Coach Mike Schafer has led the Men's Ice Hockey program at Cornell University for the past 23years. He graduated from Cornell in 1986 with a degree in business management after leading the team to its first conference tournament championship in six years. Schafer retired as a player after his senior season and immediately became an assistant with the Big Red. He left his alma mater after the 1989?90 season, taking a similar position with the Western Michigan Broncos. Five years later, Schafer returned to East Hill as the Big Red?s head coach. He quickly returned the Big Red to prominence and has remained with Cornell ever since, becoming the second-longest tenured head coach and the winningest in team history. Coach Schafer has made more appearances in the ECAC tournament championship game than any other head coach with 11 and is tied for the most victories at 5. During his tenure, Cornell players have earned numerous ECAC Hockey awards, including a pair of Player of the Year honors, five Ken Dryden Awards for the league's top goaltender, five Defenseman of the Year awards, seven Defensive Forwards of the Year and five Rookies of the Year. Additionally, three players have earned ESPN The Magazine/CoSIDA Academic All-America honors a total of four times. A native of Durham, Ont., Coach Schafer and his wife, Diane, have two sons, Luke and John, and a daughter, Michelle.
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.