May 29th, 2009
Canandaigua Merchants Association increases their online visibility with a new Facebook page and a blog.
At this day in age many business strive to find a new way to discover new customers, or keep their existing ones close at hand when times get slow. Getting consumers attention or connecting with them can be difficult, especially if businesses are not savvy with the instant gratification that the web can offer. In Canandaigua, merchants have begun the timely technical lead with a blog and a new Facebook Page.
“Keeping tabs on businesses and merchants is a good thing,” Sharon Blanton proclaims, current secretary of the Downtown Canandaigua Merchant Association. “Having events, business information, profiles, and interaction helps consumers see the people behind the businesses.” The blog and Facebook page are just two things that merchants use to interact with local consumers.
Having launched the blog last fall, the goal was simple; to showcase merchants by showing a human face behind the businesses with profiles. Since then, posts about events, merchants working in action, and photos of what the merchants have to offer proved to be a success. With the popularity of social media, and Facebook, it was clear on what direction to take.
The Facebook page entitles both merchants and the public to interact with each other, making it easy for the public to know what’s going on with Canandaigua businesses. Along with posts from merchants and the public, the Facebook Fan Page also has a feed from the blog. Other media such as video, photos, and events are posted that can be virally exposed to other Facebook members. Sharing takes on a whole new meaning.
To read the latest merchant blog posts visit: http://www.downtowncanandaigua.com/blog
To learn more about the Facebook Page, or to become a fan, visit:
http://www.tiny.cc/cdga
Contact:
Sharon Blanton
Canandaigua Merchant Association Secretary
Phone: 698-0143
Email: jpsharon11@gmail.com
association, Business, canandaigua, Canandaigua, finger lakes, merchant, new york, ny
Business | 1 Comment »
May 21st, 2009
Finger Lakes Tourism Alliance reaches a milestone and proves to be a success tool for local businesses in the region.
The Finger Lakes Tourism Alliance is one of the oldest destination marketing agencies in the nation, and at their 90th year, there is no sign of slowing down. The annual literature exchange was held at the Waterloo Premium Outlets on Wednesday, May 20th, featuring 180 local businesses. The event was considered a great success, with great weather, and an anniversary celebration.
“This is a record turn out for the literature exchange and we could not ask for better weather,” Mary Lou Culver said, Director of Sales. The businesses that attended exchanged brochures for the upcoming visitor season, networked with other businesses, and enjoyed the festivities, which included lunch and refreshments.
Scott Wiggins, Board Chair for the Finger Lakes Tourism Alliance was on hand to welcome everyone. After giving a brief synopsis of the history of the organization, Scott sliced cake for the attendees. “It is wonderful to see so many of our businesses out and networking with one another today,” Scott said.
Cindy Kimble, President of Finger Lakes Tourism Alliance
Cindy Kimble, President of FLTA said, “I am honored to be a part of this anniversary celebration and I encourage all to review the copies of the 1919 formation documents we have with us here today. The vision of the founding fathers of FLTA is to be commended.” The vision is still held in high regard, and the current staff would make the founding fathers of FLTA proud.
Local business owners exchanging brochures and networking
About Finger Lakes Tourism Alliance:
Founded in 1919, Finger Lakes Tourism Alliance -the official tourism promotion agency for New York’s Finger Lakes region-is an association of private-sector attractions, tourism-related businesses and county tourism offices working together to enhance and promote visitor businesses for the 9,000 square-mile region, which includes the 14 counties of Cayuga, Chemung, Cortland, Livingston, Monroe, Onondaga, Ontario, Schuyler, Seneca, Steuben, Tioga, Tompkins, Wayne & Yates.
Mary Lou Culver, Director of Sales
Contact:
Cindy Kimble
President
Finger Lakes Tourism Alliance
315-536-7488
http://www.fingerlakes.org
cindyk@fingerlakes.org
Business, finger lakes, finger lakes toursim, new york, ny
Business, Finger Lakes, Travel | 3 Comments »
May 11th, 2009
CANANDAIGUA – Glimpse beautiful works of art – suncatchers, stained glass windows and more – in a colorful display at the May 16-17 Stained Glass Exhibit at Sonnenberg Gardens & Mansion State Historic Park in Canandaigua. These delicate, handmade creations will be on display at Sonnenberg’s Carriage House each day.
Each piece on display was created by students who attended the Friends of Sonnenberg Stained Glass classes over the last few seasons. Classes are taught by Friends Council President Jim Ingalls.
The exhibit is included with all regular garden admission. Adult entry is $10 per person, $9 for AAA or seniors, while children under 12 are free.
Sonnenberg Gardens & Mansion State Historic Park is one of America’s longest surviving estates from the Victorian Era. The elegant Queen Anne-style mansion was built in 1887 in Canandaigua by New York City financier Frederick Ferris Thompson, and his wife, Mary Clark Thompson, as a summer home. Between 1901 and 1920, the widowed Mrs. Thompson and her staff created the nine formal gardens seen today. The grounds are open to the public from mid-May through early October each year. Sonnenberg is a non-profit organization dependent upon the support of members and sponsors and its dedicated corps of volunteers. For more information on the revival of the grand estate on the “sunny hill,” contact Marketing & Development Manager Doug Kane at (585) 396-7433.
Rachel E. Dewey, Events Manager
Sonnenberg Gardens & Mansion
State Historic Park
151 Charlotte St.
Canandaigua, NY 14424
(585) 394-4922
Fax: (585) 394-2192
www.sonnenberg.org
art, canandaigua, exhibit, finger lakes, gardens, mansion, new york, sonnenberg, stained glass
Arts | No Comments »
May 6th, 2009
VICTOR, NY–May 4, 2009– Ganondagan State Historic Site will host the first event in its “Savor the Summer Series,” on Saturday, May 9th called “Trails and Tales at Ganondagan.” This family-oriented event is part of Ganondagan’s summer-long outdoor recreation and education program taking place on weekends, designed to introduce visitors and local residents to the wonders Ganondagan’s bark longhouse, its visitors center and the 17 miles of trails covering its 500 acres of land.
“This is a great program for families and anyone who loves the out-of-doors and animals. Ronnie Reitter, one of our site interpreters of Seneca heritage, will take participants on a walk around our easiest upper trail, sharing legends about our four-legged and winged friends. There’ll be lots of photo opportunities with the life-like animals we have placed on the trails, and we’ll show families how they can take the photos, write the legends they’ve heard, and turn them into their own book,” shared Ganondagan’s Executive Director, Jeanette Miller.
The same program will be repeated twice, once at 10:30 a.m. and again at 2:30 p.m. Participants should allow about 1 ½ hours and will meet at Ganondagan State Historic Site’s Visitors Center, located at 1488 State Rte. 444, Victor, NY.
Non-members pay the Ganondagan State Historic Site fee of $3 for adults and $2 for children. It is free to Friends of Ganondagan Members, who are asked to show their membership card. No reservations are required. For those wishing to create a book of the event, there is also a $5 per family charge for the photo opportunities.
For more information, visit www.ganondagan.org or call 585.742-1690.
* * * *
Ganondagan State Historic Site is the former location of the largest Seneca Village in New York State until 1687. It is the only the only U.S. national landmark east of the Mississippi River and the sole New York State Historic Site dedicated to Native American History and Culture. It was also designated as a national treasure during the “Save America’s Treasures” presidential tour.
Today, visitors can tour an authentic replica of a 17th Century bark longhouse and hunting lodge, take self-guided tours over 500 acres that were once part of this Town of Peace belonging to the Senecas. The Senecas were “the Keepers of the Western Door” and part of the Iroquois Confederacy or Haudenosaunee, as they referred to themselves.
Contact:
Jeanette Miller
585.742.1690
Friends@frontiernet.net
finger lakes, ganondagan, new york, state historic park, victor
Arts, Entertainment | No Comments »
May 6th, 2009
VICTOR, NY–April 21, 2009 – Ganondagan State Historic Site announces its “Savor the Summer Series,” that will run from May 9th through August 22nd. This series encourages local residents and visitors to “Take it Outdoors” on the weekends with programming that highlights many of Ganondagan’s assets.
“We have amazing staff members who are experts on so many facets of Seneca lore and history. This programming will showcase Ganondagan State Historic Site, share our staff’s wealth of knowledge with many special interest groups and prepare the way for programming in the new Arts and Education center we are planning,” explained Ganondagan’s Executive Director, Jeanette Miller.
All of Ganondagan’s programming, except as noted below, will take place at Ganondagan State Historic Site located at 1488 State Rte. 444, Victor, NY. For full program descriptions, visit www.ganondagan.org or call 585.742-1690.
Schedule
Saturday, May 9, 2009 - 10:30AM and 2:30PM (Same program repeats twice)
Trails and Tales at Ganondagan (Family-friendly-bring your cameras)
Site visit fee charged for public: Adults $3, Children $2, Friends of Ganondagan Members $Free.
Sunday, May 17, 2009– 9:30AM
The True Tale of the Beavers at Ganondagan
Site visit fee charged for public: Adults $3, Children $2, Friends of Ganondagan Members $Free.
Sunday, June 7, 2009 - 10AM-12 Noon and 1PM – 3PM
Traditional Art Demonstration: working with Elm Bark
Site visit fee charged for public: Adults $3, Children $2, Friends of Ganondagan Members $Free.
Sunday, June 21, 2009 – 9:30 AM
Medicine Plant Hike at Ganondagan
Site visit fee charged for public: Adults $3, Children $2, Friends of Ganondagan Members $Free.
Saturday & Sunday, July 25-26 – 10 AM-6 PM both days
Ganondagan Native American Dance & Music Festival and Art Market
General Public: Adults $8, Seniors (62+) and Students (13+) $5, Children (2-12) $2, Friends of Ganondagan Members $Free.
Saturday, August 1, 2009 - 9:45 a.m. – 12 noon
Critters of Great Brook
Site visit fee charged for public: Adults $3, Children $2, Friends of Ganondagan Members $Free.
Sunday, August 16, 2009– 9:30 AM
Ganondagan’s Native Grasses
Site visit fee charged for public: Adults $3, Children $2, Friends of Ganondagan Members $Free.
Saturday, August 22, 2009– 7PM
An Evening of Long ball and Storytelling (Family-friendly)
Site visit fee charged for public: Adults $3, Children $2, Friends of Ganondagan Members $Free.
Saturday & Sunday, September 26-27, 2009 – 10 AM – 4 PM both days
Living History Weekend (Family-friendly)
Public: Adults $5, Seniors, Youth and Friends of Ganondagan Members $3.
Saturday, September 19, 2009 – 7 PM – 10 PM
ANNUAL FUNDRAISER: “Dedwa:do:n: A Native Foods Feast for Ganondagan”
Held at an elegant private location in Victor, NY
$75 per person, reservations required. Call 585.742.1690 for reservations or visit Ganondagan.org
* * * *
Ganondagan State Historic Site is the former location of the largest Seneca Village in New York State until 1687. It is the only the only U.S. national landmark east of the Mississippi River and the sole New York State Historic Site dedicated to Native American History and Culture. It was also designated as a national treasure during the “Save America’s Treasures” presidential tour.
Today, visitors can tour an authentic replica of a 17th Century bark longhouse and hunting lodge, take self-guided tours over 500 acres that were once part of this Town of Peace belonging to the Senecas. The Senecas were “the Keepers of the Western Door” and part of the Iroquois Confederacy or Haudenosaunee, as they referred to themselves.
Contact:
Jeanette Miller
585.742.1690
Friends@frontiernet.net
finger lakes, ganondagan, new york, state historic site, victor
Arts, Entertainment | No Comments »
April 23rd, 2009
WICK-EDLY SENT EVENT SUPPORTS SOJOURNER HOUSE
Girls Night Out to Benefit Women in Need
Save the date: Thursday, May 30th from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., Wick-edly Sent Soap & Candle Company will host its 4th Annual Girls Night Out. This event was started by Wick-edly Sent Owners Don Stevens and Scott Mackey in 2006 as a way to celebrate women, bring them together for an evening of fun, and to support the work of non-profit charitable organizations that serve women and children.
This year, Girls Night Out will benefit Sojourner House in Rochester, NY., an organization that provides outreach services, as well as transitional and permanent housing to women and children in need.
“We really thank Wick-edly Sent and all of the people who will be attending and helping to promote Girls Night Out, because events like this warm our hearts and really add to the Sojourner experience. It shows that the Rochester Community really does care about other Rochesterians,” shared Angelia Smith-Wilson, Director of Client Services & Quality at Sojourner House.
The Annual Girls Night Out typically draws between 250 and 300 women who enjoy the lively, fun atmosphere, the networking opportunities and the pampering provided throughout the evening. This year, Impressions Hair Design and Spa will offer complimentary manicures and massages.
Wickedly Sent will serve a selection of appetizers and beverages and will give out an array of door prizes. Local Canandaigua Merchants are generously donating items for a raffle, the proceeds of which will go to support the work of Sojourner House. Attendees will also be welcome to make contributions directly to Sojourner House.
There is no admission charged for Girls Night Out, and attendees and are invited to bring guests.
Wickedly Sent is located at 94 South Main Street in Downtown Canandaigua, NY.
For more information on Girls Night Out or Wick-edly Sent, visit http://www.escentedcandle.com
* * * * *
Wickedly Sent Soap & Candle Company, located at 94 South Main Street in Canandaigua, NY, produces high quality, all-natural bath and body products and scented soy candles available for sale at retail or wholesale. All products are handmade on property and no products are tested on animals. Owners Don Stevens and Scott Mackey started Wick-edly Sent in Baltimore, MD in 2003 and moved their store and operations to Canandaigua, NY in 2005.
Sojourner House, located at 30 Millbank Street in Rochester, NY is a not-for-profit organization that provides transitional housing for women and children in need as well as life skills, outreach services and 40 units of affordable housing facilities for women and children. Sojourner House was named after Sojourner Truth, a former slave who became an abolitionist and passionate advocate for the dispossessed in society. For more on Sojourner House, visit: http://www.sojournerhouse.org
canandaigua, event, finger lakes, fundraising, girls night out, new york, ny, Recent, sojourner's hous
Business, Entertainment, Food and Drink, Recent | No Comments »
April 22nd, 2009
BNI of Rochester Networking Group saves time, money, and gas for businesses in search of networking. A free network event mixer is scheduled Wednesday, May 6th, 2009 at 7:00 – 8:30 am at Forest Park Retirement Community at 99 Forest Park, Victor New York.
People are being more earth conscious everywhere, including businesses in need of marketing and networking. Many businesses can go green by joining local networking organizations, which many believe to be a great way to still do business while thinking about our environment.
The BNI Rochester Networking Group is committed to do their part by meeting weekly to save business owners time and money when it comes to networking. Lately the buzz of going green is clearly on the minds of the group. “Meeting once a week and networking can really help the environment,” Brian Hill, president of BNI Rochester Networking Group. “It saves business owners the time of going to several different business owners.”
Reducing member’s carbon footprint is easy when you consider the benefit of each member. Saving gas by meeting once instead of meeting separately is one big step for the environment. Each member refers other business members, thus saving time and money. Business networking groups such as these work together to attract new clients for each other. Business owners agree that networking is the best way to attain new clients. Many members use BNI of Rochester Networking Group as their sole means of marketing for new clients.
A free networking event mixer is being held by BNI of Rochester Networking Group on Wednesday, May 6th, 2009 from 7 am to 8:30 am at Forest Park Retirement Community, 99 Forest Park, Victor New York. Any businesses in the area that are looking for a way to network are invited to attend. There will be refreshments served, and attendees are asked to bring their business cards, and are required to RSVP.
BNI Rochester Networking Group
About BNI: BNI is a professional business referral organization whose members benefit by word-of-mouth marketing. The members are made up of one person per profession. BNI North East New York Chapter covers Rochester, Albany, and Syracuse.
Contact:
Brian H. Hill
http://www.bnineny.com/
Cell: 585-732-8432
bni, business networking, finger lakes, group, rochester networking
Business | 1 Comment »
March 3rd, 2009
March 6th, 7th and the 14th are so Event-full!
On Friday, March 6th, visitors to ALL THINGS ART, 65 S. Main St. in Canandaigua (http://www.ocarts.org) will have an opportunity to see “Through Our Eyes,” the artwork of the clients of Happiness House in Canandaigua. This show has been planned in conjunction with Brain Injury Month and all are welcome to the opening reception on that day and for the rest of the month of March for that matter!
On Saturday, March 7th, our first annual indoor flea market will be open from 10-6 p.m. New and used goods are offered for sale, and it should prove to be very intriguing. Only one-dollar donation is requested at the door. Come one, come all to see what bargains await you.
Finally, on Saturday night, March 14th, even folks who aren’t Irish should plan on attending the annual St. Patrick’s Day Celebration. A full corned beef and cabbage dinner with desserts will be served. Admission is only $15 per person, so bring your own libation and enjoy the great live music, humor, and a sing-a-long. You can even reserve a table for you and your friends by calling 585-396-0087 or emailing ocac-admin@ocarts.org. Top of the evenin’ to you!
All Things Art
all things art, canandaigua, finger lakes, ny, st patricks day
Entertainment, Food and Drink | No Comments »
February 14th, 2009
A fund raising event to help support the arts in Ontario County Arts Council.
Looking for a way to jazz up the winter doldrums? Do you want an opportunity to “snaz up” in order to kick up your heels? The hot jazz sound of the well-honed, well known Greater Finger Lakes Orchestra and jazz singer Angie Bemis will get you tapping and snapping to their beat at ALL THINGS ART, 65 S. Main Street, Canandaigua, NY.
On Saturday night, February 21st at 6:00 p.m. the doors will open and the bubbly will flow, providing that you bring your own! Finger foods will be graciously provided by OCAC and some of the Downtown Canandaigua Merchant Association’s restaurateurs including The Pickering Pub, Mac Philly Steaks, Simply Crepes, Koozina’s, and The Lumberyard Grille. Additionally a raffle will be held during the event with such prizes of additional certificates gifted by Rheinblick German Restaurant, Eric’s Office, and Wick-edly Sent.
It’s a great way to have some fun with friends for a modest $20 per person for the evening’s food and entertainment. And the biggest advantage is that you’ll be supporting our county’s multi-arts center in the heart of Canandaigua. Keep our exhibits, workshops, theatrical and musical experiences coming by lending your financial support to ALL THINGS ART. We want to continue to serve Ontario County in this our 10th year (and beyond) housed at this convenient site. Call 585-396-0087 or email ocac-admin@ocarts.org to buy your tickets and reserve a table. You won’t want to miss it.
Contact:
Kathy Morris or Judi Cermak
Email: ocac-admin@ocarts.org
585-396-0087
Website: http://www.ocarts.org
Arts, canandaigua, council, festival, finger lakes, jazz, orchestra
Arts, Entertainment | No Comments »
February 4th, 2009
February in Canandaigua can be a chiller, despite the heat of snuggling with your partner for Valentine’s Day. Downtown Canandaigua is offering a different way of heating up, with an Extreme Chili Cook off, a competition that has local merchants serving up spicy warmth. The event takes place Thursday February 12th from 4 to 7 pm. The event is called Extreme recognizing the Artic Cat Eastern National Snocross Competition, which takes place at Finger Lakes Gaming and Racetrack Friday February 13th-Sunday February 15th. The Extreme snowmobile racing event is expected to bring thousands each day.
A live broadcast with 98.9 the Buzz will take place in Downtown Canandaigua at Finger Lakes Gallery Frame (36 S. Main Street) during the Extreme Chili Cook off. Members of the racing teams are scheduled to appear during the live broadcast, where free tickets will be given away for the Snocross event.
“The Extreme Chili Cook off is perfect timing,” says Don Stevens, president of the Canandaigua Merchant’s Association. “Free tickets will be given away during the broadcast, while people try some chili, and meet the racers.”
The public is welcome to vote for their favorite chili, with 18 participating merchants, the decision may be a tough one. Participating merchants will be identified with red balloons and include: Lumberyard Grille, Chase Bank, Finger Lakes Gallery & Frame, Wickedly Sent, Sweet Expressions, Mobile Music, Simply Crepes, RV&E Bike & Skate, Lynch Furniture, Pulp Nouveau Comix, Mac’s Philly Steaks, The Pickering Pub, Teschner’s Decorating Center, Artiques Heirlooms, Wildflowers, Ontario County Historical Society & Museum, All Things Art, and Unique Toy Shop.
Extreme Chili Cook Off is sponsored by the Canandaigua Merchants Association and the Canandaigua BID. For more information visit http://www.downtowncanandaigua.com or call 585-396-0300.
canandaigua, chili, cookoff, extreme, finger lakes, Recent, Retail, winter
Entertainment, Food and Drink, Recent | 2 Comments »
