Starting (s) Track
The concept of systemic racism and poverty is made tangible to participants through an interactive workshop focused on the ways housing discrimination and residential segregation shape opportunities and disadvantages. Using interactive maps and tools, participants examine the neighborhoods they grew up in to understand the connection between race, segregation, and access to inter-generational wealth-building (or the lack thereof). After examining the long-term effects of housing segregation and discrimination on wealth-building, participants make connections between residential segregation and education, transportation, policing, environmental hazards, health, and employment. Participants walk away with a personalized understanding of the links between systemic racism and poverty that can be used to launch discussions about integrating equity into organizational practices, social responsibilities and remedies.
Presented by: Dr. Paula Ioanide, Rise to Equity
With gratitude to sponsors Cayuga Health System, Community Foundation of Tompkins County, BorgWarner, and Chemung Canal Trust Company for their support.
Learn about our entire DEI Series below!
The goal of this educational workshop series is to help empower employees, leaders and stakeholders to be more inclusive to create impact and change.
We’ve invited an array of excellent, experienced facilitators to host the workshops throughout this series. The series will feature activities, workshops and learning opportunities on the topics outlined on our website. To aid Chamber Members' desire to build greater diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) in their respective workplaces, a group of experienced facilitators and consultants will be conducting six webinars each month from January to June.
There are six workshops in total. Where you’re at in your journey of DEI exploration will be helpful in determining which workshops to attend.
- Workshops geared towards those who are just starting (labeled s) their journey of learning and understanding how to begin cultivating diverse, equitable, and inclusive (DEI) workplaces
- Workshops geared toward those are consider themselves advanced (labeled a) in understanding DEI and want an opportunity to continue learning and take a dive deeper into specific topics.
Featured Annual Events
Economic Summit
The Tompkins Chamber presents key local issues impacting local businesses and developers, policy issues impacting the business community, and local insights from participants in a national economic outlook survey. Partnering with Ithaca Area Economic Development (IAED), the event includes important updates about our economy, workforce, upcoming projects, and strategies to move forward and achieve a sustainable economic recovery.
Annual Dinner & Awards
One of the premier business community events of the year, the Annual Meeting highlights the Chamber community and previews the goals and initiatives for the coming year. Come and celebrate the success of our business community and economic development with hundreds of local leaders and elected officials! Join us as we raise a glass to the companies, not-for-profits, and volunteers who partner with us to help our community thrive.
Golf Tournament
This day on the green combines top-notch golf with valuable networking and advertising opportunities. Held at one of the County’s finest and professionally-rated golf courses. Staggered start golf tournament with several prizes, including skins. Lunch and beverages provided.
Great Big Chamber Auction
See and be seen by the region’s top business executives and small business owners. The Great Big Chamber Thank You & Auction holds tremendous value to our sponsors, donors, and attendees as it is one of our most highly publicized and attended events. The Great Big Chamber Auction portion helps underwrite the events and programs that support our Chamber members. Traditional silent and live auction, networking, and nonprofit recognition awards.