Ontario County Chamber of Commerce

02/26/2025

🌳 A Summer Retreat in 1910

In 1910, philanthropist Mary Clark Thompson was enjoying her summer estate, Sonnenberg Gardens! 🌿

Her legacy of investment in our community lives on, just like the impact of our Chamber for 115 years. Join us to celebrate at our Annual Dinner on March 6 at FLCC! 🎊

Have you ever visited Sonnenberg Gardens? Drop a 🌺 in the comments if you have!

02/25/2025

CHAMBER ON THE ROAD – Owned and operated by Christine Lane, Fast Lane Brands, provides personalized, tailored solutions to maximize a business’s brand.
Originally from Cape Cod, Christine moved to Ontario County 25 years ago and “never wanted to leave.”
Brought here by a career in sales, she worked in motorsports sales before entering the ad specialties business 15 years ago.
She has hundreds of clients -- with a focus on the Finger Lakes region -- but can sell all over the country.
A New York state-certified MWBE entrepreneur, Christine collaborates with many college programs to help them market their sports teams and tournaments. Her passion is helping businesses showcase their brand in the best light.
Given the winter we’ve been having, it’s no surprise that her top item is a snuggly heavyweight hoodie. But, she can put a business’s artwork on anything they want – from koozies to mugs, frisbees to mini desk vacuums, and more.
When a business wants help marketing its brand, they can visit her website – https://www.fastlanebrands.com/. Christine then shops for the best supplier with the best reputation (supporting local whenever possible). Most items can be created and delivered in 7 to 10 business days.
Christine also is dedicated to her community through her involvement in the Geneva Community Project, the Ontario County Chamber of Commerce and the Yates County Chamber of Commerce.
“I’m happy to help with any project and offer solutions,” Christine added.

02/24/2025

We're excited to announce that Neighbor to Neighbor will be honored with the 2025 Non-Profit of the Year Award at the Chamber's annual dinner March 6.

Neighbor to Neighbor is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing emergency financial assistance to individuals and families in Ontario County.

Originally established in the 1970s, a group of Canandaigua-area citizens revived the Neighbor to Neighbor Fund in 2020 to address the unprecedented financial hardship many in the community faced during the COVID-19 pandemic. The organization continues to provide emergency funds to those struggling to afford necessities such as housing, food, healthcare, childcare, and transportation.

The organization is managed by a steering committee comprising local community members with no administrative costs.

Congratulations, Neighbor to Neighbor!
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Tickets are still available for the Annual Dinner, which will be March 6 at Finger Lakes Community College. To reserve yours, visit www.onchamber.com/annualdinner

02/24/2025

We're excited to announce that LaBarge Media will be honored with the 2025 Business of the Year Award at the Chamber's annual dinner March 6.

Established in 1984, LaBarge Media has been telling powerful stories for over 40 years. What started as a small video production company founded by Dave LaBarge Sr. has grown into a family-owned full-service media company, now led by brothers Jason and Dave LaBarge.

Rooted in creativity and driven by results, LaBarge specializes in video production, website design and strategic storytelling.

From producing local TV commercials in their early years to collaborating with global brands like Xerox and Adobe, LaBarge has evolved with the industry while staying true to its passion — crafting impactful stories that connect and inspire. Whether designing an engaging website, producing a compelling video, or launching a digital campaign, they bring a cinematic approach and a results-driven mindset to every project.

LaBarge supports local and national businesses with innovative solutions and has consistently been ranked among Canandaigua’s top advertising firms.

Congratulations, LaBarge Media!

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Tickets are still available for the Annual Dinner, which will be March 6 at Finger Lakes Community College. To reserve yours, visit www.onchamber.com/annualdinner

02/24/2025

We're excited to announce that Tim Chaapel will be honored with the 2025 Lifetime Achievement Award at the Chamber's annual dinner March 6.

Chaapel, founder and former owner of Mobile Music, will be honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award, which recognizes someone who has demonstrated exemplary service to the greater community and its people, over and above what can be expected of one person.

Chaapel started Mobile Music as a van service and opened a brick-and-mortar store in Canandaigua in 1981.

Mobile Music has grown to support the music programs of 52 local schools, and Chaapel is well known for being the region’s leading instrument repairman.

He has given back in numerous ways, including his involvement with Fort Hill Performing Arts Center, Rotary Club and Kiwanis Club.

He recently sold Mobile Music to a longtime employee, but he still works there repairing instruments.

Congratulations, Tim!

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Tickets are still available for the Annual Dinner, which will be March 6 at Finger Lakes Community College. To reserve yours, visit www.onchamber.com/annualdinner

02/24/2025

✊ 1910: The Fight for Women’s Rights

The suffragette movement was gaining momentum in 1910! 🚺 It would take another 10 years before the 19th Amendment was passed.

Ontario County has always been a place of progress, and we’re proud to continue that legacy 115 years later. Celebrate our Chamber’s journey at our Annual Dinner on March 6 at FLCC!

What’s a cause you’re passionate about today? Let us know below! 👇

02/24/2025

MEMBER MILESTONE MONDAY 🎇

Mercy Flight Central has entered into a consulting agreement, which will work toward "strengthening emergency response capabilities and ensuring residents in the Mohawk Valley and Oneida County regions have continued access to essential services."

Mercy Flight Central was founded as a non-profit in 1992 to provide air medical services to New York State residents and beyond. Since its inception, the organization has served more than 18,000 patients and grown to over 70 employees. The organization began operations as an advanced life support air ambulance service and has since expanded to become a high-quality air medical service with three helicopters staffed 24/7, 365 days a year.

Central Oneida County Volunteer Ambulance Corps and Mercy Flight Central have announced a consulting agreement to support the volunteer ambulance corps (COCVAC) and its mission of serving the community.

02/21/2025

🚢 A Legend in the Making

In 1910, workers were busy constructing what would become the Titanic. 🚢

While the Titanic was preparing to set sail, our Chamber was charting its own course to support businesses in Ontario County. 115 years later, we’re still helping our members navigate the ever-changing waters of business. 🌊

Join us as we celebrate this journey at our Annual Dinner on March 6 at FLCC!

If you could travel back in time, what era would you visit? Let us know in the comments! ⏳

02/19/2025

👨‍👧 A Celebration of Dads! 👨‍👦

1910 wasn’t just a big year for Canandaigua—it was also the very first Father’s Day! 🌟

Fast forward 115 years, and we’re still celebrating strong families and thriving businesses in our community. Join us at our Annual Dinner on March 6 at FLCC to honor the past, present, and future of Ontario County!

Who’s a father figure that has made a difference in your life? Tag them below! ⬇️

02/18/2025

Limited Sponsorships Left for Our Annual Dinner! 🎉

Don’t miss your chance to showcase your brand and make a lasting impact at our biggest event of the year. Secure your spot today!

Visit www.onchamber.com/annualdinner or email [email protected].

02/17/2025

1910: Taft Was President

The year our Chamber was founded, William Howard Taft was in the White House! 🏛️

Taft was known for trust-busting, expanding trade, and being the only U.S. President to later serve as Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. Meanwhile, Ontario County businesses came together to form the Chamber, creating 115 years of collective strength.

Let’s celebrate that history at our Annual Dinner on March 6 at FLCC! 🎉

If you could have lunch with any historical figure, who would it be? Let’s hear it in the comments! 👇

02/17/2025

MEMBER MILESTONE MONDAY 🎇

Looking for a great place to eat this week?

Three Ontario County Chamber members -- Ports Cafe, and Nolan's on Canandaigua Lake -- have been recognized as "20 on 20: Great Places to Eat as you Travel Route 20" by cnynews.com.

Congratulations!

(For the full listing, visit https://cnynews.com/new-york-state-travel-restaurants/)

02/14/2025

We will have limited hours next week.

Monday, February 17: CLOSED
Tuesday, February 18: 10 AM - 4 PM
Wednesday, February 19: CLOSED
Thursday, February 20: 10 AM - 4 PM
Friday, February 21: CLOSED

We will be open regular hours beginning Monday, February 24.

02/13/2025

We were on hand for the ribbon cutting event at Suite T in Victor.

Suite T is a sister business of the thetsalon.

Congratulations to all involved!

02/12/2025

Attention Members: We might be under another Winter Weather Advisory, BUT we're working on our summer magazine!

As a member,
* Make sure your listing is updated on our website so the information is correct in the printed directory. Log into your account and check the contact information and category you chose for your business.
* If you're hosting a summer event, send us information by March 20 for the Calendar.
* Expect a phone call or email from Darlene Ryan with Fahy-Williams Publishing about advertising opportunities.
* If you're hosting a fall event, send us a photo to include in the magazine.

Also, some members may receive phone calls from Victoria Ritter for story content. Calls/emails from Tori or Darlene are not spam or phishing scams.

If you have questions, please reach out to Tracey or Marisa.

02/10/2025

The Ontario County Chamber of Commerce proudly celebrates the City of Canandaigua’s selection as the recipient of New York State’s $10 million Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) Award.
Over the past year, the Chamber collaborated with the City of Canandaigua and key stakeholders — including Canandaigua National Bank & Trust, Thompson Health, the Canandaigua City School District and the The Salvation Army Canandaigua — to ensure community engagement played a vital role in the application process.

City Manager John Goodwin expressed gratitude for the recognition, stating: "We are incredibly grateful to the Finger Lakes Regional Economic Development Council and Governor Hochul for selecting Canandaigua as this year’s Finger Lakes Region DRI recipient. This achievement is the result of tireless efforts from community members who contributed feedback and helped shape our application. Securing the award is just the beginning—we look forward to working with state and local partners to implement projects that will drive long-term economic growth and improve our community."

Canandaigua National Bank and Trust President & CEO, Frank H. Hamlin III shared: “Congratulations to the City of Canandaigua and its residents. This investment by New York State reflects not only your hard work on behalf of the community but your belief in the vitality of its future. Canandaigua National Bank & Trust is proud to call Main Street home since our beginning 137 years ago. The DRI will help to further enhance economic development and the quality of life. Our bank plans to play a major role in supporting the city by partnering with DRI project sponsors to ensure that they have the capital to implement their projects.”

Statement from Brian Mastrosimone, Owner Lincoln on Main:
“As a local business owner, I’m thrilled to see New York State’s investment in the City of Canandaigua’s downtown business district. This award will help enhance the experience of our local community and out-of-town visitors as they explore all that Canandaigua has to offer.”

Tracey Dello Stritto, Ontario County Chamber of Commerce President & CEO and member of the Finger Lakes Regional Economic Development Council said: “The Ontario County Chamber has been committed to ensuring local business representation in the City’s DRI application and fostering community involvement throughout this process. We look forward to continuing to support this initiative in collaboration with the City of Canandaigua and our members. Additionally, we congratulate the Village of Phelps on receiving the $4.5 million NY Forward award. These grants reflect years of strategic planning in their respective municipalities to advance business and community development and economic growth in Ontario County. Congratulations to both the Village of Phelps and the City of Canandaigua which we are proud to have as Chamber members.”