×

We must remain flexible, forgiving

Often throughout the COVID-19 pandemic the chamber has spread the message for consumers to be flexible and forgiving to the business community. Business owners and staff were doing their best to understand and adapt to rapidly changing regulations. While this was frustrating to consumers trying to make purchases or plan their shopping and entertainment, it was even more frustrating to our businesses trying to survive.

While concerns related to the pandemic wane, new issues are rapidly emerging that continue to challenge the business community. There is uncertainty around many facets important to business including workforce challenges, economic trends, global events, and of course the cost of raw materials and goods including fuel.

As local businesses try to deal with these issues, we as consumers must again be flexible and forgiving. Supply chain issues persist which may impact product availability. Fuel costs may impact pricing as all items are shipped at one stage or another before the final product appears on a shelf or plate at a local business. Small businesses are always reluctant to increase their pricing, and heavily weigh the community they are a part of when making decisions. We urge consumers to remember this when that morning coffee, sandwich, or artisanal item costs a bit more than last time you stopped in.

Not to discount the impact of inflation on consumers, also consider this is a time when small business owners need our support the most. Studies have shown a significantly larger part of every dollar, up to 67 cents, stays in the local community when compared with shopping online or at big box stores and chains. So, while we all continue to navigate our daily challenges it remains critical to shop local and support our community. Consider a staycation to save on gas and become a tourist in your own backyard. Explore other areas of Chautauqua County and be reminded why it is such a great place to live, work, and play. Most of all, remain flexible and forgiving to our neighbors and staff working hard to keep their doors open in challenging times.

Chamber State Legislative Breakfast is April 8

The Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce is pleased to present an in-person gathering for its 2022 State Legislative Breakfast. Our guests will be State Senator George Borrello and Assemblyman Andrew Goodell.

The event will be held Friday, April 8 at the DoubleTree by Hilton, 150 West Fourth Street, Jamestown. Advanced registration is required and requested by April 1.

Check-in the morning of the event begins at 8 a.m., with breakfast and the program to get underway at 8:30 a.m.

We hope you will come prepared with questions for our local state representatives. Our moderator will be John D’Agostino from The Post-Journal and OBSERVER.

The annual Chamber State Legislative Breakfast is sponsored by Chautauqua Institution, DoubleTree by Hilton, Jamestown Mattress Company, Media One Radio Group, OBSERVER, The Post-Journal, Serta Simmons Bedding, and the Small Business Development Center.

Register online now through the Chamber’s events calendar at www.chautauquachamber.org.

NFIB Small Business Day to be Held Virtually March 17

The National Federation of Independent Business will present a virtual Small Business Day on Thursday, March 17. This is an opportunity for many of the state’s leading business organizations and for small businesses themselves to gather virtually to help educate policymakers on the issues more important to small businesses. This is a free event that is open to all business community advocates and small business owners!

Key topics will include unemployment insurance, tax reform, COVID sick leave, and ADA lawsuits against small businesses. Speakers are being lined up now.

To register to participate or to learn more, visit engage.nfib.org/events and check New York to filter by state.

Newsletter

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *
   

Starting at $4.62/week.

Subscribe Today