solutions, Inc.
Empower Federal Credit Union
Erie Materials, Inc.
Gorick Construction Co., Inc.
I Heart Media
NBT-Mang Insurance Agency
Nirchi’s Pizza
Oakdale Mall
The Partners Ellis, Edson, Beaudry, Barrett & Chubb, Inc.
Paychex, Inc.
Salvatore R. Peretore, CPA
Pierce Creek Realty & Development
Plumbers & Pipefitters Local 112
Professional Home Inspection Service
Pyramid Business Systems, Inc.
M & P Rogers Electrical Contractor, Inc.
Southern Tier Insulations, Inc.
Southern Tier Stages, Inc. (Shafer’s Bus Lines)
Super X Launderette, Inc.
Taylor Rental Center
B D M Products, Inc.
Baden Powell Council, Boy Scouts of America
DoubleTree by Hilton Binghamton
First General Services of Southern NY, Inc.
NY-Penn Nutrition Services, Inc.
Proforma Boathouse Printing, LLC
Direct Energy Business
Martin Interiors
Proforma Shrader & Shrader
Jennings Environmental Management Inc.
Life Choices Center
Roto Rooter/Triple Cities Pipe Cleaning Inc.
Southern Tier Young Professionals
Tioga Downs Casino
Upstate Office Liquidators, Inc.
American Red Cross Blood Services
Empire Recycling/Confidata
Employment Solutions
Floyd’s Rent All
Haun Welding Supply
Johnson City Central School District
Joyce Jagger, The Embroidery Coach
Mothers & Babies Perinatal Network
New York State Bluestone Association
O’Connor Investments Inc.
Oneonta Job Corps c/o CHP International
Remlik’s Grille & Oyster Bar
State Farm Insurance - Mark Anderson
Summit Chase Apartments
Williams Midstream
New Members
A decco
Greg Saufley
59-61 Court Street
Binghamton, NY 13901
PHONE: (607) 770-9181
FAX: (607) 723-1410
greg.saufley@adeccona.com
http://www.adeccousa.com
EMPLOYMENT AGENCIES
(MAIN), WORKFORCE
SOLUTIONS
C henango Valley
Central School District
David P. Gill
221 Chenango Bridge Road
PHONE: (607) 762-6810
FAX: (607) 762-6890
http://www.cvcsd@stier.org
EDUCATION (MAIN), SCHOOLS
K eller Williams R ealty
Greater Binghamton
Vincent DiLaura
21 S. Washington Street
PHONE: (607) 722-0722
FAX: (607) 722-9722
vdilaura1@stny.rr.com
http://www.kwbinghamton.com
REAL ESTATE (MAIN), REAL
ESTATE AND PROPERTY
MANAGEMENT
K ey Bank N.A.
James O’Connor
201 South Warren Street
Syracuse, NY 13202
PHONE: (315) 470-5418
FAX: (315) 470-5047
james_a_o’connor@keybank.com
http://www.key.com
FINANCIAL INST’NS - BANKS &
CREDIT UNIONS (MAIN)
Next Wave Motors , I nc .
Stephen Musok
91 Beethoven Street
PHONE: (607) 348-6149
FAX: N/A
contact@nextwavemotors.com
http://www.nextwavemotors.com
ELECTRIC POWER
TRAIN (MAIN), MOTOR
MANUFACTURER
P eoplelink Staffing Solutions
Frances Guzman
1701 North Street
Building 46-2
Endicott, NY 13760
PHONE: TBA
FAX: TBA
fguzman@peoplelinkstaffing.com
http://www.peoplelinkstaffing.com
EMPLOYMENT AGENCIES
(MAIN), STAFFING SOLUTIONS
Tallmadge Tire Service of
Binghamton NY I nc .
Mark Stanton
224 East Service Road
PHONE: (607) 722-6100
FAX: (607) 723-7954
tallbing@juno.com
http://www.tallmadgetireservice.net
TIRE SALES & SERVICES
(MAIN), TRUCK EQUIP. - SALES,
SERVICE & PARTS
The Hope 607 P roject, I nc .
Timothy Giordani
43-45 Carroll Street
PHONE: (607) 372-0034
FAX: N/A
info@hope607.org
http://www.hope607.com/
NON-PROFIT AGENCIES (MAIN),
HUMAN SERVICES
United H ealthcare
Community P lan
Andrea Nagle
5015 Campuswood Drive
Suite 107
East Syracuse, NY 13057
PHONE: (315) 433-5856
FAX: (855) 804-0545
andrea_c_nagle@uhc.com
http://www.unitedhealthcare.com
HEALTH INSURANCE/HEALTH
PLAN (MAIN), HEALTH CARE
Vestal A sphalt, I nc .
Justin Guiles
201 Stage Road
Vestal, NY 13850
PHONE: (607) 785-3393
FAX: (607) 785-3396
jguiles@vestalasphalt.com
http://www.vestalasphalt.com
PAVING CONSTRUCTION &
MATERIALS (MAIN), PAVING
CONTRACTORS
YWCA of Binghamton /Broome
County
Carole Coppens
80 Hawley Street
PHONE: (607) 772-0340
FAX: (607) 723-9610
abousquet@ywcaofbinghamton.org
http://ywcabinghamton.org
NON-PROFIT AGENCIES (MAIN),
HEALTH & WELLNESS
Thank You for Your Membership
ChambeReport
5
Convention & Visitors Bureau
Convention & Events Schedule
Convention & Visitors Bureau to offer
Annual Hospitality Training Seminar
The Greater Binghamton Convention & Visitors Bureau will
be offering a hospitality training seminar. The purpose of the
training is to prepare “front line” tourism employees for the
busy summer travel season. Topics to be covered include dealing
with difficult customers; make the customer feel welcome; and
education on local attractions. The seminar is appropriate for any
employee who regularly interacts with visitors to our community –
from hotels to restaurants, attractions to service providers. Mark
your calendars….
May, June & July 2016
Date
Approximate # of
Overnight Visitors
Event May 6 – 8
The Color Run
150
May 6 – 8
6th District Dental Society
100
May 10 – 12 Firefighters Midway Golf Tournament
125
May 12 – 15
NYS Congress of Parents & Teachers, Inc.
May 13 – 15 American Dance Awards
175
May 14 – 15
NYS Order of the Eastern Star/Annual Grand Visit
200
May 19 – 20
SUNY Broome Graduation
May 20 – 22 Binghamton University Graduation
June 3 – 4
AMVETS
June 4 – 5
AAU Basketball Southern Tier Flyers Annual Tournament
500
June 7 – 9 Security Mutual Life Insurance Advanced Marketing Seminar
200
June 8 – 12
Veterans of Foreign Wars 2016 Convention
300
June 10 – 12 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League
200
June 10 – 12 Conklin Raiders 12 & U Summer Rumble
300
June 10 – 12
Unadilla Valley Sports Center MX Rewind Weekend
300
June 10 – 12 BAGSAI Softball Tournament College Showcase
550
June 10 – 12 NYS Public High School Baseball State Tournament
800
This is a great opportunity to help create a great first impression of
your business and our community!
June 11 – 12 2KW Pro Wrestling
June 17 – 19
NDO Lady Hornets AAU Basketball
June 17 – 19 BAGSAI Softball Tournament 12U/14U Summer Kickoff
550
Summer fun is right around the corner!
June 17 – 19
Square Deal Riders Motorcycle AHRMA Vintage National
300
DATE: TUESDAY, MAY 10 – 10:00 - 11:00 AM
LOCATION: DoubleTree by Hilton – Serling Room
225 Water Street – Binghamton
Invitations & Reservation forms will be sent to local “hospitality”
industry businesses that have regular interaction with tourists.
Check your email or mail for registration forms or call: 772-8863,
ext. 328.
The weather is getting warmer and the days are getting longer! So get
out and take a break from the everyday and plan a getaway without
leaving the County. The Greater Binghamton Convention & Visitors
Bureau encourages you to go green and enjoy a vacation right here
in the community. What do you like to do on your time off? Golf
(regular or mini), waterslides, camping, boating, fishing, hiking, or
attend a unique festival? You can do that all right here. In addition
to our Carousel collection (open Memorial Day through Labor Day),
Binghamton Zoo at Ross Park, Roberson Museum & Science Center,
The Discovery Center, or host of recreational options, our summer
months are filled with fun things to do.
50
200
5,000
300
25
1,000
Race
June 24 – 26 BAGSAI Softball Tournament 12U/14U Empire State
450
Challenge
June 27 – July 1 NYS Professional Firefighters
400
June 29 – July 2 Broome County American Legion Baseball Hall of Fame
200
Tournament
July 1 – 3
ASA 16U / 18U NYS ASA Championships
July 4 – 10 Dick’s Sporting Goods Open Champions Tour
550
July 11 – 15 Greater Binghamton Sports Complex Summer Soccer Camp
July 13 – 16 American Legion – Department of New York
July 14 – 17 American Legion Auxiliary – 8 & 40
800
July 15 – 17
Union Aquatic Swim Meet – Sertoma Summer Invitational
350
Swim Meet
July 15 – 17 Unadilla Valley Grand Prix – ATV National
July 15 – 17 BAGSAI Softball Tournament – 16U Summer Sizzler
450
July 16 – 24
Levene Gouldin & Thompson Tennis Challenger
600
July 22 – 24
ABA State Series Racing Championship NYS Championship
250
2,500
50
1,000
Baseball, hotdogs… start your summer fun at a B-Mets Game. Go
off the beaten path and visit a local farmer’s market, or go exploring
the numerous hiking/walking & biking trails throughout the County.
Do you prefer “festival fun”? Check out the Lumberjack Festival,
July Fest & Jazz Fest, Annual Spiedie Fest & Balloon Rally, or the
Broome County Fair. Sports fans can rejoice. In addition to the
B-Mets you can also see the pro’s play at the Dick’s Sporting Goods
Open, Levene Gouldin & Thompson Tennis Challenger, and the
Chris Thater Memorial Races. Prefer amateur sports? No problem,
there is BMX racing at the Grippen BMX Park, or scores of baseball,
lacrosse, rugby, softball, soccer and wrestling tournaments that take
place all summer long. Perhaps you prefer the finer notes ~ then
check the schedules for the Anderson Center for the Performing
Arts, the Cider Mill Playhouse, the Summer Savoyards, a First Friday
Art Walk, or one of the many band concerts that take place all
summer long. And there’s more! Swimming in area parks, sampling
delicious food at numerous church bazaars, antique car shows and
fireworks (4th of July & Labor Day) can also re-energize you.
C onvention & Events S cheduled For C onvention & Events Through Total O ut- of -Town Visitors Through TOTAL DOLLARS THROUGH 2016
For a complete listing of summer events, visit www.VisitBinghamton.
org. Check out our calendar of events or download a copy of our
Summer Calendar of Events.
If you are interested in offering discounts and becoming part of our Give Away List sent to
Meeting & Event Planners, please contact the Greater Binghamton Convention & Visitors
Bureau at 772-8860. Meeting & Event Planners are sent offerings 90 days in advance.
So head on out and have some summer fun!
400
Qualifier
July 22 – 24
SusqueNango Summer Trials – Obedience/Rally Trial
July 24 – 29 The Ice House Sports Complex Youth Hockey –
Sports International Camps
July 28 – 31 Wounded Warriors Amputee Softball Team
150
50
25
Convention Scoreboard 2016
M ay M ay M ay M ay 8
62
27,560
$9,155,470
May 2016
6
Greater Binghamton Chamber’s “Business of the Week”
Each week, the Greater Binghamton Chamber randomly selects a chamber member business, which is named “Business of the Week”. The
business is spotlighted for one business week (M-F). The “Business of the Week” receives: a personal visit from Chamber representatives, the
week-long display of a stylish, prominent sign that formally announces their recognition, photo opportunities and an announcement on the
home page of the Chamber’s website.
Our “Business of the Week” program, sponsored by Visions Federal Credit Union, is another opportunity to show our appreciation to
Chamber members for supporting the Greater Binghamton Chamber of Commerce and investing in our community, as well as for Chamber staff to better familiarize us with our members.
We want to learn more about their company, how it fits in to our regional community, and how we can best serve their business.
March 14 – 18, 2016
Maloney’s Irish Pub &
Restaurant
Our goal at Maloney’s is to please all of
our customers; the best way to do that is
with the best food, service and atmosphere
possible. We offer a very extensive menu
everything from clams & wings to filet
mignon and King crab legs. All of our
steaks are USDA Choice or better and
fresh cut to order. We have a great kitchen
staff that prepares many Homestyle meals.
Full menu is served in the restaurant and
the pub and our beer, wine, and liquor
selection is unique in the area. Plus we just
started doing off site catering! Available
for large or small events, everything will
be taken care of, let us do the work for
you!
Dennis and Sharyn Maloney purchased
the former Hallstead Inn in 1998,
remodeled 5 times and added a full service
dining room.
We operate using the motto “good food,
good friends, good times”. Our staff takes
pride in getting to know our customers
and making them feel like family. We
have monthly meetings for the US Marine
Corps League, entertainment weekly, and
daily homemade specials. Something for
EVERYONE!
Exposure in the Great Binghamton market
has been a terrific bonus, besides the
networking, advertising, and sponsorship
opportunities it also has helped bringing
customers “south of the border” to
see what we have to offer, as well as
finding vendors “north of the border”.
Visit us in person or on the web! www.
maloneysnepa.com or www.facebook.
com/maloneyssportspub.
March 21 – 25, 2016
Portobello Row
The Vera Bradley line has made Portobello
Row popular with Customers of all ages.
Our gifts are unique and sought after for
many occasions and gift giving. Crabtree
& Evelyn scents and lotions have been a
favorite for years. We carry a variety of
jewelry and scarves to complement our
clothing. As a collectible we have Patience
Brewster figurines. Portobello Row has
free layaway and gift wrapping.
I have owned Portobello Row since April
2008. The previous owner began the
business 38 years ago in Stevens Square
under the name of Shop for Papagallo.
It evolved into Portobello Row , after
London’s Portobello Road, and moved
to the Vestal Parkway. I moved the shop
down the Parkway to the current location
in August 2012.
Portobello Row has been a featured
small business in the Press, a member
of the Greater Binghamton Chamber of
Commerce since 2010 and a mile marker
supporter for The Bridge Run.
As a member of The Chamber, I feel like
I have a spotlight on local and regional
government activities and I’m more aware
of new businesses and services offered
from existing businesses. As a small
business owner being a member makes me
feel like a part of our community.
March 28 - April 1, 2016
GEARCOR Inc.
Gearcor, Inc is a nationally recognized
retail distributor of workplace safety
footwear, workwear and personal
protective equipment. Gearcor specializes
in safety footwear for all occupations and
work environments. Gearcor supplies
many local and national business
customers with occupational clothing
and footwear for their specific workplace
while providing these customers with our
proprietary state of the art administration
tools to track employee purchases and
voucher use. These online software
solutions simplify footwear program
management and enable employee selfservice of their safety footwear benefit.
Gearcor was founded by Peter and
Carol Yeager in 2003, as an online only
business. In 2012, we opened a retail
store in Johnson City, NY to bring the
same type of products and services to
the local market that we’ve providing to
businesses and consumers nationwide.
The local store rejuvenated a building that
had been severely damaged by the 2011
flood. In addition to the Gearcor store, our
primary administrative, warehousing and
distribution center operates out of a 38,000
square foot building at the edge of the
Corporate Park in Conklin.
The Greater Binghamton Chamber of
Commerce provides a great opportunity
to stay connected to our local business
community and to work with fellow
businesses to enhance the region’s
opportunities for all that live and work
here.
April 4 – 8, 2016
Best Bagels in Town
Best Bagels in Town – Binghamton is the
place to be if you LOVE BAGELS! We
make our dough right on site and bake it
FRESH every day. We have an amazing
selection of bagels and cream cheese
flavors – always a new feature for every
season. But we aren’t just bagels – we offer
a variety of breakfast and lunch items
and some really sweet treats too. We can
feed just one or we can feed 100 – think
of us for your staff lunches or breakfast
meetings or treating your sales clients.
Best Bagels in Town – Binghamton is
always making FRESH FAST FOOD!
We became the proud owners of Best
Bagels in Town – Binghamton in
December 2008.
Best Bagels in Town – Binghamton is a
Family run Small Business – Mom, Dad
and Daughter plus an incredible staff. We
are so pleased to be a part of the Upper
Front Street community. We believe in this
community and appreciate how much it
believes in us. Whenever we can, we help
out whether it be donating left over bagels
to Food Banks or school sporting events
or donating a portion of our proceeds to a
worthy cause. We believe in giving back
and supporting local.
Being a member of the Greater
Binghamton Chamber of Commerce
has given us some very good exposure
to other members of the small business
community. We have made some good
contacts to do business with and have been
able to gain new insight about running
a small business through presentations
hosted by the chamber.
ChambeReport
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8
ACHIEVE’s 21st Annual
Bob Warner Pin Crushing
Classic presented by
Visions Federal Credit
Union was held on March
19 at Midway Lanes in Vestal. The Bowling
tournament was sold out hosting 48 teams,
240 bowlers and raising a record breaking
amount for ACHIEVE’s programs and
services.
On March 16 the Broome County Arts
Council (BCAC), awarded $232,815 in
United Cultural Fund (UCF) grants this year
to 22 local arts organizations, community
non-profits, and individual artists. For 2016,
UCF grants will help support the operations
of 7 major arts organizations, as well as
15 community non-profit and individual
artist projects. Funded projects range from
choral music to dance, classes to concerts,
photography to printmaking, theatre
productions to poetry and film festivals. The Food Bank of the Southern Tier
announced the results of the 2016 Check
Out Hunger fundraising campaign at a
celebration with participating grocery
retailers today. The 2016 campaign raised a
record $271,665 to help with hunger-relief
programs in the Southern Tier. “We are so
grateful to our wonderful grocery partners
and their generous customers for their
continued support,” said Natasha Thompson,
President & CEO of the Food Bank of the
Southern Tier.
Mothers and Babies
Perinatal Network
Executive Director Sharon
Chesna accepted a grant
from Rotary Charities for
$2,500 for upgrades to their
PAL Center. They used the funds to paint the
PAL Center in Binghamton.
John Stevens, ACHIEVE Foundation Board
Chairperson was honored on March 31 at
the Bizeventz Non Profit Awards as a Board
Development Leader.
Best Bagels in Town Binghamton has won
the 2016 American Small
Business Championship,
which was sponsored
by SCORE and Sam’s
Club. The Pinney
family, owners of Best Bagels in Town –
Binghamton, submitted an entry explaining
how winning such a championship could
help them realize a dream for their small
business, how they would use the gift card
prize awarded by Sam’s Club and how they
could benefit from the business mentorship
provided by SCORE. With the help of
friends, family, loyal customers and newly
found supporters, Best Bagels in Town Binghamton was able to get over 56,000
votes, putting them in the top 3 entrants in
the country.
The Brownlee Lifetime
Achievement Award given
by Cross-Examination
Debate Association
(CEDA) was awarded to
Binghamton University’s own, Joseph
Leeson-Schatz. At a ceremony on April 3,
Good News
this achievement was awarded to a forensic
educator who demonstrated outstanding
achievement in scholarship, education, and
service. It is one of the highest honors a
director of debate can receive and named in
honor of longtime coach and founding CEDA
member, Don Brownlee. Leeson-Schatz is a
director of speech and debate at Binghamton
University. International students at Binghamton
University performed service at several
locations in the community, as part of
an Alternative Spring Break being held
March 29-30. The program was arranged
by the Binghamton University Center for
Civic Engagement (CCE) and the Office of
International Student and Scholar Services
(ISSS), split students into groups that
volunteered at four locations including the
YWCA of Binghamton and the Binghamton
Zoo at Ross Park. Students assisted with
cleaning, painting, landscaping, trail
maintenance and other outdoor chores.
Teresa Blanchette and Edna Pauly,
Realtors with CENTURY 21 Sbarra &
Wells, recently attended the CENTURY
21 Global Conference, held annually by
Century 21 Real Estate LLC to recognize
the prior year’s achievements of their
independent sales associates, brokers, offices
and teams, and to learn about industry trends
and new system offerings that help to deliver
an unforgettable real estate experience for
customers here in the Greater Binghamton
area. In addition, the three-day event
provided networking opportunities with
associates from CENTURY 21 offices from
around the globe.
CENTURY 21 Sbarra & Wells is pleased
to announce Niccole Vaughn has joined its
firm as a sales associate. She will specialize
in residential property sales in the Greater
Binghamton area. Vaughn has successfully
completed extensive training and licensing
through New York State and the Greater
Binghamton Board of Realtors as well as
CENTURY 21’s exclusive Learning System.
Coughlin & Gerhart, LLP
welcomed Wilbur “Bud”
Dahlgren as Of Counsel
effective April 1. Mr.
Dahlgren joins Coughlin
& Gerhart, LLP after 30+
years as an attorney. He
has worked most recently
with the firm of Giangrieco
Law, PC in Montrose, Pennsylvania, and
prior to that headed the Estates and Trusts
Department at Hinman, Howard and Kattell,
LLP in Binghamton. His practice areas
include wills and trusts, estate planning
and administration, elder law, LLC and
partnership planning, income taxation and
tax exempt organizations and gas, oil and
mineral rights planning.
The DICK’S Sporting
Goods Open has a new
partnership with the Upstate
New York Chapter of the
ALS Association! As a part
of their special events during
the DICK’S Sporting
Goods Open, they will be hosting the Walk
to Defeat ALS at En-Joie Golf Course on July
10. Proceeds from the Walk will benefit the
ALS Association Upstate New York Chapter,
which focuses primarily on helping local
patients and families live with ALS.
The American Council of
Engineering Companies
of New York honored
the winners of the 2016
Engineering Excellence
Awards (EEA) at the
49th Annual EEA Gala
in March. The EEAs are presented to both
public and private sector projects in the
following categories: studies, research, and
consulting services; building/technology
systems; structural systems; surveying
and mapping technology; environmental;
waste and storm water; water resources;
transportation; energy; industrial and
manufacturing processes and facilities;
and special projects. Delta Engineers,
Architects, & Land Surveyors was
honored to be selected for Gold Award
recognition in the Environmental category
for the electrical and structural upgrade
design that permitted the installation of
a new state-of-the-art 9,000 HP shredder
motor at Upstate Shredding, LLC in Owego,
NY.
“We’re excited to welcome Jim Trevitt,
Kay Graves, Robert Potochniak, Kelly
Tiddick, Andrea Fox, and Joe Mancinelli
to EXIT Realty,” says Robert Farrell of
EXIT Realty Homeward Bound “EXIT
is growing and attracting top producing
agents like this talented group of Realtors
each and every day across the nation. Jim
Trevitt and his group bring a combined over
50 years of real estate experience serving
the residents of Greater Binghamton.” Greater Binghamton SCORE Mentors
Kim Bush and Bill Ritter recently supported
a very successful 3rd Annual Binghamton
& Southern Tier NY Business Community
Meet-Up (B&STNYBC) networking
event. The B&STNYBC group facilitates
networking for businesses and institutions
of higher education in upstate New York,
including: Allegany, Broome, Cattaraugus,
Chemung, Chenango, Cortland, Delaware,
Otsego, Steuben, Tioga, Tompkins, and
Yates County - as well as professionals
globally interested in the area’s economic
development. Greater Binghamton SCORE Chapter
0217 is pleased to announce its newest
member, Kelly Zack-Decker. Kelly is
a certified SCORE mentor and will be
serving our clients in the small business
community in the Oneonta/Otsego County
area. Kelly is currently the Vice President of
Membership at the Otsego County Chamber
of Commerce and has also previously
served as the administrative assistant to the
President of Hartwick College. Greater Binghamton
SCORE recently
provided their
expertise in support of
Binghamton University’s
Office of Entrepreneurship and Innovation
Partnerships Pre-Seed Workshop. The
workshop is a condensed program
designed to help an entrepreneur gain
expert knowledge on starting a business.
The entrepreneur is teamed up with
professionals in the fields of marketing, law,
business management, product development
and other areas, and assigned a business
coach to help guide the process.
Hungry Hound Beer Grain Treats has
been chosen as a winner of The American
May 2016
Small Business Championship hosted by
Greater Binghamton SCORE. Owners
Casey Parker and Edward Kincer work
with breweries all across New York and
Pennsylvania and turn their waste product
also known as spent grain into all natural
dog treats. HeartGlow Integrated
Massage is pleased to
announce that Carol
Schneider LMT, MMP
has joined the Greater
Binghamton Chamber
of Commerce’s Speaker
Bureau. As a Certified
Medical Massage
Practitioner, Carol can provide an overview
of integrated massage options that
cover achieving peak performance, clarity,
improved sleep and burnout safeguards.
Details on overcoming Carpal Tunnel
Syndrome, Sciatica, and Migraines can also
be covered including demonstrated examples.
Hinman, Howard &
Kattell, LLP is pleased
to announce that Jon J.
Sarra, Esq., has been named
Assistant Managing Partner
of the Firm effective March
1. Mr. Sarra is chair of
the Firm’s Trusts, Estates
and Wealth Planning
Practice Group and is also a member of
the Real Estate and Oil and Gas Practice
Groups. Combining his background in
these areas with his business law work, Mr.
Sarra counsels businesses and individuals
in all aspects of estate and tax planning,
estate and trust administration, elder law,
business succession planning, residential
and commercial real estate and financing
transactions. Mr. Sarra also counsels
foundations and not-for-profit corporations.
Keystone Associates Architects, Engineers
and Surveyors, LLC, is pleased to announce
that Ethan Jones has joined the firm as an
Architectural Technician in the Architectural
Department. Mr. Jones’ duties include
BIM modeling, developing renderings,
animations, code reviews and CADD
drafting and design. Mr. Jones has 1 year of
experience in project design of renovation
and expansions projects for educational,
residential and commercial facilities.
Keystone Associates Architects, Engineers
and Surveyors, LLC, is pleased to announce
that Glenda Beth Dickson has joined the firm
as an Architectural Designer. Ms. Dickson’s
duties include project management of their
Residential Department and working with
clients on new custom designed homes,
additions and renovations. Ms. Dickson has
over 22 years’ experience in architectural
design and construction administration for a
variety of project types including many types
of residential homes from unique custom
designed homes to renovations of existing
homes.
Keystone Environmental Services (KES),
a division of Keystone Material Testing,
LLC, is pleased to announce that the
company now holds a Mold Assessor License
issued by the New York State Department
of Labor (NYSDOL). On January 1 New
York introduced new statewide regulations
for the mold remediation industry. The new
“Mold Assessment and Remediation” law
requires that professionals who perform
ChambeReport
mold assessments and design and write
remediation plans for mold remediation/
abatement projects in the state of New York
must undergo licensing training through
certified education programs. Mr. Richard
J. Tarnowski, CEP, CEI, and Mr. Christian
Tarnowski successfully completed the course
and final exam, and now hold NYSDOL
Mold Assessor Licenses.
KW Fitness celebrated
its 2 year anniversary in
March 2016. They have
also expanded the size of
their facility from 1,300
square feet of space to
3,500 square feet. KW Fitness has added a full nutrition
program, The TakeDown Lifestyle, in
addition to their Personal Training services.
The TakeDown Lifestyle is a 10 week 1 on 1
nutrition program designed to achieve health
and fitness goals. Levene Gouldin &
Thompson would like to
congratulate Attorney John
Perticone on the successful
conclusion of the case
Smith v. State. New York
State has paid $1.6 million
to a U.S. Marine Corps
veteran who was injured
after being struck by a state trooper’s vehicle
while riding her bicycle in Whitney Point.
The trooper’s car struck retired Maj. MaryMargaret Smith in July of 2010; she suffered
head and facial injuries. On February 25, the
state paid to resolve Smith’s personal injury
claim stemming from the accident and a trial
in the Court of Claims.
On April 1, Attorney Scott Kurkoski of
Levene Gouldin & Thompson spoke at the
annual meeting of the Pennsylvania Chapter
of NARO in State College, PA on “Real
Property Severances of Oil & Gas Rights.”
In April, Attorney Scott
Kurkoski of Levene
Gouldin & Thompson was
among the presenters at
the ‘Solar Farm Seminar’,
an event sponsored by
the Cornell Cooperative
Extension of Broome
County, Broome County
Farm Bureau and The Joint Landowners
Coalition of New York. With mandates from
New York State to utilize additional solar
power for electrical generation comes many
questions. This seminar was intended to
educate and discuss the issue around solar
power.
Positive LifeForce celebrated their 6th
Annual Community Fitness Day at Positive
LifeForce Fitness & Wellness Studios on
April 9.
After a 15 year career in
sales and customer service,
including publishing
a book on sales, Seth
Davis has accepted the
store manager position at
Premier Technologies
in Vestal. Seth and his team are dedicated
to outstanding customer service and
to providing every customer with
unprecedented value.
9
Good News
Red Barn Technology Group, in
partnership with the Greater Binghamton
Chamber of Commerce, is pleased to
announce the launch of the Small Business
Technology Modernization Program. The
program is designed to help small businesses
transition away from out of date network
infrastructure. Red Barn Technology Group is aiming to
initially accept up to 20 small businesses
and/or nonprofits who are members of the
Greater Binghamton Chamber of Commerce
into the program, with a minimum
investment of $2,500 and a maximum
investment of $10,000 awarded to each
client. Quantopix is pleased to
announce ServiceQ, a
cloud solution for small and
medium sized businesses.
ServiceQ eliminates
paperwork, manages
appointments and schedules,
logs services, manages client records,
accounts receivables, and client statements,
all in real time. ServiceQ is a cloud
innovation tailored to service providers in
businesses serving individuals or groups.
Ridley-Lowell Business
& Technical Institute just
sold their building at 116
Front Street where they ran
vocational training for over
70 years to move across the
river into a gorgeous space
at 2 Court Street. All the
Medical and Cosmetology
classrooms and hands-on training labs
are newly constructed for a state-of-theart campus experience. The student run
beauty clinic is easier than ever to access in
downtown Binghamton!
Steve Johnson and
Mark Bandurchin,
managing partners
of Riger Marketing
Communications, rolled
out a casual Friday policy
in 2016, encouraging
their employees to wear
jeans each Friday and end
their week a little more comfortably. This
policy came with a hope: that when Riger
employees pulled their jeans on each Friday
morning, they would also be reminded
of those who do not have the comforts of
clothing, shelter, food, and other basic needs.
Riger will partner with a Sole Hope, an
organization that takes trimmed, donated
jean material and makes closed-toed shoes
for impoverished children in Africa.
SERVPRO of Broome,
Tompkins & Tioga Counties
is excited to welcome
Ashley Layton to their
team as the Manager of
the Sales and Marketing
Department. Her main
focus is commercial client
development and marketing
team expansion. They are pleased to have
Ashley join their ever growing company;
a Fire & Water Clean Up and Restoration
Company that continues to serve the
community for more than 23 years.
Security Mutual Life has announced the
availability of its LT Security Plus term
life insurance series in North Dakota,
South Dakota and the U.S. Virgin Islands,
in addition to 47 previously announced
jurisdictions. LT Security Plus offers
families and businesses a cost-effective
solution for their temporary life insurance
needs with guaranteed premiums and
10-, 15-, 20- and 30-year level premium
period options. LT Security Plus also offers
excellent conversion options. Product
availability and features may vary by
jurisdiction. (Policy Form Series 2106)
Security Mutual Life has released a 2016
Estate Planning Guide on its website at
www.smlny.com. This on-line resource
provides valuable estate-planning
information, tools and strategies that may
be used to help construct a financial security
strategy. Topics include: wills, trusts, federal
estate tax, federal gift tax, life insurance,
lifetime gifts, charitable giving, business
transfers and much more. Throughout March, Security Mutual Life
lit the top of its building blue to help promote
Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month and the
American Cancer Society’s “80% by 2018”
colorectal cancer screening initiative.
The Link simulator that
taught Apollo astronauts
to navigate by the stars
arrived at TechWorks! on
a restoration loan from the
Smithsonian Institution in
March. The artifacts are on
a 30 year restoration loan
from the Smithsonian Institution, and should
have a functioning star field generator for the
Lunar Module telescope (used to navigate,
land on the moon, etc.) by the end of 2016.
The Family & Children’s Society is
celebrating 75 years of service to the
community with a 75th Anniversary Gala
to be held on May 20. The celebration will
include remarks from guest speaker, Rev.
Janet Watrous, granddaughter of the founder,
Esther Couper. The annual Esther W. Couper
Memorial Award will be presented to an
individual who exemplifies, as Mrs. Couper
did, commitment and dedication to the
children and families of our community. In
addition, the Staff Leadership award will
be presented to a member of The Family &
Children’s Society staff.
Tri-Cities Opera has announced its
performance line-up for the company’s
2016-2017 season. Verdi’s “La Traviata”
will be performed at The Forum Theatre;
Humperdinck’s “Hansel & Gretel,” Ravel’s
“L’heure Espagnole,” and Schonberg’s
“Brettl-Leider” (Cabaret Songs), and
“Hydrogen Jukebox” featuring the music
of Philip Glass and the work of beat poet
Allen Ginsberg will take place at the TriCities Opera Center.
The Triple Cities
Runners Club promotes
and encourages running
as a sport and as healthy
exercise. Among many
other things, they hold
races, time trials, social
runs and lectures. This year’s races are off to
a great start with the Fork’s XV. The Forks
XV is a 15 kilometer road race that was held
on March 20.
Tully Rinckey PLLC
founding partner Mathew
Tully was recognized in
March as one of 2015’s
most influential and
impactful veterans. Tully’s
accomplishments and
achievements as a veteran
and business owner were
celebrated by HillVets, a nonprofit group
of bipartisan veterans and supporters
empowering veterans to advance in
careers following military service. Tully
was honored at a reception at the Reserve
Officers Association headquarters on
Constitution Ave. NE in Washington, D.C.
Tully Rinckey PLLC is pleased to announce
that Joseph Scott Jr. Esq., an attorney
with extensive years of experience as an
employment law litigator and mediator, has
joined the firm as a senior associate. Here,
he will represent private sector employees
across New York State and federal
employees across the nation facing a range of
employment-related legal issues, to include
harassment, disability retirement, retaliation,
disciplinary and adverse action matters, and
discrimination, among others.
United Methodist Homes
is proud to announce that
Shane McGuire, CPA and
vice president of finance,
is a 2016 graduate of
the Broome Leadership
Institute. He started his
career at United Methodist
Homes six years ago as
a senior financial analyst. He is a graduate
of Keystone College and serves on several
of their boards. He also is a member of the
board of the SUNY Broome Foundation.
The United Way of
Broome County is
pleased to announce
Robin Alpaugh as its new
Executive Director. “We
are delighted that Robin
is joining the United Way
of Broome County,” said
UWBC Board Chair,
Suzanne McLeod. “He brings an impressive
combination of management and leadership
experience that will be a wonderful addition
to the United Way staff. With a long history
of community service in Broome County,
Robin’s passion for building relationships
and developing collaborative solutions will
serve our community well.”
We are interested in sharing your good
news with other Chamber members. Every
month we include a GOOD NEWS section
with one-sentence items about good news
from our members. The deadline to submit
the good news information is the first
Friday of the month prior to publication. If
you have questions or would like to submit
a good news item for the ChambeReport,
please contact Judi Hess at judi@
visitbinghamton.org.
10
Calendars
May 2016
2015 Annual Report
ChambeReport
11
Executive Message
The Annual Report provides an opportunity to look back upon an exciting 2015 and highlight our
accomplishments.
We are dedicated to adhering to three main principals and we continued that dedication throughout the 2015
year for our over 800 Chamber members:
F Providing our members with the tools needed to help them GROW their businesses.
F CONNECTING our members with the right people, services, industries and information.
F Striving to ADVOCATE on behalf of our members on issues and policies that affect our local economy.
We are stronger when we all work together for solutions.
Lou Santoni
President & CEO
Terry R. Wood
Chairman, Board of Directors
Greater Binghamton
Chamber of Commerce
Greater Binghamton
Chamber of Commerce
It was rewarding to see the number of grand openings, business anniversaries, capital equipment purchases and renovations celebrated by Ribbon
Cuttings this past year. These celebrations are not only a testament to new businesses opening in and relocating to the Greater Binghamton area, but to
the commitment of existing businesses to expand, renovate and to remain in our region.
One of the Chamber’s premier events experienced a makeover in 2015. The Greater Binghamton Business Expo moved to the DoubleTree by Hilton
Binghamton during the month of September. A new venue, combined with a new time of year, created excitement for this 28th annual event!
The Chamber continued its commitment to take the lead on important initiatives. We spearheaded the fight against the rise in minimum wage to $15,
hosted the two candidates for the 52nd Senate seat; introduced the new leadership of Unshackle Upstate to the Chamber members and had the largest
delegation of the entire state in Albany for the 2015 Small Business Lobby Day.
Junior Achievement continued to be a successful partnership between local schools and business professionals, fostering work-readiness,
entrepreneurship and financial literacy skills in young people. It has grown from humble beginnings to 35 classes and 635 students in 2015.
Attendance at the Chamber’s major events in 2015 continued to grow, many reaching sold-out status once again, like the Annual Dinner and
Thanksgiving Luncheon. These events, both large and small, created excellent opportunities for our members to connect with potential new customers
and businesses and to increase their visibility within the community.
The efforts of the Convention and Visitors Bureau resulted in large numbers of conventions, special events and sporting events being hosted in the
Greater Binghamton area, resulting in an economic impact of nearly $22 million.
More than 180,000 travelers came in to the Gateway Information Center for brochures and assistance from our professionally trained staff. In addition,
we opened the Taste NY Marketplace on July 3, 2015 in partnership with Cornell Cooperative Extension of Broome County and NYS Department of
Agriculture and Markets.
What do we anticipate in 2016?
2016 will prove to be an exciting year for the Southern Tier! With the award of the Upstate Revitalization Initiative in December of 2015, and the
appointment of a new Chamber President and CEO in 2016, the Greater Binghamton region is poised for an exciting time of growth and resurgence!
The Greater Binghamton Chamber of Commerce looks forward to a terrific 2016!
Greater Binghamton Chamber of Commerce •PO Box 995, Binghamton, NY 13902
2015-2016 Board of Directors
Lawrence C. Anderson
Partner
Hinman, Howard & Kattell, LLP
James J. Lewis, CPA
Chairman of the Board & CEO
Piaker & Lyons, P.C.
Mary O’Malley-Trumble
Endicott Senior Location Executive
IBM Corporation
Matt G. Siegel
Vice President
National Pipe & Plastics
Christina Boyd
Vice President, Community Relations
United Health Services, Inc.
Jeffrey A. Loew
Managing Partner
Levene Gouldin & Thompson, LLP
Matthew A. Vitanza
Partner
Hinman, Howard & Kattell, LLP
Kathy Connerton
President/CEO
Lourdes Hospital
Sam A. Lupo
President
Sam A. Lupo & Sons, Inc.
Bob Pass
Regional Manager Community Outreach &
Development
NYSEG Central & Lakes Region
Kevin E. Drumm
President
SUNY Broome
Rob Matthews
President
Matthews Auto Group
Michael Fosbury
President
Columbian Financial Group
Joe Mirabito
CEO
Mirabito Energy Products
James J. Garceau
Vice President Communications & Control
Solutions
BAE Systems
Tyrone Muse
President/CEO
Visions Federal Credit Union
Terence M. Kane
Chief of Staff
Binghamton University
Peter G. Newman
Regional President
M & T Bank
Kathi J. Roberts
Practice Administrator
Roberts Eyecare Associates
Terry R. Wood
President
Willow Run Foods
Richard Shaw
Vice President & Counsel
Security Mutual Life Insurance Comp. of NY
Officers for 2015-2016
Chairman�� Terry R. Wood
Chairman-Elect�� Joe Mirabito
President�� Lou Santoni
Secretary��Kathi J. Roberts
Treasurer�� Peter G. Newman
Assistant Treasurer��Matthew A. Vitanza
Immediate Past Chairman�� James J. Lewis, CPA
2015 Annual Report
12
May 2016
2015 Chamber Committees and Affiliate Organizations
The Greater Binghamton Chamber of Commerce would like to thank all of our many dedicated volunteers who contribute their
time and efforts to Chamber programs, services and events! In particular, we would like to recognize our Chamber Committee
Chairs from 2015 and the more than 400 volunteers associated with those committees and affiliate organizations.
Broome Leadership Institute Alumni Board
Jason Fiume, Roberson Museum & Science Center
Greater Binghamton New Car Dealers Association
Mike Corey, Jack Sherman Toyota
Business Expo Committee
Thomas G. Savoldy, M & T Bank
Live Wire Club
Jim Ehmke, WIVT, News Channel 34
Chamber Classic Committee
Jeff Loew, Levene Gouldin & Thompson, LLP
Membership Committee Chair
Crystal DeMarco, Foresters Financial Services
Consolidation Committee Co-Chairs
Ken Kamlet, Hinman, Howard & Kattell, LLP
Robert Pass, NYSEG
Recognition & Awards Committee Co-Chairs
Catherine A. Maliwacki, Davidson Fox & Co., LLP
Jon J. Sarra, Hinman, Howard & Kattell, LLP
Economic Development Committee
Matthew Vitanza, Hinman, Howard & Kattell, LLP
SBC Legislative Committee
Rob Warholic, Clark Patterson Lee
Governmental Affairs Committee
Robert Pass, NYSEG
SCORE Co-Chairs
(Service Corps of Retired Executives)
Lynne Agnew
Jim Julian
Greater Binghamton Education Outreach Program (GBEOP)
Kevin Blake, ICS Solutions Group
Chamber Staff
Government Relations
Administration
Lou Santoni
Yvonne Glas
Teresa Myers
Susan Kuhn
Christine Stezzi
L ori M eyers
Brendan O’Bryan
President & CEO
& Director, CVB
Ext. 330
Finance Director
Ext. 339
Technical
Coordinator
Ext. 315
Administrative
Assistant
Ext. 322
Receptionist/
Secretary
Ext. 300
Taste NY F inancial
A ssistant
Manager of
Government Relations
Ext. 316
Communications & Membership
A my Shaw
VicePresident ,
Member Services
& Executive Director,
GBEOP Ext. 313
Debby Evans
Project and Event
Coordinator
Ext. 317
Gateway Information Center
Carol
A rmstrong
Development Manager
Ext. 321
K athi Murphy
Jenny A rnold
Director
Travel Advisor
Convention & Visitor’s Bureau
Judi H ess
Manager,
Tourism
& Special Events
Ext. 329
Gina Calisi
Manager,
Convention Sales
Ext. 326
Cassandra G reen
Sales
Representative
E xt. 328
K ateri S ibley
Tr avel A dvisor
2015 Annual Report
ChambeReport
13
Thank You To Our 2015 Sponsors!
The following sponsors partnered with the Chamber in 2015 to offer a broad array of business programming and networking
opportunities. On behalf of our over 800 Members, the Chamber gratefully acknowledges their support.
ACHIEVE
Ad Elements, LLC
Alzheimer’s Association of Central NY
American Civic Association
American Food & Vending/
The McKinley
Ameriprise Financial-Frank S. Lucia
Antonio’s Bar & Trattoria
Arctic Bear Plumbing, Heating & Air
Army National Guard, NYS
Bob Carr 2.0 Printing
Berkshire Farm Center & Services
for Youth
Best Bagels in Town, Binghamton
Binghamton Senators
Binghamton University
Brian K. Mather Agency, Inc.
Broome County STOP-DWI
Broome County
Broome-Tioga Workforce
Burger Mondays
Business Journal News Network
Cider Mill Playhouse
City of Binghamton
Clark Patterson Lee
Confluence Running
Conklin Players Club
Country Valley Industries
Coughlin & Gerhart, LLP
Culligan Water
Curcio Printing
Dataflow
Davidson & Fox Co., LLP
Davis College
Dick’s Sporting Goods Open
Dimon & Bacorn Co. of Binghamton
Edible Arrangements
Ehrlich
Empower Federal Credit Union
En-Joie Golf Club
ETM Solar Works
Equinox Broadcasting
Family Enrichment Network
Feehan Financial Services, Inc.
Floyd’s Rental
Food & Fire Barbecue ~ Taphouse
Forester Financial Services, Inc.
Goodwill Theatre, Inc./Schorr Family
Firehouse Stage
Harding Brooks Insurance
Healthlink NY
Holiday Inn Binghamton
Hue
Hulbert Engineering & Land Surveying,
DPC
Inspire Fitness
ICS Solutions Group
I Heart Media
Johnson Outdoors
Kampai Japanese Steakhouse
Keystone Associates, Architects,
Engineers and Surveyors, LLC
Lawson’s Hearing Center
Leroy Package Store
Links at Hiawatha Landing
Loomis Tax Service, LLC
Lourdes Hospital
M Squared Management Consultants
Marilu’s Catering
McFarland-Johnson, Inc.
McGirk’s Irish Pub
Meier Supply Co., Inc
Miller Auto Group
Mirabito Energy Products
NewsChannel 34
Nirchi’s Pizza
Number 5/Lampy’s
NYS Department of Labor
NYSEG
Oakdale Mall
Olum’s
Paper Alternative Solutions, Inc.
Park Outdoor Advertising
Phelps Mansion Museum
Press & Sun-Bulletin Media
Price Chopper
Quantopix Technologies, LLC
Remlik’s Grille & Oyster Bar
Roberson Museum & Science Center
Rogers Service Group
Sam A. Lupo & Sons, Inc.
Sam’s Club
Security Mutual Life Insurance Co. of NY
Servpro of Broome, Tompkins and
Tioga Counties
SharpTech Solutions
Jack Sherman Toyota
Southern Tier Insulations
Southern Tier Veterans Support Group
Southern Tier Young Professionals
South City Publick House
Suburban Propane
SUNY Broome Community College
Taylor Rental Center
Terra Cotta Catering
The Loft at Ninety-Nine
Tioga Downs Casino
Town Square Media
Traditions at the Glen
Tri-Cities Opera Company
United Health Services
United Methodist Homes
United Way of Broome County
Upstate Office Furniture
Van Zandbergen Photography
Verizon Wireless
Volunteers Administrators of the
Southern Tier
Walmart
Wegmans Food Markets
Weis Markets, Inc.
Willow Run Foods
Worldwide Sport Supply
WICZ-TV Fox 40
WLTB – Magic 101.7 FM
WSKG Public Media
14
2015 Annual Report
May 2016
Update to Members
The core of what we do revolves around our over 800 Chamber member businesses and organizations. In 2015, we continued to focus on
three main priorities:
1) giving members the resources to GROW their business;
2) expanding our members’ business networks in the Greater Binghamton area by CONNECTing them to people,
organizations, and information; and
3) ADVOCATing on behalf of our members for policies that positively affect our local economy.
GROW:
68 Businesses joined the Greater Binghamton Chamber of
Commerce as NEW members.
Our member retention rate has remained steady for the past five
years and showed growth in 2015. It increased to approximately
88.4% of the members continuing their participation in the
Chamber.
We celebrated the leadership of our business community at two
large events:
• At a sold out 52nd Annual Dinner & Meeting on May 12, 2015
at the Holiday Inn Binghamton, 475 Chamber members and
community leaders attended to celebrate Chamber membership,
and to honor the Chamber’s five distinguished annual award
winners. These included: Civic Leader of the Year, Ronald S.
Sall, Sall-Stearns, Inc.; Small Business Advocate of the Year:
Stephen F. Day, McKinney Real Estate & Global Business
Alliance; Small Business Persons of the Year: Jamie Hess and
Joe Hess, Computer Emergency Room; Young Professional
of the Year: Stephen J. Campbell, Morgan Stanley Wealth
Management; and Distinguished Chamber Volunteer: Douglas
J. Camin, Forward Business Solutions. The evening concluded
with the performance by The Live Wires.
• A sold-out Annual Thanksgiving Luncheon on November
17, 2015 with 560 attendees at The McKinley recognized two
award recipients, including: Community Advocate of the Year:
Goodwill Theatre, Inc.; and Corporate Citizen of the Year:
Coughlin & Gerhart, LLP. A very inspiring and heartwarming
keynote address was given by Laurie Abess and Linda
Salomons, Co-Founders of A Room To Heal.
We supported non-profit members through various Chamber
events.
• The success of two of the Chamber’s largest events, the 5th
Annual Greater Binghamton Bridge Run Half Marathon &
5K in May and the Annual Winetasting Event in October,
allowed us to dedicate a portion of the proceeds to two different
charity partners. The Chamber was pleased to make donations
to The Broome County Humane Society and Southern Tier
Alternative Therapies totaling $6500!
• Chamber staff once again volunteered for the United Way’s Day
of Caring during September. We provided landscaping services
for the Boys and Girls Club of Western Broome.
• 2nd Annual Speed Networking for a Cause event at the Holiday
Inn Binghamton on March 19, 2015. Over 30 non-profits
networked with over 30 business professionals to recruit new
volunteers and board members
The Chamber provided members a variety of business exposure
opportunities through:
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•
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40 Ribbon Cutting Ceremonies for Chamber member businesses
in the greater Binghamton area to celebrate their new, renovated
or expanding businesses or special business anniversary! Ribbon
cuttings were also held for the SUNY Broome Entrepreneurship
program students celebrating the launch of their websites.
The 28th Anniversary of the Greater Binghamton Business
Expo - GBBE 2015 – saw two major changes: a change in venue
from the Arena to the DoubleTree by Hilton Binghamton
and a change in the time of year: from April to September.
This event provided almost 90 exhibitors/members an instant
opportunity to display their products and services at the area’s
largest business-to-business networking event in the region
and to showcase what the future holds for their business. BU
graduate and motivational speaker, Arel Moodie, was a guest
speaker, along with Chamber members sharing their expertise on
a variety of topics.
Bi-Annual Career Fairs in June and December attracted 115
employers and connected over 1,000 job seekers in Greater
Binghamton to area career opportunities.
We offered cost-effective ways for members to market their
business to fellow members and the community through a variety
of methods, including:
• “Business of the Week” allowed the Chamber to publicly
recognize and visit 46 long-standing Chamber members. The
weekly televised segment on News Channel 34 gives excellent
exposure to each Business of the Week Chamber member.
• Weekly “Business News & Tidbits” E-newsletter that we
distributed to our Chamber members provided updates on
advocacy, business news and important tid-bits. It also included
reminders about upcoming events.
• Twice monthly “Member News & Events” E-blast gave our
members the opportunity to publicize their business’s important
news announcements and events to all our Chamber members.
• Greater Binghamton Chamber of Commerce Facebook, Twitter
and LinkedIn pages.
• Advertising in the Chamber’s monthly ChambeReport
newsletter, Annual Quality of Life Resource Guide and
Membership Directory.
• “Career Connection” offered members a chance to save money
on employee recruitment via complimentary job postings on
our website.
The Chamber helped impact members’ bottom-lines with our cost
savings/discount programs:
• M2M (Member to Member) Discount Program: 150 different
chamber members offered exclusive M2M discounts to over 800
Chamber members and their over 40,000 employees.
• Enabled 158 members to save $95,000 on their energy bills in
2015 through participation in the Chamber’s Energy Alliance
Program. Lifetime savings for the program are over $1.7 million!
ChambeReport
2015 Annual Report
CONNECT:
The Chamber hosted a number of larger, premier events to help keep
dues increases at a minimum, including:
• 5th Annual Greater Binghamton Bridge Run Half Marathon
and 5k on May 3, 2015, which attracted more than 2,200 runners
from 26 different states and 4 countries. Thousands of spectators
packed the streets of Binghamton to show their support to the
runners. Twelve different restaurants participated in the “Cool
Down” event which is held after the race to encourage runners
and spectators to stay downtown and enjoy what downtown
Binghamton has to offer.
• Annual Winetasting event on October 9th, featured 13 wineries, 5
wine distributors, 2 craft breweries, music by Straight Up and food
from 12 local area restaurants. It, once again, was a sold-out event.
• 18th Annual Chamber Classic Golf Tournament on June 10, where
176 players and 44 teams representing 40 different companies
enjoyed a day of “hitting the greens” at Traditions at the Glen.
The Chamber increased member outreach through our Membership
Committee:
• Thanks to 12 Chamber members, 12 new members were signed up
through our Membership Referral Program!
• Membership Committee volunteers continued their goodwill
by delivering cupcakes to the delight and surprise of 12 small
businesses within the Chamber to thank them for their support
and to offer information on the benefits of Chamber membership.
In addition, this committee personally delivered Membership
Directories, Quality of Life Guide publications and Member-toMember Discount Cards to nearly 300 Chamber members during
“Operation Thank You,” an annual program of the Chamber which
allows our volunteers and staff to personally thank businesses and
organizations for their membership renewal in the Chamber.
• The Chamber was able to provide free mentoring to the business
community through our partnership with Greater Binghamton
SCORE® Chapter 217. Binghamton SCORE® counseled
approximately 40 individuals or businesses each month in 2015
who were wishing to start or expand an existing small business.
This represented over 1,000 hours of free business expertise,
skills, ideas, and experience to enhance and assist in growing small
business in our communities. SCORE also works with non-profits
as well as small businesses in the non-urban market. All counseling
efforts by SCORE are always confidential and at no cost to the
client.
We organized over 40 events and educational programs, attracting
over 5,500 combined attendees (not including the Greater Binghamton
Business Expo and two Career Fairs). Event highlights include:
• 6 Business After Hours Networking Events which included a
special “Ice Breaker” networking event before the April Business
After Hours presented by the Membership Committee.
• 1 Speed Networking for A Cause held free-of-charge for Chamber
member Non-Profits and Business Professionals.
• 1 New Member Reception in July held (free-of-charge) for new
Chamber members who joined in the previous six months.
• 12 SBC Network Luncheons held at a variety of Chamber member
locations.
• 1 Before Business Speed Networking event with the Tioga County
Chamber of Commerce, giving Chamber Members the opportunity
to meet 30+ people in under an hour from both Chambers.
• Quarterly Chamber 101 sessions to introduce new and existing
•
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members to all the benefits of Chamber membership, which have
become much-anticipated sessions.
2 Seminars held on “Google Ads” and “The Cloud”
ADVOCATE:
The Chamber continued to focus on three core advocacy pillars in
2015. These include grassroots legislative advocacy, educational
programs on issues affecting the business community and in
developing key strategic partnerships to improve the economic climate
of Greater Binghamton.
Advocacy efforts focused on lowering and reforming taxes and
fees, lowering healthcare costs for businesses and individuals, real
regulatory and mandate relief, and the continued call for economic
development in New York State. Working through our partnership
with Unshackle Upstate, a number of key legislative successes were
achieved. These included:
•
•
•
Extending the Property Tax Cap for 2 more years
Continued efforts to keep State Spending held under 2%
Rejection of Project Labor Agreements for large scale local public
projects
The Chamber also participated in Small Business Day at the Capitol, a
day focused on one-on-one meetings with legislators on issues affecting
small business. In 2015 the Southern Tier’s delegation remained one of
the largest from the entire state.
The Chamber helped members stay informed on key issues directly
affecting their businesses and our community:
• Annual Economic Forecast Breakfast with M&T Bank Regional
Vice President Gary D. Keith and Harvey Stenger, President,
Binghamton University (January 2015)
• Minimum Wage Reality Check with Greg Biryla, Executive
Director, Unshackle Upstate and Mike Durant, State Director,
NFIB. (September 2015)
• Discussion with the 52nd Senate Seat Candidates with Fred Akshar
and Barbara Fiala. (October 2015)
• Annual Labor and Employment Law Update presented in
partnership with Hinman, Howard & Kattell, LLP (October 2015)
Our Eggs & Issues program series continued to see growth in
attendance and interest. The topics included:
•
•
•
•
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Main Street Revitalization (February 2015)
Broome County Industrial Development Agency: Incentivizing
Business Growth in Broome County (April 2015)
Minimizing the Effects of Future Flooding: Are we ready? (June
2015)
Binghamton University, SUNY Broome, and Davis College:
Helping Generate Economic Development in the Southern Tier
(August 2015)
Economic Effect of Student Loan Debt (December 2015)
Presented the first ever 40 and Below Meet-Up to work on introducing
Young Professionals to the Chamber and Southern Tier Young
Professionals.
We continued our important partnership with the Greater Binghamton
Airport through our Air Service Development Committee.
16
2015 Annual Report
GREATER BINGHAMTON EDUCATION OUTREACH PROGRAM (GBEOP)
•
The Greater Binghamton Education Outreach Program (GBEOP) is a
non-profit affiliate organization of the Chamber, which was formed in
September 2008.
The mission of GBEOP is to “build bridges between schools, businesses
and leaders within the Greater Binghamton community to promote
technical and professional career development for current and future
workforce participants.” GBEOP’s three main programs include:
Broome Leadership Institute (BLI), Building Bridges (BB) and Junior
Achievement (JA).
GBEOP raised just over $20,329.92 in 2015 (not including money raised
specifically for JA) from a variety of sources, including individuals,
corporations and foundations.
Broome Leadership Institute (BLI)
Since 1988, BLI is a very successful six-month community leadership
program for adult professionals. This county-wide program seeks to
foster a network of leaders who are committed to understanding and
improving the quality of living in our region. BLI graduates benefit
from: enhanced leadership skills, a network of community contacts, an
increased understanding and awareness of community issues and new
friendships & working relationships.
2015 BLI and BLI Alumni Highlights:
• During the month of February and March, the BLI Class of 2015
volunteered their time to complete some work on the Habitat for
Humanity house located at 234 Willow Street in Johnson City.
• On March 26, 2015, BLI graduated the 28th class of 19 people that
reflect the diversity of our area.
• On June 17, 2015, the BLI Program enjoyed a very successful 9th
Annual BLI Recruiting Event, where 38 people came to hear more
about how to apply to become part of the BLI Class of 2016 and
network with BLI Alumni.
• We received 25 applicants for 20 spots for the BLI Class of 2016.
• The Broome Leadership Institute Class of 2015 presented a check
for $802.48 on August 24, 2015 to All Saints School in Endicott to
support their Literacy Program. This money was raised from a book
signing with children’s author Marilyn Sadler at Barnes and Noble
on June 20, 2015.
• The BLI program’s 29th class began the program with a teambuilding and orientation retreat on September 18, 2015 at the
Wilderness Adventure Center.
• BLI Alumni Association Board of Directors was proud to award
a “BLI Scholarship Fund, in memory of Michelle Curtin” to 4
incoming students of the BLI Class of 2016 totaling $1,200.
• The BLI Class of 2015 celebrated the Grand Opening of CHOW’s
new South Side Community Wellness Center located at 3 Otseningo
Street in Binghamton on October 13. The class members partnered
with Habitat for Humanity on the construction of the structure, and
organized a food drive to stock the pantry shelves.
• The BLI Alumni Association grew to over 300 active members,
sponsored a variety of events, increased their visibility to the
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May 2016
business community and continued to serve on many volunteer
boards in the area. The BLI Alumni activity highlights for 2015
included:
Organized the 2nd Annual Canstruction® of the Southern Tier
– Broome County Event, in conjunction with the Food Bank of
the Southern Tier (FBST) and CHOW (the Community Hunger
Outreach Warehouse). This 2nd annual event, hosted by the BLIAA,
was held during the week of April 12-19, 2015 at the Oakdale Mall,
Johnson City, included eight local teams who created giant structures
from over 21,000 cans of food and raised $15,000.
BLI Alumni Board presented the 3rd Annual BLI “Alumni of
Distinction Award” to Mark Gorgos, Managing Partner, Coughlin &
Gerhart from the BLI Class of 1989 for his leadership excellence and
outstanding community service.
The BLI Alumni Association partnered with United Way of
Broome County, Southern Tier Young Professionals (STYP) and the
Volunteer Administrators of the Southern Tier (VAST) to host our
2nd Annual Speed Networking for a Cause event at the Holiday Inn
Binghamton on March 19, 2015. Over 30 non-profits networked with
over 30 business professionals to recruit new volunteers and board
members in a fun, interactive, fast-paced event.
Thanks to a partnership with New York Council of Nonprofits
(NYCON), the BLI class members experienced an informative halfday workshop on March 5 at the Broome County Public Library. The
topic focused on “Board Impact: Making Service on Your Board a
Win-Win.”
Continued highlighting successful Alumni in the community via the
BLI Alumni Spotlight in the monthly ChambeReport newsletter.
Organized five Leadership Events for BLI Alumni with visits to:
Goodwill Theatre for an inspirational talk with BU Alumni Arel
Moodie, Lourdes Vestal, Broome County Historical Society, Muckles
Ink and Kopernik Observatory.
Brought together 30 BLI Alumni for networking at the 2015
Members’ Mixer.
Generated additional personal contributions to the BLI Scholarship
Fund in memory of Michelle Curtin totaling $495 in 2015.
Building Bridges (BB)
Building Bridges initially partnered with SUNY Broome Community
College and Broome-Tioga BOCES so that educators could tour
area businesses and learn more about their employment needs/
workplace trends. The format was revamped in 2014 to create events
which allowed educators, students and parents to interact with local
companies and better understand a pathway to these various careers in
our community.
2015 Building Bridges Highlights:
On Thursday, March 12, 2015, over 200 students, parents and educators
attended the STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and
Math) Pathways Evening at Binghamton University’s Innovative
Technologies Complex. The evening was designed to increase awareness
and interest in STEAM careers, as well as provide information to youth
and parents regarding the pathways needed to achieve these careers. The
event featured exhibits and presentations by local STEAM businesses
(including BAE Systems, BCK-IBI Group Architects & Engineers, Hue,
IBM, ICS Solutions Group, Lockheed Martin MST, Lourdes Hospital,
and Visions Federal Credit Union).
Junior Achievement (JA)
JA programs are dedicated to inspiring and preparing young people to
succeed in a global economy. Through a dedicated volunteer network,
JA programs provide in-school and after school programs for students
ChambeReport
2015 Annual Report
in grades K-12 that focus on entrepreneurship, work readiness and
financial literacy. Students put these lessons into action and help
strengthen our communities.
2015 Junior Achievement Highlights:
• GBEOP raised $24,800 in 2015 for Junior Achievement Programs
from corporate donations and foundation grants.
• GBEOP implemented 35 JA classes in Broome County in 2015 with
the assistance of 35 business professionals at the following schools:
Seton Catholic Schools (All Saints, St. James, St. John and Seton
Catholic High School), Vestal High School, Broome-Tioga BOCES
(New Visions Business Academy, East Learning Center, Evertech
High School and West Learning Center), Union-Endicott Central
School (Charles F. Johnson Elementary and Jennie F. Snapp Middle
School), Main-Endwell Central School (Middle School and High
School).
• GBEOP brought JA to 653 students in 2015.
• GBEOP recruited 4 new volunteers from local businesses for the
2015 spring and fall JA programs, and worked with 31 returning JA
volunteers.
GREATER BINGHAMTON CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU
The mission of the Greater Binghamton Convention & Visitors Bureau
is to attract meetings, conventions, trade shows and events that bring
overnight visitors to our community.
In 2015 we hosted 167 convention and events. Our golf package business
increased by 10%. We were a part of a team that successfully bid on
and secured the New York State Public High School Boys Basketball
Championships for 2017 through 2019. We also won the bid to host the
New York State Public High School Outdoor Track meet in 2017. We
continued to work through our tourism region, Central NY, to secure
and implement funding for our Brew Central campaign through the
Regional Economic Development CFA process.
• Hosted 167 Conventions & Events including:
-BAGSAI Softball Tournament Series (5,300 people)
-Odyssey of the Mind (3,000 people)
-Destination Imagination (2,000 people)
-STOP DWI Tournament of Champions softball tournament
(1,700 people)
-NY-USA Wrestling State Tournament (1,500 people)
-AAU Basketball (1,000 people)
-Binghamton Summer Exposure Lacrosse Tournament (1,000)
-John Mack Memorial Lacrosse (1,000 people)
-NYS Public High School Baseball (800 people)
-Jonathon Kaloust Bearcat Open (750 people)
•
Approximately 53,670 visitors attended Convention & Events with
an estimated impact of $21.5 million.
•
Booked 180 future Convention & Events - including the
American Legion NYS Convention (3,000 people), I Love New
York Gymnastics Meet (2,500 people), NYSPHSAA Boys
Basketball Championships for 2017-2019 (2,000 people each year),
NYSPHSAA Cross Country State Championships (1,300 people),
and the NDO Lady Hornets AAU Basketball Tournament (1,000
people).
•
Responded to 1,100 tourist inquiries, 497 tourism calls on the 800
number and 40,000 brochures were distributed.
•
17
CVB website www.VisitBinghamton.org, saw an increase of 25% in
overall traffic, 27% increase in unique visitors and a 35% increase in
page views.
• Attended 5 Trade Shows including:
-American Bus Association – St. Louis, MO
-Empire State Society of Association Executives Meeting
Planners – Saratoga Springs, New York
-Empire State Tourism Conference – Albany, NY
-NASC - - Sports Planners Show – Milwaukee, WI
-Ottawa Golf Show – Ottawa, ONT Canada
Produced and distributed over 100,000 Tourism publications.
Visitors also have the capability to download brochures from the
website VisitBinghamton.org:
-Broome County (MapsWorks) map
-Carousel Brochure
-Golf Package Brochure
-Greater Binghamton Travel Guide
-Greater Binghamton Map Brochure
-Group Tour Planner
-Meeting Planner’s Guide
-Sports Venue Guide (online only)
-Summer Calendar of Events
•
Provided the following free services to groups meeting in Greater
Binghamton:
-Give-Away Lists
-Housing Registration (Eastern Star = 344 reservations,
704 people, 1,229 total room nights)
-Local Promotional Literature
-Name Badges
-Press Releases
-Registration Assistance
-Site Inspections
-Spouse Programs
-Tour Itineraries/Local Attractions
-Welcome Signs
•
Co-operative marketing programming remains a vital component of
our marketing efforts. In 2015 we ran the following campaigns:
-Partnering with the Broome County Arts Council, we ran a
radio campaign on WSKG radio for the 6th consecutive year.
-Our Golf package program saw approximately a 10%
increase in packages booked, while rounds of golf increased
25%. 2,273 hotel room nights and 7,687 rounds of golf were
booked. The direct impact of hotel room nights and rounds
of golf was in excess of $670,000.00.
-We began a new co-operative campaign with EatBing to
promote their restaurants as well as the Spring and Fall
Restaurant Weeks.
•
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The NYS Order of the Eastern Star first began meeting here in
Greater Binghamton in 2009. The Bureau provided housing
services to all guests and assisted with shuttle service. Due to the
positive response of attendees, this group is now committed to
return through 2018!
•
Through our partnership with I Love NY and their PR firm, Finn
Partners, we hosted travel writers from Israel in November.
2015 Annual Report
18
May 2016
The Convention & Visitors Bureau has also been working on several
cross county promotions. These programs focus on niche markets to
encourage an increase in travel to the County.
Center opened the Taste NY Marketplace July 3rd, 2015 in partnership
with Cornell Cooperative Extension of Broome County and NYS Ag.
& Markets.
Brew Central brings together the stories, traditions
and tastes behind craft beer, hard cider and spirits
in Central New York. Just over a century ago, the
Brew Central partners Greater Binghamton, Madison,
Oneida, Onondaga, Otsego and Schoharie counties represented the
hop capital of the country. Central New York produced 90 percent
of the nation’s hops in the late 1800s and the state was the No. 1 beer
producer in the U.S. for decades. A resurgence in production of that
critical hop crop, the commitment to using local ingredients whenever
possible and the passion for crafting some of the finest suds in the
country make Central New York a national destination today. Brew
Central puts the region back on the map with a growing constellation
of breweries, craft-centric pubs, cideries, distilleries and wineries.
www.brewcentralny.com
2015 Marketing Initiatives / Services / Programs:
• Personalized trip planning and assistance.
• Personalized Lodging Assistance at front counter and easy
interaction with the travelers to assist with all tourism questions and
information.
• An independent Lodging Phone located in the lobby area available
24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
• Display featuring large raised relief 3D map of NYS as well as a
large NYS Map located in the lobby area.
• Reference binders, county reference maps, telephone books
available for all 62 counties in NYS.
• Seasonal fun displays marketing seasonal sports, events and venues
in NYS.
• Carousel Horse – full size and on display year round to introduce
Binghamton as “America’s Carousel Capital”.
• An Event Interactive Kiosk (Exploreboard) that will allow travelers
to learn more about the events and attractions happening in NYS
throughout the year.
• LED Flat Screen Television behind the counter area that displays
the weather channel for travelers to view the weather throughout
NYS.
• (3) LED Flat Screen DVD players featured inside the Information
Center playing DVD’s of an individual county, region or attraction.
The DVD’s are rotated throughout the week.
• A Large Regional Map displaying the NYS vacation regions located
behind the counter area numbered to correspond with the numbers
on the wall displaying the different vacation regions with brochures.
• Signage above the different regions displaying the name and
location of the individual counties. All 62 counties are represented
in the center, most of them by a county travel guide. Many tourist
attractions, events and venues are also represented with brochures.
• Free “Wi-Fi” is available to the travelers.
• Tri-colored scrolling LED sign located at the entrance of the
Information Center programmed to display events, road traffic
conditions and hours of operation.
• Complimentary I Love NY Maps.
• Taste NY Marketplace displaying NYS products for sale. All
product is procured by the Market Manager through the Cornell
Cooperative Extension of Broome County.
The Greater Binghamton Convention & Visitors
Bureau in collaboration with Jefferson, Oswego,
Onondaga, and Cortland counties will unveil the
81exits.com mobile website in early 2015. The website
uses geolocation to find “Where to stop when you’re on the go.” This
definitive exit-by-exit guide to gas, food and lodging also includes
attraction recommendations and descriptions for each community
along the way. Travelers simply enter 81exits.com into their mobile
browser to begin the experience. Each listing includes distance from
the exit, websites when available and an instant mapping function.
GATEWAY INFORMATION CENTER
The Gateway Information Center, located at mile marker 2 Route
81 North in Kirkwood, NY offers the most current literature sources
and travel service in NYS. We continue to meet and exceed contract
requirements, offering lodging reservations and in depth tourism
information, while advancing the depth of knowledge available from
our staff. We continue to create a grand first impression of NYS to
promote tourism and conduct a number of community familiarization
trips where tourism professionals in a variety of counties of NYS train
our staff.
As well as providing tourism information, the Gateway Information
Monthly Average 2014-2015
Hours of Operation: 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. (April 1st – October 15th) • 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (October 16th – March 31st)
Open 362 days a year. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day
ChambeReport
19
STEAM Event on March 10
Exposed Over 200 Students and Parents to
STEAM Careers/Education In Our Area
On Thursday, March 10, 2016, over 200 students, parents and
educators attended the
STEAM (Science, Technology,
Engineering, Arts and
Math) Pathways Evening
at Binghamton University’s
Innovative Technologies
Complex.
A Conversation with:
Wm. R. Chase & Son/James V. DeMarco & Son Funeral Home
What are your primary products and/or services?
We offer
Personal
Planning
guides to
assist with
prearranging,
100% service
guarantee,
a Dignity
memorial
guide series
to help with
grief, travel
assistance,
compassion
helpline, childgrandchild
protection with every contract written and national transferability.
We provide assistance with final arrangement planning and at need
funerals. We provide personalization to each service offering Timeless
Touch necklaces, flag cases for veterans, personalized photo blankets,
monuments and final date engraving on existing stones.
When was your business established?
Wm R Chase & Son Funeral Home was established in 1900. James V.
DeMarco was started as DeMarco Bros. Undertakers in the early 1930’s.
In 1964, it was renamed James V. DeMarco.
What other information would you like people to know, such as
recent news coverage, community involvement, your mission or
philosophy? In other words, “what we might not know about your
business?”
We are going into our 12th Annual Pumpkin Event that is offered to all
children at the Port Dickinson and Chenango Bridge Elementary schools.
We provide an annual holiday remembrance service to the families
we serve and offer multiple prearranging workshops and seminars
throughout the year.
What has membership of the Greater Binghamton Chamber of
Commerce provided for your business?
Membership has provided us with the opportunity to tell our story and
be able to reach more families by giving them the security and peace of
mind.
The evening was designed
to increase awareness and interest in STEAM careers, as well as
provide information to youth and parents regarding the pathways
needed to achieve these careers.
The event featured exhibits
and presentations by
local STEAM businesses
(including BAE Systems,
IBM, Red Barn Technology
Group, McIntosh Labs,
The Raymond Corporation,
KEYSTONE ASSOCIATES
Architects, Engineers and Surveyors, LLC and Lockheed Martin),
opportunities to meet with students from both SUNY Broome as
well as Binghamton University, and information regarding career
opportunities in Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and
Mathematics.
This event was sponsored by the Greater Binghamton Education
Outreach Program (GBEOP), Broome-Tioga BOCES (New
Visions Engineering Academy), School to Careers Partnership of
Broome and Tioga Counties, Eastern Southern Tier STEM HUB,
Binghamton University and SUNY Broome.
May 2016
20
Broome Leadership Institute (BLI) Program
20 Graduate from Greater Binghamton’s Community Leadership Program,
BLI, on March 31
On Thursday, March 31, 2016, twenty area businesspeople graduated as
members of the Broome Leadership Institute (BLI) Class of 2016 at a dinner and
ceremony at the Binghamton Country Club in Endwell. The BLI Class of 2016
represents the 29th graduating class of the program!
BLI Non-Profit Board Workshop
Thanks to a partnership with New York Council of Nonprofits (NYCON), the
BLI class members experienced an informative half-day workshop March 3
at WSKG Public Media. The topic focused on “Understanding Your Board
Member Roles and Responsibilities”
This session reviewed governance
trends in the Broome County region,
and covered other topic areas
including: an overview of legal and
fiduciary responsibilities, policy and
monitoring functions of the Board,
accountability and using a committee
structure effectively, and the
relationship of the Board of Directors
to the Executive Director.
Thanks to Andrew Marietta, Regional Manager, Central NY Office, New York
Council of Nonprofits, for his willingness to collaborate on this event together.
For more information about NYCON, visit their website at www.nycon.org.
Congratulations BLI Class of 2016 Graduates
RICHARD ANNUNZIATA, Commercial Services Officer, Tioga State Bank
JON BAUMGART, HR Senior Manager, Lockheed Martin
ALICIA BEEKMAN, Director of Youth Services, Mothers & Babies Perinatal
Network
KEITH GORGOS, Attorney, Coughlin & Gerhart, LLP
RICH KEEHLE JR., Director, Support Services, United Health Services
Hospitals Inc.
ROSEMARIE KLEITZ, Volunteer Coordinator, Broome County Council of
Churches
SUSAN LIBOUS HEENAN, Lead Analyst, NYSEG
JONATHAN MACKO, Financial Advisor, The Macko Group at Morgan
Stanley
KAREN MATOLKA, Business Manager, ICS Solutions Group
DAVID MAZZINI, Financial Advisor, Edward Jones
SHANE MCGUIRE, Vice President of Finance, United Methodist Homes
WILBERT MIDYETTE, Business Controls Professional, IBM
KATE MOWER, Personal Lines Manager, Harding Brooks Insurance
KYLE NEDLIK, VP, Southern Tier Young Professionals & Mechanical
Engineer, Stantec
CHERYL ORZEL-TERIS, Nursing Director, Lourdes Hospital
THERESA PALMER, Sales and Marketing Analyst, Mirabito Holdings, Inc.
SEAN PASS, Relationship Manager, M&T Bank
JESSICA REMZA, Events Development Manager, Roberson Museum and
Science Center
JEREMY P. SEDELMEYER, Attorney, Hinman, Howard & Kattell, LLP
MARY SZE-TU, LCSW-R, Staff Psychotherapist, Samaritan Counseling
Center of the Southern Tier, Inc.
If you are interested in being part of the BLI class of 2017, which will start
up in September 2016 and continue through March 2017, contact Amy
Shaw at (607) 772-8863 x313 or ashaw@greaterbinghamtonchamber.com.
BLI is a very successful six month community leadership program for
adult professionals that began in 1988. This county-wide program seeks
to foster a network of leaders who are committed to understanding and
improving the quality of living in our region. BLI graduates benefit from:
enhanced leadership skills, a network of community contacts, an increased
understanding and awareness of community issues and new friendships and
working relationships. The program runs from September to March and
accepts twenty members for each class. For more information, contact Amy
Shaw at (607) 772-8863 x313 or ashaw@greaterbinghamtonchamber.com.
INVITES YOU TO SAVE THE DATE
Mark your calendars now for the
Chamber’s Annual Evening of
Winetasting, Craft Brews, Food & Music…
Friday, October 21, 2016!
A variety of local cuisine, New York State wines and
craft brews will be featured and the event will be held
at the DoubleTree by Hilton Binghamton.
Festivities will begin at 6:00 pm...
Hope to see you there!
ChambeReport
21
Speed Networking For a Cause Connects 60+ Non-Profits and Business Professionals
On Thursday, March 17, the BLI Alumni Association, in
partnership with the United Way of Broome County, Southern Tier
Young Professionals and Volunteer Administrators of the Southern
Tier (VAST), held our 3rd Annual Speed Networking for a
Cause event at the Holiday Inn Binghamton. Over 30 non-profits
networked with over 30 business professionals to recruit new
volunteers and board members in a fun, interactive, fast-paced
event. It was a great turn-out with 70 registered attendees!
Thanks to the Holiday Inn Binghamton for a great assortment of
hors d’ouevres at the After Hours Networking event.
For more information about non-profits currently recruiting new
volunteers and board members, contact Amy Shaw at (607) 7728863 x313 or ashaw@binghamtonchamber.com.
22
Chamber Happenings
March SBC Network Luncheon
A very special “Thank You” to Foresters Financial Services, Inc. for
sponsoring the March 10 SBC Network Luncheon! Held on the 18th
Floor of the State Office Building, it was a beautiful setting, even on a
rainy day! Delicious food was catered by The Loft at Ninety-Nine and
prizes were generously donated by these Chamber members: Servpro of
Broome, Tompkins and Tioga Counties; Combined Worksite Solutions;
WSKG Public Media; HeartGlow Integrated Massage and Foresters
Financial Services, Inc. Thank you to all!
Morning Dialogue
On Friday, March 11th, Chamber members met with our State Delegation
for a discussion on the state of Greater Binghamton and the Chamber’s
2016 Legislative Agenda. Thank you to our panelists; Senator Fred
Akshar, Assemblyman Clifford Crouch, Assemblyman Chris Friend and
Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo. The discussion focused on matters
such as minimum wage, mandate reform, paid family leave and plans for
economic development in the region, in addition to other issues. Thank
you to the Binghamton Club for use of their facilities and to all who
attended this insightful event!
Eggs & Issues
Thank you to our sponsor: Cushman & Wakefield/Pyramid Brokerage
Company for hosting April’s Eggs & Issues on “The Upstate
Revitalization Initiative.” Also thank you to our panel: Gloria Meredith,
Dean, Pharmacy School, Binghamton University; Jennifer Small, Chief
Operating Officer, AVRE; and Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo,
Assembly District 123. Also thank you to Maureen Wilson from
Cushman & Wakefield/Pyramid Brokerage Company for moderating!
Cupcake Deliveries
May 2016
Folks from the Chamber’s Membership Committee had fun delivering
cupcakes from Baked Euphoria Cakes & Pastries to various Chamber
members to welcome Spring! Pictured are Burr Truck & Trailer Sales,
Inc.; Idea Kraft; Interim Healthcare; Suburban Septic; Tier Pediatrics;
Urban League. Not pictured, but receiving cupcake deliveries were
homePlus and Woodfern Florist.
ChambeReport
23
Urban Star
May 2016
SBC Network Luncheon
Sponsored by:
Congratulations to the Broome County Urban League on the
Grand Opening of their retail store, Urban Star, at 75 Court Street
in Binghamton! The ribbon was cut on March 16 to celebrate the
occasion!
Thursday, May 12, 2016
11:45 a.m. to 1:15 p.m.
Traditions at the Glen
4101 Watson Boulevard • Johnson City
Post Office
Congratulations to the Chenango Bridge Post Office located at 511
Main Street in Chenango Bridge! They celebrated their new 24/7
lobby with a Chamber Ribbon Cutting on April 4!
Menu: Chicken Spiedies, Salt Potatoes, Saad Bar
and Beverages
$18 advance / $21 After 5/6
Call Christine to make your reservation(s) at (607) 772-8860
or cstezzi@greaterbinghamtonchamber.com.
Sign up and pay on-line at www.
greaterbinghamtonchamber.com
Cancellations after May 6, 2016 are non-refundable
DON’T FORGET TO RSVP FOR
24
May 2016
ChambeReport
25
Wednesday, June 8, 2016
Links at Hiawatha Landing
ChambeReport
26
ChambeReport
27
Greater Binghamton Chamber in partnership with M&T Bank present
PRESENTED BY
2O16
HOSTED BY
gbbe.org
Greater Binghamton Education
reachOut
rP
ogram
Thursday, September 15, 2O16 1:OO - 6:OOPM
TECH SPONSOR
CREATIVE SPONSOR
YOUR INFORMATION
Business Name - as you want it to appear on event promotions
EVENT SPONSORS
Contact Name
Contact Email
Address
City, State, Zip
Phone
Fax
Website
2O15 BOOTH RATES
Company Size
(number of employees)
Greater Binghamton
Chamber Member Rate
Non-Member
Rate
1-25 Employees
$475
$775
26+ Employees
$575
$875
BOOTH SHARE: 1-2 employees
per company
(2 companies share 1 booth)
$25O each - must find
company to share booth space
Non-profits*
$35O
* (Non-profits must proNot applicable
vide a 501(c)3 certificate
with booth application)
Not applicable
2O16 FLOOR PLAN
67
63
62
64
65
66
55
54
53
52
51
50
43
42
41
40
39
38
31
30
29
28
27
04
78
26
18
17
16
77
61
82
76
60
83
75
59
07
74
58
06
73
57
49
05
72
56
48
37
47
36
46
35
45
34
44
33
25
STAGE
71
32
24
12
79
Booth space is limited. Reservations are on a first-paid, first-selection basis. You may mail a check, payable to
Greater Binghamton Chamber of Commerce, or if using a credit card, you may fax your registration form.
13
80
Check (Please make check payable to: Greater Binghamton Chamber of Commerce)
23
No
22
Yes
11
($35 charge must accompany booth application)
10
PAYMENT
09
ELECTRICITY
21
*Booth coordination will be mailed to vendors 9/1/2016.
70
20
3rd choice
60
08
2nd choice
68
19
(The Chamber reserves the right to assign space if preferred space is occupied.)
15
BOOTH SPACE PREFERENCE
Not applicable
14
BOOTH SHARE: Non-profits
$2OO each - must find
(2 organizations share 1 booth) organization to share
booth space
1st choice
MEDIA SPONSORS
03
02
01
81
VISA / MC / AMEX / DISCOVER
CC#
Expiration Date
Security Code
Billing Zip Code
Card Holder Name
AUTHORIZATION I understand that the completed registration form is a contract committing my company to booth space at the
Greater Binghamton Business EXPO 2O16. I agree to abide by the regulations in this brochure (please sign; signature required).
Signature
Name/Title
*Fax form to: 607-722-4513
Date
CANCELLATION POLICY AND FEES
Until 8/6/16; $1OO cancellation fee
8/7/16 - 9/2/16; $2OO cancellation fee
After 9/3/16; No Refund
ChambeReport
28
The Greater Binghamton
Chamber of Commerce
P.O. Box 995
49 Court Street, Metrocenter, Suite 200
Binghamton, NY 13902-0995
Phone: (607) 772-8860
Fax: (607) 722-4513
E-Mail:chamber@binghamtonchamber.com
OR C U R R E N T R E SI DE N T
www.GreaterBinghamtonChamber.com
Board Chairman:
Terry Wood
Willow Run Foods
Publisher:
Jennifer Conway
President & CEO
Editor:
Amy Shaw
Vice President, Member Services
The Greater Binghamton ChambeReport
is published monthly by The GBCC,
P.O. Box 995, Binghamton, NY 13902-0995.
Subscription: $50.00 per year
is included in Chamber Membership.
Standard postage paid at Binghamton, NY.
(USPS-Permit 1).
POSTMASTER: Send address change to:
The GBCC, P.O. Box 995, Binghamton, NY 13902-0995
Be part of the ChambeReport
ChambeReport Inserts
ChambeReport Inserts are an inexpensive and popular way for businesses to market their goods and services to area business
leaders and their staffs. For one low price, you can reach 3,000 destinations, with multiple readers at each location, without
worrying about postage costs or direct mailing requirements.
• A maximum of 5 inserts are allowed in each ChambeReport mailing, all on a first come, first serve basis.
• 3,000 of your inserts must be provided.
Publish Date
June Issue
5/29/2008
July Issue
1/27/2010
6/26/2008
2/24/2010
Insert Needed By
May 5th, 2016
5/22/2008
June
1/20/2009 2nd, 2016
6/19/2008
2/17/2010
Don’t miss this great opportunity to
showcase your products and services!
Call 798-1131 today
for more information!

May 2016 - Greater Binghamton Chamber of Commerce

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