An Era Ends

Tomorrow is my last day with Yelp as Albany’s first Community Ambassador. It’s been one helluva ride, and to date, the most fun job I’ve ever had. There will be a new Community Ambassador coming soon, but before they can be announced, they have to be trained. And Yelp training includes being flown out to San Francisco to visit Yelp HQ and attend boot camp.

It’s a fantastic opportunity, and I remember my own boot camp experience fondly. There, I got to meet Community Ambassadors from smaller markets throughout the country, and learn more about the love they felt for their own hometowns, from El Paso to Kalamazoo. Over the years I’ve gotten to meet more of my colleagues from all around the country, and am delighted to consider many of them friends.

While I once was less enamored by small town America, through their eyes I’ve learned to see its charms.

As far as the work I did in the Capital Region, there were lots of ways that I was able to shine the white hot spotlight of Yelp on great local businesses. One of those ways was through Official Yelp Events. Some of you may have been able to attend these free outings, that focus on highlighting the specialties of each place.

But before I leave, I want to chronicle these on the blog for future reference. If you’re curious, the links go back to the Yelp pages for the event, so you can see pictures, and read some impressions of those who were lucky enough to make the guest list.

Okay. Here it goes.

April 1, 2015 Slidin’ Dirty
May 13, 2015 fin – your fishmonger
June 24, 2015 The Barrel Saloon
September 19, 2015 9 Miles East Farm
November 3, 2015 The Hollow Bar + Kitchen
December 3, 2015 Honest Weight Food Coop Cheese Department
January 26, 2016 Burger21
February 23, 2016 The Ruck
March 29, 2016 The Melting Pot
May 17, 2016 Cider Belly Doughnuts
July 13, 2016 The Dali Mamma
August 2, 2016 The City Beer Hall
October 5, 2016 Uncle Sam’s Chocolate
November 14, 2016 The Flying Chicken
December 5, 2016 Rascals
January 5, 2017 Sunhee’s Farm & Kitchen
February 1, 2017 The Great Escape Room
March 25, 2017 Savoy Taproom
April 30, 2017 Yankee Distillers / Shmaltz Brewing
May 24, 2017 The Dutch Apple
June 27, 2017 Slidin’ Dirty Schenectady
July 26, 2017 Crave Burgers + Frozen Yogurt
August 29, 2017 Indian Ladder Farms
September 23, 2017 Artisanal Brew Works
October 2, 2017 IL Faro
November 12, 2017 Outback Steakhouse
November 19, 2017 Lucas Confectionery
December 19, 2017 Hudson-Chatham Winery
January 30, 2018 Great Flats Brewing
February 11, 2018 MopCo Improv Theatre
March 12, 2018 The Dutch Udder
April 17, 2018 Albany Distilling Co.
May 30, 2018 Brewtus Roasting
June 27, 2018 Spa Mirbeau
July 30, 2018 Field Notes at Lansing Farms
August 29, 2018 DeFazio’s
September 30, 2018 Trowbridge Farms
October 16, 2018 The Adelphi Hotel
November 1, 2018 The Cheese Traveler
December 22, 2018 Honest Weight Food Coop
January 31, 2019 Riverside Maple Farms
February 20, 2019 Albany Cooking School
March 5, 2019 Mazadar Mediterranean Kitchen
April 8, 2019 C.H. Evans Brewing
May 7, 2019 Dinosaur Bar-B-Que
June 8, 2019 Chatham Brewing

Wow! See what I mean about fun? Thank you to all the business owners and their staffs for pulling out all the stops to make all of these events truly remarkable. And thanks to all the partners who joined in, the volunteers who helped work the door and take photographs, and my Community Intern Izzy who rocked the social media coverage.

Of course, none of these would happen without the active members of the Yelp Elite Squad whose authentic and helpful reviews, pictures, and tips make Yelp a trustworthy place to find great local businesses in the Capital Region and beyond.

I leave with my heart full and a lifetime of precious memories. And I know that even in my absence, Yelp in the Capital Region will continue to grow. It’s been a distinct pleasure and honor to serve this community. I can’t wait to see what’s next. Cheers.