Our mission is to build vital connections, provide professional resources, and champion our local businesses in Chautauqua County. What does that mean for your business? It means by joining the Chamber of Commerce you will have access to a variety of programs and products that connect you with customers, peers, resources, and communities throughout Chautauqua County.

One way the Chamber connects local businesses with customers is through our ShopLocalCHQ Gift Card program. Last year the Chamber sold over $76,000 in ShopLocalCHQ Gift Cards, which can be redeemed at over 170 businesses in Chautauqua County. In addition, online referrals through the Chamber’s Business Directory continue to grow. Each day we average over 5,400 referrals through the online directory – helping customers to find businesses that provide a broad array of services and products. Through referrals alone, your business can see a more than 12% return on your Chamber investment.

We provide connections to peers through simple and effective networking opportunities throughout the year. The Chamber runs a number of Business After Hours events at venues countywide where local businesspeople can meet up with potential vendors, customers, and suppliers. These events have grown in popularity in recent years. In addition, each event we run includes networking components whether it’s a question-and-answer session with local elected representatives or our annual golf tournament.

Resources provided through the Chamber include employee benefits and compliance programs. Whether you’re looking to retain employees by offering a comprehensive health insurance program or seeking a way to make sure you’re complying with the state’s required sexual harassment prevention training, the Chamber can help. Through our series of Business Builder Workshops, the Chamber provides beneficial information on a wide variety of topics from business insurance to marketing to planning.

In addition to all that, the Chamber is a strong voice for small business year-round. While National Small Business Week is drawing to a close, the Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce works to promote all local businesses all year round by facilitating new business ribbon cuttings and through our social media. Our Facebook reach climbed by over 75% last year, much of that due to our objective to provide a social media megaphone for small business.

The Chamber’s annual spring membership drive continues through May 10. If your business or organization has not joined the Chamber yet we still have some special offers in place. In recognition of National Small Business Week, you can join the Chamber now and get a $45 discount off your first-year membership at any of the Main Street levels. This offer is valid through May 10 only. In addition, any business that joins during the drive will be entered into a drawing for a second year Main Street One tier membership free (a $195 value) or two tickets to the Chamber Annual Awards Banquet in October (a $125 value.)

You can learn more about the Chamber and all we have to offer by checking out our website at www.chautauquachamber.org.

REGISTRATION CLOSING SOON FOR THE STATE LEGISLATIVE BREAKFAST MAY 10

The Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce is pleased to once again host State Senator George Borrello and Assemblyman Andy Goodell for this interactive event, to be held Friday, May 10 at Chautauqua Suites in Mayville. The program will begin at 8:30 a.m. We urge attendees to come a little early for the buffet breakfast, and also to come prepared with questions for our local state representatives.

The Chamber’s State Legislative Breakfast is sponsored by Brooks-TLC Hospital System, Chautauqua Institution, Chautauqua Suites, DFT Communications, Jamestown Community College, Jamestown Mattress, LaBella Associates, Media One Radio Group, National Grid, Observer, The Post-Journal, and UPMC Chautauqua.

The price is $25 for Chamber members and $29 for non-members. Advanced registration is required. Please RSVP by May 6. You may register online through our web calendar at www.chautauquachamber.org.

BUSINESS AFTER HOURS AT MUSIC FOR YOUR MOUTH MAY 15

Join us at Music for Your Mouth for a great networking opportunity as our next Business After Hours will be held Wednesday, May 15 from 5-6:30pm. Music For Your Mouth is located at 21 South Erie Street, Mayville.

The Chamber’s Business After Hours series allows you to stop in after work for appetizers and a cash bar, check our list to find our Who’s Who in the Room, have a fun social time while making some great business contacts, and then move on with the rest of your evening. Be sure to bring business cards for networking and our door prize drawing.

Advanced registration is not required but is appreciated and will get you on the Who’s Who in the Room list. Business After Hours is free for two people from each Chamber member business. Anyone above the two-person limit, or non-members may attend for just $10 each.

Business After Hours at Music for Your Mouth is sponsored by Music for Your Mouth, Chautauqua Marina, Jamestown Community College, Media One Radio Group, National Grid, Observer, The Post-Journal, and Southern Chautauqua Federal Credit Union. Registration is open now through our online calendar at www.chautauquachamber.org. We look forward to seeing you there!