The Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce has recently named Justin Hanft to a dual role as coordinator for both the Jamestown Community Chamber of Commerce and Dream It Do It Chautauqua County.

Hanft is working with the Jamestown Community Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors to manage membership and to promote events that serve the Jamestown community. He most recently organized the very successful inaugural Touch-A-Truck event, which was held on the Jamestown Jammers’ opening weekend and provided a venue for people of all ages to see heavy and unusual motorized equipment up close.

For Dream It Do It, he is working with manufacturers and school districts to coordinate student internships, and promote training in advanced manufacturing career fields for local students. Started in Chautauqua County four years ago, the project has grown to cover five counties in western New York. The vision of Dream It Do It is to provide manufacturers with a labor force that has the skill and training required to meet their demands.

A native of Chautauqua County, Hanft is a graduate of Maple Grove High School. He earned a bachelor’s degree from Alfred University, where he went on to earn a master’s degree in education. He was previously a substitute teacher and assistant coach. He is a graduate of the Chautauqua Leadership Network and serves on its board of directors.

“The Jamestown Community Chamber of Commerce and Dream It Do It provide tremendous potential for our community. These organizations are helping to build a strong future for our young people, while serving existing businesses and manufacturers here in our county,” Hanft said.

Todd Tranum, president and CEO of the Chamber of Commerce said, “Justin brings tremendous enthusiasm and organizational skills to our team in this dual role. His passion for education and for building a stronger community serves not only the Chamber of Commerce, but also the community as a whole.”

Hanft can be contacted by calling the Chamber at 366-6200 or 484-1101, or by email at jhanft@chautauquachamber.org or jhanft@didiwny.com.