Yates chamber honors local business people

    DRESDEN—Three members of the Yates County business community were honored for their involvement and contributions to the area, during the annual chamber of commerce dinner at the Dresden Hotel, Saturday, Jan. 28.
    Jim Long, owner of Longs’ Cards & Books, received the Emily Seager Memorial Pride Award.  Legislative Chairperson Taylor Fitch was the recipient of the Norman Snow Jr. Memorial Spirit Award.  Kathy Waye, Keuka College executive director of alumni and family relations, was given the Robert Maxwell Director of the Year Award.  Waye was credited with being a strong supporter of chamber projects.
    Long said one of the best parts of being in Penn Yan over the years is that the downtown is active with many businesses.  Longs’ Cards & Books opened in 1969.  Long explained he worked for his parents since he was in the sixth grade and through high school.
    The store has moved its location twice: the first in 1982, just after Long bought the business from his parents.  He said at that point the store was located where Goin’ Postal is now.  In 1990, Longs’ Cards & Books moved to its current storefront at 115 Main St.  
    “It’s been a great community to raise a family in too,” said Long.  “That’s a lot of the reason I came back after college.”
    Long agreed with Fitch when he talked about the importance of supporting local business.  Fitch said shopping locally helps the community and taxpayers.