During our recent Christmas luncheon, the Chamber of Commerce staff spent a few minutes reflecting on some of the positive moments from the past year. Numerous events came to mind, and the staff noted some internal goals we have achieved as well.

2022 was a strong year for Chamber events, and many of them created strong memories. In April, the Chamber had planned our annual State Legislative Breakfast for a time when we all anticipated the state budget to be finalized and our local lawmakers available. But the budget negotiations ran long, and our staff had to pivot quickly as it became evident that our Assemblyman and State Senator would be tied up in Albany. Thanks to the wonders of technology and our fast-moving personnel, we were able to videoconference them in and get a firsthand look at how the process works even as budget bills were coming up for votes. It was an exhilarating and special moment for everyone and a fascinating look at how technology can now create a somewhat seamless approach to how we do business with multiple people in different rooms and opposite ends of the state.

Business networking was a highlight this year as we returned to a full cadre of Business After Hours events at a variety of venues countywide. The Chamber’s Annual Golf Tournament held at Peek’n Peak included a strong turnout of golfers and some exceptional moments for business meetups on in a fabulous setting.

The chamber’s Annual Awards Banquet in October also rose to the top of our list as many of our staff talked about how touching it was to hear the stories and meet some of the people who truly make our county a great place to live and work. From the extraordinary story of our Person of the Year Steven Cobb with the Mental Health Association in Chautauqua County to the commitment of so many Community Service Award recipients, and the dedication of the Small Business Development Center in earning the Economic Development Award, we could not be prouder of the people who work quietly day in and day out to improve our communities.

These are a few of our examples from 2022, but we urge you to take a moment as this year comes to an end to do the same in your business or organization. Check in with your staff, or with yourself if you’re a sole proprietor, and relish the positives from the past year. Then carry those good vibes into the new year as we all look forward to more beneficial encounters with the people who make Chautauqua County special.

THANKS FOR SHOPPING LOCALLY

The past few weeks have been a flurry of activity for many – at home, at work, in stores and bakeries and restaurants. But we would like to take a moment this weekend to remind everyone that our local businesses are grateful for all you have done for them this season.

The Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce has been beating the drum for supporting small businesses for many years. Finally, we feel like it is paying off. We have seen so much more activity in small retail businesses this season than we have in many years. Anecdotally we believe that our Shop Small promotions have paid off in a big way.

We noticed a tremendous difference in the turnout this year for Small Business Saturday, just after Thanksgiving. Many locally owned retailers were packed with shoppers. And that was just the start. Throughout our own holiday shopping trips this year, the small locally owned businesses have been bustling. Some retailers have told us they have experienced record sales days this shopping season. That is no small thing!

With the help of the Chautauqua County Partnership for Economic Growth, the Chamber has been promoting some additional tools to help small businesses boost their sales this year, including the ShopLocalCHQ Gift Card and our online marketplace, ShopLocalCHQ.com. We are grateful for the participation of many partners throughout the year, including CCPEG.

Thank you for supporting our numerous small, locally owned businesses in 2022. We hope you will continue to do so in the new year.

CHAMBER PROVIDES NEW TOOLS FOR GIFT CARD PARTICIPANTS

Thousands of Chautauqua County residents receive ShopLocalCHQ Gift Cards each year, as gifts for many occasions or as training rewards or bonuses from work. Now the Chamber of Commerce is making it easier for you to let your customers know they can use this valuable card when they make a purchase at your business. The Chamber has rolled out a new social media toolkit, featuring three components that are easy for your business to use to capture some of this important revenue: pre-made social media images, customizable images that allow you to insert your own logo, and a “bug” that can be used in your print publications or on your website.

All of these tools can be found at www.chautauquachamber.org/shoplocalchq-gift-card-toolkit including downloadable social media graphics, the bug, and a link to the Canva platform where graphics can be customized with your own logo, plus instructions.

The sales of ShopLocalCHQ Gift Cards have been brisk this holiday season. The Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce provides this program as a service to our members and as a way to boost small businesses and improve our local economy. The Chamber absorbs all costs associated with this program and received a grant this year from the Chautauqua County Partnership for Economic Growth to help improve all our Shop Small efforts including the gift card program. If your company does not accept the ShopLocalCHQ Gift Card and you would like to know more, call the Chamber at (716) 484-1101 or visit us online.

The ShopLocalCHQ Gift Card is issued by Pathward†, N.A., Member FDIC. Funds do not expire. Non-reloadable and no cash access. For Cardholder Agreement or Customer Service: www.getmybalance.com or 1-833-558-1088.