MISSION of the Chamber
The Corning Area Chamber of Commerce, a 501(c)6 corporation, advances the business and community interests of the region through advocacy, member services and community enhancement.
The Corning Area Chamber of Commerce was established in 1914. Since then, the Chamber's strength and capacity has grown in pace with the Corning-Painted Post Community. From a canal point shipping forest products to innovations in communication, we continue to be a prosperous company town. Contact us, and find out why visitors, businesses, and residents love our community so much.
Member Benefits - Top 10 Returns on Your Investment with the Corning Area Chamber of Commerce
There are many ways to take advantage of member benefits in the Corning Area Chamber of Commerce. Our top benefits are explained here. Be sure to utilize any services we provide and contact us for more information.
Joining the Chamber Membership Interest Form
Government Affairs Updates
The Chamber represents business interests to local, state and federal representatives. We advocate for the business issues that are critical to the future of our community. We advocate on behalf of all businesses. Please click here to review current advocacy information.
The Link (e.newsletter)
Each month the Chamber distributes an e.newsletter to over 600 Chamber Members and individuals in the community. This publication provides Member news, advocacy issues, what’s new at the Chamber, new Members and advertising opportunities. Click here for information on promotional opportunities for our e-newsletter.
List Servs
The Chamber sends timely emails regarding advocacy, event invitations and announcements, marketing opportunities, Information Center updates and general announcement on a regular basis to our Members. We do not send spam or share our email database. To add your email address to the contact list, please email Maleaha Helfrich.
Grand Openings & Ribbon Cuttings
These services are free and provided to Members and potential Members of the Chamber. Grand Openings and Ribbon Cuttings offer increased visibility to our Members in the community. Email announcements are sent to the entire membership inviting all to attend.
Member Business Referral Program
The Chamber receives an enormous volume of inquiries each year. Through the Chamber Referral program which includes the highly rated business directory on this website, phone referrals by the Chamber staff and the 50,000 plus annual visits to our Information Center, all inquiries are shared directly with our Member businesses.
Information Center
The Information Center of Corning is located at 1 West Market Street, at Centerway Square, Corning, NY 14830. The Information Center is open 362 days per year, 7 days a week. It operates as the hub of activity for visitors, residents and relocators.
Better Business Bureau Referral Center
BBB Mission: "We will be the primary source of marketplace information and of dispute resolution services within our communities."
The Better Business Bureau is a private non-profit organization supported largely by membership dues paid by business and professional groups in the Bureaus' service area. The Corning Area Chamber of Commerce is pleased to serve as an area outlet to receive and file
consumer complaints about community businesses/practices on behalf of the BBB. Simply email Maleaha Helfrich or call 607-936-4686 with questions or for more information.
Networking Opportunities
Business After Hours
These events are held on a monthly basis and are hosted by different Member businesses. These are great networking opportunities with a casual, friendly atmosphere. New members are introduced at their first BAH and given the opportunity to speak for a few minutes. Many members have found these events to be great opportunity to meet new prospective clients. Click for next event information
Annual Events
- Dinner and Auction - March
- Chamber of Commerce presents the Keuka College Educational Program Series
- Chamber Open House
- Golf Outing - September
- Arts & Crafts Festival - November
- Chamber member appreciation social event – Details to come on this member-driven new event
Miscellaneous Informational/Educational Sessions
Throughout the year, the Chamber listens to our Members and the community and their needs and concerns. As a result, we provide several sessions or seminars throughout the year on these hot topics. They range from education, long-term care, marketing, networking and more.
Work Groups and Task Forces
Members are welcome to apply for any of our work groups which help plan and implement our many events and functions throughout the year. We have a wide range of opportunities; advisory, event planning, transportation, board governance committees and more. See below for full list of participation options.
Committee's and Task Forces
The Corning Area Chamber of Commerce has an outstanding staff of professionals to meet the needs of our members and our community. The staff is complimented by a wonderfully talented group of volunteers who are driven by their desire to make a positive impact in the place they live, work and play. We have many opportunities for you to participate in the fun and energetic collaboration of our work groups and task forces. If you are interested in learning about how you can become involved please read below.
There are job descriptions available for each. If you would like more information on how to become involved in your Chamber in this way, please go to the list below and click the email for the Chamber staff coordinator of that group. Thank you for your interest, we look forward to hearing from you!
Ambassador Program - Ceridwen Stermer
Annual Dinner - Maleaha Helfrich
Arts & Crafts Festival Committee - Maleaha Helfrich
Board of Directors - Board Chairperson Dr. Edward J. Lukomski
Board Nomination Committee - Committee Chairperson Mark Prutsman
Dinner Theater Event Committee - Maleaha Helfrich
Golf Outing - Maleaha Helfrich
Government Affairs Advisory Council - Chairperson Jack Benjamin
Leadership Program - Denise Ackley
Marketing and Communications Committee - Committee Chairperson Dennis Bruen
Recognition Committee - Chairperson Don Creath
Scholarship Committee - Denise Ackley
Transportation Committee - Tom Tranter
Visitors Services Advisory Council - Jennifer Mong
www.CorningNY.com
All Chamber Members are listed in our business directory on CorningNY.com. This includes your business name, phone, fax, email and website address and a direct link to your site. Through our online business directory, our members gain worldwide exposure. Click for Promotional Opportunities.
Member-to-Member Discounts
As a Chamber Member you can provide a discount, special or service to other Chamber Member's. The Chamber of Commerce strives to meet all of our business needs and operations by patronizing current Chamber Members as a standard way of doing business in the community. We encourage our Members to reciprocate this procedure. A Member to Member Discount will encourage Members to patronize your business.. Click for list.
Shopper Discounts
This website is a member-to-consumer program which allows our Chamber Members to offer a special, discount or experience to consumers. This website is accessible through CorningNY.com, email list servs and all Chamber mailings and publications. Specials, discounts and experiences will be available to international, national and regional consumer. This is a great way to increase awareness of your business within the community and your customer base. Click for list.
Information Center of Corning
Each year, the Information Center staff greets visitors, relocators and residents coming into the Center. In 2004, more than 55,000 people were helped in the IC.
Discover Corning Brochure
This foldout map and brochure is a guide to the area for visitors and relocators. In 2005, we distributed 185,000 brochures throughout the region, state and country. To participate in next year's brochure or to find our more details please email
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Marketing and Partnership Opportunities
Marketing your business can be an overwhelming task. The Corning Area Chamber of Commerce has some simple ways to help you take advantage of local opportunities, including our own newsletter, local newspapers, contacts at radio and TV stations and the professional assistance from our staff.
Joining the Chamber
Joining the Corning Area Chamber of Commerce is a proactive step toward improving your business. Whether you're new in town, new to your business venture, or looking to take advantage of membership for the first time, we value your membership and participation. Please fill out the membership interest form and we will contact you with further information. Or, if you prefer, call us at 936-4686 or email Stermer@CorningNY.com. We'll be happy to help you and look forward to working with you.
Testimonials
“As a recent new member of the Corning Chamber, I have found that in addition to the greatly increased web presence, high professional level of marketing skills and frequent functions for personnel/business networking, the Chamber's staff is very focused and a pleasure to work with.” - Brad Zehr, Zehr.net
“We joined the Chamber in January 2005 and have been delighted with the results of our membership. The benefits of membership to date includes: connections to business resources, meeting new student candidates, attending member programs and working with a professional Chamber staff that understands the value of net-working and communication.” - Marguerite Ashby, RIT EMBA Program
“Being new to the area, I wanted to volunteer with an organization that would allow me to meet other businesspeople, while also promoting the economic wellbeing of the greater Corning area. I've met many talented individuals since joining the Member Services Committee and now do not feel intimidated walking into a business after hours or other chamber event; the events are more worthwhile to me as a result. At the same time, volunteering my time on the annual dinner and future events provides the chamber with assistance and support in its goal to help area businesses develop and prosper.” - Jill Staats, Community Bank
“Working with Corning Chamber and their members has proven to be personally and professionally very rewarding. I encourage those who are entertaining the thought of becoming active within the Chamber to give it a try." - Denny Bruen, The Leader
Contact Information
Think your business would be more successful if you could only network better? You're right and these are the people that can help. With over 500 members, you can reach these potential customers and 75,000+ visitors every year via the Corning Area Chamber of Commerce. This business association focuses on Membership Services, Visitor Services, and Transportation Planning.
- Corning New York Chamber of Commerce, 1 West Market Street, Suite 302, Corning 14830
