Congratulations to MCC Corporate Member Upper East Side Rehabilitation and Nursing Center on their Recent Grand Opening!

You are family @ UES from DreamPlay Media on Vimeo.

Angels @ UES from DreamPlay Media on Vimeo.

Verizon partners with Grind to open cowroking space in historic Lower Manhattan building to support startups, freelancers & creatives

Initiative will create center for innovation; to be operational early 2016

You can find the original article by visiting PR Newswire

NEW YORK, Oct. 12, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Verizon today announced an initiative designed to connect with New York City's tech community, in which it will open a coworking space at its landmark building at 140 West Street in lower Manhattan, across from One World Trade Center.

The space will provide flexible workspace options for startups and entrepreneurs seeking access to a networked community of diverse talent and expertise. Verizon is working with Grind, an experienced operator of premium membership-based coworking communities, to curate the experience.

As part of the initiative, Verizon will convert 10,000+ square feet of an underutilized floor at its iconic, former headquarters building. The space will connect the coworking community to Verizon's advanced Internet services and provide a platform for modern work in the legacy, Art Deco structure. The company expects to be operational in early 2016.

"With a rapidly growing tech sector in New York City, and a desire by those firms for high-speed connectivity, reliability and stability, our building will be getting new life as a center of innovation and collaboration," said John Vazquez, Verizon's senior vice president for Global Real Estate.

The space is being designed by Gensler, a leading architecture and design firm. The objective of the new space is to provide an environment that inspires knowledge sharing and collaboration among members of the coworking community and to enable them to problem solve and co-create with some of the best and brightest in their industries.

"Grind is excited to form this collaborative partnership with Verizon to create a coworking location that will align with Grind's mission to shape the future of work," said Grind co-founder Benjamin Dyett. "Grind's friction-free business model, premium aesthetic, and culture of innovation combined with Verizon's technology and real estate expertise will deliver a powerful workplace experience to users of the space."

With a focus on capturing a target audience of start-ups and entrepreneurs, mentorship will be provided through Verizon Ventures, the venture capital arm of the company.

Verizon has a history of entrepreneur empowerment through The Powerful Answers Award program, which has issued $16 million in awards to date with $6 million more to be awarded later this year. 

The company looks forward to working with a talented and diverse external community of entrepreneurs, technology developers, community leaders and academics. "We expect this location – and possibly others across the country – will be a dynamic work environment where start-up and creative entrepreneurs can form vibrant interdisciplinary communities geared toward collaboration and innovation," said Vazquez.

Members will have access to Verizon's high speed broadband and other platform technologies to boost their development opportunities. The space will include open workspace, team rooms, conference rooms, and meeting spaces, to accommodate around 120 people per day.

Verizon will use the West Street location as a test bed to potentially launch coworking operations with Grind in Verizon locations throughout New York City and other entrepreneurial communities across the country.  Each coworking site will be customized to fit the needs of the particular community it serves.

About Grind

Grind is a premium operator of members-only collaborative workspaces designed for 'people who would rather work in a community than at a company'. It is a professional platform designed to fuel the leap from traditional corporate environments to 'the future of work' by offering not only flexible, beautiful spaces, but also communities of like-minded, hard working entrepreneurs who can share advice and expertise to enhance opportunities. Learn more about the Grind and Verizon partnership at www.grindspaces.com/grind-west-coworking.

Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE, Nasdaq: VZ), headquartered in New York, employs a diverse workforce of 178,500 and generated more than $127 billion in 2014 revenues. Verizon Wireless operates America's most reliable wireless network, with 109.5 million retail connections nationwide. Verizon also provides converged communications, information and entertainment services over America's most advanced fiber-optic network, and delivers integrated business solutions to customers worldwide. For more information, visit www.verizon.com/news/.

VERIZON'S ONLINE NEWS CENTER: Verizon news releases, executive speeches and biographies, media contacts and other information are available at Verizon's online News Center at www.verizon.com/news/. The news releases are available through an RSS feed. To subscribe, visit www.verizon.com/about/rss-feeds/.

SOURCE Verizon

Wells Fargo: Small Businesses Enter 2016 with More Optimism

Improved cash flow and future outlook boost latest Wells Fargo/Gallup Small Business Index; survey also captures attitudes about mobile banking, EMV-chip card technology

 

New York, N.Y., Feb. 19, 2016 – Small business owners expressed a level of optimism not seen in a year in the latest Wells Fargo/Gallup Small Business Index, conducted January 11-15, as the Index’s overall score rose to 67, a 13-point gain from November’s survey. 

 

The quarterly survey, which measures the optimism of small business owners, had previously declined for three consecutive quarters, falling to an overall score of 54 in November. The January increase was the largest quarter-over-quarter increase since January 2015, when the Index also rose 13 points. 

 

The bounce in optimism benefitted largely from small business owners feeling better about their cash flow, with 60 percent saying their cash flow was very or somewhat good over the past 12 months – a level not seen since the fourth quarter of 2007. Looking ahead, 66 percent of business owners expect their cash flow to be very or somewhat good in the next 12 months, compared to 63 percent in November. Most other Index measures had small increases or were unchanged in the first-quarter survey.

 

“The latest Index scores show that small business owners are more upbeat about their current and future business conditions,” said Joe Kirk, Wells Fargo Region President.   “This suggests small business owners are entering 2016 with greater confidence, and cash flow sentiment is driving that optimism.”

Small business payment trends

The Index also gauged small business owners’ attitudes about EMV chip-enabled debit and credit cards. Beginning Oct. 1, 2015, merchants needed to convert to new EMV-enabled card processing systems or accept liability for any fraudulent point-of-sale card transactions. To meet the October 1 deadline, merchants were encouraged to update their card processing systems to accept chip-enabled cards. Almost half (48 percent) of business owners surveyed in January said that their card processing system is currently chip-enabled, up from 31 percent in August 2015. 

 

Of the business owners who have not updated their card processing system to accept chip-enabled cards, 22 percent plan to do so in the next six months, and 14 percent say within the next 12 months. One in five business owners (20 percent) say they never plan to upgrade.

About the Wells Fargo/Gallup Small Business Index

Since August 2003, the Wells Fargo/Gallup Small Business Index has surveyed small business owners on current and future perceptions of their business financial situation. The Index consists of two dimensions: 1) Owners’ ratings of the current situation of their businesses and, 2) Owners’ ratings of how they expect their businesses to perform over the next 12 months. Results are based on telephone interviews with 600 small business owners, with annual revenues up to $20 million, in all 50 United States conducted January 11-15, 2016. The overall Small Business Index is computed using a formula that scores and sums the answers to 12 questions — six about the present situation and six about the future. An Index score of zero indicates that small business owners, as a group, are neutral – neither optimistic nor pessimistic – about their companies’ situations.   The overall Index can range from -400 (the most negative score possible) to +400 (the most positive score possible), but in practice spans a much more limited range. The margin of sampling error is +/- four percentage points. The highest Index reading was +114 in the fourth quarter of 2006, and the lowest reading was -28 in the third quarter of 2010.

About Wells Fargo

Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE: WFC) is a diversified, community-based financial services company with $1.8 trillion in assets. Founded in 1852 and headquartered in San Francisco, Wells Fargo provides banking, insurance, investments, mortgage, and consumer and commercial finance through 8,700 locations, 13,000 ATMs, the internet (wellsfargo.com) and mobile banking, and has offices in 36 countries to support customers who conduct business in the global economy. With approximately 265,000 team members, Wells Fargo serves one in three households in the United States. Wells Fargo & Company was ranked No. 30 on Fortune’s 2015 rankings of America’s largest corporations. Wells Fargo’s vision is to satisfy our customers’ financial needs and help them succeed financially. Wells Fargo perspectives are also available at Wells Fargo Blogs and Wells Fargo Stories. 

About Gallup

For more than 70 years, Gallup has been a recognized leader in the measurement and analysis of people’s attitudes, opinions and behavior.  While best known for the Gallup Poll, founded in 1935, Gallup’s current activities consist largely of providing marketing and management research, advisory services and education to the world’s largest corporations and institutions.

MCC Partner News: Con Edison Implements ETIP 2016

As of January 1, 2016, Con Edison’s Energy Efficiency programs have entered a new operating cycle called the Energy Efficiency Transition Implementation Plan (ETIP) which focuses on updated strategies and initiatives for achieving energy reduction. The former EEPS programs; Residential Program, Multifamily Energy Efficiency Program (MFEEP), Small Business Direct Install Program (SBDI) and the Commercial and Industrial Program (C&I) will continue to operate under updated rules and guidelines.

PROGRAM UPDATES

Residential Program

• The eligibility criteria for the Residential Program remains the same; offerings are to customers in residential buildings with 1 to 4 units 
• The program has added new measures and appliances to the Appliance Rebate Program 

MFEEP

• Customer eligibility has been expanded to include all residential buildings with more than 5 units (no longer capped at 75 units) 
• The program will continue to give incentives for gas and electric direct-install and prescriptive measures. Additionally, the program will offer incentives for custom measures 
• The program will no longer be offering free Common Area energy surveys to all building customers. 
• Qualifying low-income customers will be offered additional benefits to participate, in the form of no- cost measures for building common areas. 

SBDI

• Eligibility has been updated to include service class 2, 9 and 51 customers who pay into the SBC with an average peak demand of up to 300kW (no longer capped at an average peak demand of 100kW) 
• The program will continue to offer prescriptive electric measures in lighting and refrigeration; with an all LED offering for various lighting applications 

C&I

• Program eligibility has been redefined to exclude Mulitfamily buildings and lighting projects for commercial buildings with an average peak demand of ≤ 300kW. 
• The program will continue to offer incentives for both gas and electric prescriptive measures as well as custom measures 

TRANSITIONING PROJECTS

Multifamily buildings with greater than 75 units were formerly eligible under the C&I program. SBDI projects with an average peak demand in the 100-300kW range were formerly eligible under the C&I program. As of January 1st 2016, these former C&I projects that were not officially sold to a customer (per a signed  agreement with a customer to proceed with a work scope), will be re-directed to qualify for incentives only in the Multifamily and SBDI Programs respectively, per the new eligibility rules.

Market Partners who have sold projects (i.e. have a signed work agreement with customers under the C&I Program as of Decemeber 31, 2015) will have a grace period to submit paperwork evident of that sold commitment. Such paperwork should be submitted to the C&I program on or before February 15, 2016 for

participation in the former C&I EEPS. Projects that do not meet this criteria (jobs signed on or after January 1, 2016), must be transitioned to MFEEP or SBDI to qualify for incentives. Market Partners are encouraged to do the following to begin the transition process:

For Multifamily projects, reach out to the current implementation contractor for MFEEP (The          Association for Energy Affordability), to initiate “Participating Contractor” status in this program,        and to work under the 2016 MFEEP guidelines.
       Program Contact: Jeff Laino, Program Manager
       Email: jlaino@aea.us.org
       Phone: 718-292-6733

For SBDI projects, reach out to the current implementation contractor for SBDI (Willdan Energy          Solutions) by February 15, 2016 to learn of opportunities to coordinate on projects that are now          incentivized in SBDI.
       Program Contact: Rachel Seraspe, Program Manager
       Email: rseraspe@willdan.com
       Phone: 646-604-4498

C&I Program Contact: Arthur W. Pearson, CEM, Manager, Business Development C&I                          Incentive
       Email: arthur.w.pearson@lmco.com
       Phone: 646 312 8910 x119

PlumBenefits February Entertainment Guide

These offers are provided to you by Manhattan Chamber Of Commerce. Winter is the perfect time to experience the best that Broadway has to offer! Enjoy the hottest hit shows and some fantastic favorites - and with Plum Benefits, you're guaranteed to have fun and save money! There's so much to enjoy — look for great deals on Top of the Rock, STAR WARS and the Power of Costumes, New York Knicks, or hop aboard The Ride. For the Broadway fan, don't miss the sizzling On Your Feet! or the brand new revival of The Color Purple starring Jennifer Hudson. Enjoy School of Rock, The Book of Mormon or Something Rotten! Planning a winter getaway? Check out offers from Walt Disney World Resort, Universal Orlando,SeaWorld Orlando and more. Don't forget, PlumBenefits members have access to great Local Deals, discounted movie tickets,rental cars and now, retail gift cards from over 50 major retailers and restaurants! Want to sign up? It's free and easy:  1. Visit www.plumbenefits.com 2. Use your work email address or company code provided by your Human Resources department. 3. Read and follow the easy steps on our site, and once registered you can access all tickets, events, hotels and more online for free.

	February's Plum Favorite: Wicked: So much happened before Dorothy dropped in. Exclusive Offer:Winter tickets from $94 + Free Gift with Premium Orders.

New Events:

	Eclipsed: See Lupita Nyong'o in her stunning Broadway debut. Save over 35%.			Tuck Everlasting: Take a journey you'll never forget in this daring new Broadway musical about love, family and living life to the fullest.Save up to 40% on Orchestra Seats.
	Disaster!: Set in the wildest decade ever, DISASTER! is the new Broadway musical that delivers the most unforgettable music of the 70's. Save over $50.			The Robber Bridegroom:Wildly creative and deliciously entertaining, Roundabout brings the rarely-seen theatrical gem back to the New York stage. Save $20 on tickets.

Westminster Dog Show: Limited Time Offer: Save over 35% to the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show.

Arts & Theater:

	Allegiance: See George Takei on Broadway - Exclusive Offer: $89 Orchestra Seats. Final performance February 14th.			A View From The Bridge:See the critically acclaimed drama in its final weeks - Save up to 35%
	Blackbird: Jeff Daniels and Michelle Williamsreturn to Broadway in this powerful drama. Save Over 35%.			Long Day's Journey Into Night: See Jessica Lange and Michael Shannon on Broadway - Save over $30 on tickets.

Misery: See Bruce Willis in his Broadway debut. Final performance February 14. Noises Off: Brace yourself for comic chaos. Save $20 on Orchestra Seats. Shear Madness: Don't miss out on the fun and bring your friends to New World Stages to experience this hilarious, hair-raising hit. Save over 35%.  Maurice Hines Tappin' Thru Life: Broadway legend MAURICE HINES taps us through his incredible career. Save over 15%.

Family & Attractions:

	The Gazillion Bubble Show: Save over 50%on the Most UNBUBBLIEVABLE Family Show in New York.			Matilda - The Musical: The Tony Award®- winning MATILDA THE MUSICAL is the story of an extraordinary girl who dreams of a better life. Save up to 40%.
	Sistas: The Musical:Women reminisce on family and cultural journey as they sing songs from "Oh Happy Day" to "Single Ladies".Save over 40%.			The Ride: THE RIDE is the world's only moving theater - a thrilling group adventure awaits you. Limited Time Offer - Save 40%.

Mountain Creek Ski Resort: Save up to 45% on lift tickets. Empire State Building Observatory: One can tour the Observatory 365 days per year, day and night, rain or shine for breathtaking views of Manhattan and beyond. Save up to 25%.

Sports & Entertainment:

	New York Knicks: Save over 35% on select games.			WWE Live Road to Wrestlemania:Save over 40% on select seats to see WWE Live Road to Wrestlemania in Hershey, PA.
	Ski Nationwide:Save big on lift tickets.			NASCAR: Save over 50% + Sprint Fan Zone

Miami Heat: Save up to 50% and Receive FREE Post Game Free Throw Passes on Select Games. iFLY Indoor Skydiving: You can experience human bodyflight - Save nationwide. Sourced Adventures- Hunter Mountain Day Trip: Save over $25 on Ski/Snowboard Day Trip. Orlando Magic: Looking for a night out you won't forget? Spend it with the Orlando Magic where you'll get to see an NBA game live! Save up to 40%.

PlumBenefits January Family Fun Guide

SKI RESORTS NATIONWIDESave Big on Lift Tickets! These offers are provided to you by Manhattan Chamber Of Commerce. Now is the best time to experience the best that Broadway has to offer! Discover brand new hit shows and some fantastic favorites - and with PlumBenefits, you're guaranteed to have fun and save money! There's so much to enjoy — look for great deals on One World Observatory, Madame Tussauds, Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises, or hop on board Big Bus New York. For the Broadway fan, don't miss Tony Award-winning shows like An American in Paris and Fun Home, plus favorites like Wicked and Matilda the Musical. Planning a getaway? Check out offers from Walt Disney World Resort, Universal Orlando, Six Flagsand more. Don't forget, Plum Benefits members have access to great Local Deals, discounted movie tickets, rental cars and much, much more! Want to sign up? It's free and easy: Visit www.plumbenefits.com Use your work email address or company code provided by your Human Resources department. Read and follow the easy steps on our site, and once registered you can access all tickets, events, hotels and more online for free. Fun for the Family Gazillion Bubble Show: Save over 50% Stomp: See what all the noise is about - Save over 30% Wicked: Tickets from $94 + Free Gift with Premium Orders AMC Theatres® Movie Tickets: Save up to 45% Madame Tussauds: Save up to 35% Top of the Rock: Save 25% LEGOLAND Florida Resort: Save up to 35% Valentine's Day Dinner Cruise: Save 15% An Evening at the Theater Chicago: See Eddie George and save up to $50 Jersey Boys: Orchestra seats from $64 Noises Off: Save over $35 on select seats Shear Madness: Save over 35% The Book of Mormon: Tickets from $99 The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time: Save over 20% on Orchestra The King and I: Save over $20 on Winter Orchestra The Lion King: Now on sale through August 2016 - Tickets start at $101 For the Sports Lover Ski Nationwide: Save big on Lift tickets New York Knicks: Save over 25% on select games Miami HEAT: Save up to 50% & get FREE Post Game throw passes (select games) iFLY Indoor Skydiving: Save nationwide NASCAR: Save over 50% + Sprint Fan Zone Orlando Magic: Save up to 40% on tickets Great Getaways Disneyland® Park Hopper®: Save over $10 Go Oahu Card: Save up to $35. E-Tickets now available. Dolphin Royal Swim: Save more than $50 The Beatles LOVE Cirque du Soleil®: Exclusive Pricing: tickets starting from $60 Hoover Dam Express Tour by Gray Line Tours: More Than Half Off - Save $42 Orlando Balloon Rides: Save up to $55 + free transportation + $10 gift card Walt Disney World - Magic Your Way® Tickets with Park Hopper® Option: Save over $30 plus 2 Days Free Busch Gardens® Tampa: Save up to 35% on unlimited visits plus parking

Second Annual Microsoft Small Business Video Contest

The second annual Microsoft Small Business video contest is here!

Microsoft is launching their second annual Small Business video contest, and we need your help. Last year we launched our first small business video contest with a simple request for small businesses to share their business stories via a 2-minute video. We reached 21 million people and had over 175 entries.

Our 2016 contest, starting January 25, is a great opportunity for business influencers to help small businesses in the US.

We will recognize the best, most inspirational and original video that showcases a small business story. The grand prize winner will win $20,000, new Surface Pro 4s, and subscriptions to Office 365 for their business (up to 10 devices/seats) in addition to a publicity package.

In addition, this year we will award a prize to four business associations. When a business connected to your organization enters the contest, they can write in your organization name for a chance to win a Surface Pro 4 and one-year subscription to Office 365.

The 2015 grand prize winner was Citizen Frederick, a men’s retail clothing store. Other winners included an innovative technology product for pets, a women’s clothing boutique, an embroidery franchise and a frame shop. Among the dozens of entries we received there were many inspirational stories from non-profits, retail, and online businesses.

"It was great fun and more importantly, our small business was seen by a few more people…It is great for a large company like Microsoft to support the little guys and both Luke and I appreciate your help!” Custom-Wood-Urns

You can find more information and enter the contest by clicking here.

MCC Partner Progressive Computing Wins SmartCEO Corporate Culture Award

New York SmartCEO recently announced the winners of their 2015 Corporate Culture Awards, and Progressive Computing was among the 40 honorees. The Corporate Culture Awards celebrate companies in Greater New York that have successfully championed a positive, productive and performance-driven culture, and have worked with their employees to develop successful cultural practices. The winners were profiled in the November/December issue of SmartCEO magazine and celebrated at an awards ceremony at BNY Mellon in New York City.

"We are extremely honored to be one of the recipients of the 2015 SmartCEO Corporate Culture Award,” said Robert Patterson, Director of Sales and Marketing at Progressive Computing. "We work with all of our team members to create a positive and productive environment that translates into optimum results for the company and our customers."

Chief Visionary Officer, Ugo Chiulli, and the rest of the Progressive Computing team work to promote a message and attitude of togetherness in the workplace. The company has focused on maintaining a culture rooted in teamwork and family. Employees receive fully-paid health benefits, profit sharing, significant time off, and are given the opportunity to work from home as needed. The normal workday for Progressive Computing staff starts at 9am and runs until 6pm without exception, and employees are expected to be on call only once every 10 weeks, which is extremely rare in the IT industry.

 “The leaders of the companies named to the inaugural Corporate Culture Awards have realized that running a company is more than head count and the bottom line. It’s about creating a place where creativity, energy and ideas are cultivated. Through this they are able to not only enhance performance and sustain their companies’ competitive advantages but also enrich the lives of those they employ and inspire them to make a greater impact on the world,” says Jaime Nespor Zawmon, president of SmartCEO Events. “We’re honored to celebrate with the leaders of New York’s top company cultures and recognize them for building true performance-driven cultures.”

The Corporate Culture Awards ceremony was held on December 3, and welcomed the leaders of New York’s top companies to enjoy a high-energy networking reception with activities including a red carpet, Guitar Hero, a putting green, and a live performance. These events were followed by a video-packed awards ceremony honoring the leaders of New York’s top company cultures.

2015 Corporate Culture Award Winners

180 South Advantage, Payroll Services, Brainlink International, The Brothers that just do Gutters , Brushfire, Inc., Crain's New York Business,  David Feldman Worldwide, DiGennaro Communications, The DSM Group, Durante Rentals, EYE Corp Medi,aFieldView Solutions, Inc.,  Fivesky  Gilt, Hackensack University Medical Center,  INDUSTRIAL RHYTHM L.L.C., InfoPeople Corporation;   InVNT; LeadDog Marketing Group, The Leading Niche, Likeable Media, LivePerson, Marketsmith, Inc., MASS Communications, MKG, Myriad Supply,  OTG Management,  Rush Communications,  Sharp Decisions,  The SPOT Experience, St. Christopher's, Inc.,  SUM Innovation,  SunPower by Infinity Solar, Tapad, Teads, TransPerfect, Vase Management LLC, Wilk Auslander,WorkWave.

About Progressive Computing, Inc.

With offices in Westchester County, NY and Manhattan, Progressive Computing, Inc. is a leader in computernetwork installation, design and maintenance, offering professional, cost-effective IT services, computerconsulting, technical support and computer repair to organizations since 1993.  The PCI team is focused on providing cost-effective, reliable and right-sized solutions that leverage a blend of both proven and cutting-edge technologies.  Clients regard them as their "on-demand" information technology department, entrusting that their recommendations, services and products will help them save money, become more efficient and grow their businesses.  Progressive Computing can support any IT outsourcing needs in a variety of ways with services that can be tailored and combined with others to deliver a custom solution to meet clients’ exacting needs.

These include:

• Managed Services - Management of all IT services for a flat-rate fee. 
• Cloud Computing - Cloud based solutions that are fully scalable and available for a flat-rate fee.
• Data Backup & Recovery - Complete backup and recovery services that protects your company data from the disasters or theft.
• Vendor Management - Management of all technology vendors that streamlines relationships and efficiency.

MCC Partner News from Edge City Design: The Drop Collaborative Requested as Model for CTE Training Best Practices by Department of Education, Tennessee

You can find the original article by clicking here.

By Ashley Bevensee

After viewing a video paying tribute to the Drop Collaborative's first year in review (check out the video at: http://www.dropcollaborative.com/happy-holidays.html), Heather Justice, Executive Director of CTE (Career and Technical Education) office of Tennessee's Department of Education, praised the Drop Collaborative and participating students' efforts. In addition to her approval of the program, Sharon Necessary, the Career and Technical Education Consultant in the First Tennessee CORE office, plans to share the video and highlight the Drop Collaborative in next month's CTE directors meeting in Nashville, Tennessee. Sharon Necessary has also requested the Drop Collaborative be used as a best practice model for other CTE teachers state-wide.

The Drop Collaborative was created to strengthen local community through food, education, and community outreach. By offering a space for students to apply classroom lessons to a practical environment through a SAE (Supervised Agricultural Experience), students can learn the art of sustainable farming and mentorship while providing families in need with fresh produce. Since 1982, Unaka High School has been home to one of two meat sciences programs in the country; teaching students the process of meat production. Until March 2015, Unaka High School did not have land available to teach food production from start to harvest or to raise cattle. Through the birth of the Drop Collaborative, Unaka's SAE program evolved. The first year's successes included inspiring dedication and commitment from student farmers, the purchase of our first calf, over 500 pounds of fresh produce donated to the community, and a mentorship day at the farm with younger students.

Pattie Meyer, President, Edge City Design LLC, and Ashley Bevensee, both based in Philadelphia, Pa. developed the idea and mission of the Drop Collaborative. Through Edge City Design's lengthy relationship with Manhattan Chamber of Commerce, particularly with Nancy Ploeger (Founder of Community Benefit Fund) and Laura Bucko (Founder of Green Committee), Edge City Design gained practical knowledge on creating such a program. East Tennessee State University (ETSU) was the first local school that was contacted. Ron Roach, Ph.D​., Chair, Department of Appalachian Studies, and Kevin O'Donnell, Department of Literature and Language, wanted to help make the idea become reality. They connected us with Emily Bidgood of Appalachian RC&D Council who connected us with Unaka High School. Josh Armentrout, Agriculture Instructor; Melissa Loveless, CTE Principal; Betsy Oliver, Principal; and Mickey Taylor, CTE Director/Supervisor of Unaka High School were immediately interested and quickly developed strategies to implement the Drop Collaborative's vision. We would not have been able to begin work on the Drop Collaborative in such short notice if it were not for the dedication of Unaka High School as well as other players and friends -- Frances Meyer, David Robbins, Esq., Lawrence Pierce, Charlotte Markland, Chris Estlow, Joe Meyer, Margaret Meyer, Taylor Malone, and many others. Last but most certainly not least, the Drop Collaborative would not have been so successful without the motivation of Unaka High School's students who participated -- Logan Cannon, Israel Harrah, Savannah Wood, Jacob Graybeal, Savannah Agan, Sierra Wright, and Chris Erickson.

MCC Partner News: Plum Benefits Entertainment Guide

To view this email as a web page, click here. January Entertainment Guide for all your employees Below is the new Plum Benefits Entertainment Guide for employees of Manhattan Chamber Of Commerce. Visit the new www.plumbenefits.com powered by TicketsatWork, where your employees can access savings up to 60% on over 80,000 offers in the most desirable destinations around the world and other new benefits. Your account manager is standing by to help! If you'd like to schedule a phone call or set up a meeting to discuss communication strategies, please contact us during business hours at 212.660.1848 orcontact@plumbenefits.com. Share with Employees: By distributing these exclusive offers to your employees across all of your offices and locations, you ensure Plum Benefits remains a cost free service for your company. To enroll, employees simply visit www.plumbenefits.com.

Please forward/share this email with all employees or team members. Thank you! These offers are provided to you by Manhattan Chamber Of Commerce. Winter is the perfect time to experience the best that Broadway has to offer! Enjoy the hottest hit shows and some fantastic favorites - and with Plum Benefits, you're guaranteed to have fun and save money! There's so much to enjoy — look for great deals on Top of the Rock, STAR WARS and the Power of Costumes, New York Knicks, or hop aboard The Ride. For the Broadway fan, don't miss the sizzling On Your Feet! or the brand new revival of The Color Purple starring Jennifer Hudson. Enjoy School of Rock, The Book of Mormon or Something Rotten! Planning a winter getaway? Check out offers from Walt Disney World Resort, Universal Orlando,SeaWorld Orlando and more. Don't forget, PlumBenefits members have access to great Local Deals, discounted movie tickets,rental cars and now, retail gift cards from over 50 major retailers and restaurants! Want to sign up? It's free and easy:  1. Visit www.plumbenefits.com 2. Use your work email address or company code provided by your Human Resources department. 3. Read and follow the easy steps on our site, and once registered you can access all tickets, events, hotels and more online for free.

	January's Plum Favorite: The Book of Mormon: Winner of 9 Tony Awards® including Best Musical -Tickets From $99.

New Events:

	Long Day's Journey Into Night: See Oscar®, Emmy® and Golden Globe Award® winner Jessica Lange - Save over $30.			Hughie: See Forest Whitaker on Broadway and save 40%.
	American Psycho: Set in the excess of 1980s Manhattan, this hit musical tells the story of a young and handsome Wall Street banker who pursues his darkest American dreams. Save over 35%.			Smart People: A provocative and funny new play featuring Ali, Joshua Jackson, Anne Son, and Tessa Thompson. Save over 40%.

Tappin Thru Life: Broadway legend Maurice Hines taps us through his incredible career. Save over $40.

Arts & Theater:

	Allegiance: See George Takei On Broadway - Save Over 20%!			Avenue Q: Save over $30 on the laugh-out-loud musical about a young kid fresh out of college who lands in New York City full of hope and looking to make it big.
	A View From The Bridge: This acclaimed new take on Arthur Miller's passionate Brooklyn waterfront drama comes to Broadway's historic Lyceum Theatre. Save up to 35%.			Bright Star: From Grammy® and Emmy® winner Steve Martin and Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Edie Brickell comes this hopeful and heart-swelling new musical. Exclusive Offer: Save up to 40% on tickets.

Fun Home: See the 2015 Tony Award winner for Best New Musical. King Charles III: Last chance to save up to 35% - Final performance 1/31. Ruthless! The Musical : Save over 40% on this award-winning Stage Mother of all musicals. Spring Awakening: Save 20% On Deaf West Theater's New Production - Final Performance January 24th! Trip Of Love: Take a trip back to the decade that made a generation boom. Save up to $40.

Family & Attractions:

	Fiddler On The Roof: A Broadway Tradition Returns - Save Up to $50.			School of Rock: Save Over 20% on the brand new musical based on the famous Paramount film written by Mike White, which starred Jack Black.
	Something Rotten!:Save Over 30% on Select Seats to the world-premiere musical comedy about the musical comedy that started it all.			Top of the Rock: For the first time in 20 years, this breathtaking vantage point is being reintroduced to the public. Save 25%.

Blue Man Group: Save nationwide. Star Wars and the Power of Costumes: Featuring 70 hand-crafted costumes from the first six blockbuster Star Wars films, this exhibition reveals the artists' creative process. Save over 30%. AMC Theatres® Movie tickets: Save up to 45%. A Night at the Museum: Imagine roaming the halls of the American Museum of Natural History after everyone else has gone home - Save $25.

Sports & Entertainment:

	Ski Nationwide: Save bigon lift tickets.			NASCAR: Save up to 50% + Sprint Fan Zone.
	Miami Heat: Save up to 50% and Receive FREE Post Game Free Throw Passes on Select Games.			iFLY Indoor Skydiving: You can experience human bodyflight - Save nationwide.

New York Knicks: Save over 25% on select games. Orlando Magic: Looking for a night out you won't forget? Spend it with the Orlando Magic where you'll get to see an NBA game live! Save up to 40%.