Ithaca Youth Bureau is celebrating its 60 Years

The Ithaca Youth Bureau is celebrating its 60th anniversary.  In recognition of this remarkable milestone, the IYB is honored to host an evening at the Historic State Theatre in Downtown Ithaca featuring internationally acclaimed musician Samite of Uganda and the Honorable Mayor Cory Booker of Newark, New Jersey.  It will be a community-wide celebration of the past and future work of the Youth Bureau; the evening's theme will be Bridging Racial and Cultural Divides and the Role that Youth Play.  The event is on January 28th at 7 p.m. and tickets cost $10.  Tickets are now on sale online at www.stateofithaca.com or by calling (607) 27-STATE.  

The Pilates Room Offers Full Service Training

The PILATES Room, a beautiful, state-of-the-art, fully-equipped facility boasting panoramic views of the Ithaca hillsides, is the region’s only full-service Pilates training facility.  Their main studio is located within the business tower of the 65,000 square foot Island Health & Fitness Center and shares the second floor with Rasa Spa, one of the region's premier day spas.   Pilates develops core strength, movement efficiency, and integration of body and mind. This method of exercise is ideal for all ages and fitness levels from rehab patients to elite athletes.

The PILATES Room exclusively provides mat and apparatus classes in a dedicated Pilates classroom within the health club, in addition to private instruction in the studio. Their approach is in line with the latest discoveries in medical science and physical therapy. They integrate modern kinesiology and anatomical principles with the classical Pilates core training method, to provide Pilates training programs that are both safe and effective. 

If you’re still looking for a holiday gift for that special someone, The PILATES Room is now offering Instant Gift Certificates on their website, www.nypilates.info.  This is a fast easy way to show someone you care. Design your Pilates gift certificate, preview it, and then send or print it immediately. Good for retail purchases as well as Pilates Room memberships and private training sessions, or choose a specific dollar amount.

www.nypilates.com

(607)330-0957

Rent to Own at Aaron Rents - now open on Elmira Road

Aaron Rents, Inc. was founded by R. Charles Loudermilk, Sr. who has held the position of Chairman since its inception. In 1955 Mr. Loudermilk and a partner borrowed $500 to purchase three hundred chairs and rented each of them out for 10 cents per day to auction houses. From these modest beginnings Mr. Loudermilk developed Aaron Rents, Inc. into a publicly traded company (RNT and RNTA symbols on the New York Stock Exchange) that today has more than 1500 company operated and franchised stores in the United States and Canada, including one that just opened at 363 Elmira Road in Ithaca.

Aaron Rents is the industry leader in serving the moderate-income customer, offering affordable payment plans, quality merchandise and superior service. Aaron’s carries top name brands of furniture, appliances, electronics, and computers.   Three reasons for the success of Aaron’s Sales & Lease Ownership are that they Guarantee the lowest price (find it anywhere else for less and they’ll pay you $100), everyone is automatically pre-approved, and everyone can own their own merchandise in as little as 12 months.  Stop in soon to find out more!  

www.shopaarons.com

(607)273-1260

Ongweoweh Corporation a Welcome Addition to The Chamber

Ongweoweh Corp was founded in 1978 by Frank C. Bonamie, a former chief of the Cayuga Indian Nation of New York. Since that time, Ongweoweh has become a leader in the pallet industry, distributing, managing, recovering, and recycling more than 20 million pallets yearly throughout North America.  They can count Coca-Cola, IBM, Kodak, Johnson & Johnson and Cargill among their long list of clients.  Since its founding, Ongweoweh's mission has been to reduce material handling costs for its customers. They are committed to exceeding customers' expectations through product quality, technical innovation, and exemplary service. This philosophy has earned numerous awards, including U.S. Small Business Administration's Regional Subcontractor of the Year.

Headquartered in Ithaca, Ongweoweh Corp has grown to include facilities in Rochester, NY and Atlanta, GA.  They are one of the 50 largest minority-owned companies in the United States.   In the Cayuga language, Ongweoweh means "original people." The word signifies the company's belief in originality, integrity, and respect for individuals and the environment.   Just as it maintains a commitment to its customers, Ongweoweh remains committed to the needs of the Native American community. Ongweoweh supports a scholarship fund supporting Native students at Cornell University's American Indian Program.

(607)266-7070

www.ongweoweh.com

Finger Lakes ReUse Center Now Open

Finger Lakes ReUse saves materials from going to the landfill and provides quality goods at affordable prices. The ReUse Center, located in the Triphammer Mall, is operated by Finger Lakes ReUse, Inc., an independent nonprofit organization with the mission to enhance community and environment through reuse. The public is welcome to stop by, shop, and buy materials sold at 50%-90% off market equivalents.  Tons of building materials, computers, electronics, house wares, furniture, and other goods are thrown away every day even though their usable life is far from over.  A sampling of items currently available at the ReUse Center includes dining sets, chairs, bookshelves, French doors, cast iron brackets, ornate radiators, lighting, dimensional lumber, and more. The ReUse Center not only offers a convenient retail outlet, but also will serve as a community-gathering place and education center where people can exchange ideas and learn skills in transforming materials for new uses.  The ReUse Center will be open Monday to Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sundays from noon to 5 p.m. 

December Members In The News

CJ DelVecchio, a licensed Associate Broker with Coldwell Banker Shaw Real Estate, has been awarded the Graduate, REALTORS® Institute (GRI) designation by the New York State REALTOR® Institute. CJ has received this honor after successfully completing 90 hours of residential real estate education meeting the rigorous standards established by the National Association of REALTORS®. CJ DelVecchio has been a licensed Associate Broker with Coldwell Banker Shaw Real Estate since 2006; she has been licensed to practice real estate in NY since 1996.

Crystal’s Spa & Salon is proud to announce the addition of three staff members. April Phanhthalath, LMT has been practicing massage for 6 years and brings her Thai Massage experience to Crystal’s. While practicing in the Buffalo area she worked with many of the Buffalo Bills football players. Heather Prince is a hairstylist and has worked in the local area. Diana “DeeDee” Wilson has been a hairstylist for 6 years in the local area. For more information, please visit www.crystalsspa.com.

Community and Ithaca Campus see positive results from Take an Ithacan to Work Day. Ithaca College students have shared many accolades regarding their job-shadow experiences during Take an Ithacan to Work Days this November. Their comments have included that "The experience was very fulfilling. I was able to grasp and have a better understanding of the administrative department as a whole," "He was passionate about giving me the full story" and "I am excited that I could intern there." The program was organized through the Ithaca College Office of Career Services, ithaca Forward and the Tompkins County Chamber of Commerce.

John Treahy, President & CEO of Glove House, Inc., announced on November 13th that Jay Travers has joined the Glove House Senior Leadership Team as Director of Clinical Services for the organization. Travers will be responsible for coordinating the therapeutic component of Glove House residential programs.

RP Solutions, Inc., an inspired software developer and solutions provider for electronic and image based payment processing, recently announced that it has certified the Orion payment terminal from 4Access Communications, a provider of advanced point-of-sale payment technology. Orion permits merchants to accept and electronically process not only credit cards, debit cards, loyalty cards, EBT and gift cards but also scan checks for Check 21 image processing, all with a single device. It simplifies payment processing for merchants and offers ISOs an opportunity for incremental check services revenue.

Tompkins Trust Company has welcomed Kevin L. Cartmill to their team. Cartmill’s responsibilities include advising customers about the bank’s full range of mortgage programs; including first-time home buyers, SONYMA, construction loans, and curbside funding. A graduate of the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and the Capstone Institute of Mortgage Finance, Cartmill has worked in the field of mortgage lending for four years. An Ithaca native, he’s returned to the area after several years in the Atlanta region.

Ithaca College’s Radio Station, 92 WICB (91.7 FM) has been named the top college radio station in the country in a contest sponsored by mtvU, an MTV network geared toward college students. "We have to thank our fans, our listeners, and our alumni for their dedication to the station and for voting for us," said Josh Giordano, WICB Station Manager. The presentation of the Woodie — a 10-pound chunk of wood — was presented by MTV host Kim Stoltz in the WICB studio and was taped for use at the awards ceremony, which was held November 12 at the Roseland Ballroom in New York City. In operation 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, WICB is a student-run station that broadcasts on 91.7 FM from the Ithaca College’s, Roy H. Park School of Communications

Kumon Math of Ithaca is Now Open in The Triphammer Mall

Kumon is an after-school math and reading program for pre-school through high school students.  Founded in Japan in 1958, the learning method uses a systematic approach that helps children develop a solid command of math and reading skills. Through daily practice and mastery of materials, students increase confidence, improve concentration and develop better study skills.  Worldwide, there are 3.5 million students studying at more than 22,000 Kumon Centers in 43 countries.  Rita Fisher has been with Kumon for two years.  She was introduced to Kumon when she became a reading assistant at a center in Tampa, Florida.  Impressed by the accomplishments of students in the program and their positive attitudes toward learning, Rita set out to bring the Kumon program to the children of Ithaca.  With the support of her mother, who has seen her four children through their education; and her father, a teacher for many years, Rita opened Kumon of Ithaca in August of this year.  There will be a "Grand Opening" open house on Saturday, October 18th from noon to four at the Ithaca center in Triphammer Mall.  The public is invited to stop by with their children to learn more about the Kumon program. 

(607)257-7323
www.kumon.com 

BullsEye Radio DJ Service brings a combined 25 years of disc jockey, FM radio and internet radio experience to Tompkins County

BullsEye Radio DJ Service is dedicated to making your function one you and your guests will remember for many years to come. John LaCroix, the owner of BullsEye Radio, worked in New England as a DJ for many years on FM radio, then moved into the mobile DJ field where he gained much experience doing over 800 functions in the Seacoast area of New Hampshire. John believes that when picking your DJ that you, the customer should be put first.  Your special function should go the way that YOU want it to go, not the way the DJ sees it.  The best thing about choosing BullsEye Radio DJ Service is that you can tune in to hear DJ John live on the air on the online BullsEye radio station! BullsEye Radio is home to all genres of music and can be heard all over the world. They are dedicated to playing your favorite music 24 hours a day 7 days a week on the Internet.  Although the DJ’s aren’t live on the air all the time, most of the DJ's are live from 6pm to midnight and the music is always hand picked in each category to be the best of its genre.
 
BullsEye Radio is eager to become a respected part of Tompkins County's business community and aims to keep their rates affordable while still offering the best service you can get in the area. LaCroix states, "I am looking forward to becoming active in community events and donating my time to worthy causes and I am very proud to be part of the Chamber of Commerce in Tompkins County". The company logo speaks for itself:  When you want the best, Aim for the BullsEye!
 
(607) 279-5748
www.bullseyeradio.com 

Garden Gate Delivery Offers “Farm to Family” Delivery

Marlo Capoccia recently opened Garden Gate Delivery, a “farm to family” delivery service that brings meats, cheeses, produce and pastries from farms and suppliers to homes and businesses around Tompkins County. Capoccia got the idea for Garden Gate Delivery when she had her first child and began to think about what foods she wanted to put into her body.  Once her third child turned two she decided it was time to go back to work.  "I didn't think I could go back to a nine-to-five job.  I wanted to be home with my kids, so I started thinking about what my choices were.  Delivery service just kept coming back to me. The “farm to family” idea was inspiring and I was motivated to research similar businesses, extract pieces that I thought would help make a successful business, and create a new entity that suited my vision and the community’s needs.” Capoccia had many conversations with local and regional farms that were interested in selling directly to consumers but didn’t want to commit to advertising or farm-pickup hours. The result is Garden Gate Delivery. 

When Garden Gate began service back in February, they were only servicing the city of Ithaca.  After a few weeks, they realized that was too small a market, so they expanded to the Town of Ithaca.  This summer Garden Gate began serving Lansing and Ellis Hollow as well, and Trumansburg will be added shortly.  They deliver to homes but they also serve businesses as an employee benefit.  Businesses that support at-work deliveries are giving their employees access to nutritious foods with reduced delivery fees.  Delivery of groceries also frees up recreation time that an employee otherwise would have spent shopping.  If you’re interested in bringing the finest foods in the area right to your home or workplace call Marlo today, or visit their attractive, easy-to-use website at gardengatedelivery.com.
 
(607)342-6228
www.gardengatedelivery.com

Rick Manning Landscape Architect Selected to Develop City of Albany Bicycle Master Plan

The IBI Group/Rick Manning Landscape Architect Team was selected to prepare a bicycle master plan for the City of Albany, New York. The Capital District has been a leader in developing bicycle paths and trails along abandoned railroad rights-of-way, interstate highways, canal paths, and other linear corridors, with the Mohawk-Hudson Bike-Hike Trail being the centerpiece of this trail system.  The Albany Bicycle Master Plan will plan the extension of this bikeway network onto city streets to develop a comprehensive network of connected facilities.  On-road bikeway facilities will likely include bike lanes, bicycle boulevards, shared lanes, and ‘complete streets’ suitable for safe cycling, pedestrians, transit and automobiles. 
 
Manning is currently working on numerous public and private projects in the City, County and the Finger Lakes region.  These include an environmental art trail at the Cayuga Nature Center (with Claudia Brenner Architects) and the preparation of the Finger Lakes Trail Corridor Protection Plan for the Finger Lakes Land Trust (with Mark Whitmore).   Site design projects now under construction include the new Cayuga Heights Branch of Chemung Canal Trust Company and landscape renovations to the Main Entry Courtyard at Corning Inc.’s Sullivan Research Facility in Painted Post, NY, both with John Snyder Architects. Manning coordinates the TC Chamber Foundation’s Cayuga Waterfront Trail Initiative and the Stewart Park Rehabilitation Action Plan.
 
(607)592-4647
www.rickmanningla.com

MasterCraft Custom Framing and Fine Art Celebrates its 21st Year in Business

Founded on September 1st, 1987 at it's present location, MasterCraft Custom Framing and Fine Art is the oldest, single owner, frame shop in the Tompkins County area. Owner and Founder Michael W. Thuesen CPF, has been framing for 24 years and was the second Professionally Certified Framer in central New York. Michael is also a seventh generation resident of Tompkins County and is involved with many community organizations, including the Chamber of Commerce which he joined in 1988 and is a past Board Member and Committee Chairperson. He has trained many framers over the last twenty years, including two that currently have framing businesses in the local area. 
 
While all aspects of framing are performed on the premises, Michael's specialty is in Museum Quality mounting of objects. MasterCraft has framed items for  Presidents of Guatemala, Brazil, Russia, Costa Rica, and Taiwan, both the West Point and Annapolis Military Academies, Cornell University, Ithaca College, and Museums across the US, South and Central America, and many local businesses and  collectors. These include, a complete collection of Masai Clothing and jewelry, Hand made Brazilian knives, Written and printed  manuscripts as old as 1100AD, an original copy of the Gettysburg Address, 300 year old cross stitch and needle work, original portraits of George Washington and Abraham Lincoln, and collections of memorabilia from many sports teams.  Whether its an original Degas, or an original "my kid’s art project", MasterCraft has the selection, experience and knowledge to make it a masterpiece at a comparable price.
 
(607) 272-6637
www.bestframer.com