Each year the Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce proudly presents its Economic Development Award and Person of the Year Award at our Annual Awards Banquet in October. You have a chance now to nominate an organization or individual for these awards! We have posted an easy to use form online at www.chautauquachamber.org/award-nomination-form for your convenience.

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.

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

We encourage you to consider the criteria presented above and submit a nomination for one, or both, of these award categories. Nominations must be received by July 14. All nominations will be reviewed by the Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors.

FIRST FRIDAYS EXPAND WITH STREET CLOSURE IN WESTFIELD

First Fridays in Westfield will be even bigger and better for the remainder of the season, as the Chamber of Commerce has secured a permit from the New York State Department of Transportation to close a portion of Route 20 in the village during the event. This will allow for even more vendor participation and make the experience safer and more walkable for all guests.

Route 20 (East Main Street) will be temporarily closed to all traffic from Portage (Route 394) to Union Street, with limited traffic from Union to Pearl Street. The closure will be in effect from 5-9pm during First Friday July 7, and subsequent First Fridays on August 4, September 1, and October 6.

Staunzie Grady, Chamber Coordinator in Westfield, said, “First Fridays is a community event that celebrates the vibrancy and diversity of our local business community. It brings together business owners, artists, and residents in celebration of creativity and local entrepreneurship. We invite everyone to enjoy live music, explore various artistic displays, and show their support for our local establishments.”

The Chamber thanks the Village of Westfield, Westfield Development Corporation, and Chautauqua County Emergency Services for their assistance and support during this permitting process. Vendors are invited to set up for free for First Fridays. The vendor application remains open online through the Chamber calendar at www.chautauquachamber.org. First Fridays are sponsored by AHN Westfield Memorial Hospital, CK Natural Fruit Juice, Small Business Development Center, and Wanderlust Custard, with additional support from these businesses sponsoring local musicians: California Dreamin’, CJ’s Pizza, Mason Funeral Home, and Westfield Professional Offices.

MAYVILLE-CHAUTAUQUA COMMUNITY CHAMBER SUMMER CONCERT SERIES

The Mayville-Chautauqua Community Chamber of Commerce has resumed its popular summer concert series on Thursday nights. The concerts take place at Lakeside Park from 6:30-8:30, with musicians in the gazebo. These events are free to the public. Just bring a lawn chair. Performances will be moved indoors in case of rain. There are potential vendors, food trucks, a 50/50 raffle and yard games. Save the dates now for these great shows: July 6, Interstate Daydream; July 13, Khaotic Smoke; July 20, Ion Sky; July 27, Midnight Growlers; August 3, Kokomo Time Band; August 10, No Consensus; August 17, Pat Cook; August 24, 23 Skidoo; and August 31, Osborne Nash.

CHAMBER CONGRESSIONAL BREAKFAST IS JULY 21

Please join us for the annual Chamber Federal Congressional Breakfast with our guest, Representative Nick Langworthy. We invite you to come prepared with questions for your congressman. This event will be held Friday, July 21, at Shorewood Country Club, 4958 West Lake Road, Dunkirk. Pre-registration is required. The price for breakfast is $25 for Chamber members or $29 for non-members. The Congressional Breakfast is sponsored by Advanced Manufacturing Technology, Brooks-TLC Hospital System/Kaleida Health, Chautauqua Institution, County of Chautauqua Industrial Development Agency, Jamestown Community College, Media One Radio Group, National Grid, OBSERVER, and The Post-Journal. Sign up now through our web calendar at www.chautauquachamber.org.

EARLY BIRD SPECIAL AVAILABLE FOR CHAMBER GOLF TOURNAMENT

Register now and take advantage of the Early Bird Special for the Chamber’s Annual Golf Tournament, August 17 on the spectacular Upper Course at Peek’n Peak Resort in Clymer. The Early Bird Price is just $185 per golfer, and it includes lunch, snacks, beverages, and dinner as well as cart and golf fees. Par sponsors for this year’s Golf Tournament are Brooks-TLC Hospital System/Kaleida Health, 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, The Post-Journal, R & R Property Services & Landscaping, Shults Auto Group, and Southern Chautauqua Federal Credit Union. Early bird registration is available until July 17. You can sign up now on the Chamber’s web calendar.