Chamber PR and Media Coverage
Finger Lakes Daily News
The Finger Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce held its April Business After Hours Networking Mixer at the Geneva Public Library on Wednesday, April 9th. This event was part of the Chamber’s 2025 Business After Hours Season Pass Program and was coordinated with the Geneva Public Library director, Frank Sykes. Guests were able to enjoy refreshments, meet the director and staff, see the building, and peruse the popular Annual Book Sale. Sykes spoke about the history and current programs of the Geneva Public Library before giving a guided tour showcasing all that the library has to offer.
Finger Lakes Times
The Finger Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce held its April Business After Hours Networking Mixer at the Geneva Public Library on Wednesday, April 9th. This event was part of the Chamber’s 2025 Business After Hours Season Pass Program and was coordinated with the Geneva Public Library director, Frank Sykes. Guests were able to enjoy refreshments, meet the director and staff, see the building, and peruse the popular Annual Book Sale. Sykes spoke about the history and current programs of the Geneva Public Library before giving a guided tour showcasing all that the library has to offer.
Geneva Public Library Hosts FLX Chamber’s April Mixer
The Finger Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce held its April Business After Hours Networking Mixer at the Geneva Public Library on Wednesday, April 9th. This event was part of the Chamber’s 2025 Business After Hours Season Pass Program and was coordinated with the Geneva Public Library director, Frank Sykes. Guests were able to enjoy refreshments, meet the director and staff, see the building, and peruse the popular Annual Book Sale. Sykes spoke about the history and current programs of the Geneva Public Library before giving a guided tour showcasing all that the library has to offer.
Finger Lakes Times
The Finger Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce held a Member Milestone Celebration honoring the Tenth Anniversary of Simple Sweets Bakery’s grand opening on March 14th. Simple Sweets Bakery, under the ownership of Marina Howard, opened its doors in March 2015 on Linden Street in downtown Geneva. As the business grew, they relocated in 2017 to a larger space at 93 Castle Street, where they continue to operate today. Over the past ten years, the bakery has become a popular destination for comfort sweets and custom cakes. In recent years, they have earned notable recognition, winning the Gold medal for Best Cookie, and Silver for Best Bakery in 2022 and 2023 with the FLX Finest awards, as well as receiving multiple nominations in 2024.
FLX MORNING PODCAST
In this episode:
– Recap of the March Business After Hours hosted by Ronnie’s Cedar Inn.
– Upcoming BAH Networking Mixer will be hosted by Geneva Public Library on Wednesday, April 9th from 4-6 pm.
– Member Milestone Celebration: Tuesday, April 22nd at Fairfield by Marriott Geneva Finger Lakes from 12-2.
– Save the Date: Chamber Cup Golf Tournament will be held on Wednesday, May 21 at Silver Creek Golf Course in Waterloo.
– Welcome New Members over the last month!
– Thank you for our 2025 Annual Partners
FingerLakes1.com
The Finger Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce held a Member Milestone Celebration honoring the Tenth Anniversary of Simple Sweets Bakery’s grand opening on March 14th. Simple Sweets Bakery, under the ownership of Marina Howard, opened its doors in March 2015 on Linden Street in downtown Geneva. As the business grew, they relocated in 2017 to a larger space at 93 Castle Street, where they continue to operate today. Over the past ten years, the bakery has become a popular destination for comfort sweets and custom cakes. In recent years, they have earned notable recognition, winning the Gold medal for Best Cookie, and Silver for Best Bakery in 2022 and 2023 with the FLX Finest awards, as well as receiving multiple nominations in 2024.
FLX CHAMBER HOSTS 10th ANNIVERSARY FOR SIMPLE SWEETS BAKERY
The Finger Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce held a Member Milestone Celebration honoring the Tenth Anniversary of Simple Sweets Bakery’s grand opening on March 14th. Simple Sweets Bakery, under the ownership of Marina Howard, opened its doors in March 2015 on Linden Street in downtown Geneva. As the business grew, they relocated in 2017 to a larger space at 93 Castle Street, where they continue to operate today. Over the past ten years, the bakery has become a popular destination for comfort sweets and custom cakes. In recent years, they have earned notable recognition, winning the Gold medal for Best Cookie, and Silver for Best Bakery in 2022 and 2023 with the FLX Finest awards, as well as receiving multiple nominations in 2024.
Finger Lakes Times
The Finger Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce held its March Business After Hours Networking Mixer at Ronnie’s Cedar Inn on Wednesday, March 12th. This event was part of the Chamber’s 2025 Business After Hours Season Pass Program and was coordinated with Ronnie’s Cedar Inn Owner, Jeff Snyder. Guests were able to enjoy drinks at the bar, meet the owner, and sample some of the menu. Snyder spoke about the history of Ronnie’s Cedar Inn and his appreciation for the community’s continued support and patronage.
Finger Lakes Daily News
The Finger Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce held its March Business After Hours Networking Mixer at Ronnie’s Cedar Inn on Wednesday, March 12th. This event was part of the Chamber’s 2025 Business After Hours Season Pass Program and was coordinated with Ronnie’s Cedar Inn Owner, Jeff Snyder. Guests were able to enjoy drinks at the bar, meet the owner, and sample some of the menu. Snyder spoke about the history of Ronnie’s Cedar Inn and his appreciation for the community’s continued support and patronage.
Ronnie’s Cedar Inn Hosts FLX Chamber’s March Mixer
The Finger Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce held its March Business After Hours Networking Mixer at Ronnie’s Cedar Inn on Wednesday, March 12th. This event was part of the Chamber’s 2025 Business After Hours Season Pass Program and was coordinated with Ronnie’s Cedar Inn Owner, Jeff Snyder. Guests were able to enjoy drinks at the bar, meet the owner, and sample some of the menu. Snyder spoke about the history of Ronnie’s Cedar Inn and his appreciation for the community’s continued support and patronage.
Finger Lakes Times
The Finger Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce held its February Business After Hours Networking Mixer at CCMI Inc. on Wednesday, February 12. This event was part of the Chamber’s 2025 Business After Hours Season Pass Program and was coordinated with CCMI Inc. Owner, Anthony Lewis. Guests were able to enjoy refreshments from Wegmans and Ravines Wine Cellars, meet the owner, and tour the facility. Lewis spoke about the history of CCMI, Inc. and the company’s growth over the years, highlighting their plans for future expansion, current job openings, and the variety of exciting projects they are currently working on.
Finger Lakes Daily News
The Finger Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce held its February Business After Hours Networking Mixer at CCMI Inc. on Wednesday, February 12. This event was part of the Chamber’s 2025 Business After Hours Season Pass Program and was coordinated with CCMI Inc. Owner, Anthony Lewis. Guests were able to enjoy refreshments from Wegmans and Ravines Wine Cellars, meet the owner, and tour the facility. Lewis spoke about the history of CCMI, Inc. and the company’s growth over the years, highlighting their plans for future expansion, current job openings, and the variety of exciting projects they are currently working on.
CCMI Inc. Hosts FLX Chamber’s February Mixer
The Finger Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce held its February Business After Hours Networking Mixer at CCMI Inc. on Wednesday, February 12. This event was part of the Chamber’s 2025 Business After Hours Season Pass Program and was coordinated with CCMI Inc. Owner, Anthony Lewis. Guests were able to enjoy refreshments from Wegmans and Ravines Wine Cellars, meet the owner, and tour the facility. Lewis spoke about the history of CCMI, Inc. and the company’s growth over the years, highlighting their plans for future expansion, current job openings, and the variety of exciting projects they are currently working on.
Finger Lakes Daily News
The Finger Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce held its February Business After Hours Networking Mixer at CCMI Inc. on Wednesday, February 12. This event was part of the Chamber’s 2025 Business After Hours Season Pass Program and was coordinated with CCMI Inc. Owner, Anthony Lewis. Guests were able to enjoy refreshments from Wegmans and Ravines Wine Cellars, meet the owner, and tour the facility. Lewis spoke about the history of CCMI, Inc. and the company’s growth over the years, highlighting their plans for future expansion, current job openings, and the variety of exciting projects they are currently working on.
Finger Lakes Times
The Finger Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce held its first Business After Hours Networking Mixer of the year on Wednesday, January 15 at Friendly Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Geneva. This event was part of the Chamber’s 2025 Business After Hours Season Pass Program. Attendees had the opportunity to test drive vehicles, enjoy refreshments from Uncle Joe’s Pizzeria, and explore the newly built facility while learning about the history of Friendly Auto Group. During the event, Michael D’Amico and Heather Uvanni shared insights about the location’s past (formerly D’Amico’s CDJR) and the transition between families. The FLX Chamber extended its gratitude to Heather Uvanni, Michael D’Amico, and the Friendly CDJR Team for their hospitality and generosity in hosting a successful start to this year’s Business After Hours series.
Friendly Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Geneva Hosts First FLX Chamber Mixer of 2025
The Finger Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce held its first Business After Hours Networking Mixer of the year on Wednesday, January 15 at Friendly Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Geneva. This event was part of the Chamber’s 2025 Business After Hours Season Pass Program. Attendees had the opportunity to test drive vehicles, enjoy refreshments from Uncle Joe’s Pizzeria, and explore the newly built facility while learning about the history of Friendly Auto Group. During the event, Michael D’Amico and Heather Uvanni shared insights about the location’s past (formerly D’Amico’s CDJR) and the transition between families. The FLX Chamber extended its gratitude to Heather Uvanni, Michael D’Amico, and the Friendly CDJR Team for their hospitality and generosity in hosting a successful start to this year’s Business After Hours series.
Finger Lakes Times
The Finger Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce held a Member Milestone Celebration honoring the Fifth Anniversary of Water St. Cafe’s new management on January 7th. In 2020 James Brown took over ownership of the popular downtown Geneva eatery, originally opened in 1991. Water St. Cafe is located at 467 Exchange Street and offers breakfast and lunch options 7 days a week from 6 am-1 pm. Since James took over ownership, Water St. Cafe has been featured twice on the NY Restaurant web-based show, The Empire Plate and The Food Network’s American’s Best Restaurants.
FLX CHAMBER HOSTS 5th ANNIVERSARY FOR WATER ST. CAFE
The Finger Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce held a Member Milestone Celebration honoring the Fifth Anniversary of Water St. Cafe’s new management on January 7th. In 2020 James Brown took over ownership of the popular downtown Geneva eatery, originally opened in 1991. Water St. Cafe is located at 467 Exchange Street and offers breakfast and lunch options 7 days a week from 6 am-1 pm. Since James took over ownership, Water St. Cafe has been featured twice on the NY Restaurant web-based show, The Empire Plate and The Food Network’s American’s Best Restaurants.
Finger Lakes Daily News
The Finger Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce held a special Holiday Open House event for its December Business After Hours on Wednesday, December 18 from 5-7 PM at One Franklin Square. The Chamber has had its downtown Geneva office headquarters in the historic building, located at 537 Exchange Street, since 2014. Over 75 people attended the event, featuring a full array of food and wine from various Chamber Members. The Chamber would like to thank the following customers for their time and contributions to the catering of the event: Bella’s Seneca Lake Steakhouse, Mark’s Pizzeria of Geneva, Ronnie’s Cedar Inn, Simple Sweets Bakery, Taqueria Los Amigos, Tucci’s Family Diner, Geneva Club Beverage, Fox Run Vineyards, and Three Brothers Wineries & Estates.
FLX Chamber Holds December BAH at Historic One Franklin Square
The Finger Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce held a special Holiday Open House event for its December Business After Hours on Wednesday, December 18 from 5-7 PM at One Franklin Square. The Chamber has had its downtown Geneva office headquarters in the historic building, located at 537 Exchange Street, since 2014. Over 75 people attended the event, featuring a full array of food and wine from various Chamber Members. The Chamber would like to thank the following customers for their time and contributions to the catering of the event: Bella’s Seneca Lake Steakhouse, Mark’s Pizzaria of Geneva, Ronnie’s Cedar Inn, Simple Sweets Bakery, Taqueria Los Amigos, Tucci’s Family Diner, Geneva Club Beverage, Fox Run Vineyards, and Three Brothers Wineries & Estates.
Finger Lakes Daily News
The Finger Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce held its November Business After Hours Networking Mixer aboard the Finger Lakes Railway. This unique event was part of the Chamber’s Business After Hours Season Pass Program and was coordinated with FLR Manager of Business Development and Passenger Operations, Bruce Habberfield. Guests were able to enjoy refreshments and take a one-hour train ride aboard a 1950s rail car while learning about the history of the train and the operations of Finger Lakes Railway. In addition to the history, Habberfield spoke during the ride and addressed common strengths and weaknesses they have encountered while also mentioning career opportunities for those interested in learning more. The FLX Chamber wishes to thank Bruce and the Finger Lakes Railway for their hospitality and generosity in hosting such a unique and memorable Business After Hours event.
Finger Lakes Times
The Finger Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce held its November Business After Hours Networking Mixer aboard the Finger Lakes Railway on Wednesday, Nov. 13.
The event was part of the Chamber’s Business After Hours Season Pass Program and was coordinated with FLR Manager of Business Development and Passenger Operations Bruce Habberfield.
Guests were able to enjoy refreshments and take a one-hour train ride aboard a 1950s rail car while learning about the history of the train and the operations of Finger Lakes Railway. In addition to the history, Habberfield spoke during the ride and addressed common strengths and weaknesses they have encountered while also mentioning career opportunities for those interested in learning more.
FingerLakes1.com
The Finger Lake Area Chamber of Commerce brought networking to new tracks with its November Business After Hours Mixer held aboard the Finger Lakes Railway on November 13. The unique event, part of the Chamber’s Business After Hours Season Pass Program, offered attendees an exclusive one-hour ride on a vintage 1950s railcar, with refreshments and insights into the railway’s history and operations.
Finger Lakes Times
The Finger Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce held its October Business After Hours Networking Mixer on Wednesday, October 9 at the Gearan Center for The Performing Arts at Hobart and William Smith Colleges. The Chamber worked with Katie Flowers, Director of the Center for Community Engagement and Service Learning, who coordinated and sponsored the event. The Center for Community Engagement and Service Learning represents learning through service, and producing students who are civically engaged and graduates who are active, global citizens.
Finger Lakes Daily News
The Finger Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce held its October Business After Hours Networking Mixer on Wednesday, October 9 at the Gearan Center for The Performing Arts at Hobart and William Smith Colleges. The Chamber worked with Katie Flowers, Director of the Center for Community Engagement and Service Learning, who coordinated and sponsored the event. The Center for Community Engagement and Service Learning represents learning through service, and producing students who are civically engaged and graduates who are active, global citizens.
FingerLakes1.com
The Finger Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce held its October Business After Hours Networking Mixer on Wednesday, October 9 at the Gearan Center for The Performing Arts at Hobart and William Smith Colleges. The Chamber worked with Katie Flowers, Director of the Center for Community Engagement and Service Learning, who coordinated and sponsored the event. The Center for Community Engagement and Service Learning represents learning through service, and producing students who are civically engaged and graduates who are active, global citizens.
Hobart & William Smith Colleges Hosts FLX Chamber’s October Mixer
The Finger Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce held its October Business After Hours Networking Mixer on Wednesday, October 9 at the Gearan Center for The Performing Arts at Hobart and William Smith Colleges. The Chamber worked with Katie Flowers, Director of the Center for Community Engagement and Service Learning, who coordinated and sponsored the event. The Center for Community Engagement and Service Learning represents learning through service, and producing students who are civically engaged and graduates who are active, global citizens.
Finger Lakes Times
FLX Chamber hosts annual Membership Harvest Celebration at Lincoln Hill Farms
The Finger Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce hosted its 2024 Membership Harvest Celebration on Wednesday, September 25 at Lincoln Hill Farms in Canandaigua. The event had a record level of support for attendance and sponsorship by Chamber members and partners. Various businesses throughout the region came to attend the event which took place from 5:30-8:30 and included live music from Brent Bond, a harvest buffet catered by Lincoln Hill, and also featured a family-friendly photo booth complete with live goats. In addition, this year’s event showcased the return of the Harvest Raffle and Silent Auction which both brought in record-breaking totals for the event’s fundraising efforts.
Finger Lakes Daily News
FLX Chamber Hosts Annual Membership Harvest Celebration Fundraiser
The Finger Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce hosted its 2024 Membership Harvest Celebration on Wednesday, September 25 at Lincoln Hill Farms in Canandaigua. The event had a record level of support for attendance and sponsorship by Chamber members and partners. Various businesses throughout the region came to attend the event which took place from 5:30-8:30 and included live music from Brent Bond, a harvest buffet catered by Lincoln Hill, and also featured a family-friendly photo booth complete with live goats. In addition, this year’s event showcased the return of the Harvest Raffle and Silent Auction which both brought in record-breaking totals for the event’s fundraising efforts.
FingerLakes1.com
FLX Chamber Hosts Annual Membership Harvest Celebration Fundraiser
The Finger Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce hosted its 2024 Membership Harvest Celebration on Wednesday, September 25 at Lincoln Hill Farms in Canandaigua. The event had a record level of support for attendance and sponsorship by Chamber members and partners. Various businesses throughout the region came to attend the event which took place from 5:30-8:30 and included live music from Brent Bond, a harvest buffet catered by Lincoln Hill, and also featured a family-friendly photo booth complete with live goats. In addition, this year’s event showcased the return of the Harvest Raffle and Silent Auction which both brought in record-breaking totals for the event’s fundraising efforts.
FLX CHAMBER HOSTS ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP HARVEST CELEBRATION FUNDRAISER
FLX Chamber Hosts Annual Membership Harvest Celebration Fundraiser
The Finger Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce hosted its 2024 Membership Harvest Celebration on Wednesday, September 25 at Lincoln Hill Farms in Canandaigua. The event had a record level of support for attendance and sponsorship by Chamber members and partners. Various businesses throughout the region came to attend the event which took place from 5:30-8:30 and included live music from Brent Bond, a harvest buffet catered by Lincoln Hill, and also featured a family-friendly photo booth complete with live goats. In addition, this year’s event showcased the return of the Harvest Raffle and Silent Auction which both brought in record-breaking totals for the event’s fundraising efforts.
The generosity of various sponsoring businesses, which the Chamber would like to acknowledge, made this year’s event possible. Four Winds Chimney was the Title sponsor for the 2024 Member Harvest Celebration.
“Four Winds Chimney was extremely proud to be this year’s Title Sponsor for the 2024 Member Harvest Celebration, which helps to continue supporting the FLX Area Chamber to provide valuable programming for businesses like ours and others throughout the Finger Lakes Region,” stated Anthony Valerio, owner. Valerio is a fourth-generation mason and chimney expert and is also on the board of directors for the Chamber.
FingerLakes1.com
The Finger Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce celebrated the grand opening of Unique Boards Charcuterie with a ribbon-cutting event on September 5, marking a milestone for the local business. Owned by Melanie Secor, Unique Boards Charcuterie started in 2021 as an online and phone-based hobby but has now expanded to a brick-and-mortar location at 495 Exchange Street in downtown Geneva.
Finger Lakes Daily News
FLX Chamber Hosts Ribbon Cutting for Unique Boards Charcuterie
The Finger Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce held a Member Milestone Celebration to feature an official ribbon-cutting event for Unique Boards Charcuterie on September 5.
Owned and operated by Melanie Secor, the business opened in 2021 as a hobby and was through online and phone sales before making the move to the new brick-and-mortar location that she recently moved into. Her new space is located at 495 Exchange Street in downtown Geneva and features all fresh items from local Farmers’ Markets when available and in season. Melanie’s creations also include lunch boxes to go, French macarons, and s’mores made on-site! Additionally, she offers locally made honey, jelly, and other in-store gifts for those who love charcuterie.
Finger Lakes Times
FLX Chamber celebrates Unique Boards’ new space.
The Finger Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce held a Member Milestone Celebration Sept. 5, featuring an official ribbon-cutting event for Unique Boards Charcuterie.
Owned and operated by Melanie Secor, the business opened in 2021 as a hobby. Secor did business through online and phone sales before making the move to the new, brick-and-mortar location at 495 Exchange St.
Unique Boards Charcuterie offers fresh items from local farmers markets when available and in season. Her creations also include lunch boxes to go, French macarons, and s’mores made on site. Additionally, she sells locally made honey, jelly and other in-store gifts for those that love charcuterie.
Finger Lakes Times
Finger Lakes Daily News
Waterloo Container Hosts FLX Chamber’s August Mixer
The Finger Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce held its August Business After Hours Networking Mixer on August at Waterloo Container.
Located on 414 in Waterloo, Waterloo Container is a family-owned wine and beverage packaging supplier that was founded by Bill Lutz in 1980. What started out to support the growing wine industry in the Finger Lakes and along the East Coast, has since grown over the last 40 years to become the leading packaging supplier for Eastern North America. Today, they pride themselves in providing partnerships through packaging with an unrivaled ready-to-ship inventory of glass wine, spirit, and craft bottles that are sourced both domestically and globally.
Waterloo Container Hosts FLX Chamber’s August Mixer
The Finger Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce held its August Business After Hours Networking Mixer on Wednesday, August 14 at Waterloo Container. Located on 414 in Waterloo, Waterloo Container is a family-owned wine and beverage packaging supplier that was founded by Bill Lutz in 1980. What started out to support the growing wine industry in the Finger Lakes and along the East Coast, has since grown over the last 40 years to become the leading packaging supplier for Eastern North America. Today, they pride themselves in providing partnerships through packaging with an unrivaled ready-to-ship inventory of glass wine, spirit, and craft bottles that are sourced both domestically and globally.
Finger Lakes Times
The Finger Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce held a Member Milestone Celebration to feature an official ribbon-cutting event for Heart of Gold Veterinary Care’s brand-new facility Aug. 1.
At 3858 State Route 14A in Geneva, Heart of Gold opened its doors to the new clinic earlier this year following construction that took place over the better part of 2023. Dr. Jessica Gulvin is the owner and founder of the practice. An official grand opening took place Aug. 10 and featured tours, activities, educational sessions and a chicken barbecue.
FingerLakes1.com
The Finger Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce hosted a Member Milestone Celebration for Heart of Gold Veterinary Care, PLLC’s new facility on Thursday. Located at 3858 State Route 14a, the clinic, which opened earlier this year, welcomed guests with tours, refreshments, and animal meet-and-greets. The new facility features six treatment rooms, two private comfort rooms, and separate entrances for dogs and cats.
