Irondequoit Chamber of Commerce upcoming events

Grapes & Gratitude (21 Jul 2026)

Tue, 21 Jul 2026 21:30:00 GMT

You are invited to join us for a networking, charcuterie, wine tasting and charity event. Come get to know our non-profit members while you sip on some incredible wine from Vine and Tap Wine Bar.

When: Tuesday, July 21st | Time: 5:30pm - 7:30pm |Where: Vine and Tap Wine Bar

Details

Cost: $30 for members | $35 for guests

Registration includes wine tasting and charcuterie.

Please register to attend by Monday, July 13th.

Ways to Give-Back!

Bring a donation Item - Check below to see a list of items being accepted by each participating organization. You will receive a raffle ticket for a special raffle as a thank you.

Blind Wine Raffle! ($5) - Purchase a ticket at the event to get in on our blind wine raffle.

Wine Purchase - Taste a wine you love?! When you purchase a bottle to go!

Make a One-Time Monetary Donation - You will find QR codes available at the event to make direct donations to each participating organization.

Spread the Word – Letting others know about the event and inviting them to attend is also a way to help give back. By encouraging others to attend and learn more about our non-profit organizations and what they do for the community, you are already helping!

Participating Non-Profit Irondequoit Chamber Members:

Not all Irondequoit area non-profits are able to cover the $150 fee to become a member. Because we are a non-profit ourselves we do not have the means to waive membership dues. If you would like to sponsor an area non-profit that is not yet a member, please email us.

Angels of Mercy New York

Accepting Donation Items: Personal Items and toiletries

CASA of Rochester/Monroe County

Episcopal SeniorLife Communities

InterVol

Accepting Donation Items: Wound care items, Gauze, Bandaids, tape, Ace Bandages

Kiwanis Club of Rochester New York

St. Ann's Community

Sunset House

Accepting Donation Items: Wegmans Gift Cards, Coffee (K cups only please, and paper towels

Uplift Irondequoit

Accepting Donation Items: Gift cards for food to serve at youth meetings (ie: pizza, ice cream, Wegmans, etc)

ABOUT OUR SPONSOR: MEGA IT ROCHESTER

From: https://megaitrochester.com/it-management-%26-support

We manage the core technology your business depends on every day.

From hardware to networks and mobile devices, we make sure everything works together reliably and efficiently.

Services Include:

Computer hardware management
Network setup and support
Mobile device management (MDM)
IT consulting and planning
Day-to-day tech support

Result: Reliable systems, fewer disruptions, and faster support when you need it.

SPARK SESSION: Access to Business Capital and Resources (11 Aug 2026)

Tue, 11 Aug 2026 15:30:00 GMT

ACCESS TO BUSINESS CAPITAL AND RESOURCES

Date: Tuesday, August 11th

Time: 11:30am - 1:00pm

Location: Irondequoit Community Center | 450 Skyview Centre Pkwy St. 200

Cost: $15 - Member, $20 - Guests. Includes lunch and small gift.

Spark Session Lunch & Learn Panel

Connecting Business, Capital & Community Growth

Join us for an engaging and informative Spark Session Lunch & Learn, featuring a dynamic panel of local experts who are actively supporting business growth across Monroe County.

Featured Panelists

Chad Webber – Monroe County Economic Development
Lindsey Ward – Small Business Development Center (SBDC)
Warren Miller – Business Banking Officer

What We’ll Cover

This session is designed to give entrepreneurs, business owners, and community partners a practical understanding of the resources available to help businesses start, grow, and thrive.

Topics will include:

Access to Capital
- Traditional financing options
- SBA programs and lending strategies
- When and how to approach a bank
Economic Development & Incentives
- Local and county-level programs
- Grants, tax incentives, and development tools
- How to align your project with community initiatives
Business Advisory & Growth Support
- Free and low-cost consulting through SBDC
- Business planning, financial projections, and scaling strategies
- Avoiding common startup and growth pitfalls
Real-World Insights
- What lenders and economic developers look for
- Common challenges business owners face—and how to overcome them
- Practical steps to strengthen your business for funding and expansion

Who Should Attend

This session will be especially valuable for:

Entrepreneurs & Startups
- Looking to launch or validate a business idea
Existing Business Owners
- Seeking capital, expansion opportunities, or operational guidance
Real Estate Developers & Investors
- Interested in local incentives and funding structures
Professional Advisors (CPAs, Attorneys, COIs)
- Supporting clients with growth and financing needs
Community & Nonprofit Leaders
- Focused on economic development and local impact

Why Attend?

Learn how to connect the dots between capital, advisory resources, and development programs
Gain direct insight from decision-makers and support organizations
Walk away with actionable steps to move your business forward
Build relationships with professionals who can help you navigate the process

Meet Your Experts

Lindsay Ward, Regional Director at Finger Lakes Small Business Development Center

Lindsay Ward is a pioneering leader and the first female Regional Director for the Finger Lakes Small Business Development Center (SBDC) hosted by SUNY Brockport, serving Monroe, Wayne, Ontario, Orleans, and Genesee counties. With more than two decades of experience spanning nonprofit, private, and government sectors, Lindsay brings a well-rounded and strategic approach to economic and community development.

She has demonstrated a strong commitment to leadership and service through her involvement on numerous boards and advisory groups, including the ASHA Governmental Affairs and Public Policy Board, the Greece Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, NextCorps Advisory Board, Downtown Rochester Rotary, SUNY Brockport Public Administration Advisory Board, Genesee County Economic and Workforce Development Committee, and PECI Board.

Lindsay holds a Master of Public Administration from SUNY Brockport and has been recognized for her academic excellence as a member of both the Omicron Delta Kappa Leadership Honor Society and the Pi Alpha Alpha Honor Society. In recognition of her impact and dedication to the community, she was honored as Citizen of the Year by the Greece Chamber of Commerce.

Quote: “I absolutely love working for the New York State SBDC as we have assisted thousands of entrepreneurs and small business owners become very successful across the state! One of my greatest joys is stopping in and visiting so many of our client’s businesses and talking with them in how a Finger Lakes SBDC business advisor supported and helped them establish or grow their business.”

____________________________

Chad Weber, Economic Development Specialist at Monroe County Planning and Development

Chad Weber has more than 20 years of experience in the banking industry. Chad began working for MCIDC as an Underwriter for the new Micro Loan program and now serves as an Economic Development Specialist with Monroe County where he works with small businesses to support lending opportunities and connect them with county incentives and programs. In his current role, Chad partners with local banks and community resource organizations to help businesses access the tools and funding needed for growth and long-term success. His collaborative approach and deep understanding of the financial landscape make him a valuable resource for entrepreneurs and the regional business community

____________________________

Warren Miller, Vice President and Business Banking Officer at NBT Bank

Warren Miller is a Vice President and Business Banking Officer at NBT Bank, where he helps business owners improve cash flow, strengthen financial structure, and support long‑term growth. With a background in entrepreneurship, commercial lending, consulting, and financial markets, he brings real‑world perspective to business banking.

Warren has founded and operated multiple businesses and previously served in senior business banking roles supporting SBA, commercial real estate, and specialty lending. He is deeply involved in the Greater Rochester community, serving on nonprofit boards and as President of the Downtown Center City Rotary of Rochester, and regularly lectures on entrepreneurship and business finance.

Before Hours Networking at NBT Bank Irondequoit (25 Aug 2026)

Tue, 25 Aug 2026 12:00:00 GMT

Start your day inspired by other professionals at BEFORE HOURS NETWORKING!

When: Tue, August 25th

Where: NBT Bank Irondequoit

Time: 8:00am-9:00am

Cost: FREE!

BEFORE HOURS NETWORKING offers business professionals an opportunity to connect, share and collaborate on ideas, promote their brand and find mentorship over a light morning fare and beverage assortment hosted by one of our members.

This event is free and open to the public however we do ask that you register and RSVP so our host can prepare for how many people to expect. Also, if you change your mind and can no longer attend, please cancel your registration.

About Our Host

NBT Bank is an independent, community bank that works with businesses of all sizes to develop individualized plans to help foster success. Established in 1856, they have remained committed to providing customers with superior banking services and helping to make the communities they serve a better place to live and work.

After Hours Networking at Reliant Credit Union (1 Sep 2026)

Tue, 01 Sep 2026 21:30:00 GMT

Unwind and Network: The Perfect After-Hours Blend!

When: Tue, September 1st

Where: Reliant Credit Union

Time: 5:30pm-7:30pm

Cost: FREE!

AFTER HOURS NETWORKING offers business professionals an opportunity to unwind, connect, share and collaborate on ideas, promote their brand and find mentorship over a light evening fare and a beverage assortment hosted by one of our members.

About Our Host

Reliant Credit Union is member-owned and community driven, meaning they don't answer to shareholders and decisions are driven by their members. Reliant is a non-profit credit union looking to deliver the best financial solutions to each individual member.

2026 J. Genier Charity Mini Golf Tournament (17 Sep 2026)

Thu, 17 Sep 2026 21:00:00 GMT

Join us for a 'hole' lot of fun that makes a big difference ⛳

DATE: Thursday, September 17th

LOCATION: Parkside Diner & Whispering Pines Mini Golf Course

COST (Tournament Entry + Dinner): $55 Members / $65 Guest

Sponsorship Options below.

Schedule of events:

5:00pm: Mandatory Check-In, networking and raffles open

6:00pm: Tee off begins- followed by dinner at course completion

7:15pm: Raffle & 50/50 winners will be announced, tournament winners and Plungers Awards will be presented.

PLEASE REGISTER BY Wednesday, September 2nd.

What to Expect:

Our annual mini golf tournament brings the community together to raise money for our local Sunset House, comfort care in a home-like setting located on St. Paul Blvd in Irondequoit. Started by our late friend and board member, the Honorable Joe Genier, our mini golf tournament has continued to grow and raise more charitable donations each year.

Our event offers a combination of networking, raffles and prizes, dinner and of course our tournament. During the tournament sponsored drinks will be available thanks to sponsored "Caddies" who will be happy to help grab drinks and raffle tickets for you.

We will be selling 50/50 raffle tickets for $2 per ticket or $10 for an arm's length as well as raffle basket tickets for $20 which gets you an entire sleeve. That's a lot of chances to win!

We will be awarding the winning team with medals & recognition while our losing team will be receiving our famous Plunger Awards again this year. If you do not have a foursome to register with - no worries!- we will assign you to a team.

Tournament rules are simple:

Keep your own score
Turn it in at the end (We run on an honor system!)
Have a great time!

Can't Make the Tournament but Want to Support the Sunset House?:

Click the link above to be redirected to a secure online donation page or use our Venmo QR code to make a personal donation. 100% of funds collected through donations will go directly to the Sunset House.

Advertising that Matters.

Get seen and support a great organization with one of our many sponsorship options!

️ Choose Your Sponsorship ️

Sponsor a Caddy ($250)- Limited to three sponsors

Have one of our drink runners wear your logo all evening! When you choose this option you will need to provide one of our runners with your company gear: T-shirt, hat, etc. You choose! You will also receive a hole sign with this sponsorship.

Sponsor a Cooler ($150)- Limited to four sponsors

Have your company sign on a drink cooler. Cooler sponsors will receive one complimentary registration. See descriptions of each cooler at registration.

Sponsor a Raffle Basket ($150) Limited to five sponsors

Choose from one of our raffle baskets to sponsor and you will have a sign indicating it was sponsored by you and your business. Basket sponsors will receive one complimentary registration.

Sponsor a Hole ($60/New Sponsor | $50/Renew Your Sign)

Have your company sign at one of the holes. This is an option that can be added on to any registration. It does not come with complimentary registration.

We are also accepting one time individual donations of any amount that will go directly to the Sunset House:

1. Donate online: Charity Mini Golf Donation Page

2. Send a donation through Venmo and be sure to add "Sunset House Donation" to the note. Our Venmo name is @Irondequoit-Chamber

3. Bring a personal check to the event

To learn more about the Sunset House please visit them online or on Facebook.

Want to donate a raffle item? Email admin@irondequoitchamber.org

After Hours Networking at The Artist Cave (22 Oct 2026)

Thu, 22 Oct 2026 21:30:00 GMT

Unwind and Network: The Perfect After-Hours Blend!

When: Thur, October 22nd

Where: The Artist Cave

Time: 5:30pm-7:30pm

Cost: FREE!

About Our Host

The Artist Cave, owned by John and Lori Lenhard, was transformed into an art studio and gallery space housing fine arts, and some not so fine arts, by artists of all ages and skill levels. Stop in and learn how to free your inner artist. All artwork is for sale! Open Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 4-8 and Saturday, Sunday 12-4.

Speed Networking : A Special After Hours Networking Event (17 Nov 2026)

Tue, 17 Nov 2026 22:30:00 GMT

We Make Networking Easy and Fun! Join us for Speed Networking: A Special After Hours Networking Event at Bar-Bill East.

When: Tue, November 17, 2026

Where: Bar-Bill East on Empire Blvd.

Time: 5:30pm-7:30pm

Cost: $10- Members / $15 - Guests

What's Included: One drink, Bar-Bill's famous wings and pizza!

What to Expect: When you arrive each person will be assigned a seat to begin in. Don't worry, we are making this super easy! There will be jars on the table with pre-written questions. Grab from the jar and start talking until that buzzer goes off, then it's time to move! Once you complete your rounds (based on number of registrations) you will earn your free drink ticket! The last part of the event will be open networking with Bar-Bill's famous wings and pizza served for all participants.

Become a Drink Sponsor ($200) - LIMITED TO TWO

Your logo will be placed on all advertised materials and at the bar. You may bring a table and distribute marketing materials in our event room to our participants as well.

About Our Host

Bar-Bill East is a tavern famously known for their wings and Beef on Weck. They are also a choice establishment for the "Bills Mafia" to gather and watch games. Bar-Bill also offers party rental spaces and has a wonderful outdoor patio across from the bay that attracts customers all summer long.