Chemung County Chamber-Commerce
BackLocated at 400 E Church St in Elmira, NY, the Chemung County Chamber of Commerce serves a dual purpose that creates a distinctly mixed reputation. On one hand, it operates as a pillar of the local business community, fostering economic growth and providing resources. On the other, it is designated as the official tourism board for the county, functioning as a primary visitor center for travelers. This dual identity leads to varied experiences, where the organization excels in one area while showing significant weaknesses in the other, a reality reflected in its modest 3.7-star overall rating.
A Strong Ally for Local Businesses
For local entrepreneurs and established companies, the Chemung County Chamber of Commerce appears to be an invaluable partner. With a history spanning over 120 years, it stands as the largest professionally staffed business organization in the region, representing over 500 member firms. Positive testimonials highlight its effectiveness in this role. Business owners who have been members for over two decades praise the organization's consistent efforts to help them grow and prosper. This long-term satisfaction suggests a stable and reliable support system. Newer members also echo this sentiment, describing the Chamber as a "great resource" and commending the staff for their top-notch professionalism and kindness. The networking events and business functions are specifically mentioned as key benefits, allowing members to build crucial local connections. For any business looking to integrate into the Chemung County economy, the Chamber presents a compelling case as a central hub for advocacy, education, and development. It has earned an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, reinforcing its credibility within the business community.
Challenges in the Role of a Travel Agency and Visitor Center
While the Chamber's business-to-business operations receive high marks, its performance as a public-facing resource for tourists and visitors is less consistent. Although it is not a traditional travel agency that offers comprehensive booking services for flights or elaborate vacation packages, it is the designated Tourism Promotion Agency for the county. This role implies a responsibility to provide timely and helpful information about lodging, attractions, and local services—a critical aspect of destination management. Unfortunately, customer feedback indicates this is an area of concern.
One of the most pointed criticisms comes from a visitor who attempted to contact the Chamber for assistance in finding local lodging. After reaching out, they received an automated message stating the staff was away on a "fact-finding tour" and would be in touch upon their return. The promised follow-up never came, forcing the visitor to conduct their own research. This incident is particularly troubling, as it represents a fundamental failure in its duty as a visitor center. A potential tourist seeking to bring business to the area was left without support, raising questions about the organization's reliability for trip planning. For a traveler, especially one unfamiliar with the area, such unresponsiveness can be a significant deterrent.
Operational Limitations for Tourists
Further complicating its role for visitors are the operational hours. The Chamber is open from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM on weekdays, with an earlier closing time of 3:00 PM on Fridays, and is completely closed on Saturdays and Sundays. While these hours are standard for a business office, they are highly impractical for a tourism hub. Travelers often plan their trips or arrive during weekends, the very time the Chamber is inaccessible. This lack of weekend availability severely limits its usefulness for tourists who need on-the-ground assistance or information when they are most likely to require it. Anyone seeking help from travel consultants or staff would need to align their schedule strictly with a typical work week.
Clarifying Misattributed Feedback
It is important to note that the Chamber's online rating appears to be unfairly impacted by at least one irrelevant review. A lengthy, highly negative one-star review details a disastrous experience with shipping a bicycle via UPS, citing damaged goods, poor packaging, and a frustrating reimbursement process. However, this feedback is directed at UPS, not the Chamber of Commerce. There is no indication that the Chamber offers shipping services or is affiliated with the UPS store in question. This type of misattributed review can skew public perception, and prospective clients or visitors should disregard it when evaluating the Chamber's actual services. The issue described has no bearing on its function as either a business resource or a tourism board.
Conclusion: A Tale of Two Services
The Chemung County Chamber of Commerce presents a dual personality. For the business community, it is a proven and effective advocate, a facilitator of growth, and a professional organization with a long history of success. Testimonials from long-standing members affirm its value and commitment. Based on this, businesses looking to establish or grow in the region would likely find membership to be a worthwhile investment.
For the individual traveler, however, the experience may be quite different. While the Chamber's website and official materials position it as the go-to visitor center, real-world feedback suggests a potential for unresponsiveness and its limited hours create a practical barrier. It may serve as a source of information if you can reach them during their specific weekday hours, but it should not be relied upon as a primary or sole resource for urgent trip planning or weekend assistance. Travelers would be wise to have alternative sources of information, especially when it comes to time-sensitive needs like lodging. The Chamber's role may be more aligned with that of high-level destination management and promotion rather than direct, on-demand support for every tourist who walks through the door or calls the phone.
