Watkins area chamber opens new center

    WATKINS GLEN—The Watkins Glen Area Chamber of Commerce has moved into the new visitor’s center at 214 N. Franklin St. and re-opened Tuesday, Aug. 28.
    The chamber staff moved nearly everything from the former 100 N. Main St. location last Friday. The contractor and electrician finished the major work on Monday so the visitor’s center could open for business. The chamber is leasing the ground floor of the former Seneca Lake General Store from owner Jim Guild.
    The new location triples the space the chamber can use, and they plan to do just that. Chamber President Rebekah LaMoreaux said the front space will display just about everything Schuyler County. The Seneca Lake Wine Trail has sponsored an exhibit of 48 wines, while the historical society will also display information. The promotion agency will host pieces from the Franklin Street Art Gallery. LaMoreaux said the plan is to change the art each month and hold an artist’s reception at the visitor’s center.
    Hosting any type of event at the chamber office will be a new service. LaMoreaux said the visitor’s center has a little kitchen area so they can serve some food. The extra space alone means the chamber can accommodate a group of people. She added the chamber hopes to do wine tastings in the future. To further serve visitors to the area, LaMoreaux said the agency wants to be able to sell tickets to events, book lodgings, and offer package deals.
    Another change is the addition of a conference room. LaMoreaux said it would be available for use by everyone. Chamber members would not have to pay for it though.
    As much work was done renovating the open space into rooms and offices, the chamber kept the original hardwood floor and ornate ceiling. She added the exterior doors and windows were also kept intact.
    “It’s such a beautiful building,” said LaMoreaux.