In these times when you are likely finding it challenging to run your business, the Chamber of Commerce is watching out for your interests every day.

Are you trying to figure out how to increase your sales by growing your customer base? Are you trying to connect with other businesses in the region? Do you need help with human resource and compliance? Are these some of your challenges? If so the Chamber is here to help you with these issues and many more.

Did you know that as a Chamber of Commerce member/investor you can access the Shoptauqua Gift Card program and the Shoptauqua Marketing program at no cost? Did you know the Chamber can connect with you with over 100 business leaders in the region? Did you know that as a Chamber member/investor you can comply with sexual harassment training requirements of New York State at no cost?

The Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce and Manufacturers Association of the Southern Tier have a variety of services and support systems available to help your business rebound, grow, and thrive.

Whether it is direct marketing assistance, driving foot traffic to your business to help increase sales, human resources support services, or group or individual health insurance, the Chamber and MAST are here to serve your business needs. By offering a variety of services that help to drive sales, connect business people with new customers, provide employee benefits and compliance, advocating on behalf of the business community, and supporting our local economy, tourism, and workforce development, the Chamber is providing important products and services.

Shoptauqua is our local brand to push the fact that buying locally improves our local economy. The Chamber provides the Shoptauqua Gift Card – which drives thousands of dollars in sales annually for local businesses. This year we have added the Shoptauqua Marketing Program which is targeted specifically for local member businesses seeking to grow their customer base, communicate better with customers, turn customers into loyal fans, and track a direct return on investment.

Connecting business to business is a new challenge this year due to restrictions around large in-person gatherings, yet over the past several months the Chamber has been able to bring business people together online. We have offered weekly webinars featuring important topics for local businesses and often including featured guests. We continue to seek ways to provide social interaction for business purposes and will announce additional opportunities soon.

Providing cost saving solutions for employee benefits and human resources compliance is a key part of our service package. Health insurance is just the beginning. There are ancillary insurance offerings, as well as HR compliance videos available, and now a discount for Chamber/MAST members on employee background checks.

We are your advocate and provide a support system. When many businesses were partially or fully shutting down, the Chamber and MAST stepped up to provide on-going information services and assistance, and to advocate on behalf of the business community. In fact, the Chamber opened its database to temporarily provide online referrals for businesses that have not previously been members. The Chamber thoughtfully advocated for the reopening of our regional economy.

Now, as many are back to business, not only do you need our help as you ramp up, the Chamber needs you and your investment. The economic realities of the pandemic have impacted our economy and our organization. We are asking for your membership investment as it will not only help your business it helps support the overall local business community. We respectfully ask all local businesses to renew their membership investment. If your business is not a member join the Chamber or Manufacturers Association. Help us keep serving you, our business community. Thank you.

HAVE QUESTIONS FOR CONGRESSMAN REED? JOIN US JULY 16TH

Each year the Chamber of Commerce provides an opportunity to meet with our Congressman. This year that event will be held online at 8:30am, Thursday, July 16. Representative Tom Reed will be our guest and will answer questions from the audience.

We encourage all participants to get up and get out and pick up some breakfast or coffee from your favorite local restaurant, then join us online beginning promptly at 8:30am. You may attend for free, but we are also providing a registration option for a donation to the Chamber of Commerce if you are so inclined. Not unlike many businesses in our community COVID-19 has had a financial impact on our organization, so your donation is greatly appreciated.

The Congressional Breakfast is sponsored by Advanced Manufacturing Technology, Jamestown Mattress Company, Law Offices of Sheila Starkey Hahn, Media One Radio Group, OBSERVER, The Post-Journal, University Advancement at the State University of New York at Fredonia, and UPMC Chautauqua. You may register online through the events calendar at www.chautauquachamber.org.

CHAMBER/MAST SEEK YOUR INPUT ON WEBINAR SERIES

For more than three months the Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce and Manufacturers Association of the Southern Tier have been holding online gatherings each week with our local business community. These Monday web conferences began as a sounding board where we could all discuss relevant issues in a dramatically changing business environment, and grew to become important topical opportunities for business people to learn about the depth and variety of resources available to help through challenging times.

Now we are seeking your input as we look to restructure and move these webinars into the next phase. We have developed a very short (just one minute) survey to get your take on the timing of these events and topics that may be helpful now and going forward. Does your business need marketing assistance? How can you keep your employees healthy and engaged? Are you struggling to bring both workers and customers back to your business? Take our quick survey and let us know. You’ll find the link on our COVID-19 Business Resources pages or you can type it into your browser at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/7BRMFJC. Thank you.

SAVE THE DATE: CHAMBER GOLF TOURNAMENT AUGUST 27

We are proud to be able to bring you the 2020 Chamber of Commerce Annual Golf Tournament. This year’s tournament will be held, once again, on the beautiful upper course at Peek’n Peak Resort in Clymer on Thursday, August 27. Details are still being worked out and registration may be limited so sign up soon. The Chamber Golf Tournament is sponsored this year by A Automotive, AW Farrell & Son, Bush Industries, Community Bank, DFT Communications, Insurance Management Company, Koester Associates, Lake Shore Savings Bank, Lawley Insurance, and National Grid. Watch for more information to be announced soon!