Past Chamber News Releases

Yanetsko named Chief Operating Officer of Greater Olean Area Chamber of Commerce
November 30, 2009
A familiar face in the Olean community will be taking the helm at the Greater Olean Area Chamber of Commerce. GOACC board president Jim Stitt Jr. announced today that Meme Yanetsko has been named the new chief operating officer of the Olean business organization, effective Dec. 1.  Ms. Yanetsko who was director of marketing for the Chamber had been acting administrator since July 1, after former COO John Sayegh left the post.

Chamber Announces Parade Winners
November 25, 2009
FIFTY-FOUR units and more than 1,436 adults and children took part in the 24th Annual Santa Claus Lane Parade held on Friday, November 27 in downtown Olean.  Judging for this season’s parade was done by Al Wager, National Grid Co.; Paula Snyder, Jamestown Community College; and Maggie Perrigo, GOACC.

Holiday Essay Contest Winners
November 25, 2009
The Santa Claus Lane Holiday Essay Contest winners have been announced by Greater Olean Area Chamber of Commerce. The Holiday Essay Contest, sponsored by Olean Times Herald's Newspapers in Education program, Marsh’s Munchers Horse Team, and the Greater Olean Area Chamber of Commerce, is held annually as part of the month-long Santa Claus Lane festivities.  Voting was done by a panel of individuals with Olean Times Herald's Newspapers in Education program, and the winners will enjoy Shop Olean gift certificates.  Entries were judged in one of three categories: Elementary, Middle/Junior High, High School-age levels.  Brooke Bushnell, 4th Grade at Boardmanville Elementary won the Elementary category; Marissa Seib, 6th Grade at Portville Central School won the Middle/Junior High; and Victoria Gardner, 9th Grade at Gardner Homeschool won the High School.  Officials wanted to hear stories on wishes, if you could have one wish, one wish for the holidays, what you would like for Christmas.

Gift Certificate -- Great Holiday Idea
November 24, 2009
The Greater Olean Area Chamber of Commerce Gift Certificate program should once again exceed all expectations for 2009 sales.  Gift certificates sales have steadily grown since the program began.  The 2008 program had sales of $508,915, more than $59,040 over the previous year.  On a single day last December, the Chamber had a record sales of $24,485.

GOACC instituted the Gift Certificate Program in 1995 with $9,000 in certificates sold and 35 member businesses participating.  “As of November 1, 2009, we have sold $206,700 worth of certificates with 240 members participating,” said Nancy Morgan, Membership Director.  “This figure is more than $10,000 higher than last year at this time.  Businesses in the area purchase the gift certificates for their employees as holiday gifts, bonuses, retirement presents and even workplace incentives.  Residents and non-residents from as far as Texas, Wisconsin, Michigan, and Virginia take advantage of the gift that never needs to be returned because it doesn't fit,” she added.

More than 50 Volunteers Help Decorate the Park and More than 40 Organizations Help Decorate The Flower Baskets and Barrels
November 13, 2009
Santa Claus is expected in Olean less than 14 days from now, but Saturday, November 7, he had more than 50 volunteers assist with putting up the decorations in Lincoln and War Veterans Park, in Olean.
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Help Light the Lane
November 6, 2009
The Santa Claus Lane Committee and Greater Olean Area Chamber of Commerce officially kicked off its lighting program fundraising campaign.  Businesses and stores throughout Olean will sell Santa Claus Lane buttons and  paper holiday bulbs for $1 each to their customers from now until mid-December. The buttons which feature the holiday lights in Lincoln Park and the red, green, and yellow paper bulbs, symbolic of the real ones that adorn the city streets and parks, are available for customers to purchase.
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Holiday Essay Contest
October 23, 2009
Children who live in Twin Tiers area of New York and Pennsylvania are invited to write an essay about the December holidays --  “If I Had One Wish....?”    The Holiday Essay Contest is sponsored by Olean Times Herald's Newspapers in Education program, Marsh’s Munchers Horse Team, and the Greater Olean Area Chamber of Commerce.  Officials want to hear stories on wishes, if you could have one wish, one wish for the holidays, what you would like for Christmas.   The essay can be written at school or at home.

Santa Claus Lane Parade Applications
October 15, 2009
Greater Olean Area Chamber of Commerce is now taking float applications for the Santa Claus Lane Parade.  The Santa Claus Lane Parade is always the highlight of the holiday season, and will be held on the Friday, November 27, after Thanksgiving, in downtown Olean, beginning at 7  PM.  The Santa Claus Lane Parade would like to invite area municipalities and organizations to create a float, send in a musical unit, or display historical/public vehicles in the parade.
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Event Brochures Now Available!
October 15, 2009
The Greater Olean Area Chamber of Commerce has released the October 2009 - March 2010 Events and Activities brochure.  Events located in Cattaraugus, Allegany counties in New York  State, as well as McKean and Potter counties in Pennsylvania are promoted in the brochure.

GOACC and OTH to Host Mayoral and District Attorney Debates
October 8, 2009
The Olean Times Herald and the Greater Olean Area Chamber of Commerce will be hosting both a mayoral and district attorney debate, at the Olean High School auditorium, 410 West Sullivan Street, Olean.  The two candidates for City of Olean mayor will be part of a debate set for 7 PM Monday, October 19.  County Legislator Linda Witte will face off against Mayor David Carucci in the November 3rd election.  The two candidates for Cattaraugus County District Attorney will be featured in the debate scheduled for Wednesday, October 21, 7 PM.  Lori Rieman, the former Cattaraugus County first assistant district attorney will challenge current District Attorney Ed Sharkey.
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CHAMBER's ANNUAL DINNER RECIPIENTS ANNOUNCED
October 7, 2009
Vic Vena, Sr. has been selected to receive the “L.O.U.I.E.” awards at the Greater Olean Area Chamber of Commerce (GOACC) Annual Dinner on Thursday, November 5. The Annual Dinner begins at 6 PM at Premier Banquet Center.  Jim Stitt, Jr., GOACC board president, said, “The L.O.U.I.E. is presented annually to an exceptional person who epitomizes the enterprising spirit and the qualities embodied in the life of Louis Marra; Vic is deserving of that award and recognition.”  GOACC’s L.O.U.I.E. Award stands for ‘Love of Olean United in Enterprise.’
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We Need More Santa’s Elves!
October 5, 2009
The Santa Claus Lane committee has scheduled Saturday, November 7 from 9 AM - until finished to decorate Olean’s Lincoln Park.  The committee is seeking volunteers to decorate the park for the holidays.  Some organizations that volunteered in the past include the Olean Exchange Club, EvenStart, Olean YMCA Kids Zone, the Olean Rotary Club, Allegany-Limestone Central School’s Government Class, Genesis House, and the Cattaraugus County Association of Realtors.  We encourage children ages 10 and up and adults to participate.
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Could that dusty old painting you found in the attic be worth thousands of dollars?
October 1, 2009
Find out the answer to that nagging question, "I wonder if this is worth anything?" by attending Olean's Antique Appraisal Fair & Marketplace, Friday, October 23 and Saturday, October 24. Organized by the Jamestown Community College Cattaraugus County Campus Alumni Association and the Greater Olean Area Chamber of Commerce, the appraisal fair presents noted Olean area antique experts who will examine your items and tell you if you're sitting on a gold mine or saving sentimental keepsakes. The Fair and Marketplace will take place at JCC-Olean Cutco Theater with hours on Friday from 5 - 8 PM and Saturday 9 AM - 3 PM.
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Holiday Decorations Downtown
September 29, 2009

The Rally Has Rolled Out More than $15,000 in Donations
September 24, 2009

Rally Chairs Named GOACC Co-Volunteers of the Year
September 14, 2009

Sports Show “Reeled” In Many Goers!
September 13, 2009

Three Major Additions to Outdoor Sports/Rec Show
September 4, 2009

Check out Our Version of Over The River and through the Woods at the Outdoor Sports/Rec Show
August 28, 2009

Nominations Sought for Annual Dinner
August 24, 2009

A Roarin’ Success -- Seventh Year in Row for Increased Attendance
August 23, 2009

Sports Show Raffle
August 13, 2009

The Stadium will be ROARIN’
August 12, 2009

Exhibitor Space NOW Available for Outdoor Sports/Rec Show
July 17, 2009

The Taste Ladles Up the Food, Fun and Festivities
July 15, 2009

Four More Additions to the Olean Hospitality Wall of Fame
July 8, 2009

New Decorations, New Poles
June 23, 2009

A RACE Added to the TASTE! Make Haste to the Taste 5K Run / Walk
June 23, 2009

The Rally is Seeking Food and Retail Vendors
June 5, 2009

Make Haste to the Taste!
June 5, 2009

Annual Clambake GOES TROPICAL This Year!
May 19, 2009

Annual Rally Raffle
May 18, 2009

TIME TO SIGN UP TO LOSE!
April 19, 2009

HOME SHOW GREAT KICKOFF for home/garden renovation projects
April 19, 2009

GOOD NEWS WINNERS ANNOUNCED
April 17, 2009

NOMINATIONS FOR 2009 Taste Wall of Fame Awards now Being Accepted
April 15, 2009

Fall in Love With Your Home All Over Again!
April 2, 2009

Could that dusty old painting you found in the attic be worth thousands of dollars?
March 20, 2009

Chamber Membership Directory and Olean Guide
March 12, 2009

GOACC Needs Your Events!
March 6, 2009

Get Rid of those Winter Blues and Bring on Spring at Home Show
February 24, 2009

Good News Nominations Sought
February 4, 2009

Win Sabres Tickets and Support the 2009 Fireworks
February 2, 2009

JIM STITT, JR. ELECTED GOACC BOARD PRESIDENT
January 29, 2009

Take Your Treasures to the Antique Appraisal Fair
January 26, 2009

Gift Certificate Program Exceeds 2007 TOTALS
January 21, 2009

Home Show Set for mid-April
January 18, 2008

New Event & Some Changes Mark 2009 Calendar
December 10, 2008

Santa Claus Will Officially Open Santa’s Cottage
November 28, 2008

Right Down Santa Claus Lane...
November 25, 2008