Where will you shop

for employee gifts this year?

The Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce is reminding members about the availability of Shop Chautauqua County Gift Checks as a fast, easy and meaningful way to recognize their employees at year end for a job well done.

During the holidays and throughout the year, chamber members from across Chautauqua County buy Shop Chautauqua County Gift Checks for their employee recognition programs, awards and bonuses.

Shop Chautauqua County Gift Checks are purchased at either Chamber branch office (in denominations of $10, $15 and $25) and a list of ninety participating members is provided with each purchase. The recipient can then redeem the gift check at any participating Chamber business listed.

"We make it easy for our members to buy Shop Chautauqua County Gift Checks. They can call, fax or email us their order ahead of time and we'll have their order ready when they need them," said Jessica Wilder, communications/membership coordinator. "Another important aspect of the program is that every Gift Check purchased stays right here in our communities which help to grow our economy."

To date, the Shop Chautauqua County Gift Check program has had more than a $2.1 million economic impact on the County.

It's also not too late for chamber members to get on the participant list by signing on to accept Shop Chautauqua County Gift Checks. After the member signs on to participate, the Chamber provides marketing materials to help promote the member as a redemption location.

For information on ordering Shop Chautauqua County Gift Checks, call 366-6200.

Fredonia Chamber to hold annual election and awards banquet Nov. 2

The Fredonia Chamber of Commerce Annual Election and Awards Banquet will be held on Monday, Nov. 2 at The White Inn. Cash bar is at 5:30 p.m. with dinner to follow at 6:30 p.m. For more information, contact the Fredonia Chamber at 679-1565.

Chautauqua leadership

to honor Michael P. Sullivan

The Chautauqua Leadership Network is hosting their 2009 Leader of the Year Award Dinner on Thursday, November 5, 2009. This year CLN is honoring Michael P. Sullivan, Director of Institution Relations & Public Affairs at the Chautauqua Institution.

The dinner will be held at the Athenaeum Hotel at Chautauqua Institution. Cash bar cocktail hour begins at 6 p.m. followed by a dinner presentation at 7 p.m. Cost is $50 per person. For inquiries contact Pene Hutton, Director at 338-1555.

Unshackle Upstate New York works for Upstate business

Unshackle Upstate New York is a bi-partisan coalition of over 70 business and trade organizations representing upwards of 45,000 companies and employing more than 1 million people from across Upstate New York.

Its goal is to achieve the reforms in Albany that will make Upstate a stronger place to do business. According to the group:

New York's state and local tax burden is the highest in the nation, 60 percent above the national average.

New York's 2009 Business Tax Climate Ranks 49th, which includes a combination of corporate taxes, individual income taxes, sales taxes unemployment insurance taxes, and taxes on property.

New York's cost of doing business is the 2nd highest in the nation. Only Hawaii is a more expensive state in which to do business.

Per capita state and local spending in New York is 2nd highest in the nation, trailing only Alaska, which is a unique state.

New York lost 2 million people to other states between 1998 and 2007, the nation's largest net domestic migration outflow in that time.

To learn more about Unshackle Upstate New York's reform polices or to send a message to lawmakers in Albany visit: www.unshackleupstate.com

Sports Night networking mixer Oct. 29

Make valuable contacts and compete in a night of fantasy bowling league at the Fountain Bowl in Jamestown. Prizes will be awarded. Register at www.chautauquachamber.org or call 366-6200, or 484-1101.