By Daniel J. Heitzenrater

President and CEO of the Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce

The holidays are traditionally a time to slow down a bit, spend time with family, and reflect. As I reflect on my time with the Chamber of Commerce this year, I have enjoyed the opportunity to meet many people within our community and become better acquainted with our Chamber of Commerce initiatives.

I am excited for our opportunities ahead as we gather feedback from our members and evaluate all of our programs and benefits to ensure we are meeting the needs of our businesses and communities. Chambers of Commerce are natural facilitators, and I am energized by the new partnerships we are building, existing ones we continue to grow, and many new communication efforts we are pursuing to better connect our businesses and communities.

The holiday season is also a time of joy and hope. In recent weeks we’ve been reminding people to “find the joy in holiday shopping again” by shopping local. It has been a joy to see people walking in our downtowns supporting the local businesses in our communities. This tremendous community support gives me hope that our renewed focus on shopping local won’t be a pandemic fad that fades, but perhaps can grow as consumers realize that small businesses provide quality products with responsive customer service, two things you don’t always get when shopping online. To that end, we’ve been promoting the Chamber’s ShopLocalCHQ programs including the well-known gift card program, which helps you give a gift that creates a positive impact in our community.

With the continued uncertainty of these times please take care of yourself this holiday season and take some time to reflect. We’re better when we work together and support others in our community than when we stand alone or in opposition. I recently came across the quote “Always assume the best and look for the good.” What a pertinent reminder for us anytime, but especially now. From all of us at the Chamber of Commerce, we wish everyone a happy, healthy holiday season and look forward to great things to come in 2022.

PURCHASE CHAMBER GIFT CARDS BY DECEMBER 22 FOR CHRISTMAS GIVING

By now you may be down to searching for last-minute gifts or stocking stuffers, and the Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce has just the right thing to fill that need: our brand new ShopLocalCHQ Gift Card. It’s the same gift card program you’ve known for years, with a new look to it!

The ShopLocalCHQ Gift Card can be used at 140 local merchants throughout Chautauqua County when you want to purchase local wines, gift items, or groceries.

The old ‘Shoptauqua’ gift cards still in circulation remain valid. They do not expire and can still be used, alongside the new ShopLocalCHQ Gift Cards. We remind Chamber member businesses that accept the cards to be sure to let their cashiers know to process both the older and the new cards as a credit card in their point-of-sale system.

Since the Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce was founded 21 years ago, it has been running a program such as this aimed at driving direct consumer traffic into local businesses in order to support local merchants and the local economy. Initially it was a gift check program, transitioning to a gift card in 2017. Throughout that time the total economic impact of the program is estimated at $3 million.

ShopLocalCHQ Gift Cards are sold only through the Chamber of Commerce. To make a purchase, please contact the Chamber directly at (717) 366-6200 or (716) 484-1101. The Chamber can fill gift card orders before Christmas until December 22, but our offices will be closed the 23rd and 24th in observance of the holiday. To learn more about the ShopLocalCHQ Gift card visit www.ShopLocalCHQcard.com.

SHOP LOCALLY THIS SEASON

Remember the joy in holiday shopping? You can find it again when you shop at small locally owned businesses. Small Business Saturday is past, but you can shop small every day when you choose to support local businesses.

There are dozens of small, locally owned businesses are dotting every corner of Chautauqua County and packed with gift items that will fit your list and your budget. Whether you’re looking for games, books, toys, home decor, clothing, artisan made soaps, local wines, or more, you’ll find those products at small local businesses right here in our own communities. Savor the shopping experience and find unique and special gifts for your family and friends.

It’s also easy to support small local businesses when you shop online. Visit www.ShopLocalCHQ.com to find a local shopping and marketing platform featuring over 70 local merchants with more than 300 products for sale.

Local businesses make our communities vibrant and distinct. Support small locally owned businesses during the holiday season and all year round.

SAVE THE DATE: DOORS OPEN JAMESTOWN IS JANUARY 22

The always popular Doors Open Jamestown is back in person this year! This fun day offers local residents a chance to visit numerous local attractions and be a tourist in your hometown at no charge. And while you’re out and about for Doors Open, we strongly encourage you to stop for lunch at a local restaurant or visit a locally owned retailer.

The full list of Doors Open attractions will be announced soon, but for now save the date as Doors Open will be back from 10am-4pm, Saturday, January 22.

Doors Open Jamestown is being organized by the Jamestown Community Chamber of Commerce in conjunction with local attractions.