Issue link: http://visitithaca.uberflip.com/i/635370
New Records in a Familiar Race Membership Services and Program Manager Ryan McCune Tompkins Connect, a Chamber and United Way sponsored young professional networking organization, hosted 720 people at multiple social and volunteer events in 2015. They are hosting the 1st Annual Fab 5 Awards in February 2016 to honor outstanding young professionals. 2015 was a new frontier for many companies and non-prots across Tompkins County, and our Chamber was no dierent. The needs of our member community have continually changed, and in 2015 we continued to nd inventive ways to meet those needs. We expanded certain events and programs, honed the focus of others, and created new products to oer the Tompkins County community that have helped us create a solid foundation for 2016. In conjunction with Red Newt Racing and Cayuga Medical Center, the Chamber facilitated a brand new athletic event in Tompkins County; the Gorges Ithaca Half Marathon. With over 700 registered runners, and countless family members, friends and other supporters, we proudly hosted the largest Half Marathon in Tompkins County, and laid the groundwork for what will be a signature event in our region. New leadership, new team members, and a focus on engaging our members in telling their stories to the community have helped us grow and learn. After a 20% increase in overall event attendance in 2014, we have followed up strongly with an additional 23% increase in attendance in 2015. With another year in the books we will not pull back on our desire to be a better Chamber, community partner, and better vehicle to tell your stories. In fact, it's never been more important for us to hear from you. So reach out, call us, schedule a meeting, or send an email. Together, we'll write the success stories of 2016. In conjunction with Red Newt Racing and Cayuga Medical Center, the Tompkins County Chamber hosted the rst ever Gorges Ithaca Half Marathon. Race popularity outpaced expectations, and we are on track for an even bigger year in 2016.