Issue link: http://visitithaca.uberflip.com/i/1544595
We attended the 2025 Destinations International Advocacy Summit, taking part in sessions focused on destination stewardship, developing advocacy strategies and campaigns, and cultivating funding relationships. In collaboration with the Community Foundation and the Ithaca Board of Realtors we hosted our first Meet the Candidates forums for both Common Council and Tompkins County Legislature. Through letters of support, quiet conversations, and public comments, your Chamber is fighting for you! Local, State, and Federal advocacy Supporting Employers I N I T I A T I V E S The Tompkins Chamber launched this workforce retention program in April 2025 to support members' efforts to retain their workers. Part of a national ERN program, the Tompkins County ERN's initial focus has been the hospitality industry due to its launch with grant-funded support, though expansion is planned into other sectors in the future. April 2025: Program launched 7 employers supported 209 employees supported 96 cases 122 resource referrals 17.68% utilization rate (percentage of employees at member employers who use Success Coach services; 16% is typical for a first-year ERN program) Details & Results "The time that Carrie spends with each person in need gives me back time to focus on the entire team rather than an individual." - ERN Employer participant 2025 Key Issues: · Supported expanded air service at Ithaca International Airport (ITH) · Spoke against yearlong Economic Development Moratorium in Lansing · Engaged membership with Just Cause proposal by City of Ithaca Common Council · Pushed to Extend and Amend the NYS Film Tax Credit through 2036 to strengthen the film industry in our state while remaining competitive with other states · Asked US Senators and Congress to invest the already appropriated funds to Modernize Air Traffic Control Systems · Advocated to Congress to Reduce Travel VISA processing wait times in preparation for USA hosting 2026 FIFA World Cup Finals & 2028 Summer Olympic Games 2 0 2 5 A N N U A L R E P O R T | 7