Labor Day is often considered the last weekend of summer, and even though we know there will be good weather ahead, it’s a time to throw one more barbecue or picnic or spend a family weekend by one of our beautiful lakes or on one of our many hiking trails.

At the same time, it’s a moment to reflect on the importance of our labor force in Chautauqua County and the people who make our businesses run. Sometimes they are behind the scenes, and sometimes they are the first people you meet in a business. This Labor Day weekend we salute all the people who are doing hands-on work to keep our businesses and our communities healthy.

Local manufacturers, retailers, restaurants, and all types of service industries rely on skilled labor to make their businesses run. As one of the largest business associations in Western New York, the CHQ Chamber provides some resources to help businesses better manage their labor force. Thanks to the Chamber, many employers are able to provide health and ancillary insurance packages for employees at cost-competitive rates. We also offer an online system for providing New York State mandated sexual harassment prevention trainings, and other online courses designed for easy employee training. Additional support for our workforce includes periodic workshops that offer helpful information on a variety of topics including business insurance, marketing programs, and customer engagement. The ShopLocalCHQ Gift Card provided by the CHQ Chamber is also a great way for many employers to recognize and reward their employees for length of service, bonuses, or incentives.

Whether you’re an entrepreneur just getting started in the hiring process, or a long-established firm that’s looking for something extra to build and maintain your workforce, see what the CHQ Chamber has to offer. You can find more under the Connect with Resources section of our website.

If you’re recruiting from out of town and looking for a great incentive idea to bring top level workers to Chautauqua County, check out the Live CHQ Gift baskets being sold through the ecommerce page on our website. Available in either a large or smaller size, these baskets display some of the wide array of products made right here in Chautauqua County. This program is a partnership between CHQ Chamber and the Chautauqua County Partnership for Economic Growth and is designed specifically for talent attraction to our communities.

The Chamber recognizes that good employees are vital to help our economy thrive. We salute all workers this Labor Day weekend!

First Friday to Close the Season September 6

First Friday in Westfield offers something for everyone! You can enjoy open businesses along Main Street, as well as street vendors, live music, and much more! Main Street in Westfield will be closed from Portage to Pearl to make the event safer for all attendees.

The September 6 First Friday will be the final one this season. It is proudly sponsored by Blue June Blooms, AHN Westfield Memorial Hospital, and Westfield Boatworks.

Vendors can still register for this event. The price for business vendors is $20 and it helps to cover the costs of street closure as well as marketing and promotion for the event. A certificate of liability insurance is required for all vendors. Find the vendor requirements and sign up online through the Chamber’s web calendar at www.chqchamber.org.

Business After Hours at Hideaway Bay Resort September 19

Join us at a brand new and spectacular venue for Business After Hours! Our hosts September 19 will be Hideaway Bay Resort, 42 Lake Avenue, Silver Creek. Drift Restaurant at Hideaway Bay Resort offers a unique experience with expansive views of Lake Erie. At this Business After Hours you’ll enjoy complimentary appetizers, a cash bar, and a chance to mingle with a wide variety of local businesspeople in a tremendous setting.

Business After Hours is sponsored by Brooks-TLC Hospital System/Kaleida Health, DFT Communications, Jamestown Community College, Media One Radio Group, OBSERVER, and The Post-Journal.

Registration is not required but is appreciated for our planning purposes and to get you on our Who’s Who in the Room list. Chamber member businesses may send two people for free. After that the cost is just $10 per person, or it’s $10 if you’re a non-member. Register now through our web calendar at www.chqchamber.org.

Register Now for the CHQ Chamber Congressional Lunch October 3

Each year the CHQ Chamber provides an opportunity for local businesspeople to hear directly from their local elected representatives at the county, state, and federal levels. This year the Chamber’s Congressional Luncheon will be held Thursday, October 3 at Shorewood Country Club, 4958 West Lake Road, Dunkirk. Representative Nick Langworthy will be our guest, and we hope attendees will come with questions for our Congressman.

Registration is open now through the Chamber’s web calendar at www.chqchamber.org. The price is $25 for Chamber members or $29 for non-members. Advance registration is required, and we ask that you register before September 30.

The CHQ Chamber Congressional Lunch is sponsored by Advanced Manufacturing Technology, Brooks-TLC Hospital System, Chautauqua Institution, County of Chautauqua Industrial Development Agency, Jamestown Community College, Jamestown Mattress Company, Media One Radio Group, National Grid, Observer, The Post-Journal, Shorewood Country Club, and UPMC Chautauqua.