Archive: Business & Technology

Around 85 businesses and not-for-profits got to show their stuff Wednesday when they converged on the Ithaca Farmer's Market for Showcase Tompkins, the Tompkins County Chamber of Commerce's annual business trade show.  Visitors were treated to  music, food, a cash bar, door prizes, and giveaways from the various booths that filled the market.  It was an upbeat celebration of the best Tompkins County has to offer, with a diverse collection of businesses of all kinds.  "Showcase Tompkins serves as a fundraiser for the Chamber of Commerce," says Director of Membership and Public Relations Doug Levine.  "Support of this event helps the Chamber continue with many programs our members have come to value and rely upon to further network their businesses and organizations."


The three hour event was sponsored by Tech S2, one of several Lansing companies that participated.  The company is based at the Cornell Business and Technology Park in the Village of Lansing.  It produces CaseScribe software, that almost instantly generates transcriptions of dictations sent over the Internet.  The business has grown to five employees over its four years.  "Sponsoring Showcase Tompkins this year is our way of telling all small businesses that they can make a positive difference for people, everywhere," said founder Mark Wheeler. "It is also a celebration of Tech S2's growth and successes."


The food was a big hit, with people lining up at Papa John's Pizza, Purity Ice Cream, Aladdin's Natural Eatery, Ithaca Coffee Company, Taste of Thai, and a lot of raves for Serendipity Catering.  The Tompkins County SPCA brought a collection of kittens that were available for adoption at the event, with volunteers walking some of them around the show.  Both the Kitchen and Hangar Theatres were represented, along with many local banks, Verizon Wireless, Friedman Electric, East Hill Flying Club, Rasa Spa, Cayuga Medical Center, radio stations, hotels newspapers, Internet companies, and many other businesses.  Wireless internet was provided by Lightlink so booths could show their Web offerings.


Chamber President Jean McPheeters and Doug Levine picked business cards out of a bucket to choose door prize winners.  The prizes were donated by many of the participating companies.  Giveaways were plentiful at the booths as well, with rubber ducks from Lansing's ADminders and Tech S2 tote bags among the most popular.


Entertainment was provided by the Common Raiders, a three piece acoustic band.  But the main focus was on the businesses.  "This is a great way to learn about many of the diverse products and services offered by Chamber members in your community," says Levine.

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