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Workplace sexual harassment deadline is October 9

One of the key roles of the Chamber of Commerce and Manufacturers Association is to provide businesses with the resources they need to thrive in an ever changing environment. The New York State deadline for compliance with preventing sexual harassment in the workplace training is looming October 9, and the Chamber and MAST have a system in place to help all local businesses comply with the requirements.

Under state law, by October 9 all current employees of businesses in New York State must be provided with both a written policy regarding sexual harassment in the workplace, and with interactive training. Our web-based platform provides an easily accessible series of compliance tools and videos that can help employers meet the state requirements. There is no additional cost beyond the price of your membership, and the online portal allows employees to complete the mandatory video review, while the employer can track that completion.

Sexual harassment in the workplace is a serious issue and businesses must pro-actively address it. With this new service, the Chamber and MAST strives to assist our members by fostering improved awareness, and access to tools that are needed to create a safe work culture and businesses to protect their own interests.

For more information, call our offices at (716) 484-1101 or (716) 366-6200.

Health insurance open enrollment is underway

Through the expansion of plan options and solutions available through the Chamber of Commerce, we can now provide even greater value to our members. To outline all of this, the Chamber’s licensed in-house broker, Kevin Sixbey, is focused on direct engagement with clients this year. He has been reaching out for discussions with all current groups that have December 1 renewal dates.

Coverage is still offered through Blue Cross Blue Shield, Independent Health, and Univera, with a variety of plans to help meet the needs of different clients and groups. MetLife and AFLAC are our prime carriers for a variety of ancillary and voluntary plans, along with some new options recently added. In all cases, the Chamber features a broad array of products and solutions to meet the needs of local businesses and their workers. All employee group decisions will have to be finalized by October 31 to meet the deadline for renewed coverage by December 1. Most current clients will be hearing from our staff shortly to set up meeting times. If you don’t hear from us, please call or email Kevin Sixbey at 484-1101 or 366-6200 or ksixbey@chautauquachamber.org.

As a benefit of membership, the Chamber’s health insurance and employee benefits support is driven by our mission to provide our members with cost containment solutions for employers providing these as benefits to their employees.

In addition, the Chamber will continue to assist sole proprietors and employees not eligible for group coverage as we work through the New York State exchange in the individual marketplace. The open enrollment period for those plans runs November 1, 2019 through January 13, 2020, and our staff will be happy to work with anyone who needs that assistance.

Fredonia Farm to Table Community Dinner Sept. 28

The Fredonia Community Chamber of Commerce is joining with the Fredonia Farmers Market and Fredonia Grange to present a Farm to Table Community Dinner, Saturday, September 28 from 4:30-7:30pm. This event will be held on Church Street at the Village Hall in Fredonia. Sponsored by the Fredonia Beaver Club, in case of inclement weather it will be held at the Beaver Club. This special evening will feature four courses by four local chefs: Johnny Bouquin, David Winchell, Marissa Griffis, and Devin Jones, along with two desserts by Jessamine Daly-Griffen and Valerie Kneitinger. All dishes will be freshly made with local ingredients from area farms and sources, and each course will be paired with beer and wine from EBC West and 21 Brix. Along with a spectacular meal you will be treated to live jazz by the SUNY Fredonia and Fredonia High School ensembles, and each ticket will include a special $5 discount voucher for the 7:30pm screening of The Biggest Little Farm at the 1891 Fredonia Opera House. Reservations are required and seating is limited. Purchase tickets through the Chamber website at www.chautauquachamber.org/fredonia.

Chamber Annual Awards Banquet is October 10

The Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce is proud to recognize a number of local leaders and business and community service during our Annual Awards Banquet on Thursday, October 10. The Chamber’s annual Economic Development Award is being presented to Lakeside Precision, Inc. in Dunkirk, while the Person of the Year Award will be presented to Bruce Erickson of Lakewood. Each of the six community Chambers of Commerce presents a Community Service Award during the Chamber Banquet. The Dunkirk Community Chamber has selected the late John W. (Bill) Farrell. The Fredonia Community Chamber chose Larry Fiorella for its Community Service Award. Sam Bova has been selected to receive the Community Service Award from the Hanover Community Chamber. The Jamestown Community Chamber selected Lucille Miller. The Mayville-Chautauqua Community Chamber has chosen Bob and Joyce Mathews, and the Westfield-Barcelona Community Chamber is presenting its Community Service Award to Jean McCausland.

This annual event is proudly sponsored by Bush Industries, County of Chautauqua Industrial Development Corporation, Community Bank, DFT Communications, Lawley Insurance, Media One Radio Group, National Grid, OBSERVER, and The Post-Journal. Online registration is available now through the Chamber’s events calendar at www.chautauquachamber.org.

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