Archive: Business & Technology

Community Service and a commitment to helping others are what stand out about La Tourelle Resort & August Moon Spa and The Computing Center. The two Ithaca-based businesses have been named co-recipients the 2008 David R. Strong Small Business of the Year by the Tompkins County Chamber of Commerce. They'll be recognized for their accomplishments at a noon luncheon, Thurs., Oct. 2, at Watercress, located at 2 Hickory Hollow Lane just off Triphammer Road in Ithaca. Tickets are available by calling the Chamber at 607-273-7080 or online at tompkinschamber.org.

This is the first time in the history of the award that a pair of businesses have been named co-recipients.

 

"We were absolutely delighted by the high quality and quantity of all of the nominees for this year's award," said Tompkins Chamber President, Jean McPheeters. In the end, these two businesses were tied at the top of the Awards Committee's rankings."

The Computing Center began with two employees in 1978. Thirty years later, it employs 20 full-time equivalent employees at a facility in the Cornell Business and Technology Park. The Computing Center's commitment to public service in Tompkins County is matched only by its commitment to providing the latest integrated, cutting-edge computing and software solutions to its clients. The Computing Center has provided volunteer, fundraising, financial or in-kind support to organizations such as the TC3 Foundation, Museum of the Earth, Ithaca Youth Hockey Association and the Lansing Music Festival. In all, more than 40 local, non-profit organizations have at one point or another reaped the benefits from the time and support of The Computing Center over the past 30 years.

 

"It's a very special honor to be named the 2008 David R. Strong Small Business of the Year by the Tompkins County Chamber of Commerce." said Larry Baum, Chairman and C.E.O. of The Computing Center. Over the past 30 years, our company has had to adapt to the ever-changing world of computer technology. It's also positioned us to be involved with many local businesses and organizations, working with them to help leverage technology to become more efficient, grow and thrive. Our business involvement has also led to community involvement. By being locally focused, our company and staff also volunteers time and resources to over 40 community organizations that make this a special place to live."

The Computing Center will celebrate its 30th anniversary in October by giving away a $30,000 technology makeover to a local charity or not-for-profit organization.

 

La Tourelle Resort opened 22 years ago as a 30-room country inn. It expanded in 2005 by adding 20 more rooms and suites, the August Moon Spa, a café and other improvements to its grounds and facilities. It also began a comprehensive marketing plan to position itself as the premiere resort in the Finger Lakes which included efforts to position Ithaca and the Finger Lakes region as tourist destinations. La Tourelle employs an average of 50 full-time equivalent year-round employees and expects to donate between $30,000 and $40,000 in cash and in-kind contributions to local non-profit agencies in 2008. The Johnson Museum of Art, Hangar Theater, the Cancer Resource Center of the Finger Lakes and Family Reading Partnership have all been on the receiving end of La Tourelle's generosity. The Resort and Spa have also served as focus projects for marketing, public relations, and hospitality classes at Cornell University and Ithaca College.

 

"We are delighted that the hard work of our hospitality and spa teams are being recognized by our Chamber of Commerce through this award." said La Tourelle Resort Managing Director Scott Wiggins. At La Tourelle Resort & August Moon Spa, we strive to be gracious hosts for our guests, and active community partners. On behalf of all of our staff and management, and the Wiggins family - we thank our Chamber of Commerce for this special honor."

 

While the community service efforts of La Tourelle Resort and The Computing Center stood out to the Chamber awards committee, the committee also took note of the growth of each business since its inception, specific plans for future growth and their commitments to both the Chamber and entire local business communities. The awards committee also noted that employees of The Computing Center have a long history of service on the Chamber of Commerce board of directors and various Chamber committees, while employees of La Tourelle Resort and August Moon Spa have worked tirelessly to promote the growth of the tourism industry in Tompkins County.

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