May 2014 FRIDAY, JUNE 20, 2014 • 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
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May 2014 FRIDAY, JUNE 20, 2014 • 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
May 2014 Celebrate our Golden Anniversary at the Greater Binghamton Chamber of Commerce’s 50th Annual Dinner and Meeting on May 13! This year’s 50th Annual Dinner and Meeting of the Greater Binghamton Chamber of Commerce will be a very special one and an event you surely will not want to miss! Sponsored by Visions Federal Credit Union, the Chamber’s Annual Meeting is one of the most popular and long-standing traditions of business and community leaders. Close to 500 decision-makers from both the private and public sector convene for camaraderie and commemoration on this evening. This important, once-a-year event is designed to celebrate your Chamber membership and to introduce your staff and associates to the exciting accomplishments of your Chamber. The Greater Binghamton Chamber of Commerce is proud to invite every member to the 50th Annual Dinner and Meeting on Tuesday, May 13 at The McKinley at Huron Campus in Endicott. This year’s event kicks off at 5:30 p.m. with a cocktail reception, followed by dinner at 6:45 p.m. A special video presentation will be shown to commemorate this golden anniversary. The Annual Dinner and Meeting is open to all employees of any Chamber member company or organization. At the event, the Chamber will recognize and honor four Award Recipients for 2014 in the categories of: Civic Leader of the Year, Small Business Advocate of the Year, Small Business Person of the Year, and Young Professional of the Year. The evening will conclude with an entertaining performance by the Live Wire Players, a long-standing tradition. Tickets are limited and reservations must be made by Thursday, May 1, 2014. Event tickets are available for $65.00 per person. Tickets can be purchased individually or in groups of nine for a full table. For more information, contact Christine Stezzi at (607) 772-8860 or [email protected]. R ecruit E mployees at the C hamber’s June 2014 Greater Binghamton Career Fair! Friday, June 20, 2014 • 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. The Greater Binghamton Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the Broome County IDA, invites you to participate in the June Career Fair on Friday, June 20, 2014. Sponsored 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. Last year was a particularly busy time drawing large numbers of skilled individuals seeking employment or a career change. The Ice Center provides an excellent and dedicated venue for employers 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: • An advertising campaign targeted at quality candidates. • One large, centrally located venue with dedicated space for employers and potential employees. • Exhibiting area with an 8’ table, tablecloth, skirt and chairs. • Access to an on-line resume database after the event. • Dedicated area for “break-out sessions” 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 23 or if you have any questions, contact Debby Evans at (607) 772-8863 x 317 or [email protected] Chamber Staff 2 May 2014 ChamberDirectory Directory ofof Staff Chamber Staff Local Lending Administration Main Phone: (607) 772-8860 | Dial Direct: (607) 772-8863 + ext www.GreaterBinghamtonChamber.com Lou Santoni Theresa Ryan Brendan O’Bryan President & CEO & Director, CVB Ext. 330 Finance Director Ext. 339 Certified IPA/ Navigator Ext. 302 Susan Kuhn Teresa Myers Christine Stezzi Administrative Assistant Ext. 322 Technical Coordinator Ext. 315 Receptionist/ Secretary Ext. 300 Investing in Endwell VISIONS can be the answer to your business needs. Throughout the region, and right here in Endwell, businesses of every size are putting our experienced business team to work. For creative ideas to support your short or long-term financial needs, call VISIONS. Communications & Membership Amy Shaw Debby Evans Carol Armstrong VicePresident , Member Services & Executive Director, GBEOP Ext. 313 Project and Event Coordinator Ext. 317 Development Manager Ext. 321 “Dealing with someon someone one local, making local decisions, makes a difference to us. We’ve had no issues and quick responses.” Jim, John and Leon Anastos Broadway Diner Endwell, NY Gateway Information Center Kathi Murphy Jenny Petrocelli Director Travel Advisor “I can’t say enough ab about th the attention io we receive by the VISIONS Business Team. It’s really great personal service.” Ellen Conti CONTI Jewelers Endwell, NY “VIS “VISIONS seems to have a great ha at ffeell fo for our needs. They’ve made it their business to know my business.” Yvonne Benjamin Magic Needle by Yvonne Endwell, NY Route 81N • PO Box 114 • Kirkwood, NY 13795 (607) 775-0156 • [email protected] Convention & Visitor’s Bureau Judi Hess Gina Calisi Maegen Eddinger Manager, Tourism & Special Events Ext. 329 Manager, Convention Sales Ext. 326 Sales Representative Ext. 328 We’re in the business of business. visionsfcu.org NY-0000699020 ChambeReport News • Advocacy 3 Energy-Efficient Home Improvements Can Lower Your Taxes You may be able to reduce your taxes if you make certain energy-efficient home improvements. Here are some key facts that you should know about home energy tax credits. Non-Business Energy Property Credit • This credit is worth 10 percent of the cost of certain qualified energysaving items you added to your main home last year. This includes items such as insulation, windows, doors and roofs. • • You may also be able to claim the credit for the actual cost of certain property. This may include items such as water heaters and heating and air conditioning systems. Each type of property has a different dollar limit. • This credit has a maximum lifetime limit of $500. You may only use $200 of this limit for windows. • Your main home must be located in the U.S. to qualify for the credit • Be sure you have the written certification from the manufacturer that their product qualifies for this tax credit. They usually post it on their website or include it with the product’s packaging. You can rely on it to claim the credit, but do not attach it to your return. Keep it with your tax records. • This credit expired at the end of 2013. You may still claim the credit on your 2013 tax return if you didn’t reach the lifetime limit in prior years. Residential Energy Efficient Property Credit • This tax credit is 30 percent of the cost of alternative energy equipment installed on or in your home. • Qualified equipment includes solar hot water heaters, solar electric equipment and wind turbines. • There is no dollar limit on the credit for most types of property. If your credit is more than the tax you owe, you can carry forward the unused portion of this credit to next year’s tax return. • The home must be in the U.S. It does not have to be your main home. • This credit is available through 2016. Use Form 5695, Residential Energy Credits, to claim these credits. For more on this topic refer to the form’s instructions. You can get it on IRS.gov or order it by mail by calling 800-TAX-FORM (800-829-3676). As of April 1; 865,487 New Yorkers have successfully enrolled in health insurance plans and 1,217,493 New Yorkers have completed applications for health insurance through the NY State of Health Marketplace. New York had anticipated 1.1 million New Yorkers to enroll in the NY State of Health by 2016. These numbers show that New York State is currently exceeding expectations for enrollment. Open enrollment for the NY State of Health Marketplace closed as of March 31, 2014! What does the end of open enrollment mean? Outside open enrollment, you cannot enroll in the NY State of Health Marketplace insurance unless you have certain life events (Qualifying Event) that give you a special enrollment period. You can however apply in the Small Business Marketplace, for Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) any time. If you’re qualified you can enroll right away. What is a Qualifying Event? In order to buy a Marketplace health insurance plan outside the open enrollment period, you must have a qualifying life event. Qualifying life events that create a special enrollment period include: Getting married; having, adopting, or placement of a child; permanently moving to a new area that offers different health plan options; losing health coverage (for example due to a job loss, divorce, loss of eligibility for Medicaid or CHIP, expiration of COBRA coverage, or a health plan being decertified); and people already enrolled in Marketplace coverage, having a change in income or household status that affects eligibility for tax credits or cost-sharing reductions. Voluntarily quitting other health coverage or being terminated for not paying your premiums is not considered loss of coverage. What are Special Enrollment Periods? If you have a qualifying life event, you get a special enrollment period. This means you can enroll or change your health insurance plan outside the open enrollment period. Most special enrollment periods last 60 days from the date of the qualifying event. Small Businesses: If you own a Small Business and you are thinking about offering insurance to your employees, or if your business has an enrollment period during the year, open enrollment for the Small Business Marketplace is ongoing for the entire year of 2014. In order to know what all of your options may be going forward, contact our Navigator at the Chamber. If you do not enroll: If you have not enrolled in health insurance by the end of March 2014, do not have a Qualifying Life Event, or do not get offered health insurance through an employer; you will not be able to obtain health insurance for 2014. Current Federal regulations state that an individual cannot go three or more months without insurance. If an individual does not have insurance for three or more months they might be fined by the Federal Government. The fine in 2014 is $95 per Adult in the household and $47.50 per child under the age of 18, or 1% of the family income in 2014 whichever the higher amount is. This fine will be increasing in future years. The next proposed open enrollment period is November 15, 2014 and lasts until January 15, 2015. This would be in order to obtain health insurance for 2015. Contact our Navigator at (607) 772-8860 at the Chamber of Commerce to discuss what options you may have or if you would like to enroll your Small Business into the SHOP Marketplace. 4 May 2014 News Sponsored by: With In partnership with: A Conversation with Osterhoudt-Madden Funeral Home What are your primary products and/or services? Osterhoudt-Madden Funeral Home is a Family Owned Funeral Home serving the entire Tri-County area of Upstate New York (Broome, Chenango, Delaware). We offer traditional, non-traditional, cremation and other support services for bereaved families. We are proud to have served in eastern Broome County since the early 1800’s. When was your business established? The funeral home was originally established as a furniture store/funeral home combination in its early stages. Since 2000, the Madden Family has converted the entire establishment to serve the funeral business. Some of the updates included, expansion, remodeling, new parking lots, landscape and other modern conveniences for those we serve. What other information would you like people to know, such as recent news coverage, community involvement, your mission or philosophy? We are family owned and operated. We give thanks to those who have placed their trust in us and look forward to serving those who call. What would you like membership of the Greater Binghamton Chamber of Commerce to provide for your business? Membership in the Greater Binghamton Chamber of Commerce has widened our visibility among businesses and provided valuable information for us to operate daily. The Greater Binghamton Chamber of Commerce’s Career Connection is Live! Career Connection is a database where Chamber members can post their job openings at no cost on www.greaterbinghamtonchamber.com. Thanks to our partnership with News Channel 34, these job postings will also appear on-line at www.binghamtonhomepage.com. In addition, career opportunities at your business could be selected to appear as a daily promo spot free of charge! The promos will run on the 6:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m. segments on both WIVT/WBGH and have additional mentions in the morning cut-ins during the Today & Good Morning America shows. This opportunity is only available to Chamber Members. This great benefit for Chamber members can save you money on recruitment and increase your visibility to potential new employees in the community. Job openings can be submitted through an easy on-line form at www. greaterbinghamtonchamber.com. The opening will remain on the websites for a maximum of 30 days, unless otherwise specified. If you are interested in posting an employment opportunity with your business on Career Connection, please contact Brendan O’Bryan at (607) 772-8860 or at [email protected]. ChambeReport 5 Summer fun is just around the corner! The groundhog might have missed the mark on an early spring, but nothing signals summer like Memorial Day. 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. 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, 30th 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. 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. So head on out and have some summer fun! 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…. DATE – TUESDAY, MAY 6 – 10:00 - 11:00 AM LOCATION – Galaxy Brewing Company – 41 Court Street (parking available in the Metro Center parking lot – bring your tickets in with you) Invitations & Reservations forms will be mailed to local “hospitality” industry businesses that have regular interaction with tourists. Check your email or mail for registration forms or call: 772-8863, ext. 322. This is a great opportunity to help create a great first impression of your business and our community! Convention & Events Schedule May • June • July 2014 Date Event Approximate # of Overnight Visitors May 1 – 4 New Fellowship Church Conference 100 May 2 – 4 Greater Binghamton Bridge Run Half Marathon & 5K 250 May 2 – 4 NYS Collegiate Rowing Championships 1,200 May 2 – 4 USPSA-ISPC NYS Action Rifle Championship 200 May 9 – 10 NYS Order of the Eastern Star 200 May 9 – 11 USAIGC – New York State Championship – North 1,000 May 9 – 11 NY-USA Wrestling Junior/Cadet State Tournament 1,500 May 9 – 11 American Dance Awards 175 May 10 – 11 BAGSAI Softball Tournament Play Day 12U/14U/16U 200 May 12 – 15 Midway Firefighters Golf Tournament 125 May 16 – 17 6th District Dental Society 100 May 16 – 18 Binghamton University Graduation 5,000 May 16 – 18 NDO Lady Hornets AAU Basketball 81 North Classic 500 May 17 – 18 BAGSAI Softball Tournament Play Day 12U/14U/16U 200 May 22 – 23 SUNY Broome Graduation 200 May 22 – 23 Care Management Summit 200 May 23 – 26 BAGSAI Softball Tournament Memorial Day Madness 500 May 30 – 31 US Bowling Congress 200 May 30 – June 1A AU Basketball Southern Tier Flyers 500 May 30 – June 1Unadilla Valley Sports Center MX Rewind Weekend 300 June 2 – 6 Southern Tier Police Canine Assn. Adv. Handlers & Tactical Seminar 50 June 4 – 6 Association of Institutional Researchers & Planning Officers 100 June 6 – 7 Amvets 300 June 6 – 8 BAGSAI Softball Tournament 12U/14U Challenge 450 June 13 – 15 BAGSAI Softball Tournament College Showcase 550 June 13 – 15 The Edge Warrior Shoot Out JV & Varsity Boys Division 500 June 19 – 20 NYS Sustainable Business Council 100 June 19 – 21 British Women Writers Conference 200 June 20 – 22 Square Deal Riders Motorcycle AHRMA Vintage National Race 200 June 20 – 22 12U/14U ASA Summer Kickoff 450 June 20 – 22 The Edge Warrior Shoot Out Boys 3rd/4th; 5th/6th; 7th/8th Grades Division 500 June 24 – 29 Dragonfly Society of America Regional Meeting 60 June 27 – 29 BAGSAI Softball Tournament Empire State 12U/14U 500 July 2 – 6 Broome County American Legion Baseball Hall of Fame Tournament 200 July 3 – 6 ASA 16U / 18U NYS ASA Championships 550 July 10 – 13 STOP DWI Tournament of Champions 1,700 July 11 – 13 Unadilla Valley Grand Prix ATV National 400 July 12 – 20 Levene Gouldin & Thompson Tennis Challenger 600 July 14 – 17 Physical Plant Managers Associations 150 July 18 – 20 Binghamton Summer Exposure Boys Lacrosse Tournament 1,500 July 18 – 20 BAGSAI Softball Tournament 16U Summer Sizzler 450 July 18 – 20 SusqueNango Summer Trials Obedience/Rally Trial 150 July 18 – 20 Union Aquatic Swim Meet Sertoma Summer Invitational 350 July 20 – 25 Chenango Ice Rink Youth Hockey Summer Camps 50 July 24 – 27 Carousel Modelers & Miniatures Association 100 July 25 – 27 BAGSAI Softball Tournament 12U/14U League Tournament 400 Convention Scoreboard 2014 Convention & Events Scheduled For Convention & Events Through Total out-of-town visitors Through TOTAL DOLLARS THROUGH 2014 May 21 May 78 May 30,546 May $9,215,217 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. VisitBinghamton.org May 2014 6 Hosts Successful of the Southern Tier The Broome Leadership Institute (BLI) and the BLI Alumni Association hosted a very successful Canstruction® of the Southern Tier at the Oakdale Mall during the week of March 23 – 30, 2014. Ten local teams competed to design and build giant structures from full cans of food to generate awareness about hunger issues on our community. 100% of the proceeds will support hunger-relief efforts in Broome County! The event raised $15,000 and thousands of pounds of food for our community, which will benefit the Maine Endwell School District food pantry (MEALS Program) to supplement their efforts to support children, the Food Bank’s BackPack program at East Middle School in Binghamton to support children, Catholic Charities of Broome County (our community’s largest food pantry), as well as other food pantries in our area. Congratulations to all the teams! Canstruction® judges recognized the winners in each category below: BCK-IBI Group – “Sharing a Picnic” Winner, Best Meal Award Broome-Tioga BOCES - CTE Leadership/SkillsUSA – “Warming Your Hearts for Hunger” Winner, Structural Ingenuity Award Broome-Tioga BOCES - New Visions Engineering Academy – “Twisting Out Hunger” Delta Engineers – “Checkmate on Hunger” IBM, Endicott – “Smarter Food for a Smarter Planet” Keystone Associates Architects, Engineers & Surveyors, LLC – “Spiedie Fest Balloons” Winner, Honorable Mention Award Lockheed Martin – “Aligning the Stars Against Hunger” Winner, Best Use of Labels Award Rockwell Collins – “Tuna Moon and Back” Winner, Juror’s Favorite Award & People’s Choice Award United Health Services – “MyPlate” Visions Federal Credit Union – “Packed with a Vision” Our thanks to Visions Federal Credit Union for being the Marquee Sponsor for this inaugural event. Speed Networking for a Cause Thank you to the BLI Alumni Association, the United Way of Broome County, and STYP for sponsoring the first ever “Speed Networking for a Cause” at the Holiday Inn Binghamton on March 27! Non-profits were able to “pitch” their organizations and business professionals were able to explain what they were hoping to find in a volunteer capacity. It was a great turn-out with nearly 90 registered attendees! The networking continued with an After-Hours Reception. Thank you to the Holiday Inn for the delicious hors d’oeuvres! ChambeReport 7 The Binghamton Mets Baseball Club and Buddy the Bee cut the ribbon on April 5 to celebrate 100 years of baseball in Binghamton! Congratulations! Southern Tier Homebuilders and Remodelers Association cut the ribbon at the press conference on March 28 for their Annual Spring Home & Garden Show at the BU Events Center. Booth Camp GBBE 2014 exhibitors learned valuable tips and techniques for their booth displays from Judi Hess, Manager, Tourism & Special Events, Convention & Visitor’s Bureau. Thank you, Judi! Eggs & Issues Thank you to Lisanne Bobby (Director of Strategic Planning, Lourdes Hospital), Robin Kinslow-Evans (Director of Strategic Planning, UHS, Inc.) and Jeffery Davis for presenting on the subject of “The Impact of Policy on Local Health Care Providers” on Thursday, April 3 at the Chamber’s Eggs & Issues breakfast seminar at the DoubleTree by Hilton Binghamton Hotel & Conference Center. May 2014 8 May Anniversaries 40+ Years Doron Precision Systems, Inc. Endicott Coil Co., Inc. William H. Lane Incorporated Sage Supply Co., Inc. Tarco Steel, Inc., A Division of Bushwick Metal, LLC 30+ Years Catskills Off Track Betting Corporation John C. Donovan, DPM Number 5 Restaurant Safeguard Business Systems Savitch Agency R. V. Swinamer Associates Advertising, Inc. Weathermaster Roofing Company, Inc. 25+ Years Stephen J. Appel Photography Binghamton Local Development Corp. D & R Technical Solutions, Inc. G H S Federal Credit Union Mang Insurance Agency Nirchi’s Pizza The Partners Ellis, Edson, Beaudry, Barrett & Chubb, Inc. Paychex, Inc. Salvatore R. Peretore, CPA Pierce Creek Realty & Development Professional Home Inspection Service John P. Rogers Electrical Contractor, Inc. Southern Tier Insulations, Inc. Southern Tier Stages, Inc. (Shafer’s Bus Lines) Super X Launderette, Inc. Taylor Rental Center 20+ Years B D M Products, Inc. Binghamton Hardware & HVAC Supply The Bug Man/The Bug Killer ClearChannel Media & Entertainment Empower Federal Credit Union Erie Materials, Inc. First General Services of Southern NY, Inc. Gorick Construction Co., Inc. Oakdale Mall Plumbers & Pipefitters Local 112 Smith-Ingalls-French 15+ Years Adecco Baden Powell Council, Boy Scouts of America DoubleTree by Hilton Binghamton Hotel & Conference Center Direct Energy Business (formerly NYSEG Solutions, Inc.) Martin Interiors NY-Penn Nutrition Services, Inc. Proforma Shrader & Shrader 10+ Years Hawkins Homes LLC Jennings Environmental Management Inc. Life Choices Center Southern Tier Young Professionals 5+ Years American Red Cross Blood Services Designer Marketing Inc. Empire Recycling/Confidata Employment Solutions Floyd’s Rent All New York State Bluestone Association O’Connor Investments Inc. State Farm Insurance - Mark Anderson Tioga Downs Triple Cities Pipe Cleaning Inc./Roto Rooter Upstate Office Liquidators, Inc. New Members A bove A ll Telecom Mike Whelan Johnson City, New York 13790 PHONE: (607) 729-7728 [email protected] • www.abovealltelecom.net TELECOMMUNICATIONS SYSTEMS & SERVICES (MAIN) Caselle Italian I mports Wayne Kerber 718 Azon Road Johnson City, New York 13790 PHONE: (607) 724-3490 • FAX: (607) 722-3148 [email protected] • www.caselleimports.com E-COMMERCE (MAIN); ARTISAN ITALIAN PRODUCT S ocialgrads . com Anthony Kashou Binghamton, New York 13903 PHONE: (607) 725-9294 • FAX: (866) 901-9308 [email protected] • www.socialgrads.com INTERNET SERVICES & CONSULTING (MAIN); SOCIAL MEDIA MARKETING Thank You for Your Membership ChambeReport 9 2013 Annual Report Executive Message As we reflect on 2013, the Greater Binghamton Chamber of Commerce remains dedicated James J. Lewis, CPA and committed to its nearly 900 member businesses. We continue to be a resource for ideas Chairman, Board of Directors and solutions. We are the place where member businesses go to: GROW your business CONNECT with the right people, the right companies and the right information to expand your business network Have us ADVOCATE on your behalf for policies that affect our local economy Lou Santoni President & CEO The region has certainly faced economic obstacles in recent years, but the business community of Greater Binghamton has not been deterred. Entrepreneurs continue to launch businesses, businesses continue to expand and renovate, leaders continue to grow organizations in our community, and the highly-educated workforce continues to move our region forward. The Greater Binghamton Chamber of Commerce once again had a very successful and busy year in 2013! Applied for and received a grant to hire a Navigator to aid our Small Business members through the complexities of the Affordable Care Act Took the lead on important initiatives in our community including facilitating meetings to prepare businesses for the return of our service men and women who will be re-entering the local workforce in 2014, and expanding our air service, and keeping our local businesses well-informed on Unshackle Upstate initiatives on their behalf Advocated on behalf of our members for a pro-business, pro-taxpayer policy agenda. Partnered with educators and businesses to promote entrepreneurship in local schools. Celebrated the leadership and dedication of our business community, including young professionals Supported non-profit members through numerous events Helped members stay informed on key issues directly affecting their business and our community, including economic forecasting, employment law updates and business development Trained tomorrow’s leaders Helped membership connect with customers Hosted a number of premier sold-out events to help maintain dues at the same level for the last five years Increased tourism efforts in our area through conventions and events, golf packages and assisting travelers at the Gateway Information Center The pages of this annual report highlight our work over the past year, but also represent the starting line for this year, 2014. With you, our members, we will continue to build momentum, and serve as a relevant and vital resource for businesses in our community. Greater Binghamton Chamber of Commerce • PO Box 995, Binghamton, NY 13902 2013-2014 Board of Directors Lawrence C. Anderson Partner Hinman, Howard & Kattell, LLP Jeffrey D. Lake Regional President NBT Bank David J. Patak President & CEO Our Lady of Lourdes Memorial Hospital Terry R. Wood President Willow Run Foods David J. Culbertson President National Pipe & Plastics, Inc. James J. Lewis, CPA Chairman of the Board & CEO Piaker & Lyons, P.C. Betsy Pietriyk United Health Services, Inc. Kevin E. Drumm President SUNY Broome Jeffrey A. Loew Managing Partner Levene Gouldin & Thompson, LLP Director Emeritus: Alan Hertel Executive Director United Way of Broome County Michael Fosbury Senior VP & Chief Investment Officer Columbian Financial Group Sam A. Lupo President Sam A. Lupo & Sons, Inc. James J. Garceau Vice President Communications & Control Solutions BAE Systems Stephen M. Gardner Vice President National Accounts Security Mutual Life Insurance Company of NY Terence M. Kane Senior Advisor to the President Binghamton University Catherine A. Maliwacki, CPA Partner Davidson, Fox & Company, LLP Joe Mirabito CEO Mirabito Energy Products Bob Pass Regional Manager Community Outreach & Development NYSEG Central & Lakes Region Kathi J. Roberts Practice Administrator Roberts Eyecare Associates Matthew A. Vitanza Partner Hinman, Howard & Kattell, LLP Officers for 2013-2014 Chairman.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . James J. Lewis, CPA Chairman-Elect .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Terry R. Wood President .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Lou Santoni Secretary.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kathi J. Roberts Treasurer.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . David J. Culbertson Ass’t Treasurer.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . David J. Patak Immediate Past Chairman .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Matthew A. Vitanza 2013 Annual Report 10 May 2014 2013 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 and services and events! In particular, we would like to recognize our Chamber Committee Chairs from 2013 and the more than 400 volunteers associated with those committees and affiliate organizations. Air Service Committee John Fitzsimmons, The Sorin Group Greater Binghamton New Car Dealers Association Mike Corey, Jack Sherman Toyota Broome Leadership Institute Alumni Board Sandra Watkins, Broome Tioga BOCES Live Wire Club Co-Chairs Tina Fernandez, Hinman, Howard & Kattell, LLP John Jones, Hinman, Howard & Kattell, LLP Business Expo Tom Savoldy, M & T Bank Chamber Classic Committee Jeff Loew, Levene Gouldin & Thompson, LLP Membership Committee Co-Chairs Doug Camin, Avant-IT Consulting Zach Majka, Empower Federal Credit Union Consolidation Committee Co-Chairs Ken Kamlet, Hinman, Howard & Kattell, LLP Robert Pass, NYSEG Recognition & Awards Committee Co-Chairs Wendy C. Loomis, EA, Loomis Tax Service Jon J. Sarra, Esq., Hinman, Howard & Kattell, LLP Economic Development Committee Matthew Vitanza, Hinman, Howard & Katell, LLP SBC Committee Rob Warholic, Clark Patterson Lee Governmental Affairs Committee Alan Hertel, United Way of Broome County SBC Legislative Committee Rob Warholic, Clark Patterson Lee Greater Binghamton Education Outreach Program (GBEOP) John Sassani, The Raymond Corporation SCORE Co-Chairs (Service Corps of Retired Executives) John (Jack) Fitzgerald Jim Julian Greater Binghamton Hotel & Motel Association Candace Jones, Traditions at the Glen Chamber Staff Administration Lou Santoni Theresa Ryan Teresa Myers Susan Kuhn Christine Stezzi 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 Certified IPA/ Navigator Ext. 302 Communications & Membership Gateway Information Center Amy Shaw Debby Evans Carol Armstrong VicePresident , Member Services & Executive Director, GBEOP Ext. 313 Project and Event Coordinator Ext. 317 Development Manager Ext. 321 Convention & Visitor’s Bureau Kathi Murphy Jenny Petrocelli Director Travel Advisor Government Relations Judi Hess Gina Calisi Maegen Eddinger Stacey Duncan, Manager, Tourism & Special Events Ext. 329 Manager, Convention Sales Ext. 326 Sales Representative Ext. 328 Manager of Government Relations Ext. 316 ChambeReport 2013 Annual Report 11 Thank You To Our 2013 Sponsors! The following sponsors partnered with the Chamber in 2013 to offer a broad array of business programming and networking opportunities. On behalf of its nearly 900 Members, the Chamber gratefully acknowledges their support. Advance Testing Company Alzheimer’s Association of Central NY American Civic Association American Football Association Antonio’s Galleria & Café Army National Guard, NYS BAE Systems Bob Carr 2.0 Printing Best Bagels In Town- Binghamton Binghamton Rotary #64 Binghamton Senators Binghamton University BlueStorm Technologies Broome County STOP DWI Broome County Broome-Tioga Workforce Burger Mondays Carr Printing Chemung Canal Trust Company Chobani/Agro Farma Cider Mill Playhouse City of Binghamton Clark Patterson Lee Clear Channel Media & Entertainment Community Bank, N.A. Conklin Players Club Cortese Restaurant Couglin & Gerhart, LLP Culligan Curcio Printing Cushman Wakefield/Pyramid Brokerage Company Davidson & Fox Co., LLP Daylight Donuts Dick’s Sporting Goods Open Dimon & Bacorn Co. of Binghamton DoubleTree by Hilton Binghamton Edible Arrangements Ehrlich Emerson Network Power Empire Recycling/Confidata Empower Federal Credit Union En-Joie Golf Club ETM Solar Works Equinox Broadcasting Fidelis Care First Investors Corp. Gance’s Complete Catering Grand Royale Hotel Greater Binghamton Business Journal Hampton Inn & Suites-Vestal Harding Brooks Insurance Hearth at Castle Gardens Holiday Inn Binghamton Hue Human Technologies Corp. IBM IHOP Inspire Fitness ICS Solutions Group Johnson Outdoors Kampai Japanese Steakhouse Keystone Associates, Architects, Engineers and Surveyors, LLC Levene Gouldin & Thompson, LLP Leroy Package Store Links at Hiawatha Landing Little Venice Restaurant Loomis Tax Service, LLC M Squared Management Consultants McFarland Johnson McKinley at Huron Campus Meier Supply Miller Auto Group Mirabito Energy Group National Pipe & Plastics NBT Bank Nestle Toll House Cafe News Channel 34 Next Generation Vending, LLC Nirchi’s Pizza Number 5/Lampy’s NYS Department of Labor NYSEG Oakdale Mall Olum’s Peoples Security Bank Positive LifeForce Press & Sun-Bulletin Price Chopper The Raymond Corp. Remlik’s Grille & Oyster Bar Roberson Museum & Science Center Roberts Eyecare Associates Robbins Signs Co. LLC Rockwell Collins 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 Jack Sherman Toyota Southern Tier Veterans Support Group Southern Tier Insulations Suburban Propane Sunnking Electronics Recycling SUNY Broome Community College Taylor Rental - Vestal Terra Cotta Catering Town Square Media Traditions at the Glen Tri-Cities Opera Uncle Tony’s United Way of Broome County Upstate Office Furniture Walmart Waste Management of NY Wegmans Weis Willow Run Foods Woodfern Florist Worldwide Sport Supply WICZ TV Fox 40 WLTB – Magic 101.7 FM WSKG - TV 12 2013 Annual Report May 2014 Update to Members The core of what we do revolves around our nearly 900 Chamber member businesses. In 2013, 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: 75 businesses joined the Greater Binghamton Chamber of Commerce as NEW members. Our member retention rate has increased each year for the past four years. In 2013, approximately 87.6% of the members continued their participation in the Chamber. We celebrated the leadership of our business community. • At the 49th Annual Dinner & Meeting on May 14th, nearly 500 Chamber members and community leaders attended this event to celebrate Chamber membership and honor the Chamber’s five distinguished annual award winners, including: Civic Leader of the Year, James W. Orband, Esq., Hinman, Howard & Kattell, LLP; Small Business Advocate of the Year: Tom Meade, Therapeutic Massage Center; Small Business Person of the Year: Louis Sepe, Jr., SERVPRO of Broome, Tompkins and Tioga Counties; Volunteer of the Year: Sam Lupo, Sam A. Lupo & Sons; Young Professional of the Year: Jason Fiume, Roberson Museum & Science Center. • A sold-out Annual Thanksgiving Luncheon on November 19th with 540 attendees recognized two award recipients, including: Community Advocate of the Year: Binghamton Mets Baseball Club and Corporate Citizen of the Year: Mirabito Energy Products. A very special keynote address was given by Sergeant Richard Yarosh. Our initiatives continue to target Young Professionals. The Chamber realizes that young professionals are in a unique position to positively affect both the economic and social future of the Binghamton area. The Chamber continues to engage Young Professionals in ways that are relevant and important to them. We supported non-profit members through various Chamber events. The success of two of the Chamber’s largest events, the 3rd 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 A Room to Heal and to The Food Bank of the Southern Tier totaling $4500! The Broome Leadership Institute (BLI) Alumni Association organized two free events specifically designed to meet the needs of our non-profit organizations: • The BLI Alumni Association partnered with the United Way of Broome County on the Annual Half-Day Workshop for Non-Profits which took place on March 21, 2013. Thanks to a grant from the Hoyt Foundation, the event featured a speaker from BoardSource, Dave Sternberg, and attracted nearly 100 attendees. The Chamber provided members a variety of business exposure opportunities through: • 40 Ribbon Cutting Ceremonies for Chamber member businesses in the Greater Binghamton area to celebrate their new, renovated and/or expanding businesses! • 26th Anniversary of the Greater Binghamton Chamber Business Expo - “Energize your Business” on April 18th, which provided over 100+ exhibitors/members an instant opportunity to display their products and services at the area’s largest business-to-business networking event in the region. • Bi-Annual Career Fairs in June and December, which attracted 101 employers and connected over 1,000 job seekers in the 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 addition of the weekly televised segment on News Channel 34 gives excellent exposure to each Business of the Week Chamber member. • Weekly” Business News & Tidbits” E-newsletters – provides updates on advocacy, business news and important tid-bits. It also includes reminders about upcoming events. • Twice monthly “Member News & Events” E-blast - gives 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 and Twitter pages. • Advertising in the Chamber’s monthly ChambeReport newsletter, Annual Quality of Life Resource Guide and Membership Directory. • Opportunity for online advertising on Chamber website. The Chamber helped impact members’ bottom-lines with our cost savings/discount programs: • M2M (Member to Member) Discount Program: 125 different chamber members offered exclusive M2M discounts to nearly 900 chamber members and their over 40,000 employees. • Enabled 135 members to save $118,000 on their energy bills in 2013 through participation in the Chamber’s Energy ChambeReport 2013 Annual Report Alliance Program. Lifetime savings for the program are over $1.2 million! CONNECT The Chamber hosted a number of larger, premier events to help maintain dues at the same level for the last five years, including: • 3rd Annual Greater Binghamton Bridge Run Half Marathon and 5k on May 5, 2013, which attracted more than 2,300 runners from the United States and Internationally. Over 2,000 spectators came out to encourage the runners and, for the first time, a “Cool Down” event was held after the race to promote downtown Binghamton restaurants and businesses. • Annual Winetasting event on October 25, featuring 12 wineries, 7 wine distributors, music by Straight Up, and food from 11 local area restaurants. It once again was a sold-out event. • 16th Annual Chamber Classic Golf Tournament on June 12, where 168 players and 42 teams representing 40 different companies enjoyed a day of hitting the greens at En-Joie Golf Club. The Chamber increased member outreach through our membership committee members: • Thanks to 9 chamber members, we signed up 9 new members through our Membership Referral Program! • Membership Committee volunteers made contact with 50 of the new Chamber members in 2013 to welcome them into our organization, assist them in fully recognizing the benefits of Chamber membership, and encourage their attendance at upcoming Chamber events. In addition, this committee personally delivered Membership Directories and Quality of Life Guide publications to nearly 250 Chamber members during “Operation Thank You,” an annual program of the Chamber which allows our volunteers and staff to personally thank other businesses for their membership renewal in the Chamber. • Membership Committee volunteers recognized both longstanding Chamber members, non-profit members and those members whose businesses flooded and reopened with the delivery of bagels & cream cheese for their staff as a small token of our thanks for their membership. The Chamber was able to provide free mentoring to the business community through our partnership with Greater Binghamton SCORE® Chapter 217. Binghamton SCORE® counseled an average of 40 individuals or businesses each month in 2013 wishing to start or expand an existing small business. This represented over 1,500 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 nonurban market. All counseling efforts by SCORE are always confidential and at no cost to the client. We organized 45 events and educational programs, attracting nearly 5,000 combined attendees (not including the Business 13 Expo and two Career Fairs). Event highlights include: • 5 Breakfast Bytes Seminars on a variety of topics: Rod Serling, Succeeding in Changing Times, Managing Stress, Communicating with Difficult People and Tips for Staying Healthy Every Day. • 8 Business After Hours Networking Events which included Speed Networking with Tioga County Chamber of Commerce. • 11 SBC Network Luncheons • 1 “Connect 4 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 members to all the benefits of Chamber membership. • Social Media Seminar which educated Chamber members on aspects of social media advertising for their businesses. ADVOCATE The Chamber continued to focus on three core advocacy pillars in 2013. These include grassroots legislative advocacy, educational programs on issues affecting the business community, and developing key strategic partnerships to improve the economic climate of Greater Binghamton. Advocacy efforts focused on lowering taxes and fees, regulatory reform and a continued call for Shale development. Working through our partnership with Unshackle Upstate, a number of key legislative successes were achieved. These include: • Workers compensation reform • Unemployment insurance reform • Blocking an indexed minimum wage increase The Chamber participated in Small Business Day at the Capitol, a day focused on one-on-one meetings with legislators on issues affecting small business. The Chamber helped members stay informed on key issues directly affecting their business and our community: • Annual Economic Forecast Breakfast with M&T Bank Regional Vice President Gary D. Keith and Christian Harris of the NYS Department of Labor (February 2013) • “Unfinished Business” with Brian Sampson, Executive Director, Unshackle Upstate and Mike Durant, State Director NFIB (March 2013) • “Hiring Today’s Veterans” Lunch & Learn Series with Binghamton University & Southern Tier Veterans Support Group ( Fall 2013) • Annual Labor and Employment Law Update presented in partnership with Hinman, Howard & Kattell, LLP (October 2013) Our Eggs & Issues program series saw growth in attendance and interest. The topics included: • The Business of the Arts (February 2013) • Non-Profits Against the Odds (April 2013) • Natural Gas Pipelines (June 2013) 14 2013 Annual Report • Are We Shovel Ready? (September 2013) • Government Contracting for Small Business (December 2013) We continued our important partnership with the Greater Binghamton Airport through our Air Service Development Committee. DIVISIONS OF THE CHAMBER: In addition to the Greater Binghamton Chamber of Commerce itself, the Chamber consists of 3 additional divisions, including the Greater Binghamton Education Outreach Program (GBEOP), the Greater Binghamton Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) and the Gateway Information Center. 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 $44,327 in 2013 from a variety of sources, including individuals, corporations and foundations. Broome Leadership Institute (BLI) Program Founded in 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 and working relationships. 2013 BLI HIGHLIGHTS: • The BLI Class of 2013 organized a Toy Drive on Saturday, December 8, 2012 for families affected by Hurricane Sandy. BLI class members collected over 450 unwrapped toys for ages 2 to 13, and shipped them to Jamaica, Queens, where they were distributed to kids at a K.I.D.S. (Kids in Distressed Situations) holiday party the week before Christmas. • On March 21, 2013, BLI graduated the 26th class of 19 people that reflect the diversity of our area. • On June 19, 2013, the BLI Program enjoyed a very successful 7th Annual BLI Recruiting Event, where 16 people came to hear more about how to apply to become part of the BLI Class of 2014. • We received 21 applicants for 20 spots for the BLI program – Class of 2014. May 2014 • The BLI program’s 27th class began the program with a team-building and orientation retreat on September 20, 2013 at the Wilderness Adventure Center in Greene, NY. • In November, the Hoyt Foundation approved GBEOP’s $22,000 grant to develop the next generation of board leaders for the second consecutive year. The program, in partnership with BoardSource in Washington, DC, will be incorporated into the 2014 BLI program. • BLI Alumni Association Board of Directors was proud to award a “BLI Scholarship Fund, in memory of Michelle Curtin” to 3 incoming students of the BLI Class of 2014 totaling $1,500. • The BLI Alumni Association grew to over 300 active members, sponsored a variety of events, increased their visibility to the business community and continued to serve on many volunteer boards in the area. The BLI Alumni activity highlights for 2013 included: • Forming a committee to host and organize the first Canstruction of the Southern Tier event in Broome County from March 23 - 30, 2014 at the Oakdale Mall in Johnson City. Canstruction® is an international hunger– relief competition where architects, engineers and contractors compete to design and build giant structures made entirely from full cans of food. At the close of the competition, all of the donated food from Canstruction of the Southern Tier will be distributed to hunger-relief agencies in Broome County to help feed neighbors in need. • Creation of the Inaugural Alumni of Distinction Award, which was presented to Alan Hertel, Executive Director of the United Way of Broome County. The Alumni of Distinction award recognized Hertel, a Class of 1997 BLI Graduate, for his leadership excellence and outstanding community service. • Partnering with the United Way of Broome County on the Annual Half-Day Workshop for Non-Profits which took place on March 21, 2013. Thanks to a grant from the Hoyt Foundation, the event featured a speaker from BoardSource, Dave Sternberg, and attracted nearly 100 attendees. • Continuing the BLI Alumni Spotlight in the Chamber’s monthly newsletter, the ChambeReport: Highlighting successful Alumni in the community • Organizing five Leadership Events for BLI Alumni with visits to: York Productions, Goodwill Theatre in Johnson City, Meier Supply Co., Inc., Binghamton Zoo at Ross Park and Servpro of Broome, Tompkins & Tioga Counties • Generated additional personal and corporate contributions to the BLI Scholarship Fund in memory of Michelle Curtin totaling nearly $1,000 in 2013. Building Bridges (BB) Program BB connects high school educators, administrators and guidance professionals with the world of work. This seven week program arranges for educators to visit various businesses in the Greater Binghamton area in order to increase their knowledge of area employers, their workforce needs and current workplace trends. ChambeReport 2013 Annual Report 2013 Building Bridges Highlights: • A committee was formed to re-evaluate the format of the Building Bridges Program and discuss new programs for spring 2014. Junior Achievement (JA) Program 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 in grades K-12 that focus on entrepreneurship, work readiness and financial literacy. Students put these lessons into action and help strengthen our communities. 2013 Junior Achievement Highlights: • GBEOP raised $11,900 in 2013 for Junior Achievement Programs from corporate donations and foundation grants. • GBEOP implemented 34 JA classes in Broome County in the Spring and 3 in the Fall of 2013 with the assistance of 34 business professionals at the following locations: Seton Catholic Schools (All Saints, St. James, St. John and Seton Catholic High School), Vestal Central Schools (African Road Elementary, Glenwood Elementary Vestal High School), Union-Endicott Central Schools (Charles F. Johnson Elementary and Jennie F. Snapp Middle School), Maine-Endwell High School and Binghamton High School. • GBEOP recruited 15 new volunteers from local businesses for the 2013 Spring and Fall JA programs, and worked with 19 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 2013 we hosted 154 conventions and events. Our golf package business increased by 13%. We were able to secure the Eastern Star through 2017 and Odyssey of the Mind through 2016. The CVB also partnered with other Bureaus on several grant applications through the State’s Regional Economic Development Program. • Hosted 154 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) • NYS Collegiate Rowing (1,200 people) • AAU Basketball (1,000 people) • John Mack Memorial Lacrosse (1,000 people) • NYS Public High School Baseball (800 people) • Approximately 55,680 visitors attended Convention & Events 15 with an estimated impact of $21 million. • Booked 165 future Convention & Events - including the I Love New York Gymnastics Meet (2,500 people), the NYS Boys Gymnastics Championship (1,000 people) and the NY USA Wrestling State Tournament (1,500 people). • Responded to 1,986 tourist inquiries. • Responded to 430 tourism calls on the 800 number and 58,205 brochures were distributed. • Attended 5 Trade Shows including: • American Bus Association – Charlotte, NC • Empire State Society of Association Executives Meeting Planners – Saratoga Springs, New York •Empire State Tourism Conference – Albany, NY •NASC - - Sports Planners Show – Louisville, KY •Ottawa Golf Show • Produced and distributed over 100,000 Tourism publications. We worked to produce a new Travel Guide and Tourism Video - - both will debut in 2014. Visitors also have the capability to download brochures from the website VisitBinghamton.org: • Broome County (MapWorks) Map (not available on website) • Carousel Brochure • Golf Package Brochure • Greater Binghamton Travel Guide • Greater Binghamton Map Brochure • Group Tour Planner • Meeting Planner’s Guide • Rod Serling Brochure • 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 = 352 reservations, 750 people, 1,313 total room nights) • Local Promotional Literature • Name Badges • Press Releases • Registration Assistance • Site Inspections • Spouse Programs • Tour Itineraries/Local Attractions • Welcome Signs • Co-operative programming remained a vital component of our marketing efforts. We ran a Co-operative Arts advertising campaign on WSKG radio for the 4th year. Our golf program saw a 13% increase in business over 2012. We generated 1,901 hotel room nights and 5,244 rounds of golf. The total economic impact was in excess of $450,000. •The NYS Order of the Eastern Star first began meeting here 16 2013 Annual Report 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 2017! 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. 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 partner counties of Greater Binghamton, Madison, Oneida, Onondaga, Otsego and Schoharie 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 Fresh fruits and veggies, unique brews and goodies, fantastic outdoor markets and foodfocused festivals are the heart and soul of CNY Fresh. Take your pick in Central New York, a fresh destination with an endless selection of produce, sweets, drinks, dairy and agri-tourism attractions. CNY Fresh brings together all the flavors of 10 counties steeped in a long history of high-quality agriculture. www.cnyfresh.com The Greater Binghamton Convention & Visitors Bureau in collaboration with Jefferson, Oswego, Onondaga, and Cortland counties will unveil the 81exits. com mobile website in early 2014. 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. May 2014 THE GATEWAY INFORMATION CENTER (GIC) LOCATED AT THE NYS WELCOME CENTER IN KIRKWOOD, N.Y. • Their mission is to create a grand first impression of NYS and to increase the economic vitality of NYS by promoting tourism. • The Information Center is the first welcome center for travelers to stop and rest as they enter NYS on Route 81 North at mile marker 2 located in Kirkwood, NY. • The center assists more than 180,000 travelers each year with directions and information throughout the 11 tourism regions in NYS, such as places to see, ideas of where to go and what to do. • The center offers over 600 brochure titles representing all 62 counties throughout NYS, distributing over 350,000 brochures annually. • Designated tourism regions with signage. • Experienced, trained, and knowledgeable travel advisors are available to assist travelers with questions they may have as well as information regarding annual events and special events taking place in NYS 362 days a year. • The travel advisors assist in lodging reservations during business hours of the center and a 24 hour lodging reservation phone is available in the main lobby 365 days a year at no cost to the traveler. • A touch screen kiosk is available showcasing events throughout NYS as well as the I LOVE NY website, regional websites and accuweather.com. • Three DVD players are displayed on the walls of the center to play informational videos on the various regions and to promote different attractions in NYS. • Free WiFi. • Children’s activity area. • A 47” flat screen TV is available to view the weather channel during center business hours and set on a timer for afterhours viewing. News channels are also available in the event of emergency or important information to advise the travelers. • A laminated NYS Map is displayed in the lobby area designating the major roadways and I Love NY tourism regions throughout the state. • A relief map is displayed in the lobby area encased in Plexiglas to show the topography of NYS. • The front desk has a computer and printer available for the travel advisors to look up and print out requested information and/or directions for the travelers during center business hours. • National Tourism Week is celebrated annually (May) to promote tourism throughout NYS. ChambeReport 17 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 ourselves 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 17 – 21, 2014 March 24 – 28, 2014 March 31 – April 4, 2014 April 7 – 11, 2014 March 17 – 21, 2014 Dee Moore Sales LLC extensive experience handling the needs of our customers in dentistry, healthcare, commercial construction, insurance, advertising, government, retail, finance, energy services, law, veterinary, hospitality and nonprofits. Our concept is to provide “Big City Solutions, Small Town Service” and our goal is to help increase our client’s productivity with innovative and affordable technology -maximizing client profits. In today’s fast paced world it is easy to get distracted from your business. We free your mind from technology, allowing you to focus on your business. Our team of technicians and IT engineers will proactively monitor your critical computer systems and immediately address any needs you have, giving you peace of mind and time to focus on what you do best. This approach has helped us develop long term partnerships with our clients. We are proud that many of our clients have been with us for the 12 years we have been serving our community. Our structured cabling division has Panduit and Siemon certified installers with state of the art equipment. We can design and install both copper and fiber networks. Our fiber capabilities include fusion splicing and OTDR testing which many local contractors do not provide. We recently added a next generation Fluke tester allowing us to certify and offer extended manufacture warranties for copper and fiber networks. Our certifications also ensure that we install your networks that meet the industry EIA/TIA standards. In addition to our copper and fiber capabilities, our technicians are also experienced in Audio Visual systems including projection systems and smart boards. We have extensive experience with both private and public works contracts. Our list of installations include SUNY locations Binghamton, Oneonta, Cortland and Delhi; local school districts – Whitney Point, Greene, Binghamton and Vestal; Broome County IT; Broome Community College and ARMY bases located in Colorado, Kanas and Oklahoma. SharpTech is excited to be the Tech Sponsor for the upcoming GBBE event in April. This will be an exciting event as the Chamber includes video technology to open the show. Due to continued business growth and staffing requirements, we moved into a newly renovated and larger building in the summer of 2013. Our new office houses a high tech space for our IT services business while also including office and warehouse space for our structured cabling business. Being part of the Greater Binghamton Chamber of Commerce for the past ten years has provided us with numerous opportunities. We have been able to grow our client base through “networking” connections at chamber events and from the relationships we have developed with other members. Seminars and The ChambeReport have been beneficial in keeping us informed on current issues, local businesses and other important topics affecting our community. As we become more active in the Chamber, we look forward to the years to come. Pyramid has a policy of fostering public/private cooperation and helping to promote economic development in the community. A number of our agents are active on boards promoting community development and on numerous other not for profit boards in the community. The Chamber has given us access to other businesses and business leaders with similar priorities and with property and facilities requirements to accommodate their changing business needs. In addition we have had the opportunity to participate in chamber committees and programs focused on community issues and economic development. My grandfather started this business. After his stroke he passed the business onto my dad in 1967. I started working with my dad in 2006 and took over the business after his death in Feb 2009. Our motto is anything you can put your logo on. We do pens, mugs, crystal, candy, clothing, bags to name a few items. We will try to find the best pricing and work within budgets that clients set. Our favorite clients are ones that are starting out or are doing events to raise money. Businesses don’t have to go broke to put their name out there. Our business is here to serve our community as well as to grow our community’s businesses. It is important to know that our clients are not treated as clients but as a member of our extended family. People are very important to us and we really enjoy learning about all the different businesses and their needs. The Greater Binghamton Chamber of Commerce has helped us to be able to keep in touch with our community and the needs of other businesses. There are many great educational as well as other business tools they have to keep a business owner up to date on changes that are being made in the business community. They really are an asset and we are blessed to be a part of them. March 24 – 28, 2014 SharpTech Solutions, LLC SharpTech Solutions, LLC. was established in 2002 and is a locally owned and family operated business located in Endwell, NY. At SharpTech Solutions, LLC technology is our passion. We are more than an IT service-we are a total solution. We are a full-service IT Technology Provider offering comprehensive IT solutions to small and medium-sized businesses throughout New York and Northern Pennsylvania. We specialize in IT support, security, and network cabling. Our team of IT professionals has March 31 – April 4, 2014 Cushman & Wakefield /Pyramid Brokerage Company Pyramid Brokerage Company has been in business for over 40 years. The Binghamton office was established in 2000 through merger with a predecessor firm. Cushman & Wakefield Pyramid Brokerage Company is a full service commercial real estate brokerage with 10 offices across upstate New York, including Binghamton, Corning and Ithaca, which cover the Southern Tier. We are affiliated with the global commercial real estate firm, Cushman & Wakefield. Our predominant business is brokerage-sales and leasing of industrial, office, retail and investment property. Our office also offers property management and receivership services. April 7 – 11, 2014 Van Zandbergen Photography Kirk and Lesli established Van Zandbergen Photography in 1994. We provide commercial and advertising photography to businesses large and small, and individuals. This includes people and product photography that is typically used for advertising in print, websites, billboards and television. In addition to our location and studio assignments, we have an extensive library of local stock photography. We also photograph artwork for area artists. We often tell people that we take the pictures you never thought about someone taking, like billboards and catalog photography. We’re also fond of saying “It’s a small market here, so we shoot anything.” Photography is and always has been our only business. We believe that the relationship we develop with a client is as important as the photography we provide for them. We stay involved in the local art/ photography scene with gallery shows and by judging competitions. We joined the Chamber as a way to get health insurance for our small business, and have stayed because of the opportunities to connect and network with other businesses in the Greater Binghamton area. May 2014 18 Good News Through a partnership with the United States Association for Blind Athletes (USABA) and the WellPoint Foundation, AVRE is participating in a national fitness challenge geared toward increasing physical activity and improving overall health. AVRE kicked off the challenge in March. As part of their personal fitness challenge, CEO Ken Fernald and Production Supervisor Luigi Di Russo are working with Positive LifeForce of Endwell to train for this year’s Greater Binghamton Chamber of Commerce’s Bridge Run. Fernald’s training is sponsored by Positive LifeForce and the Chamber. Fernald will run in the half marathon and DiRusso will run in the 5K with his daughter. Jerry Dietz, owner and operator of C.S.P. Management, a real estate management firm in Ithaca, was awarded the “Tompkins County Distinguished Citizen Award” by the Baden-Powell Boy Scouts of America. The Distinguished Citizen of the Year Award is presented annually to an outstanding member of the community who, through their volunteerism with a number of organizations, upholds the values set forth in the Scout Oath and Scout Law. Twenty years after the Rwandan Genocide left nearly 1 million dead and 2 million homeless; Binghamton University is playing a role in improving the nation’s healthcare. Karen Feltham, a clinical instructor in the Decker School of Nursing, spent the 2013 fall semester in Rwanda working with women in the Rwandan Midwives Association. Feltham was hired through the Clinton Health Access Initiative; a non-profit designed to strengthen health systems in developing countries. Also taking part was Laura Terriquez-Kasey, a clinical assistant professor who spent January 2014 in the Dominican Republic. Binghamton University was recently awarded a HEARTSafe Campus accreditation from the National Collegiate Emergency Medical Services Foundation (NCEMSF), making Binghamton one of only five colleges and universities in the United States and Canada to achieve the accreditation. The HEARTsafe Campus accreditation is a joint effort with the National Collegiate EMS Foundation and the American Heart Association to promote community awareness of sudden cardiac arrest, train community members in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and increase public access to defibrillation. A HEARTsafe Campus also ensures early access to advanced life support and engages in preventative cardiovascular healthcare activities. CENTURY 21 Sbarra & Wells was honored for its outstanding performance during the past year at the 2014 Cartus Broker Network International Conference held in February in. Cartus is a worldwide leader in employee relocation solutions. CENTURY 21 Sbarra & Wells was presented the Cartus Five Star Award, which recognizes brokers who have met or exceeded their individual objectives for outgoing broker-to-broker referral closings during the calendar year. CENTURY 21 Sbarra & Wells is pleased to announce Mike Cerwinski, Aimee Szwalla, Roxanne Roma and John Gaskin have joined its firm as sales associates. Mr. Cerwinski will specialize in residential, commercial and investment property sales in the Greene area. Ms. Szwalla, Ms. Roma and Mr. Gaskin will specialize in residential property sales in the Greater Binghamton area. The Cider Mill Playhouse Board of Directors has announced the appointment of Gail King Belokur as the new executive director of the Cider Mill Playhouse in Endicott. Belokur previously served as co-founder, executive director and co-artistic Director of Running to Places Theatre Company in Ithaca, New York, for six years. “Gail was the unanimous choice of the search committee and we are pleased that she’s joining us at the Cider Mill Playhouse,” says Maryann Johnson, president of the Cider Mill Playhouse Board of Directors. Computer Emergency Room welcomes Shane Forinash to their team of computer support Technicians. Shane will work in the desktop repair division and has a lot of experience in repairing and upgrading computers. He also has experience and technical sales and will also work in their expanded PC sales showroom. Mr. David J. Chambers has rejoined Delta Engineers, Architects, & Land Surveyors, P.C. as Chief Financial Officer. Mr. Chambers has over twenty seven years of experience in a wide range of roles in the architectural and engineering design services field. He will oversee financial, accounting, and human resources operations for the company. His responsibilities include overseeing the integrity of the Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software, reviewing all accounting functions, and working with the CEO and COO in relation to strategic planning and business forecasting. Mr. Todd F. Grubham has joined Delta Engineers, Architects, & Land Surveyors, P.C. as a Construction Supervisor in Delta’s Facilities Group. Mr. Grubham has twenty two years of experience in the construction business across several industries. His primary responsibilities will include constructability reviews, the coordination and supervision of construction projects, assistance with the development of cost estimates and scheduling, and the execution of quality and safety plans. Mr. Steven M. Smith has joined Delta Engineers, Architects, & Land Surveyors, P.C. as a Senior Technician in our Transportation Group. Mr. Smith will provide technical engineering support for varied highway and bridge design projects. His office responsibilities will include preparation of engineering documents, details, design sketches, shop drawings, and reports under the supervision of a senior engineer. His field responsibilities will include participation on inspection teams and project site visits as well as inspection and documentation tasks during construction phase. Don’s Automotive Mall on Colesville Road in Binghamton is pleased to announce the promotion of Joe Colsten to Dispatch Manager. Joe has worked at various positions at Don’s for the last 13 years and has an excellent working knowledge of the company and industry. Most locals to the area know Joe as one of the up and coming area dirt modified drivers on our local racing scene (Car 151). hand examples of how they have managed to navigate the route to open foreign markets for their companies. There are already plans for another forum in the fall of 2014 to build on this success. ENSCO Avionics, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of ENSCO, Inc., is proud to announce that it has successfully achieved AS9100 Rev C and ISO 9001:2008 recertification for its software engineering operations as part of its ongoing quality improvement initiative. This certifies ENSCO Avionics to provide software solutions, including requirements analysis, design and development, system integration, verification and validation, quality assurance, and support to its aviation, space and defense industry customers. The AS9100 and ISO international standards signify a globally recognized, quality management framework. Good Shepherd Communities has been selected to receive the 2014 Outstanding Business Partner Award through the Broome Tioga BOCES Schools to Careers Partnership program. The award is presented to a business that has contributed substantially to business and education partnerships in our region. Good Shepherd Communities has participated in the Youth Apprenticeship Program for over 20 years and has provided job opportunities for disadvantaged youth through the Summer Youth Employment Program offered by the Department of Social Services and Broome-Tioga BOCES. Good Shepherd Communities has also participated in the Career Information Fair for the past five years. ENSCO Avionics, Inc. is pleased to announce that Larisa Parks has joined ENSCO Avionics as General Manager of the Vision Systems business area. In her role, she will be responsible for the IData® and IGL™ product lines, as well as vision system solutions. Ms. Parks joins ENSCO Avionics from Honeywell Aerospace, where she served as Vice President, Marketing and Product Management. Ever Evolving Enterprises would like to thank everyone that participated in their 3rd Annual Mother’s Day Plant Sale in support of Mom’s House. All funds raised during this sale go directly to Mom’s House to support all their efforts for young families in our community. Ever Evolving Enterprises would like to send out a great big thank you to all of their clients that had their taxes prepared in their office this year. They were happy to welcome new clients and want to express their gratitude for the loyalty of returning clients. Exit Realty Homeward Bound’s John Farrell was recently awarded Exit Realty Champion Award - Top 100 Producer by Exit Realty International. Every year Exit Realty International recognizes its Top 100 real estate professionals. This is the 11th year in a row John Farrell has made the list of Exit Realty Champions. This year he was recognized as #9 in Closed Sides and #21 in Gross Closed Commissions in all of North America. Karen “Lorrie” Roberts, Min “Susan” Zhou, Stephen Doty and Gary Reimondo have joined Exit Realty Homeward Bound in Vestal. Exit Realty Homeward Bound is excited to welcome Lorrie, Susan, Stephen and Gary to Exit Realty. Robert Farrell, of Exit Realty Homeward Bound, has been awarded the Certified Negotiation Expert (CNE) designation from the Real Estate Negotiation Institute (RENI). The CNE is earned by real estate professionals after successfully completing formal negotiation training over two days. Agents who receive this certification are among the top agents in the country in negotiation skills. The Global Business Alliance of Greater Binghamton and Southern Tier, NY held their inaugural forum at the Traditions in Johnson City on March 27. The meeting featured various speakers and presenters provided insights into the possibilities and pitfalls of doing business internationally. In addition speakers from Statkmore Furniture and Pleasant Valley Wineries; gave first Broome County Habitat for Humanity is excited to announce their newest Partnership Family, the Fanns. The family was surprised in March when a Family Selection meeting to “go over a few details” turned into the opportunity of a lifetime. They are currently working on a rehab home in West Endicott. The Fanns will be putting in their “sweat equity” on site soon and the home will be sold to them affordably with a zero-interest mortgage loan. The Hearth at Castle Gardens is pleased to announce the addition of Pamela Stento as their new Executive Director. Pamela brings many years of experience in the healthcare field to her position at Castle Gardens. Hinman, Howard & Kattell is pleased to announce that James W. Orband has been re-elected by his partners to serve as the firm’s Managing Partner for another five-year term. Jim Orband joined Hinman, Howard & Kattell, LLP on September 10, 1984. He became a partner in the firm on January 1, 1991. Mr. Orband has served as Managing Partner of Hinman, Howard & Kattell, LLP since January 1, 1999. His new term will run through December 31, 2019. In addition to the responsibilities required of him as Managing Partner, Jim Orband maintains an active legal practice, focusing in the areas of Banking, Construction and Corporate Law and Mergers and Acquisitions. Jennings Environmental Management, Inc. would like to congratulate Mr. Bret Jennings on his successful completion of refresher courses including Asbestos Air Technician/Project Monitor and Building Inspector. Mr. Jennings is a Field Representative and has been a valuable and loyal employee with the firm for over seven years. Meredith Reese has joined Jennings Environmental Management, Inc. as an Assistant Administrator. She is responsible for Administrative support to the office and field operations. Mrs. Reese joins the firm as it is quickly realizing an expansive growth. ChambeReport 19 Good News Employees of Keystone Associates Architects, Engineers and Surveyors, LLC, an architectural, engineering and surveying firm, won an Honorable Mention Award for their design entry, “Spiedie Fest Balloons” at the 1st Annual Canstruction® of the Southern Tier event, held at the Oakdale Mall in Johnson City. Canstruction® is a global, not-for-profit anti-hunger project founded by the Society for Design Administrations, an affiliate of the American Institute of Architects. With the help of design professionals, groups of participants competed to build structures made entirely of canned food. At the conclusion of the exhibit, 100% of the cans were donated to CHOW and the Food Bank of the Southern Tier. The Keystone Canstruction® featured a 5 feet tall by 4 feet wide balloon made up of over 1,540 cans of tuna fish, pears, and creamed corn. Team members from Keystone included Daniel Dain, Kyle Ellsworth, David Geist, Ashley Johnson, Adam Krager, Tyler Lozzi, Nicole Marble, Aaron Perelstein, Joshua VanValkenburg, and Michelle Weeks. NBT Bank is pleased to announce the hiring of Kevin O’Hara as Regional Commercial Banking Manager. Kevin is a Greater Binghamton native and has over 20 years of banking experience in our community. Positive LifeForce would like to announce that Matthew Barrett is now Jillian Michaels’ BODYSHRED certified. Positive LifeForce staff members Kelsey Searles and Jennifer Ferguson attended the ECA World Fitness Convention in New York City on March 7-9. Rosanne Sall Advertising is pleased to announce they have named Thomas Raff as General Manager of the Agency. “We look forward to Tom’s leadership with our valued customers and our talented staff,” said Rosanne Pinker, President of the Agency. Tom joined Rosanne Sall Advertising in 2001 as Creative Director after enjoying a 23-year career with WBNG-TV as a videographer/ editor and production manager overseeing the vast majority of advertising campaigns in the marketplace. Seton Catholic Central’s Mock Trial Team won the Broome County Championship by defeating Vestal in March. The trial was held in Federal Court in front of Judge Ferris Lebous. Seton’s team, which boasts a 5-0 record, advanced to the Regional Finals that were held in Broome County on April 26. Here in the Southern Tier, STAT, Inc. provides children who cannot speak a very unique opportunity. With the help of two dynamic and motivating tools: a horse and an iPad, Catherine Markosky, STAT’s Founder, has developed a unique recreational and educational-based program that teaches nonverbal children to communicate - Strides© takes speech therapy from a small room with a table and a client, to an outdoor setting… a farm, the fresh air, and horseback riding! Two Girls and a Bucket Cleaning Service, Inc. has been in business since August of 2011. They are pleased to announce that they 2014 design-build competition have become new members of the Greater Binghamton Chamber of Commerce and they look forward to growing their local business. The American Heart Association (AHA) has recognized UHS as a “Fit-Friendly Worksite.” Gina Chapman, Director of Southern Tier American Heart Association/American Stroke Association, presented the gold level award to UHS as an employer which goes above and beyond when it comes to their employees’ health. To achieve the gold level status, UHS documented that it has a written policy banning the use of tobacco at the worksite, as well as on campus. Other qualifications include organizing and promoting walking and physical activity programs; maintaining walking trails, both inside and out; encouraging employees to take the stairs instead of elevators; and disseminating to employees heart health information. The AHA gold level recognition acknowledges participation in healthy nutrition, too. Cafeterias at UHS Wilson Medical Center and UHS Binghamton General Hospital display a series of health and wellness materials that change quarterly. Upstate Office Furniture is pleased to announce that Daniel Emilio, Staff Designer/ Sales Specialist, is the current President of a communitybased tip club, called the “Inside Information Club”. This group is comprised of local professionals who share the “Inside” track in their areas of expertise. The diversity of the membership makes it possible to assist each other, as well as each other’s clients, friends, and associates. It’s the “Inside” information that’s important to the whole group as they help each other and our community. hosted by all proceeds benefit NY-0000708183 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 [email protected]. Gold Sponsors Silver Sponsor • United Health Services Canstruction® is an international hunger-relief competition where architects, engineers and contractors compete to design and build giant structures made entirely from full cans of food. Yoga Body Shop would like to announce the opening of the “YBS Juice Lounge.” They are now offering Fresh Cold Pressed Organic Juices and Fresh Smoothies, with no added ingredients such as artificial flavorings or sweeteners. Thank You to our sponsors and teams! of the southern tier presented by Upstate Office Furniture is pleased to announce that Shirley Stoddard, Marketing Manager, is the current President of a local BNI chapter called BNI-ICE. BNI (www.bni.com) is an international networking group, based on the philosophy that “Givers Gain”. Shirley assumed the role of Chapter President on April 1 and will be in office for one year. Supporting Sponsors • BCK-IBI Group • BLI Alumni Association • Broome Co-operative Insurance Company • Dataflow • Peoples Security Bank & Trust Company • Raymond Corporation • Taylor Rental • Vestal Rotary Club Canstruction® Teams • BCK-IBI Group • Broome-Tioga BOCES: - CTE Leadership/SkillsUSA - New Visions Engineering Academy • Delta Engineers • IBM, Endicott • Keystone Associates Architects, Engineers & Surveyors, LLC • Lockheed Martin • Rockwell Collins • United Health Services • Visions Federal Credit Union 20 May 2014 ChambeReport 21 22 May 2014 ChambeReport 23 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:[email protected] OR C U R R E N T R E SI DE N T www.GreaterBinghamtonChamber.com Board Chairman: James J. Lewis, CPA Piaker & Lyons, P.C. Publisher: Lou Santoni 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 5/22/2008May 1st, 2014 June 5th, 2014 1/20/2009 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 2014 26 • Annual Labor and Employment Law Update presented in partnership with Hinman, Howard & Kattell, LLP (October 2013) Our Eggs & Issues program series saw growth in attendance and interest. The topics included: • The Business of the Arts (February 2013) • Non-Profits Against the Odds (April 2013) • Natural Gas Pipelines (June 2013) • Are We Shovel Ready? (September 2013) • Government Contracting for Small Business (December 2013) We continued our important partnership with the Greater Binghamton Airport through our Air Service Development Committee. DIVISIONS OF THE CHAMBER: In addition to the Greater Binghamton Chamber of Commerce itself, the Chamber consists of 3 additional divisions, including the Greater Binghamton Education Outreach Program (GBEOP), the Greater Binghamton Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) and the Gateway Information Center. 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 $44,327 in 2013 from a variety of sources, including individuals, corporations and foundations. Broome Leadership Institute (BLI) Program Founded in 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 and working relationships. 2013 BLI HIGHLIGHTS: • The BLI Class of 2013 organized a Toy Drive on Saturday, December 8, 2012 for families affected by Hurricane Sandy. BLI class members collected over 450 unwrapped toys for ages 2 to 13, and shipped them to Jamaica, Queens, where they were distributed to kids at a K.I.D.S. (Kids in Distressed Situations) holiday the week before Christmas. • On March 21, 2013, BLI graduated the 26th class of 19 people that reflect the diversity of our area. • On June 19, 2013, the BLI Program enjoyed a very successful 7th Annual BLI Recruiting Event, where 16 people came to hear more about how to apply to become part of the BLI Class of 2014. • We received 21 applicants for 20 spots for the BLI program – Class of 2014. • The BLI program’s 27th class began the program with a team-building and orientation retreat on September 20, 2013 at the Wilderness Adventure Center in Greene, NY. • In November, the Hoyt Foundation approved GBEOP’s $22,000 grant to develop the next generation of board leaders for the second consecutive year. The program, in partnership with BoardSource in Washington, DC, will be incorporated into the 2014 BLI program. • BLI Alumni Association Board of Directors was proud to award a “BLI Scholarship Fund, in memory of Michelle Curtin” to 3 incoming students of the BLI Class of 2014 totaling $1,500. • The BLI Alumni Association grew to over 300 active members, sponsored a variety of events, increased their visibility to the business community and continued to serve on many volunteer boards in the area. The BLI Alumni activity highlights for 2013 included: o Forming a committee to host and organize the first Canstruction of the Southern Tier event in Broome County from March 23 - 30, 2014 at the Oakdale Mall in Johnson City. Canstruction® is an international hunger– relief competition where architects, engineers and contractors compete to design and build giant structures made entirely from full cans of food. At the close of the competition, all of the donated food from Canstruction of the Southern Tier will be distributed to hungerrelief agencies in Broome County to help feed neighbors in need. o Creation of the Inaugural Alumni of Distinction Award, which was presented to Alan Hertel, Executive Director of the United Way of Broome County. The Alumni of Distinction award recognized Hertel, a Class of 1997 BLI Graduate, for his leadership excellence and outstanding community service. o Partnering with the United Way of Broome County on the Annual Half-Day Workshop for Non-Profits which took place on March 21, 2013. Thanks to a grant from the Hoyt Foundation, the event featured a speaker from BoardSource, Dave Sternberg, and attracted nearly 100 attendees. o Continuing the BLI Alumni Spotlight in the Chamber’s monthly newsletter, the ChambeReport: Highlighting successful Alumni in the community o Organizing five Leadership Events for BLI Alumni with visits to: York Productions, Goodwill Theatre in Johnson City, Meier Supply Co., Inc., Binghamton Zoo at Ross Park and Servpro of Broome, Tompkins & Tioga Counties • Generated additional personal and corporate contributions to the BLI Scholarship Fund in memory of Michelle Curtin totaling nearly $1,000 in 2013. Building Bridges (BB) Program BB connects high school educators, administrators and guidance professionals with the world of work. This seven week program arranges for educators to visit various businesses in the Greater Binghamton area in order to increase their knowledge of area employers, their workforce needs and current workplace trends. 2013 Building Bridges Highlights: • A committee was formed to re-evaluate the format of the Building Bridges Program and discuss new programs for spring 2014. Junior Achievement (JA) Program 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 in grades K-12 that focus on entrepreneurship, work readiness and financial literacy. Students put these lessons into action and help strengthen our communities. 2013 Junior Achievement Highlights: • GBEOP raised $11,900 in 2013 for Junior Achievement Programs from corporate donations and foundation grants. • GBEOP implemented 34 JA classes in Broome County in the Spring and 3 in the Fall of 2013 with the assistance of 34 business professionals at the following locations: Seton Catholic Schools (All Saints, St. James, St. John and Seton Catholic High School), Vestal Central Schools (African Road Elementary, Glenwood Elementary Vestal High School), Union-Endicott Central Schools (Charles F. Johnson Elementary and Jennie F. Snapp Middle School), Maine-Endwell High School and Binghamton High School. • GBEOP recruited 15 new volunteers from local businesses for the 2013 Spring and Fall JA programs, and worked with 19 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 2013 we hosted 154 conventions and events. Our golf package business has increased by 13%. We were also able to secure the Eastern Star through 2017 and Odyssey of the Mind through 2016. The CVB also partnered with other Bureaus on several grant applications through the State’s Regional Economic Development Program. The I-81 Corridor Co-operative Program is designed to draw visitors off the highway to eat, shop, visit attractions and sleep. Hosted 154 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) • NYS Collegiate Rowing (1,200 people) • AAU Basketball (1,000 people) • John Mack Memorial Lacrosse (1,000 people) • NYS Public High School Baseball (800 people) • Approximately 55,680 visitors attended Convention & Events with an estimated impact of $21 million. • Booked 165 future Convention & Events - including the I Love New York Gymnastics Meet (2,500 people), the NYS Boys Gymnastics Championship (1,000 people) and the NY-USA Wrestling (1,500 people). • Responded to 1,986 tourist inquiries. • Responded to 430 tourism calls on the 800 number and 58,205 brochures were distributed. • Attended 5 Trade Shows including: • American Bus Association – Charlotte, NC 27 May 2014 28 May 2014
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