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Base hits lead to wins in economic development

While everyone loves to see a home run, that’s a rarity. But a series of base hits can be even more effective when it comes to regional economic development. That message was delivered loud and clear during the Northern Chautauqua Community Foundations Local Economic Development Initiative annual summit this past week.

Patrick Whalen is currently the director of the Niagara Global Tourism Institute and is the former Chief Operating Officer of the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus. Whalen, who has launched his own successful businesses over the years, admits that he is more of an operator and not a visionary. But he says all of the success of the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus has been due to a series of smaller steps that transformed the way people function and even their attitudes.

“Buy in at the top is critical,” he said. “The BNMC was only successful because the leadership at the University at Buffalo, Kaleida Health, and Roswell Park Cancer Institute were all directly involved in making joint decisions.”

It is that high level collaboration, Whalen noted, that makes the most difference when it comes to actually getting things done. These are crucial points for Chautauqua County, even as we work to build off some major new economic drivers in the Dunkirk area with pending development of the Athenex plant, and in the Jamestown area with the National Comedy Center opening just months away. We must continually remind ourselves that those entities do not stand alone in the mix of industrial or tourism related business developments that are making transformative change in our region. It is the support and augmentation of numerous additional businesses and attractions, along with opportunities for lodging, recreation, housing, and a sound education, that will continue to create the type of full and rich lifestyle we want and need to attract a vibrant workforce to our region.

Panelists for the follow-up discussion were County Executive George Borrello, Industrial Development Agency Director Mark Geise, SUNY Fredonia Vice President Kevin Kearns, Nate Aldrich, LED Community Economic Development Specialist, Katie Geise of the Workforce Development Board, and private developer Bill Gugino, who is working with the City of Dunkirk now to bring some vitality and passion to new projects along the waterfront.

Collaboration is key and we commend all who participated, including the Chautauqua County Education Coalition which changed its meeting location in order to bring its members to the event in a show of community spirit.

Business Over Bagels: Hire and Train Good Employees

The Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce and JCC Continuing Education are proud to present an important topic for the next Business Over Bagels, which will be held Tuesday, June 19 at the JCC North Training Center, 10785 Bennett Road, Dunkirk. Trainer Elizabeth Cipolla will present Hire and Train Good Employees, with a focus on building a strong workforce. Businesses know that it takes time and money to find, hire, and train employees. Hiring the right employee is worth the effort, while hiring one who doesn’t work out is a cost to the business. Join us for this morning session that will explore a variety of topics including how to advertise for new employees, how to interview potential candidates, onboarding new employees, how to clearly state job expectations, and more.

Elizabeth Cipolla has a Master’s Degree in Organizational Leadership from St. Bonaventure University and a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Mass Communication. Throughout her nearly 20 year career she has served as an experienced organizational behavior and human resources leader within various industries including aerospace, automotive manufacturing and insurance. In her current role as Vice President of Talent Development at Catapult, she partners with executive clients representing numerous industries to cultivate comprehensive organizational development strategies aimed at improving morale, team productivity and overall business sustainability.

Business Over Bagels is sponsored by Buffamante Whipple Buttafaro, DFT Communications, M & T Bank, OBSERVER, and The Post-Journal. The cost for this training seminar is $25 per person for Chamber member businesses or $30 for non-members. Check-in begins at 8am with a continental breakfast and the program starts at 8:30. To register call Continuing Education at the JCC North Training Center at 363-6590.

County Executive Breakfast June 1

Each year the Chamber of Commerce provides an opportunity for its members to meet directly with the County Executive and ask questions. County Executive George Borrello will be our special guest for this event, which will be held at 8:30 a.m., Friday, June 1 at Moon Brook Country Club, 2879 N. Main St. Extension, Jamestown. We encourage businesses to either send questions to us ahead of the event to cccc@chautauquachamber.org or bring questions the day of the event for the County Executive. Our sponsors for this event are: Chautauqua Institution, David Snow State Farm Agent, DFT Communications, Jamestown Mattress Company, Lawley Benefits Group, Nestle Purina PetCare, OBSERVER, Phillips Lytle LLP, The Post-Journal, Serta Mattress Company, Southern Tier Environments for Living, UPMC Chautauqua WCA, and WJTN/WWSE/WKSN/WHUG/WQFX. The cost is $18 for Chamber members or $21 for non-members. Advanced registration is appreciated. You can call the Chamber at 366-6200 or 484-1101 or sign up online at www.chautauquachamber.org/events.

Laugh Out Loud: A Sneak Peek Comedy Extravaganza is June 7

Space is filling up fast so reserve your spot now to attend this once in a lifetime event! The Chautauqua County and Jamestown Community Chambers of Commerce are excited to be co-hosting a one-night only event in partnership with the Chautauqua County Visitors Bureau and the National Comedy Center. Laugh Out Loud: a Sneak Peek Comedy Extravaganza will be held Thursday, June 7 at this brand new attraction at 211 W. Second St., Jamestown. This amazing evening will combine two events, giving guests the option of attending one, the other, or both. The evening will begin with a Chamber Business After Hours, will include exclusive preview tours of the National Comedy Center, and will conclude with the Chautauqua County Visitors Bureau Annual Dinner Meeting. Sponsors for the Chamber’s Business After Hours event are: Affinity One Federal Credit Union, AFLAC, Buffamante Whipple Buttafaro, David Snow State Farm Agency, DFT Communications, Infinity Resources, Jamestown Jammers, KeyBank, M & T Bank, OBSERVER, The Post-Journal, Shawbucks Press Room, UBS Financial Services, and Univera Healthcare Southern Tier. Visit the Chamber website to learn more and register at www.chautauquachamber.org/events.

First Friday Kicks off in Westfield

The summer-long First Friday events begin in downtown Westfield this coming Friday, June 1. These popular events are organized by the Westfield-Barcelona Community Chamber of Commerce and create a street fair each month on Main Street in Westfield, featuring live music, kid’s games, wine, food, vendors, and much more. The event runs from 5-8 p.m., Friday, June 1 and will be held again on the first Friday of July, August, and September. All are welcome!

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