... Chamber Staff Denise Ackley President
Lynette Corcoran Administrative Assistant
Lisa Gill Controller
Rebecca Smith Manager of Information Services
Maleaha Helfrich Director of Member Services & Development Molly Mulligan Manager of Events
2011
Andrew Schultz Information Specialist Carol Gillette Information Specialist
Chairman’s Report
Board of Directors ... Jerry Sleve, Chair Corning Natural Gas
"In ordinary life we hardly realize that we receive a great deal more than we give, and that it is only with gratitude that life becomes rich." Dietrich Bonhoeffer
Thank you for your continuing
Rod Noel, ChairElect Clinical Associates of the Southern Tier Jill Staats, Treasurer Community Bank, N.A. Bill Cameron Corning City School District Joseph Carey The Site Cyber Bar & Grill/Access Computing Bob Cibulsky WETM TV
Jean WiseWicks Painted Post Area Board of Trade Greg McFetridge Corning Credit Union Ryan Mosher Watkins Glen International Karen Oxenreider M&T Bank Hemant Patel Visions Hotels, LLC Kristina Schneider Radisson Hotel Corning
Ann Crook ElmiraCorning Regional Airport
Chris Sharkey Corning Incorporated
2011 Accomplishments ... •
Continued to expand and explore Health Insurance plan options for our Members providing businesses with competitive alternatives and options including Sole Proprietor options.
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Chemung Canal Trust Company and the ARC of Steuben continued their underwriting support of the educational program series to provide relevant information to businesses such as Social Networking, Fraud Prevention, Writing & Locating Grant Funding and How to Diffuse Angry People … to name just a few.
• Government Affairs and advocacy efforts were increased through the new “Breakfast Briefings” Program sponsored by Three Rivers Development Corporation to provide businesses with important resources and information about impacting policies and legislation. • Increased the Chamber’s role in serving as advocates on our Members’ behalf with regional, state and federal governments through the introduction of quarterly meetings with legislators and stakeholders.
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Coleen Fabrizi Corning's Gaffer District Ed Lukomski Pathways, Inc.
Cathy Weil Coldwell Banker Horizons Realty George Welch, Jr. Welch & Zink
Shirley Magana Guthrie Corning Hospital
Dale Wexell Corning City School District
Our Mission The Corning Area Chamber of Commerce, a memberdriven nonprofit organization, advances the business and community interests of the region through advocacy, member services and community enhancement.
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A new sophisticated and userfriendly website with additional Member interactive features was launched in addition to the integration of new Chamber software which provides staff with more efficient and comprehensive resources to serve Members The Leadership Steuben Program proudly kicked off its 5th year of providing exemplary leadership training with another stellar enrollment of 28 students
• Three area businesses were able to send an employee to be a part of the Leadership Steuben Program experience through the newly created Leadership Steuben Scholarship made possible through the generosity of Corning Enterprises
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The Chamber’s 2nd annual Nonprofit Business After Hours was expanded to allow more nonprofit members the opportunity to showcase their organizations and build community awareness thanks to the generosity of Corning Credit Union and the Community Foundation of Elmira Corning and the Finger Lakes.
2012 Goals & Initiatives ... • The Chamber will continue to carefully monitor and evaluate Health Care/Insurance Programs and legislation to ensure reasonable options and up todate “preparatory” information for our Members • The Government Affairs agenda will develop a new initiative focusing on the increasing workforce and workforce development challenges. This initiative, partnered with CSS Workforce, will include an opportunity for businesses to provide critical education and message reinforcement through onsite visits in local schools.
Our Vision The Corning Area Chamber of Commerce will be the premier business resource. Investing in our organization will lead to member growth and development in support of a vibrant community.
• The Chamber is excited to announce a new initiative called the YEA Program … Young Entrepreneurs Academy … sponsored through the US Chamber of Commerce. YEA is a groundbreaking afterschool program that transforms local middle and high school students into real, confident entrepreneurs. Students (grades 612) generate business ideas, conduct market research, write business plans, pitch to a panel of investors and launch their very own companies … they won’t just take a job, they will make a job! • Continue to evolve and strengthen the Chamber’s advocacy efforts to bring Members facetoface with area experts and Business Leaders to better understand the “bigger picture perspective” with key legislators, community leaders and state / federal partners to help strengthen our voice on top business issues … exploring measures which ultimately result in MORE IMPACT. • The Leadership Steuben Scholarship will once again be available for the 20122013 Leadership Program kickoff to help businesses take Corning Area Chamber of Commerce advantage of this special leadership training.
1 West Market Street, Suite 202
• The Area Tours Program will go “on the road” through area public speaking engagements to increase awareness and share the message as a vital Corning, NY 14830 recruitment resource for area employers, businesses and organizations.
CorningNYChamber
CorningChamber
• A steering committee of the Chamber has been created to explore a young professionals group under the Chamber umbrella which could potentially Tel: 1.866.INFO.CNG (463.6264) or 607.936.4686 provide programs and events to connect our local young professionals.
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Fax: 607.936.4685
… and PROUDLY INTRODUCING … the 2012 GET IT GUIDE … a directory of Chamber Members. This new “Chamber focus with community Email: Info@CorningNY.com reach” publication will debut in early May thanks to the support and sponsorship of Curcio Printing and distribution in the Corning Leader, as well as an exciting online edition on CorningNY.com. We believe this Guide will fill the current need for a reliable, useful printed resource that features local and regional businesses that care about their region and have invested in their communities. The GET IT GUIDE will open new doors and raise greater awareness of the value of membership and the businesses that represent the Corning Area Chamber of Commerce. Coming soon!
www.CorningNY.com
A Letter from the Chairman ...
... 2012 Corporate Sponsors 2011 Financial Report ...
Dear Members:
Corning Area Chamber Members “GET IT”… they understand the need to join as evidenced by the surpassing of industry retention rates for a second straight year.
WE HEAR YOU! Your Chamber continues to advocate on your behalf. On a personal note, it has been a pleasure to work with the Board of Directors, Chamber staff and our members during 2011. Each of us interact with members regularly and each time it helps us to learn and expand on ways your Chamber can and does serve our members. We have heard what is valuable to our members … from our members. Thank you to the Board of Directors for taking the time to hear from our members. Our directors come from businesses throughout the region. In addition to making decisions for their own businesses each day, they have volunteered to serve and to organize resources and benefits that add value for our members. And to our Chamber staff. On behalf of each of our Directors and members, you truly are a gift to the organization. It is with certainty I say that our efforts toward advocacy, providing services/resources to members, enhancing our community and operating an effective organization are a direct result of your efforts. Thank you for your continuing dedication. WE ARE LISTENING! Periodically, we update the strategic objectives for the Chamber. It is an opportunity to rededicate our efforts to what is important to our members. Many have asked for the opportunity to meet with elected officials. Our elected officials have expressed interest in meeting with members. Others have asked for more networking opportunities and for improved access and functionality on our website. Members ask for more value for their membership dollar and in the business climate that exists today, that’s a necessity.
“An investment in the Corning Area Chamber of Commerce is an investment in your business. The Chamber’s programming and events support our cornerstone values of advocacy, education, connectivity and regional collaboration. I am proud to say that our Members invest not only in the Chamber, but also in their towns, villages and regions to make positive, impactful differences toward a strong, vibrant community. Thank you to our Members and partners who GET IT.” Denise Ackley President
WE “GET IT!” In 2011, our membership continued to grow. We have now surpassed 300 members. More importantly, I am confident we “get it” because our retention rate is nearly four times better than the national chambers of commerce statistics. As the economy became more challenging, the Chamber was presented with the opportunity to provide more value to our members. We continue to expand and enhance benefits. This is most effective when it is a result of collaborations with other chambers, the NYS Business Council and locally with development agencies such as Three Rivers and Corning Enterprises. We know we can provide much more value collectively than we can individually. The Leadership Steuben program continues to expand with the current class of 28 students preparing future leaders for their work in the greater Corning region. The Business After Hours programs continue to attract larger gatherings of engaged business members. This provides members with a chance to share the story of their business with others members. Our Government Affairs Council brings more and more businesses, large and small, together to share whatever their needs might be to navigate in the regulatory arena. This group has been very effective providing a collective voice to our legislators and trade organizations on matters that impact the viability of our businesses. Our focus is on your needs. We understand your desire to network and share your businesses story. We have expanded our efforts related to education and training of an everchanging workforce. We know your businesses need an advocate at the local, state and federal level. We know you need access to resources to assist you in improving your workforce. We get how important it is to you that your customers be aware of what you do and how good you are at doing it. We cherish the partnership, working and growing together.
Renewing membership funds go directly to membership benefits through government affairs programs, our group healthcare initiative and educational opportunities, just to name a few. We simply could not provide these services without your support. Another important funding source allows us to go the extra mile and build upon those programs and services already offered … sponsorship. Sponsorship investments allowed us to entertain the transformation of an annual publication into the “Get It Guide,” a directory that benefits all members, for example. We want to build upon these new initiatives that will better serve all members, but cannot do it without your additional support. Remember that sponsorship not only assists the Chamber; it provides unique marketing and visibility opportunities for member businesses as well! Thank you to those members that sponsored a Chamber event in 2011, and we look forward to working with those that would like the spotlight experience in 2012! Jill Staats 2012 Treasurer
Statement of Financial Position Dec emb er 31, 2011 Current Assets Fixed Assets TOTAL ASSETS Current Lia b ilities Net Assets
$ 240,813 16,270
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS
$ 257,083
Revenue M emb ership M emb ership Serv ic es a nd Ev ents Visitor Serv ic es O ther
Jerry Sleve 2012 Board Chair
“The Chamber offers a wide variety of events to its Member businesses. By attending these events, Members GET a unique opportunity to network, learn, celebrate, and share with fellow Members building stronger connections while creating a healthy & vibrant business community.” Molly Mulligan Manager of Events “By choosing to be a Member of the Corning Area Chamber of Commerce you get so much more than being able to say you are a Member. You get connected. You get exposure. You get a Director of Membership that is dedicated to making your membership a customizable experience and a staff that truly cares about you and your success. We do what we do because we GET IT ... and our goal is to help you do the same.” Maleaha Helfrich Director of Member Services and Development
“The Information Center is a valuable resource for our Members. Through the many thousands of annual visitors and community residents that utilize the Information Center, our Members GET additional exposure opportunities, excellent referral service and premier brochure placement/visibility. By making the connection between our area visitors and our Member businesses, we proudly help our community GET IT! Rebecca Smith Manager of Information Services
$ 189,780 $ 67,303
Statement of Activities For the Yea r End ed Dec emb er 31, 2011
Today’s business environment is not for the faint of heart. We get it and that’s why we are here with you. Thank you. Sincerely,
$ 257,083
$ 199,861 106,018 131,002 26,504
TOTAL REVEN UES Expenses Personnel a nd Rela ted Exp enses M emb ership Serv ic es a nd Ev ents Visitor Serv ic es Rent O ffic e Exp enses Professiona l Fees O ther O rga niza tion Costs O ther
$ 463,385
TOTAL EXPENSES
$ 452,401
CHANGE IN NET ASSETS
$ 10,984
$ 258,749 49,555 28,534 19,319 32,195 34,989 15,912 13,148
% of Revenues 43% 23% 28% 6% % of Expenses 57% 11% 6% 4% 7% 8% 4% 3%
“Maintaining accurate financial forecasts and projections enables our Board Members to GET the big picture necessary to lead the Chamber forward. This forward thinking enables the Board to be proactive in this everchanging business climate to ensure that our members continue to GET IT.” Lisa Gill, CPA Controller