Caz Chamber to go fully remote lorenzo Driving Competition returns

By kAtE Hill Staff Writer

The Greater Cazenovia Area Chamber of Commerce (GCACC) recently announced its plans to go entirely remote.

Starting in January 2024, the GCACC Board will restructure its organization, eliminating its paid position and forgoing its brick-and-mortar tourism office at 95 Albany St.

The board voted to make the change on July 12, 2023.

“We believe tourism has changed and we want to change with the times,” said longstanding GCACC board member Barbara Houghton in a July 12 press release announcing the news. “This small sacrifice will allow more of our budget to be utilized to support local events on the ground level. We think this will have a huge impact on being able to enact some real change in the community and we are excited for the future.”

Upon learning of the planned restructuring, Mayor Kurt Wheeler said the village will strive to continue to support and collaborate with the GCACC — whatever form it may take — for the benefit of the local economy and community.

According to the GCACC, the change also represents a rebranding opportunity.

The organization recently launched “Caz Life,” a marketing and events committee dedicated to fostering local business development, promoting tourism, and implementing effective marketing strategies to enhance the vibrancy and economic growth of the village.

“The chamber has always been a great resource for businesses in Cazenovia, and in that sense, nothing will change,” said GCACC Secretary Beth Fragale in the press release. “We learned from COVID19 that businesses need to be able to adapt quickly in order to survive, and we think it is imperative to give them the support they need to see them thrive. We want to make Cazenovia a welcoming environment for new businesses and also continue to work together to strengthen our existing businesses.”

Kick-started by a $10,000 donation from community member Ralph Monforte, who owns Cazenovia Jewelry, Caz Life is

Kate hill

Last weekend, Cazenovia hosted the 45th Lorenzo Driving Competition. The final morning of the three-day Sapphire Jubilee competition began with the Pleasure Drive-Pace. Participants drove their horses or ponies along marked courses through the countryside surrounding lorenzo. the goal was for each competitor to drive at a pace that put them at the finish line as close as possible to the ideal time for the size of their horse or pony.