April marks the one year anniversary for my firm joining Weichert Realtors as Lilac Properties,  after 10 years serving the Rochester/Monroe County area as an independent Real Estate Broker.  In the past year we have grown. We doubled the size of our sales team!  An advertising billboard was just erected on Winton Road at University Avenue.  Our office is located in the Town of Brighton on Elmwood Avenue.

At this time Weichert Realtors - Lilac Properties is working within the COVID-19 directives established by New York State Association of Realtors. Our attention is focused on keeping our staff and clients safe.  We will get through this together.

In the days ahead I ask that you look for our name, and please pass it along to those you know who could use our help.

Curtis "Curt" Amesbury
Licensed Real Estate Broker/Owner
T: 585.613.4606 F: 877.445.4343
C: 585.733.7595 (text for fastest response)

SBA is offering disaster relief assistance loans for businesses that have significant economic impact from the COVID-19. NY is currently preparing their request to participate in the program.  Visit  www.sba.gov/coronavirus for detailed information and links to the disaster loans to begin compiling required paperwork.  The business loan program which will become available is called “Economic Injury”.  One thing to consider is that there may be a different loan amount that a business would need today compared to months from now when the economic injury is truly compiled.

March 15, 2020

Dear Brighton Chamber Members,

With the impacts of COVID-19 on our local business community already in effect, in addition to good hand hygiene and common-sense precautions with your employees and patrons, the Brighton Chamber of Commerce encourages all local businesses to consider the following:

For your business: Prepare for negative economic impacts.

• Capital: Create, confirm, or expand your line of credit.
• Staffing: Develop staffing plans for varying levels of customers and revenue (what does an 80% scenario plan look like?).
• Insurance: Check with your insurance provider to understand your coverage and options.

For your customers: Make your place of business as hygienic as possible and communicate what you are doing to customers so they feel comfortable visiting.

For your employees: Check, modify, and communicate HR policies regarding remote working, sick-leave, and compensation during health crisis. Try to ensure your policies are as flexible and non-punitive as possible. Sick employees should be encouraged to stay home.

For your workflow: Cross-train employees for key functions so that daily schedules can continue relatively uninterrupted by potential employee absences. Where relevant, consider staggering start and end times to reduce large numbers of people coming together at the same time; and create and test remote employee collaboration systems (consider apps such as Slack and Zoom).

For your cashflow: Communicate with your landlord (or tenants) and lenders about expectations and request flexibility (better to have that conversation now).

For yourself: Eat well, sleep, and exercise. Taking care of yourself in this time of stress will improve your resistance to infection and resilience in managing difficult business situations. And of course, wash your hands all the dang time and don’t touch your face, or anyone else, for that matter.

We are cancelling our networking events until further notice. Please visit our website at BrightonChamber.org for updates on events, Chamber news, and resources to help your business weather this trying time.

Thank you,

Nelson Lopatin, President
Brighton Chamber of Commerce

Government Resources - links for businesses to stay informed of and prepare for the spread of Coronavirus. 

• CDC: Environmental Cleaning and Disinfection Recommendations
• CDC: Interim Guidance for Businesses and Employers to Plan and Respond to Coronavirus
• CDC: Coronavirus Prevention and Treatment
• Centers for Disease Control Coronavirus Resource Page
• Brighton Central School District
• New York State Department of Health Coronavirus Hotline
• Monroe County Health Department Coronavirus Updates
• OSHA Coronavirus Page
• World Health Organization Coronavirus Resources
• CDC: Personal Nonpharmaceutical Interventions: Everyday Preventive Actions

Welcome new Brighton Chamber member The Baroness Tavern! WATCH FOR GRAND OPENING SOON! Visit https://www.facebook.com/pg/Baroness-Tavern-107691467242091 for more details.

Welcome new Brighton Chamber member The Refinement Studio LLC! We provide young people and adults with the required social skills for success in relationships, employment and eventual parenthood.

We offer etiquette development programs for children ages 5-17. For adults, we offer business etiquette, and professional and leadership development programs. Visit http://www.TheRefinementStudio.com for more details.

Welcome new Brighton Chamber member Citizens Bank Brighton Office! Regional bank for personal consumers and commercial banking. Visit https://www.citizensbank.com for more details.

Welcome new Brighton Chamber member Howard Hanna Real Estate Services! We are a family-owned, full-service real estate company, providing the finest in real estate, mortgage, title and insurance services. We strive every day, in every transaction, to reflect our pride in our company, ourselves and each other, and in the people and communities that we serve. Through our knowledge, integrity and innovation, we are able to participate in our customers’ realization of the American Dream. Visit http://www.howardhanna.com/Office/Detail/Brighton/111755 for more details.

Welcome new Brighton Chamber member Eye Openers Optical Fashions! Set yourself apart from the rest with unique eyewear from Eye Openers Optical Fashions. We have been in business for 30 years and base our reputation on skilled service and quality eyewear. Eye Openers is truly one of a kind. Our goal is to bring to Rochester a diverse collection of the most sought after frames and sunglasses from around the world. With over 2000 frames to choose from ranging from conservative to trendy, we are sure you will find eyeglasses to suit your needs in a price range to fit your budget. Visit http://www.eyeopenersopticalfashions.com for more details.

Welcome new Brighton Chamber member Schottland Family YMCA! The next generation of the YMCA is here! This 140,000 square foot state-of-the-art new facility, located at the corner of Clover Street and Jefferson Road, is a nationally recognized collaborative model that will achieve the YMCA mission. One of the greatest misconceptions about the YMCA is that the Y is just a building with a pool and a gym. The reality is that the YMCA is a powerful agent of change focused on strengthening our community. The new Schottland Family Branch is expanding Y services to meet the needs of more individuals, families, children, and seniors. Visit https://rochesterymca.org/schottland/ for more details.