It’s ‘History in the Making’ at the Chamber business show

It’s “History in the Making” for the annual Tioga Business Show scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 9. Presented by the Tioga County Chamber of Commerce, the event runs from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Owego Treadway Inn and Conference Center in Owego, N.Y.

Each year the Tioga County Chamber of Commerce brings together over 100 businesses for this exciting event. At the time of this reporting, more than 80 businesses were registered, a diverse group including several new businesses.

An opportunity for businesses to showcase their products, services and technologies, as well as make new business contacts, the Tioga Business Show is considered the region’s premier trade show. Whether it’s one year in business or 150 years, this year’s Business Show theme, “History in the Making,” features how far each business has come.

“It’s a wonderful opportunity for businesses to network,” stated Gwen Kania, Tioga County Chamber of Commerce president and CEO.

Tioga State Bank, the Major Sponsor of the event, will host an Opening Ceremony beginning at 10 a.m. where elected officials and community leaders will participate in showing their support for local businesses.

Celebrating 150 years and still making history, Tioga State Bank has reached this milestone with five generations of the same family being involved, carrying on the belief that the success of a local business is directly tied to the success of the local community.

“We remember our commitment to the community, it’s been our mission since we began a hundred-and-fifty years ago,” said Tioga State Bank President Robert Fisher in January 2014 when Tioga State Bank kicked off a year of celebration.

Another history maker, the Tioga County Chamber of Commerce is celebrating its 95th anniversary this year. The mission of the Chamber is to be a catalyst, working with organizations to develop programs and activities to help sustain the business community, while also promoting the commercial and civic wellbeing of the county.

Chamber President and CEO Gwen Kania, who has held the role since January 2014, shared in her President’s note, “Our biggest concern is how we can help sustain our local economy. One way to support our local businesses is to remind everyone to ‘Think Tioga First.’ Each local transaction helps to employ your neighbor, adds to the tax base and develops a relationship that helps community synergy and trust.”

The Chamber Show is open to the public, and tickets are $2 each. The public is welcome to attend and see first-hand what each business has to offer, therefore gaining a better understanding and appreciation for the unique attributes of each business. Kania added, “We encourage you to ask questions about local businesses. The service you get locally adds a personal touch which will make up any price difference elsewhere.”

During the show, various demonstrations will be featured and local food providers will have samples available, while later in the afternoon a seasonal toast and wine tasting period is planned.

Right off Interstate I-86, the Business Show is centrally located and easily accessible from Elmira to Binghamton.

Businesses who have not previously registered for a booth are asked to contact the Chamber by calling (607) 687-2020 or email to business@tiogachamber.com.  The show is expected to sell out, however businesses may still contact the Chamber by Monday, Oct. 6 to inquire about remaining space availability.

The Tioga County Chamber of Commerce is located at 80 North Ave. in Owego, N.Y. Visit their web site at www.tiogachamber.com for more information and event listings.