Miles Wine Cellars announced its online shopping cart to offer its famous wine to residents outside the area.  The Finger Lakes winery is now offering free shipping to New York state, their award winning wines include red, white, blush, and sparkling.

“We have so many people requesting a wine shopping cart,” Suzy Hayes says.  “Now we can ship our wine and items from our gift shop to all our loyal customers and fans.”

Miles offers Finger Lakes wines to the following states currently: North Carolina, New York, and Florida.   More states may be added by popular demand.  There will also be gifts available online for shipping nationwide, which will help promote the company to a broader reach.   Gifts include items such as wine accessories and apparel, including T-shirts with their logo, and the famous Ghost silhouette.   Ghost happens to be their best-selling wine.  For more information visit their site at: http://mileswinecellars.com

About Miles Wine Cellars:
Located on beautiful Seneca Lake, Miles has a rich history, including a famous ghost that roams around the halls of its lavish estate.  Miles also offers a boat accessible dock, a new café, and an Inn for consumers to stay overnight.  Wine goers can experience the full treatment of hospitality at Miles Wine Cellars.

Contact:
Suzy Hayes
Miles Wine Cellars
168 Randall Rd
Himrod, NY 14842
(607) 243-7742
Email: info@mileswinecellars.com

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“This getaway offers an incredible sample of what is available at our spa retreat,” Maureen Cleveland, owner of Life Path Spa says. “We take a fresh approach to health and wellness; there is no other place like this.” The getaway includes an overnight stay for two at the famous Bristol Harbour Resort, one fifty minute luxurious spa treatment per person, which can include massage, nail, or skin care treatments, also a guided hike in the beautiful hills of the Finger Lakes, and all available fitness classes.

Life Path Spa is a foremost destination spa, offering not only the best view of the Finger Lakes area, but a unique approach to rejuvenate the mind, body, and soul. The Spring Renewal Getaway is a great idea for a romantic getaway, or a girlfriend’s getaway. Must be 18 years or older to enter, no purchase necessary.

Drawing is April 30, 2013. For more information and to enter visit: https://api-apps.com/app/embed/user/w/sl/148424744619/sweepstakesmobile

Contact: Maureen Cleveland
Life Path Spa
5408 Seneca Point Drive
Canandaigua, NY 14424
585-919-6221

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But no matter what, everyone can at least agree that it won’t go away anytime soon. So what exactly is optimized press release? Well, instead of just writing up a regular press release to get the word out about a trending topic, the writer will use keywords of his choice. Using these certain keywords draws more attention to the press release. This is because when somebody decides to search for something on a search engine (e.g. Google) they will be more drawn to your article based on the words you use. And while this is probably the most common of the methods for optimizing press releases, others exist as well. And sometimes they can be just as effective as using keywords. For instance, to help spread the word more the press release may be connected with a social networking site such as Facebook or Twitter.

We have come a long way since the days of relying on the printing press for news. Press Releases have been around for quite some time, but by optimizing them some people are having a hard time adjusting. But like mentioned before, they are here to stay. Plus, maybe after people have adjusted to this new method of press release we will truly see just how effective and positive it can be.

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Using custom website designers to build a presence on the internet allows the business owner or organization president to place the focus on the product, service or charity he or she represents. By working one on one with a designer, one can pick and choose where the emphasis will be on the final website. For example, if the company is selling swimming pools, a designer can create a neat, interactive site that will draw the attention of the consumer without resorting to a boring mélange of blues and greens behind white text. The designer might include audio to invoke the feeling of visiting the ocean, or he might design the graphics as if the consumer were lying in the bottom of the pool peeking up toward the surface with the underside of the people and floats leading to links and further information.

Some would say the cost of using customer website designers is prohibitive. It is true that the more detail and interaction the owners want to include in their site may increase the cost of creating it. However, if a stellar design not only draws consumers to the site, but also holds their attention and entices them to a purchase or a donation, any money spent to create such riveting design is well worth it. The difference that can be made with a custom one of a kind design can be the difference between success and failure.

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Obviously you want to avoid these outcomes for the storage of your business records.  If you really didn’t care about crashing or disappearing, there would be no point in storing your records at all.  It certainly would make business processes easier to simply discard records after a certain period of time—five years perhaps.

It’s clear to most managers that the majority of paper filed in cabinets, whether neatly or in a mess, could easily be discarded.  No one knows what’s there, so no one is likely to miss it.  Unfortunately, most people can’t think of many things they hate doing more that weeding out file cabinets. But if someone keeps on top of it, the process of storing business records does not have to be quite so onerous. (Hopefully you will not have a project as I once did, where I found documents older than I was. I doubt if many of those papers had much use when they were new. I used a lot of trash receptacles.)

A business records management system has to begin with an inventory of what is in the office, off-site storage, and all company locations—subsidiaries, outlying offices, factories, etc.  Most firms will be totally surprised at how much paper they have. (Hopefully, they recycle paper. I actually worked in an office supervising a construction project, with just too many vendor catalogs. So they loaded them up, took them to the site, and poured them into the hole dug for the building. I guess that might be recycling.)  Since the goal is to reduce the amount of paper before it is sent to storage, a procedure for organization and destruction is needed. So a records management system and timetable is necessary.

Records management procedures can be found online, or from your industry trade association. Tailor what you find to your unique circumstances, and then make sure it is implemented throughout the enterprise. Records management can become a nightmare if it is only used when it is convenient. Make sure that everyone understands this—maybe give rewards for getting it done efficiently.

Part of any records procedure is a schedule for retention and destruction.  This schedule usually is formulated from a combination of regulations, industry practice, and common sense.

Storing Business Records

There are lots of options for housing your records. Business records storage services can provide as much or as little as you want.  They can come in and totally take over the entire process, even writing and setting up a workable procedure. They can organize and pack boxes, label them, and move them to their storage facility. Or you could elect to have them scan all of the paper to produce digital copies of everything.

Most firms elect to have boxes of documents stored in an off-site secure facility. Before selecting a vendor, check such things as: delivery methods, times and costs; labeling or indexing capabilities; and maintenance of a convenient-to-use record of your boxes, with a clear indication when they are retrieved.  They should also help you set up and maintain a destruction schedule and provide a guarantee that your documents will be shredded properly.

So the bottom line is to have a good system and stick with it. If you want your records storage to work there can be no exceptions. Help employees understand that, one: you will make sure that they can retrieve things they need, and two: keeping documents past their use date is not only expensive, but dangerous. (Dangerous because you must be consistent with files that may be requested for a legal process.)

Attached Images:

•  License: Image author owned

Connie Williams is an information junkie who lives to ferret out fascinating ideas for her readers. She writes blog posts on a variety of topics such as document scanning services.  She has set up records procedures for several clients, and has been responsible for indexing, business records storage, and records management procedures.

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Hopefully by now you have an up and running website, somewhere your customers can visit in their own time, have a look around at what you offer, make a purchase and payment and arrange delivery. If not you need to start here, if you do great stuff, let’s move on.

In order to attract people to your website you have to start some online marketing campaigns, these campaigns can include blogs, press releases and social media or you may have chosen the pay per click route, this is your choice, either way using a copywriter can make a big impact on your results.

What to Write About

The first thing you need to determine when you decide to start a blog is what to write about, this may sound easier than it actually is, that is why so many people will use a copywriter who has knowledge of what interests people, what type of valuable information they are looking for and how to engage them that they keep coming back for more time and time again.

Your blog will obviously be related to your business and the products you sell, now maybe you’re in the motor trade or maybe you sell hair care products, a blog can offer you online success with ease. If you own a hair salon and you sell hair care products for additional income, you can write on a range of hair care techniques and tips for the audience, this way you know you are reaching your target audience and through hyperlinks back to your site, you will hopefully gain some new customers from your efforts as well.

Put it Into Words

Right now you have your topic and your idea in place, now it’s to put it into words. You obviously don’t want to sound drab and long winded, it needs to be informative, interesting, offer valuable information and it needs to be friendly and light hearted.

If you are one of the lucky people who can write the way they talk, then this is a great place for you to be right now. A blog written with factual information that has a little bit of humour can go a long way and can keep people reading over and over again, the results you are looking for.

Think SEO

Once you have everything in place you need to think SEO. Now you may have no idea what this is and that’s why a copywriter may be the option for you. SEO is search engine optimization, where you use specific keywords throughout the article to a particular keyword density. This helps you get noticed by search engines and improves your search engine ranking, thereby increasing your customer database and in turn your sales turnover.

If this all sounds too confusing, don’t worry about it.  Outsource for a copywriter now and let them do the thing with words rather than you.  These writers do this for a living, they understand exactly what the audience is looking for and they have that special knack with words that keeps your readers coming back for more.

Through careful planning and regular updates your blog alone can increase your sales turnover, directing customers to your site through your informative blogs is one of the best ways to market yourself online at an affordable price.

A copywriter is the best person to outsource to ensure your blog is the best it can be and attract potential customers to your website.

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It was just announced the Miami Motel received a 2012 certificate of excellence award, honoured by TripAdvisor, the nation’s leading online travel and hospitality site.

“It is such an honor to be awarded,” Valerie Calkins said, co-owner of Miami Motel.   “We always try to ensure guests have a comfortable stay when visiting Canandaigua and the Finger Lakes region.”   Valerie and her husband Dennis are busy resurrecting the history and glamour that once surrounded the 1953 Miami-inspired resort.

The expansive grounds and design of the motel has been an inside-out process.  The many rooms have been renovated and each room has a specific theme, or has its own charm.  Miami Motel features family friendly lodging including double rooms, kitchenettes, double and king sized room.  Their Jacuzzi bungalows features modern but romantic amenities and are very popular.

The TripAdvisor award is based on reviews left by guests who stayed at the Miami Motel.  TripAdvisor also ranks Miami Motel as number one out of nine hotels in the Canandaigua area.   The great customer service doesn’t stop at the rooms, Dennis and Valerie also love to recommend to their guest the best places in the area to visit, including attractions, restaurants, and shopping.

Contact:
Valerie Calkins
Miami Motel
4126 Routes 5 and 20
Canandaigua, NY 14424
585-394-6700 Email
http://motelmiami.com

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Trails include famous Finger Lakes nature spots such as Letchworth State Park, Montezuma Wildlife Refuge, Hi Tor (Naples) Stony Brook State Park and many more. The Niche Program includes one-on-one talks, healthy lunches, nature identification, and group health and wellness sessions.

The Niche Program

“This program was designed to help others by using nature and its properties to introduce a change in thought and behaviour patterns,” says Mark Perticone, Instructor and Guide. “Here you can find your healing niche with a therapeutic experience to help you reflect and learn to think and behave properly, those who are not in need of therapy will enjoy more time learning about the surrounding environment.”

The Niche Program provides service to those with bipolar disorder, alcoholism, chemical dependency, depression, schizophrenia, and adults of all abilities, we also cater to business and nature retreats. Groups or one-on-one sessions can be registered online or by phone.

About Mark Perticone, Instructor and Guide:

Mark’s many years of experience include environmental conservation, therapy, education, nature interpretation, and a gift of caring and communication with others. His work experience includes the Veterans Recovery Center/Mental Health Intensive Case Management Program at the VA Medical Center. Previous Employers: NYS Finger Lakes Developmental Disabilities Service Organization, CDS, Chandler/Gilbert ARC, Arizona. Through tremendous self care and preservation and through his spirituality, he has learned to overcome personal challenges and has also equipped himself to help others take on various challenges of their ownwith grace.

Contact:
Mark Perticone
50 Beeman Street
Canandaigua, NY 14424
585-857-6441
mark@nicheofnature.com

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Holiday Open House celebration is set for downtown Canandaigua.  The annual event introduces the holiday season to area residents and tourists.  Merchants and businesses usually unveil specials or promotions, introduce holiday merchandise, and provide fun activities to bring in the season.

“We have a great schedule of activities for the weekend,” Aimee Ward says, president of the Canandaigua Downtown Merchant Association.  “Bring the entire family and spend the weekend in Canandaigua.”

The celebration kicks off Friday with a Holiday Drink Contest by merchants from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.  Shoppers can vote on which location has the best tasting holiday drink.  There will be a list of merchants with their drinks available during the event.  There will also be holiday specials and promotions from merchants, including refreshments.   The annual $1000 Shopping Spree also begins on Friday.  Shoppers can fill out their names and enter to win $1000 worth of downtown certificates.

On Saturday the festivities continue with family fun activities:

• Look for holiday elves from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. handing out Downtown Dollars and free turkey giveaway tickets
• Turkey giveaway every hour from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Horse drawn carriage rides run from 1-4 p.m.
• Seasonal music playing on the street

For more information about the Holiday Open House celebration go to: http://www.downtowncanandaigua.com/events/holiday-open-house/

Contact Info:

Aimee Ward
Canandaigua Downtown Merchant Association
P. O. Box 453
Canandaigua, NY 14424-0453
585-396-7210

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Canandaigua, N.Y. — The ATHENA Committee announced today that six women have been nominated for the coveted ATHENA honor. 2011 is once again a year with many outstanding nominees for the ATHENA Award. The individuals nominated this year exemplify the qualities of leadership in the 21th Century; Learning, Celebration & Joy, Giving Back, Relationships,Authentic Self and Fierce Advocacy.

The Six ATHENA Award Nominees are:

Donna Bennett, Founder, CanandaiguaConnected.com, CanandaiguaZumba.com & Three Chiquitas Publishing;

Marianne Case Gallagher, Grant Writer/Community Volunteer & Owner, Gallagher Consulting;

Ellie Fralick, Retired Health Care Administrator, Community Activist & Board Member, Thompson Health;

Michelle Garlock, Owner, Master Peace Painting;

Diana Griffith, Owner/Master Stylist, Park West Hair Design and Spa;

Barbara G. Risser, Ed.D., President, Finger Lakes Community College

As you encounter this year’s nominees, we hope that you will take the time to congratulate each one of them for this prestigious honor that recognizes their contributions to our community.

The Canandaigua ATHENA program will also be awarding the Canandaigua ATHENA Young Professional Leadership Award. This award is for an emerging woman leader, 40 years of age or younger, who demonstrates excellence, creativity and initiative in her business or profession, provides valuable service to improve the quality of life for others in her community, and clearly serves as a role model for young women both personally and professionally.

The Three 2011 ATHENA Young Professional Leadership Award Nominees are:

Tracey Fuller, Heiser Brand President/Branch GM, Heiser Logistics;

Margaret Meyer, Vice President and Personal Banking Manager, Canandaigua National Bank & Trust;

Amy Navor, Associate Marketing Manager, Constellation Wines US

The 27thAnnual ATHENA Award Gala will be held Thursday, November 17, at The Inn on the Lake. A media presentation will be shown at the dinner featuring this years’ ATHENA Award nominees. The evening begins with cocktails at 5:30 p.m., followed by dinner at 6:45 p.m. and presentation of the ATHENA and the ATHENA Young Professional Leadership awards. There will also be a silent auction this year in addition to the raffle where you can “win” some wonderful gifts/prizes. Tickets are now available at the Chamber of Commerce at $50 per person. If you would like to be a Gold sponsor and purchase an entire table of eight, the cost is $650.

Reservations must be made through Elisha Snow at the Canandaigua Area Chamber of Commerce by calling (585) 394-4400 ext. 203.

A portion of proceeds from the event go to women’s scholarships. The evening is made possible through the generous support of our Diamond Sponsors: Randall Farnsworth Auto Group, Constellation Brands, EFP Rotenberg, LLP, Five Star Bank, and Thompson Health.

Canandaigua Area Chamber of Commerce

Elisha Snow
Canandaigua Chamber of Commerce
394-4400ext. 203

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