Jenn Suhr to address Chamber Banquet
Olympic Gold Medalist Jenn Suhr will make a presentation during the Chamber Annual Awards Banquet on Oct. 11.
Suhr, a Fredonia native, won the Gold Medal in Women's Pole Vault during the 2012 Summer Olympic Games in London. Video highlights of her Olympic achievements will be shown during the banquet, with comments from Suhr.
"This is a tremendous opportunity for our community to pay tribute to Jenn Suhr," Todd Tranum, Chamber president and CEO, said. "Everyone on this county is proud of her accomplishments. This gives us a chance, as a community, to thank her."
Dr. Greg DeCinque, President of Jamestown Community College, will be honored as the Chamber's Person of the Year. Dr. DeCinque has been at the helm of JCC since 1994 and is retiring at the end of this academic year.
The Chamber's Economic Development Award will be presented to the Chamber member wineries that are part of the Lake Erie Wine Trail: 21 Brix, Johnston Estate Winery, Liberty Vineyards & Winery, Mazza Chautauqua Cellars, Merritt Estate Winery, Noble Winery, Willow Creek Winery and Woodbury Vineyards.
The Community Chambers will each recognize Community Service Award winners as well. The Dunkirk Community Chamber is honoring Roosevelt and LaPearl Haynes for their years of service to the community and the Dunkirk city schools. Community volunteer Roberta Coniglio is being recognized by the Fredonia Community Chamber for her activity in many organizations including Girl Scouts, Holy Trinity Church and Kiwanis/Key Club. The award in Jamestown is going to John Bauer for his participation in numerous organizations including the Chamber, DJDC, LucyFest, Babe Ruth Baseball and many others. Sue Briggs is getting the Community Service award from the Silver Creek/Hanover Chamber for her efforts in promoting tourism in the region. Boy Scout Troop 126 in Mayville is receiving the award from the Mayville/Chautauqua Chamber for their service in a variety of ways. Alan Holbrook will receive the award from the Westfield/Barcelona Chamber for his work with the Westfield Volunteer Fire Department and many other organizations.
Please join us for the Awards Banquet on Oct. 11 to be held this year at the newly renovated Williams Center on the SUNY Fredonia Campus. You can register online through our website at www.chautauquachamber.org.
Open enrollment for Bright Choices insurance products
Open Enrollment sessions for the Bright Choices Benefits Exchange are set for the first week in October. The Chamber has been notified that there will be substantial changes in Univera plans and rates for the 2012-2013 year. As a result, all of those who are currently enrolled in the program are encouraged to attend one of the Open Enrollment meetings to learn about pending plan design, premium, and co-pay changes.
The sessions will be held at the Chautauqua County Chamber offices as follows: Tuesday, Oct. 2, at the MTI Building, 512 Falconer St., Jamestown from either 7:30-9 a.m. or 5:30-7 p.m.; or Thursday, Oct. 4, at the JCC North Training Center, 10785 Bennett Road, Dunkirk, from 7:30-9 a.m. or 5:30-7 p.m.
Enrollment decisions are due by October 26 for all current or new Bright Choices participants for the plan year that begins December first. Anyone who has questions or who needs more information can contact the Chamber at 484-1101 or 366-6200.
The business community must be vocal sell the County Home
We are asking the business community in Chautauqua County to step up and make their voices heard. As a representative for business in our county we have been leading the charge for reduced taxes and reigning in government spending.
Now we need your support to continue this drive. Chautauqua County government has done its homework and all of the figures show many reasons for selling the County Home. Maintaining the facility as a government service in our county will only be a further burden on the taxpayer. Selling it to a private entity will preserve the care for our regions senior population, maintain jobs and remove a strain on the ever-squeezed county budget. It makes fiscal sense to sell the home now.
Please let your County Legislators know that as a business person in Chautauqua County you want them to make the right decision now. We are asking business people to write, call, and email, and to show up to meetings of the County Legislature to make their voices heard. For a complete list of County Legislators and their contact information, go to the County website at www.co.chautauqua.ny.us. Your support is critical in this effort.
