The Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce has closed out its first spring membership drive in three years by exceeding its goal for new members.

During the drive, which began May first, 41 local businesses joined the Chamber of Commerce. These businesses are from all over Chautauqua County and are now taking advantage of all of the services offered by the Chamber including human resources assistance, insurance offerings, participating in the ShopLocalCHQ Gift Card program, attending professional networking events, and more.

Businesses that joined the Chamber during the drive are: from Bemus Point, The Green Door Tavern; From Cassadaga, Hy-Wit Convenience/Gas Station including King Kone and Fermentation Station; in Dunkirk: Dunkirk Fitness, Flowers by Anthony, Hello Gorgeous Salon, Jo Jo’s Cake Cottage, Muldowney Development, Niebel Realty, Nuisance No More Pest Control, Zambotti Collision; in Forestville, Double A Specialties; in Fredonia; 64 on the Rocks, including 64 on the Pier in Dunkirk, Dupers, Festivals Fredonia, Fredonia Place, Muldowney Bros. Lawn Care, One World Catering; in Irving, SUP Erie Adventures; in Jamestown, Bloom Buddies, Hometown Rent to Own, Ideal Coatings, Jamestown Tarp Skunks, Panache Salon & Day Spa, Sandee’s Bakery, Swan Painting, Tammarie Designs, Xpress Transportation Services; In Lakewood, Dipson Theatres, Good Neighbor Bookstore; in Mayville, Handcrafted from the Heart, Hemlock House, Mayberry Jungle, Music for Your Mouth, and Quintessential Print Shop; in Sheridan, Larry Romance & Son; in Sherman, Feelin’ Saucy including B K Wine & Spirits and Sweet Meadows Shoppe; in Silver Creek, Barone Liquor Store, Hanford Country Market, Keeping Traditions Barbie-Pierogi, Music to Remember WNY, and Pride Boxing & Fitness.

Collectively, these businesses employ about 200 people throughout the county, in a variety of settings including restaurants, retail, personal and professional services, community services, attractions and entertainment, and more.

We are excited to have these organizations as part of the Chamber of Commerce. As a Chamber, our mission is to create a business environment in the region where our members can thrive. When we bring many businesses together under a collective umbrella, we all work to develop stronger communities and a stronger county.

This year, we put all of the new members that joined during the drive into a drawing for two key prizes. The winner of two tickets to the Chamber’s Annual Awards Banquet in October is Niebel Realty of Dunkirk, and the winner of a second year Chamber membership for free is Hemlock House of Mayville.

While our membership drive has ended, local businesses and organizations don’t’ have to wait to join the Chamber of Commerce. You can join anytime by contacting our team or join online at www.chautauquachamber.org.

We urge all local residents and visitors to support local businesses all year long. Whether you’re buying groceries or gifts, or in need of services such as auto repair or insurance, you can find local people who are ready and eager to meet your needs. If you’re looking for a Chamber member business, you can do so through our easy to navigate Business Directory online. Just use our dropdown category listings or type a key word into the search field.

Thank you to all of the businesspeople who joined the Chamber this spring. We look forward to doing business with and for you.

SIGN UP NOW AT THE EARLY BIRD RATE TO GOLF WITH THE CHAMBER AUGUST 18

The annual Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce Golf Tournament is scheduled for August 18 at Peek’n Peak. Early bird pricing features a $10 discount per player when you sign up by July 15.

The Chamber Golf Tournament is a great opportunity to entertain clients, reward employees, network with fellow golfers, and enjoy a round of golf on a beautiful pro-level course.

The Chamber’s 2022 Golf Tournament is sponsored by AES/Empire Solar, Chautauqua Patrons Insurance Company, Community Bank, Dahlstrom Roll Form, Lake Shore Savings Bank, Jamestown Container Company, Jamestown Mattress Company, LaBella Associates, Lawley Insurance, and Shults Auto Group.

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

NOMINATIONS FOR ANNUAL AWARDS ARE NOW OPEN

Each year the Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce presents its Economic Development Award and Person of the Year Award during our Annual Awards Banquet held in October. Over the two decades that these awards have been given they have gone to a variety of businesses, organizations, and individuals from all parts of Chautauqua County.

The Economic Development Award is presented to a company or organization that has contributed most to the economic development, quality of life and stability of our region. This represents one award for the entire region.

The Person of the Year award is presented to an individual who meets the following criteria: recognized by the entire region for his/her outstanding achievements and contributions either within the past year or throughout their entire life. This is a special person who obviously “stands-out” and would be immediately recognized by the region as a leader. Their contribution can be through their efforts in business, community service, political leadership, charitable service or other areas of interest.

You do not have to be a Chamber member to nominate for either of these awards. Nomination forms are available online now through the Chamber’s Annual Awards Banquet calendar item, on our web calendar for October 6. Download the fillable forms, enter the information required, and then return the completed form to Carrie Swanson at the Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce at cswanson@chautauquachamber.org.

If an individual or organization is nominated but not selected, the Chamber’s Board of Directors will hold those applications for reconsideration in subsequent years.

And save the date now – October 6 – for the Chamber’s Annual Awards Banquet. It’s always a terrific event!