As the Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce is in the midst of its spring membership drive, we wanted to take a moment today to remind our existing members (and those that may not be members yet) of the value of a Chamber membership. When a business invests in the Chamber of Commerce, the return on that investment can be up to 12 times higher than the initial cost. That value is counted in a variety of programs and services offered by the Chamber.

One of the services the Chamber provides to its members is an online video system that features the state-compliant workplace sexual harassment prevention training. Through the Chamber’s agreement with Zywave – a trusted provider of online human resource services – we can offer our members access to these important training programs.

In 2018, New York State began requiring that all employees in any company or organization statewide be trained about sexual harassment in the workplace. The objective is to recognize and stop harassment, and also learn about how to effectively report it if it happens.

We have occasionally been asked whether the state checks for compliance, and the answer is the State Labor Department has this issue on its checklist in case any workplace is audited. In addition, if a business is reported for a violation, rest assured that the first thing the state will look for is whether or not the company complied with the mandatory training requirement. The Zywave system automatically creates a record of completion for each employee, along with a printable certificate for each employee, at the end of the training – providing a simple checkup for each business about having done the training.

Individual pricing for this type of training can be incredibly expensive for a business. But through a membership in the Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce, businesses can access the training programs at no additional cost above their investment.

In addition, the Chamber can offer additional training modules in a variety of areas for our higher tiered memberships, including food safety, some OSHA compliance, and more, as well as an employee handbook builder and an online HR resource library with up to date information. These programs can be invaluable for small businesses that don’t have in-house human resources staff or services.

To learn more, contact the Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce at (716) 484-1101 or (716) 366-6200.

REGISTER NOW FOR THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE BREAKFAST JUNE 3

Each year the Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce presents an opportunity for local businesspeople to meet in person with the County Executive and ask questions. The purpose of these events is to provide a forum for discussion of the issues that may be significant to a variety of businesses. Whether it’s a question about taxes, land use, infrastructure, or some other concern, our role is to offer the chance to engage with elected officials.

This year’s County Executive Breakfast is set for 8:30am, Friday, June 3. It will be held at the Clarion Hotel & Conference Center, 30 Lake Shore Drive East, Dunkirk. Advance registration is required, and reservations are encouraged by May 27.

County Executive PJ Wendel will join us to discuss issues pertinent to the business community. Chamber President and CEO Daniel Heitzenrater will moderate the discussion.

The Chamber’s County Executive Breakfast is sponsored by Brooks-TLC Hospital System, Chautauqua Institution, Clarion Hotel & Conference Center, County of Chautauqua Industrial Development Agency, DFT Communications, Jamestown Community College, Jamestown Mattress, LaBella Associates, Media One Radio Group, OBSERVER, Phillips Lytle, The Post-Journal, Serta Simmons Bedding, Small Business Development Center at JCC, Southern Tier Environments for Living, and UPMC Chautauqua.

The cost to attend is $20 for Chamber members and $25 for non-members. Register online through the Chamber’s events calendar at www.chautauquachamber.org.

BUSINESS AFTER HOURS AT GROUP THER-HAPPY MAY 24

Enjoy a great little spot in Lakewood as the Chamber brings Business After Hours to Group Ther-Happy, 103 Chautauqua Avenue in the heart of the village. Join your fellow Chamber of Commerce members for this networking event as you enjoy appetizers and a cash bar while you get to know other local businesspeople.

Chamber member businesses can send two people to each Business After Hours event at no cost. The price is just $10 for non-members or for additional member attendees above the first two. Be sure to bring business cards and come prepared to give a quick overview about your business so others can get to know you.

Business After Hours at Group Ther-Happy is sponsored by Group Ther-Happy, Media One Radio Group, OBSERVER, and The Post-Journal. Register online now through the Chamber’s events calendar.

FIRST FRIDAYS KICKS OFF MAY 27

The Westfield-Barcelona Community Chamber of Commerce is proud to once again present First Fridays – a fun and engaging street fair on Main Street in Westfield! This year’s series will begin with a preview event Friday, May 27 (weather permitting) which is sponsored by Brooks-TLC Hospital System. These popular events feature music, vendors, food, and more. Each one runs from 5-8pm.

Additional dates this year for First Fridays include June 3, July 1, July 8 (Second Friday – Reunion Weekend), August 5, September 2, September 9 (Second Friday – Lincoln Festival Weekend), and October 7 (Fall Festival – weather permitting.)

Stay up to date with First Fridays and more happening in the Westfield region through their Facebook page.