A number of local businesspeople attended the Small Business Appreciation Open House at the Chamber’s office in Dunkirk.

The Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce, Small Business Development Center, and Workforce Readiness at Jamestown Community College launched Small Business Week with an open house on Monday, May 6 hosted by the Chamber of Commerce. Mark Geise, Deputy County Executive for Economic Development, delivered a proclamation on behalf of County Executive George Borrello proclaiming May 5-11, 2019 Small Business Week in Chautauqua County. Jamestown City Council President Marie Carrubba also presented a proclamation from Mayor Sam Teresi.

Both Chamber offices on the JCC campuses in Jamestown and Olean hosted small businesspeople for a light lunch and conversation about services available to help small businesses increase foot traffic, meet compliance requirements and provide for their employees. The Small Business Appreciation Open Houses also kicked off the Chamber’s spring membership drive for 2019.

Chamber President and CEO Todd Tranum noted, “Small businesses are truly the backbone of our communities and our economy. We are proud to work with the Small Business Development Center and with JCC to provide so many important services for our small business people.”

“Through private, educational, and governmental institutions here in Chautauqua County, there are a variety of resources available to help start a business, grow a business and stay in business. Represented here in this room are just a few: JRC, the SBDC, the County Economic Development Department, Workforce Readiness at JCC and the City of Jamestown. We appreciate the continued investment of our Chamber members who provide services to help all businesses thrive in our county,” Tranum added.

Small businesses represent all economic sectors in Chautauqua County: manufacturing, retail, food service, entertainment, agriculture, construction, professional services and more. In Chautauqua County, 99% of all businesses have fewer than 500 employees. Last year alone in Chautauqua County, there were 51 new startup small businesses.