By Kate Bartlett
Born and raised in Ellicottville, Jessica Wallace has been a prominent member of the local community for years. She grew up in the village, graduated from Ellicottville Central School, and has worked with the Ellicottville Chamber of Commerce since 2018. Jessica plays a vital role with the Chamber, working with local businesses in the community to showcase what makes Ellicottville great and recently started bartending at The Silver Fox Steakhouse. “It may sound like a cliché, but I absolutely love both of my jobs. It doesn’t feel like work; I genuinely love serving the community.”
with her kids,
Jessica is currently the Business Development Manager with the Ellicottville Chamber of Commerce. She works closely with Brian McFadden, Executive Director, and Jacqueline Church, Office and Membership Coordinator to market Ellicottville as a four-season resort destination. They manage an extensive marketing and communications plan that is tailored to fit the needs of Ellicottville, and the demand of tourism in our region. “We showcase what makes Ellicottville unique by highlighting our community strengths. This area offers amazing opportunities for outdoor exploration, culinary indulgences and enjoying live entertainment with friends and family. We’re a community built to entertain, and over the past decade Ellicottville has transformed from a small ski resort town into a four seasons resort destination.”
The Chamber works to promote the continuous growth of our community and attract visitors to the area by hosting a variety of year-round events. From Summer Music Festival and Taste of Ellicottville in the Summer to Rock and Roll weekend, Fall Festival and all the fun filled weekends packed with live entertainment throughout the year; the Chamber has helped Ellicottville grow to be one of the most sought-after destinations in WNY. “Our 18 annual events act as a catalyst for increasing visitation to our region where our marketing and communications plan helps us share what Ellicottville has to offer when here. It’s a great village with a lot of unique characteristics and we’re proud that more and more small businesses want to be a part of it.”
“The events are a lot of work for a 3-person office, but it’s incredibly rewarding to see the streets lined with cars while listening to the sounds of Terry Buchwald on Rock and Roll weekend…the hills packed and chairlift rides going non-stop during Fall Fest Weekend…taking in the culinary scene that lines the streets during the Taste of Ellicottville…we have a lot to be proud of.” While every Chamber event is unique in its own regard, The Summer Music Festival is Jessica’s favorite event. “It’s so hard for me to pick a favorite, but seeing Holiday Valley Resort packed with families and friends waiting to hear a production that our small office organized is incredible. We’ve hosted everything from KC and the Sunshine Band to Three Dog Night, to Journey and The Stix’s for the 4th of July weekend, and every year we’re amazed. Ticket sales, marketing and advertising, coordinating set up and the production of the event can be grueling, but it’s well worth it! I love looking out on the hills of Holiday Valley once the band is on stage, taking in the crowd as the music fills the air. It’s an experience that I have a hard time putting into words.”
Jessica started with The Chamber in 2018 as office coordinator and unexpectedly uncovered her passion for tourism, and the marketing and advertising industry. “Working with our local business community and organizing Ellicottville’s annual events is such a fulfilling, fun job. I’m lucky to live here and experience first-hand the impact The Chamber has.” She remembers Ellicottville from years ago when she was a child. “It was just a small ski town back then. The Chamber has worked hard to successfully transform Ellicottville into what it is today. With the help of our local and area business members and partners, it’s become a four seasons destination resort. I’m so grateful to be a part of the growth in the community I grew up in and am now raising my children in.”
According to Jessica, what makes Ellicottville stand out is the community itself. “Not only is there a wide variety of small and not so small businesses, but no two shops are the same. Everyone has found a niche. The culinary scene is unmatched. We have such a variety of restaurants, for any flavor pallet any time of day. The resorts are always looking for new ways to keep us entertained and outdoors. Our community works hard to keep our village special and welcoming, almost like you’re walking into their home when you enter their establishment.”
While Jessica is involved with the Chamber by day, she recently began bartending at The Silver Fox Steakhouse in the evening hours. She has enjoyed the challenge of learning their crafty cocktails and finds it a fun way to connect with the community and area explorers. Jessica has a lot of experience and love for the customer service and restaurant industry, as her stepdad (or bonus dad as she says), Tom Fenton, built The Red Garter Restaurant in Salamanca in 1994. “A lot of my childhood was spent at The Garter as my mom and Tom ran the restaurant for about 15 years. It’s where I learned the love for the industry, and the hustle. It’s such satisfying work!”
There’s no doubt that Jessica has had quite an impact in the Ellicottville community. Through her work over the years with the Chamber of Commerce, raising her kids here, and now bartending at the Silver Fox, Jessica has only begun to make her mark. Brian speaks highly of Jessica. “She has the ability to think big picture, no matter what the circumstances are. I’ve come to understand that her work ethic is built on passion and is a direct reflection of the things she has and will continue to do for our community.”
When asked what’s next, Jessica replied with “That’s a loaded question!” She tells us that right now she’s enjoying the hustle of the work and looks forward to seeing what unfolds during 2023. “We’re always discovering and strategizing with our team in this ever-changing industry. It’s those discoveries that propel us into the chapter for Ellicottville.” She also said she looks forward to expanding her knowledge of the industry and is looking forward to doing a little more traveling and exploring.
For a full list of Chamber Events visit ellicottvilleny.com. and stop down to the Silver Fox Steakhouse to visit Jessica and sample one of their many delicious cocktails!