Since the start of the pandemic in March 2020, the Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce has been providing information and resources for businesses that have been hit hard by shutdowns, staffing troubles, new cleaning protocols, masking requirements, and much more. Rest assured that our commitment to continue these efforts remains strong. The Chamber of Commerce is still here to help walk you and your business through any pitfalls you may encounter.

As we discuss the ongoing changes with our staff and board members, the question that always arises is: What can we do for our business community now? That is our ongoing motivation, even as the Chamber has tried to lead by example to get back to providing some important pre-pandemic functions such as meaningful programming for our member businesses.

One of our essential functions is to drive consumers to local businesses. Over the past two months those efforts were crucial as the Chamber unveiled a new look to its Gift Card and maintained and marketed our ShopLocalCHQ online sales and marketing platform.

Networking in the time of COVID remains tricky – even as we continue to recognize the value in providing opportunities for our member businesspeople to connect with one another in person. Local businesses find intrinsic value to the relationships they build with one another, and the Chamber will make every effort to offer additional Business After Hours networking events in the year ahead.

Information flow is still critical, as we consistently strive to distill the latest bulletins into practical and straightforward bullet points that are meaningful to businesses. If you are not on our email list, we welcome you to join at any time. There is a simple sign-up form on our website at www.chautauquachamber.org/stay-up-to-date.

The Chamber of Commerce will continue to urge all eligible Chautauqua County residents to get vaccinated. It is quite simply good for the health of our people, our communities, and our economy. Vaccination is a proven way to help prevent COVID from mutating and creating new variants. Long-term, a higher vaccination rate will help to keep people healthier.

In the meantime, the question remains. How can we help local businesses now?å Are there programs and services the Chamber can safely provide that are meaningful to your business? Let us know. Please send me an email at dheitzenrater@chautauquachamber.org

Tuesday Talks: Business Success Planning is February 8

The Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce is planning its next Tuesday Talks event around the topic of business succession planning. When an individual or a family starts a business, they expect to keep it functioning beyond their initial operating plan. But selling that business, and sometimes even transferring it to the next generation in a family, can come with some challenges.

The Chamber has enlisted participation from the Small Business Development Center at Jamestown Community College and Alliance Advisory Group for on this important panel discussion. All local businesspeople are invited to attend this free online event. Tuesday Talks is a series of informational discussions designed to cover a wide variety of topics that may meet the needs of local businesses.

This event will be held online at 8:30 a.m., Tuesday, February 8. It is sponsored by OBSERVER and The Post-Journal. Please register in advance through the Chamber’s web calendar at www.chautauquachamber.org

New Date for Doors Open Jamestown is March 5

Unfortunately, the surge in COVID cases this month has made it impossible for many local attractions to participate in Doors Open Jamestown. As a result, the Jamestown Community Chamber of Commerce is postponing the event until March 5. The six-week delay is expected to provide the time needed for some of the smaller venues to more safely invite groups of guests. Some of the attractions will require pre-registration. A full list of participating attractions will be announced shortly.

Doors Open Jamestown is an opportunity for local residents to be a tourist right here in our hometown as it offers a free day at local museums and attractions. After moving the event to an online only video montage last year, we have determined to hold it in-person this year. Please save the new date: March 5, 2022 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and watch for details to be announced for our new text-to-win Doors Open Jamestown contest for that day.

Mayville Winter Festival Seeks Volunteers, Sponsors

The Mayville-Chautauqua Community Chamber of Commerce is busily working on the 2022 Mayville Winter Festival, scheduled for President’s Day Weekend, February 18-20 at Lakeside Park. There are still spots available for potential sponsors, vendors, and volunteers.

If you would like to assist in any way with this outstanding local event, please contact Mayville-Chautauqua Community Chamber Coordinator Shannon Biekarck at sbiekarck@chautauquachamber.org.

To stay up to date on the Mayville Winter Festival, watch their page on Facebook or keep an eye on the Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce calendar online at www.chautauquachamber.org.