Volume 52 November 2014 w w w . G r e e c e C h a m b e r . o r g

2402 West Ridge Road Greece, NY 14626 585-227-7272

IS TRAVEL ON YOUR LIST FOR 2015?

GREECE CHAMBER TRAVEL & INSURANCE

SPECIAL EDITION

Health Insurance Open Enrollment Travel Packages California New

Year’s Getaway New Orleans,

Memphis & Nashville

New Zealand & Australia

Greece, Mykonos & Santorini

In this issue...

Board Of

Directors

Chairman:

Delbert J. Smith, CPA

Vice Chair: Don Felter Jr.

President & CEO: Sarah E. Lentini

Treasurer: Brian Ward

Secretary: Sharon Quataert

Member at Large:

Russell Herman

Immediate Past Chair: Paul Chatfield

Todd Baxter Laura Bennett

Andrew Conlon Paul Keenan

Jason Letendre Chris Lohrman

Michelle Marini Michael Mordenga

Dr. Shaun Nelms Wendy Rockcastle

Michael West

Greece Chamber

Charitable Foundation

President: Kyle Van

Putte Vice President: Sarah

E. Lentini Treasurer: Gilbert

Cooper Secretary: Anne Loria

Paul Chatfield John Cirella Jim Hofford

Christopher Johnston Bonnie Kuppinger Michael Masiello Dan Richardson

William Selke Del Smith

Eugene Welch

Committee Chairs

Community Awards Banquet: Wendy

Rockcastle Outdoors: Todd Schirmer &

Dave Pandina Ambassadors: Barbara

Giancursio Race on the Ridge:

Anne Loria Dewey Avenue

Roundtable: Paul Chatfield

Youth Hall of Fame: Ralph DeStephano / Rhett

VanScoter Taste of the Town:

Laura Bennett

Small Business of the Year: Russ Herman & Michael

Mordenga

Health Fair: Chris Lohrman

Chamber Staff President and CEO: Sarah E. Lentini Director of Member Services & Events: Susan E. Edgett, IOM Director of Marketing & Communications: Terry L. Hogan Director of Finance & Member Benefits: Christine Sortino Office Manager: Kathleen Strassner Page 2

From the President & CEO

An Invitation This special issue of our newsletter features group travel packages we’ve planned with Greece Chamber member Collette Vacations and features our health insurance program, especially important as open enrollment has begun.

Please also note that on Saturday, November 29, 2014, we have an opportunity to celebrate and support our small business community. Now in its 5th year, Small Business Saturday, the Saturday after Thanksgiving, (November 29) is the perfect time to buy local, while shopping for the holidays. Many area merchants, including Greece Chamber members will be offering attractive discounts. We hope you get out and support them.

As I write this, it’s been a scant two weeks since my appointment. It is truly an honor to have been selected to lead this fine organization, which brings together a great board and staff and an equally impressive group of volunteers, members, and partners. I’m excited at the prospect of what we can achieve by working together.

Each day, as I meet with many of you who are members and community leaders, I develop a keener appreciation for the broad expertise and strength of our constituents and the important role this organization plays to support individual business members and our community’s economic development overall. I’d like to thank the many people who have already reached out to me to introduce themselves and who’ve made me feel very welcome.

Over the coming months, I hope to meet with all of you, to learn about your business needs, and to hear your thoughts and ideas. It’s vitally important to me and the staff and our board of directors to make sure you’re aware of what we’re currently offering and to develop and shape services and opportunities that are useful to you. In the interim, I hope you won’t hesitate to pick up the phone and call 585.227.7272 or send a note via email to Sarah@GreeceChamber.org if you’d like to connect with me or any one of us.

I look forward to working with you!

With best wishes,

Sarah Sarah E. Lentini President and CEO

On the Cover: Upcoming America’s Music Cities Tour Photo (photo provided by Collette Vacations) Page 2 From the President and CEO: An Invitation Page 3 Health, Vison and Dental Insurance Open Enrollment Now through December 31, 2014 Page 4 Renew, Relax & Recharge: Greece Chamber Travel Opportunities Page 5 New Greece Chamber Members Chamber Event Photos Page 6 Renewing Greece Chamber Members Event Photos Page 7 Small Business Saturday is November 29th December First Friday Networking Breakfast Greece Chamber Annual Holiday Party Small Business Success Series Seminar Page 8 Greece Chamber Member Spotlight: Kneads + Wants Save the Date: Greece Chamber Health & Wellness Fair

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Need Answers to Your Healthcare Questions?

WE CAN HELP

OPEN ENROLLMENT NOW THROUGH DECEMBER 31st, 2014

Serving 13-County Finger Lakes Region

20 Years of Experience Competitive Rates Access to a wide variety of plans

both on and off the exchange

Plans for Businesses, Individuals and Non-profit Organizations

Applications can be processed via phone, email, fax, or in person

Call Chris Sortino, Greece Chamber Licensed Broker at 585-227-7272

2402 West Ridge Road Greece, N.Y. 14626 Tel. 585-227-7272 Fax: 585-227-7275 Email: info@greecechamber.org www.GreeceChamber.org Facebook:: “Like” us on Facebook: www.Facebook.com/greecechamber

We want to make sure that you are aware of the competitive broad medical insurance options available through the Greece Chamber of Commerce, especially as open enrollment has begun. From now through December 31, 2014 we can accept new applications and also make

plan changes for existing subscribers. The Greece Chamber provides access to a wide variety of health, dental and vision plans, at competitive rates, both on and off the New York State Health Exchange, working with a wide variety of carriers including Excellus and MVP (all insurance

plans are subject to underwriting and approval.) Through the Chamber’s insurance program, we can assist businesses, non-profit organizations and individuals throughout the 13-county Greater Rochester / Finger Lakes Region. Applications can be processed by phone, fax,

email, mail, or in person. For questions and rate information you can contact Greece Chamber Director of Finance and Licensed Broker Chris Sortino at 585-227-7272 or Chris@GreeceChamber.org.

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re you needing to get away? The Greece Chamber of Commerce has teamed up with Collette Vacations to bring you a series of special travel packages this month.

We’ve got exciting destinations lined up for travelers that enjoy taking advantage of group rates yet you have the flexibility of staying with the group or branching out on your own. It all begins with our California New Year’s getaway, scheduled for December 29, 2014 to January 2, 2015. This trip will feature the Tournament of Roses with highlights that

include float viewing, Bandfest, a New Year’s Eve party, a Legends in Concert show. A 3-night Las Vegas post tour can be added to this trip for additional fees.

We’ll be visiting New Orleans, Memphis and Nashville as part of our upcoming America’s Music Cities tour scheduled for March 15 to March 22, 2015. A trip to the Country Music Hall of Fame, the Historic RCA Studio B, New Orleans Cooking School, and the Grand Ole Opry is just a few of the highlights that accompany this trip. Travel with us to New Zealand and Australia from April 23 to May 13, 2015. Our From the Outback to the Glaciers trip will be one that you will never forget. Cairns, the Daintree Rainforest, Milford Sound, Sydney, the Sydney Opera House, and dining with a New Zealand family is only a small fraction of the magic that comes with this exciting adventure.

The upcoming and unforgettable Greece & Its Islands trip is scheduled for September 20 to October 4, 2015. Experience the Greek culture as you tour classical Greece, Mykonos and Santorini. We’ll tour Athens, Delphi, Mycenae as well as attend a cooking class, a Winery & Olive Oil Tour & Tasting, a Teverna Dinner Show and we are only getting started. To learn more about travel opportunities through the Greece Chamber of Commerce or to book trips discussed in this article call Chris Sortino at 585-227-7272 or email her at Chris@GreeceChamber.org and be sure to

visit our travel page at www.GreeceChamber.org/travel. –Terry L. Hogan, Greece Chamber Director of Marketing & Communications (Photos provided by Collette Vacations)

Greece Chamber of Commerce 2402 West Ridge Road Greece, NY 14626 Tel. 585-227-7272 www.GreeceChamber.org Fax: 585-227-7275

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WELCOME MEMBERS

Automobile Dealers Great Lakes Classic Cars Engels Gualdani, President/Managing Member 1128 Lexington Avenue 4-C Rochester, NY 14606 (800) 510-3797 www.glcclassiccars.com

Automobile Repairs & Service Independence Car Care Center Jeffrey Klipfel, Owner 507 West Ridge Road Rochester, NY 14615 (585) 563-6100 Fax: (585) 413-3369 Computers – IT/Sales/Service/Software Reg’s Computing Solutions Reginald Prior, Owner 187 Sherwood Avenue Rochester, NY 14619 (585) 300-6800

Financial Advisors/Services/Planners AXA Advisors - Diana Apostolova Diana Apoltolova, Financial Consultant 175 Corporate Woods, Suite 250 Rochester, NY 14623 (585) 475-8460 www.rochester.axa-advosors.com/Diana-Apostolova.e560738.htm

Financial Advisors/Services/Planners PDRS Asset Planning Services, LLC Yolanda Robinson, RFC, Owner 470 Long Pond Road, Suite 240 Greece, NY 14612 (585) 621-2607 Fax: (866) 297-7785 www.pdrsassetplanningservices.org

Legal Services Santiago Burger Annechino LLP Dennis Annechino, Partner The Strong-Todd House 693 East Avenue, Suite 101 Rochester, NY 14607 (585) 563-7514 www.litigation-group.com

As of October 27, 2014

NYS Senator Joe Robach and new Greece Chamber President and CEO Sarah Lentini along with Chamber Ambassadors Cindy Sharick and Barbara Giancursio joined in the

celebration and assisted new Chamber Member, The Training Grounds with cutting the ribbon at their new location on East Henrietta Road.

Greece Chamber Member Benucci’s Italian Restaurant, located in the new State Street Wing at The Mall at Greece Ridge did a wonderful job of hosting the Greece

Chamber’s Networking Luncheon on October 16, 2014.

Congratulations to The Training Grounds on the Grand Opening of their new location at 2595 East Henrietta Road.

Bartolomeo & Perotto Funeral Home, Inc.

Christie Carpets

Ciaccia Importers of Fine Food

Cummings Law Offices, PLLC

Edible Arrangements

Evangelist, Nacca & DiRaddo Agency

Flower City Irrigation

Fuccillo Hyundai of Greece NY Inc.

Jeff White Landscaping

Juan & Maria’s Empanada Stop

Keller Williams Realty Greece West

LaDieu Associates, P.C.

LegalShield (Pam Morgan)

Locker Room Sports, Inc.

Maier Consulting & Construction, LLC

MomSense

PDRS Asset Planning Services

Prescod Leadership Enterprise, LLC

Ray Sands Glass

Ridgeway Sunoco

Rochester Optical

Sandra Swanson, LMT

Schlegel Electronic Materials, Inc.

Soho Bagel Café

Squat Thrust Graphics

State Farm Insurance—Craig Papke Agency

Susan Spitale—Metlife Auto & Home

Zija International

THANK YOU RENEWING MEMBERS

Pictured from left to right: Jerry Mallaber (Sign Impressions, Inc.), Roger LeGault (LeGault Limousine), Ralph DeStephano (Buckman Enterprises), and New York State Senator Joseph

Robach pose for a photo at the Chamber’s Networking Luncheon on October 16, 2014.

Greece Chamber Member Todd Schirmer (left) from Northwest Savings Bank at 860 Long Pond Road and Joe DiFabio from Minute Man Press stop to pose for a photo while networking.

Northwest Savings Bank did a phenomenal of hosting the Greece Chamber’s very popular First Friday Networking Breakfast on November 7th.

New York State Senator Joseph Robach welcomes new Greece Chamber President and CEO Sarah E. Lentini at Greece Chamber Networking Luncheon on October 16, 2014 at Benucci’s

Italian Restaurant.

CONNECT WITH THE GREECE CHAMBER

FIRST FRIDAY NETWORKING BREAKFAST FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2014 EMPIRE BEAUTY SCHOOL 340 ELMRIDGE CENTER DRIVE

We hope that you will join us for our upcoming First Friday Networking Breakfast. This FREE and popular

event gives local business owners and area professionals an opportunity to network before the

workday begins. For more details visit us on the Internet at www.GreeceChamber.org.

GREECE CHAMBER ANNUAL HOLIDAY PARTY

DATE: Thursday, December 18, 2014 TIME: 5:30pm—7:30pm PLACE: Marriott Rochester Airport Hotel 1890 West Ridge Road Greece, NY 14615 SPONSORED BY: Marriott Rochester Airport Hotel Visit www.GreeceChamber.org for complete

details and to register

EVENTS

Small Business Success Series Sales from the Inside...Out

WHEN: Tuesday, November 18, 2014

WHERE: Greece Chamber Board Room 2402 West Ridge Road

Greece, NY 14626 PRESENTER: Lesley Johnson Mosley and Michelle

Freschette Ames, BeginAgain Marketing, LLC

Visit www.GreeceChamber.org for complete details or to register

SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 29th

Small Business Saturday is a day dedicated to small businesses across the country. It was founded by American Express in 2010 and is celebrated each year the Saturday

following Thanksgiving Day. It is now going into its 5th year.

In 2011 the U.S. Senate officially recognized Small Business Saturday. In 2012 consumers spent an estimated $5.5 billion on Small Business Saturday in small businesses. In 2013 more neighborhoods than ever celebrated Small

Business Saturday with individuals and local organizations pledging to support the day as “Neighborhood Champions.” 1450+ Neighborhood Champions signed up to rally their communities.

VISIT https://www.americanexpress.com/us/small-business/shop-small/ FOR IDEAS TO PROMOTE YOUR SMALL

BUSINESS ON SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY

Greece Chamber Staff Terry Hogan (front left), Chris Sortino (front right), Sue Edgett (back left)

and new Greece Chamber President and CEO Sarah Lentini (back right) welcomed Greece

Chamber members and potential members at the Greece Chamber’s October Networking Luncheon at Benucci’s Italian Restaurant.

(All photos taken at Benucci’s Italian

Restaurant were provided by Photographer Brian Hardick of Party

Productions)

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SAVE THE DATE SATURDAY

JANUARY 31, 2015

2015 “Health is a Family Affair” Health & Wellness Fair

Greece Community & Senior Center

3 Vince Tofany Blvd. (Greece Town Hall Campus)

Greece, NY 14612

DETAILS COMING SOON TO www.GreeceChamber.org

GREECE CHAMBER MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: KNEADS + WANTS By Terry L. Hogan, Greece Chamber Director of Marketing & Communication

Kneads + Wants is a bakery new to Charlotte this year and ready to fill your holiday orders. “Give the gift of pastry this holiday season,” says Tracy Burgio. Tracy is a Pastry Chef and owner of Kneads + Wants and spent many years in restaurant management. She is a graduate of the French Culinary Institute in New York City, completed an internship in Umbria, Italy, and was a pastry chef at Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) for four years. She now brings her talents to the Charlotte area where she opened Kneads + Wants bakery earlier this year.

The new establishment has been a sure hit with pastry lovers. Customers will find cookies, pies, pastries, and breads for every occasion. Visit the Kneads + Wants website at www.kneads-wants.com to check out their fall menu and more. Sugarcubes, Scones, Mini Tarts, Hangover Biscuits, breads that include Baguette, Ciabatta, Rosemary Focaccia are just some of the menu items. Mini Pumpkin Bread and Not Your Mama’s Fruit Cake are seasonable items on this year’s menu. They are now taking orders for Thanksgiving pies. “We have beautiful pies, cookies, breads and candies,” remarks Tracy. Kneads + Wants participated in the Greece Chamber’s 2014 Taste of the Town where

event attendees voted the Kneads + Wants booth “Most Creative.”

Kneads + Wants is open Fridays from 7:00am—6:00pm, Saturdays from 8:00am—6:00pm and Sundays from 8:00am—4:00pm (Monday through Thursday for pick-up and deliveries only.) Be sure to visit them at 4464 Lake Avenue, near Latta Road or give them a call at 585-340-6217.

Pictured above: Tracy Burgio, Pastry Chef and owner of Kneads + Wants

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2402 West Ridge Road Greece, NY 14626-3053