By Daniel J. Heitzenrater

President and CEO of the Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce

Our Jamestown office at 300 North Main Street is temporarily closed, but rest assured, the Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce is still here to serve you. The mess and disruption now will create some big improvements in the long run.

Ever since we moved into the space at the corner of Third and Main Streets, we have been in discussions about opening a full-fledged downtown Jamestown visitor information center. Perhaps you have seen the banner on the building that says, “Visitor Center Coming Soon.” Now, working closely with the property owner, the Gebbie Foundation, and with the Chautauqua County Visitors Bureau, this plan is coming to fruition.

Construction inside consists of enclosing the conference room area, adding an ADA compliant restroom, and creating restricted access to our workroom and storage space. All of this will provide a greatly enhanced experience for all who enter, including those attending Chamber meetings or functions, and tourists who may be visiting Jamestown for the first time – or on return visits.

Thanks to grant funding we are also in the process of procuring additional digital display screens to help promote local events, programs, and small businesses. The CCVB provided our first exterior-facing digital screen last year. We will soon add a second one, so that digital screens will face both Main and Third Streets, along with two interior-facing screens to enrich the visitor experience and help to further promote attractions and local businesses.

Once the inside work is complete, watch for some exterior improvements as well. The façade will get a much-needed overhaul and this very visible and dated downtown structure will have a fresh new look.

While all this work is underway, the Chamber staff remains ready to serve our business members. We still have events and programs underway and encourage you to attend. Our Dunkirk office in the JCC North Training Center remains open Mondays from 8:30-4:30, and by appointment. There may be times when our staff is working from home as well – but we are well-equipped to do so with no loss of service to you. You can email us or call us during regular business hours. To find our emails, check the Contact our Team page on our website at www.chautauquachamber.org.

CHAMBER STATE LEGISLATIVE BREAKFAST

IS APRIL 28

There is still time to sign up for the Chamber’s Annual State Legislative Breakfast, coming up Friday, April 28 at Chautauqua Suites Hotel & Events Center 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. 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.

The annual State Legislative Breakfast is sponsored by Brooks-TLC Hospital System/Kaleida Health, Chautauqua Suites Hotel & Event Center, DFT Communications, Jamestown Community College, Jamestown Mattress, LaBella Associates, Media One Radio Group, OBSERVER, The Post-Journal, and the Small Business Development Center.

FIRST FRIDAYS

BEGIN MAY 5

First Fridays are back this year in Westfield! Starting Friday, May 5, this street fair event will be held in downtown Westfield, organized by the Westfield-Barcelona Community Chamber Committee. The theme for this season-opener is Cinco de Mayo!

First Friday runs from 5-8pm and is fun for the whole family, with businesses staying open, vendors offering food and more, and entertainment. If you want to be a vendor or a sponsor, you can easily sign up online through our web calendar at www.chautauquachamber.org or for more information contact Community Chamber Coordinator Staunzie Grady at sgrady@chqchamber.org or at (716) 484-1101 ext. 300.

Additional First Fridays for 2023 will be held June 2, July 7, August 4, September 1, and October 6.

BUSINESS AFTER HOURS AT 64 ON THE ROCKS IS MAY 11

The Chamber of Commerce will hold its next Business After Hours at 64 on the Rocks, 64 West Main Street, Fredonia, on Thursday, May 11. These events run from 5-6:30pm and are designed to provide some information networking after work in a way that still allows you to relax in the evening.

Enjoy complimentary appetizers and a cash bar and get to know some potential customers. Chamber member businesses can send two people at no cost. The price is $10 for non-member businesspeople or for additional member attendees above the two free. Be sure to bring business cards for our door prize drawings and come prepared to give a quick overview about your business so other attendees can get to know you.

Pre-registration is not required but is helpful so we can plan appropriately. Business After Hours at 64 on the Rocks is sponsored by 64 on the Rocks, Media One Radio Group, OBSERVER, and The Post-Journal.