There are lots of reasons for businesses to celebrate: a grand opening for a new business, a change in location, new ownership, new product lines, and more. In any and all of these cases, the Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce can help you create a meaningful ribbon cutting or grand opening event that will get your business noticed.

All good events begin with good planning. Whether you have some ideas yourself about how to host a grand opening or re-opening, or need to start from scratch, the Chamber has some tools at the ready for you. We can help invite dignitaries, provide some helpful hints, and notify the media. We are also happy to assist in planning your actual ceremony: giving you (and your family or staff if you like) the opportunity to speak, calling on guests to say a few words of congratulations, and of course we will bring the giant scissors and ribbon.

In 2022 the Chamber planned, assisted, and attended 35 ribbon cuttings countywide. That’s not only great for the local businesses involved, but also great for our local economy! Those businesses range from retail to restaurants to service providers – launched by entrepreneurs who have chosen to build their business here in Chautauqua County.

Last year the Chamber began streaming live video of ribbon cuttings on our Facebook page and the businesses seemed to appreciate the additional attention. We have invested in some technology that will make that process even better to improve audio quality for viewers. We are also happy to take still photos as well as video for your ribbon cutting event.

Whether you’re a Chamber member or not, and no matter the type or size of your business, the dedicated staff at the Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce can help you launch on the right foot. Call or email us to help your business plan and execute a terrific grand opening that will garner positive attention from the start, or if you’re planning an anniversary or grand re-opening event. For a consultation on events your business may be planning, contact the Chamber staff at (716) 484-1101 or (716) 366-6200. Any of our Community Chamber Coordinators or in-office personnel will be happy to help you create a successful grand opening or other event.

DOORS OPEN JAMESTOWN IS JANUARY 28

A myriad of attractions in the Jamestown region are once again pleased to host Doors Open Jamestown, Saturday, January 28. This event provides a free day at local museums and attractions. Launched many years ago to encourage local people to visit the numerous museums and attractions available in the community, in a time that is normally a slow tourism season, Doors Open Jamestown has become a highly anticipated day for the participating organizations as well as for their guests.

Our region is fortunate to be the home of so many extraordinary attractions, and many of them are in the immediate Jamestown area. Seventeen attractions are participating this year, featuring something for everyone including art, nature, sports, theater, history, and more. These amazing facilities look forward to this incredible open house day as they welcome area residents to see what they have to offer: Audubon Community Nature Center, Chautauqua Sports Hall of Fame, DAR House, DoubleTree Jamestown, Infinity Visual and Performing Arts Center, James Prendergast Library, Lucille Ball Desi Arnaz Museum, Lucile M. Wright Air Museum, Lucille Ball Little Theatre of Jamestown, Martz-Kohl Observatory, Marvin Community House, National Comedy Center, Northwest Arena, Pearl City Clay House, Reg Lenna Center for the Arts, Robert H. Jackson Center, Roger Tory Peterson Institute. The National Comedy Center and Lucille Ball Desi Arnaz Museum require pre-registration with additional details to be posted on their website. Northwest Arena will offer free public skating from 1-3pm (new time).

The Chamber of Commerce is running a Doors Open Jamestown text contest at all participating attractions, and at several local businesses that have chosen to participate. Look for text contest instructions at each venue and find more information online at www.jtny.events. Contest prizes include items donated by all the local participating attractions.

CHAMBER STATE LEGISLATIVE BREAKFAST

IS APRIL 28

The Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce has scheduled its annual State Legislative Breakfast for Friday, April 28, at Chautauqua Suites in Mayville. State Senator George Borrello and Assemblyman Andrew Goodell will be our guests for a discussion session with moderator John D’Agostino from the OBSERVER. We urge you to come prepared with questions for our state elected representatives.

Advanced registration is required and is open now on the Chamber’s web calendar at www.chautauquachamber.org. This event is sponsored by Chautauqua Suites Meeting & Expo Center, Media One Radio Group, OBSERVER, The Post-Journal, and the Small Business Development Center.

Check-in will begin at 8:00am with a buffet breakfast prepared, and the program will begin promptly at 8:30am. We ask that all attendees visit the buffet line before the program begins. The price is $22 for Chamber members or $26 for non-members. Sign up now or save the date and watch our calendar as we confirm venues and dates for many other events in the year ahead!