In alignment with our new strategic plan, the Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce has adopted new mission and vision statements. Following the direction of our Board of Directors the first strategy we are implementing calls for clarifying who we are and what we do. The Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce is first and foremost a business association. Our services are targeted towards businesses in a variety of ways, providing connections to customers, connections to peers, connections to resources, and connections to community. With these essential standards top of mind we went to work. We reviewed our values as an organization and looked through the important language that bubbled up through our strategic planning process.

Through all the discussion of the benefits of Chamber membership and how we serve our business community, we now have a new mission statement approved by our Board of Directors: Our mission is to build vital connections, provide professional resources, and champion our local businesses in Chautauqua County.

The next order of business was a review of our vision statement. We used the same process, with a thorough look at our values as well as a deep dive into the direction our strategic plan takes us. As a result, the Board of Directors approved a new vision statement: The Chamber of Commerce is a critical partner in achieving consistent economic growth, resiliency, and prosperity to increase the collective opportunity for local businesses and organizations in Chautauqua County.

The new mission and vision statements represent more than just written concepts. They really help to create direction for our work moving forward. As we look at the strategy of clarifying who we are and what we do, the Chamber will focus now on developing and integrating messaging targeted to the value of the benefits we provide for local businesses and organizing our communication tools to better highlight our services. We look forward to our new strategic plan, and mission and vision statements, taking us into the next five years with positive direction and energy as we build vital connections, provide professional resources, and champion our local businesses in Chautauqua County.

CHAUTAUQUA CHAMBER RECOGNIZED BY BUSINESS FIRST

Once again, the Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce has been recognized by Business First of Buffalo as the fourth largest business advocacy group in Western New York. Organizations surveyed had to list members, as well as non-member associated companies. At the time of the tally our Chamber had over 850 active members, plus more than 68 subsidiary members. This recognition would not be possible without the support of our member organizations. To learn about the services the Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce provides for businesses and to be part of our growing organization, visit us at www.chqchamber.org.

REGISTER NOW FOR THE CHAMBER GOLF TOURNAMENT AUGUST 17

You can still register to play golf in the Chamber’s Annual Golf Tournament, August 17 at Peek’n Peak. The Chamber Golf Tournament will be held on the spectacular Upper Course at Peek’n Peak Resort in Clymer, with a shotgun start at 11am. The registration fee includes golf fees and cart as well as lunch, snacks, beverages, and dinner for a price of $195 per player. Par sponsors for this year’s Golf Tournament are A Automotive, Brooks-TLC Hospital System/Kaleida Health, Calvert Peterson Insurance Group, Chautauqua Patrons Insurance Company, Community Bank, N.A., Dahlstrom Roll Form, DFT Communications, Jamestown Community College, Jamestown Container Companies, Jamestown Mattress Company, Jamestown Plastics, Inc., Koester Associates, Lake Shore Savings Bank, National Grid, Nestle Purina PetCare, OBSERVER, Payroll Services, The Post-Journal, R & R Property Services & Landscaping, Shults Auto Group, and Southern Chautauqua Federal Credit Union.

HANOVER COMMUNITY CHAMBER TO HOST SILVER CREEK YARD SALES

Browse for bargains and support local businesses during the 31st Annual Silver Creek Yard Sales! Sales run from 9am-5pm Saturday August 5. Register your sale now to be included on the map. Registration is $10 per household. Maps will be sold at the village park for $2 each on the sale day. Proceeds from the Silver Creek Yard Sales help support the Hanover Community Chamber scholarship fund which provides scholarships annually to graduating seniors at Silver Creek and Forestville High Schools. You can register through the Chamber’s web calendar at www.chautauquachamber.org or at Hae Jude Custom Signs or Silver Creek Optical during regular business hours. Registration must be received by July 31. Please support local businesses in the Silver Creek area while you’re enjoying the sales!

JAMESTOWN CRUISE-IN IS AUGUST 11

Jamestown Cruise-In returns, August 11! This annual display of classic cars, hot rods, and cool vehicles draws a crowd! Celebrating its 30th year, this spectacular event features a tremendous array of awesome vehicles lining Third Street and adjacent streets in downtown Jamestown from 5-9pm. Enjoy live music by In Crowd and support local businesses with food and beverage purchases. Vehicle registration is just $10 per car, and you can sign up online now or pay in cash at check-in at Third and Spring Streets the day of the event. New this year – the Chamber will be holding a “People’s Choice” award text contest during the event so everyone can participate! Jamestown Cruise-In is sponsored by Cummins, Shults Auto Group, Wegmans, 3 C’s Catering, Elegant Edibles Catering, LaBella Associates, Small Business Development Center, Superior Automotive & Sales, Chautauqua Patrons Insurance Company, DFT Communications, McCandless Well Drilling, Brooks-TLC Hospital System/Kaleida Health, and National Grid.