A new strategic plan will guide the Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce towards exciting changes aimed at improving services for business county-wide.

We were pleased to work with local facilitators 221b Performance Solutions as they walked us through a methodical process to tease out the key issues ahead for us. After months of focus groups and a retreat with board members, staff, and stakeholders including community partners and business leaders, our board of directors approved a new plan that encompasses four strategies that we can implement over the next few years.

As we took a deeper dive into these strategies, our board and staff collectively determined that our work will initially focus on two of the strategies outlined. Our primary emphasis is on clarifying the work we do for the county-wide business community, with a big picture look at the multitude of services we provide and benefits we offer. We are revisiting our mission and vision statements, with an eye toward revising our communication plans and strategies.

The second strategy we will focus on is unifying and streamlining the organization through the utilization of a consistent brand structure. This will eventually involve redeveloping our logo and marketing materials, but also take us on a journey for improved communications, outreach, and education.

Additional recommendations call for facilitating collaborative relationships between businesses to promote economic activity for our county and beefing up our role as the spokespeople for business county-wide. These are objectives we have always embraced but are now finding new platforms and mechanisms for growth and messaging.

All this attention to our role has led us to refocus on what’s important. We serve over 900 businesses throughout the county. They are businesses of all sizes and types, from small independently owned retailers to financial institutions to service providers to manufacturers. It may sound cliche, but these businesses really are the backbone of our county. They drive our economy, provide jobs, and create the lifestyle and climate in which we live and work. The Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce is here to provide connections for all of them – connections to customers, connections to peers, and connections to resources. We look forward to the exciting and energizing work ahead on their behalf.

LAST CALL FOR EARLY BIRD SPECIAL FOR CHAMBER GOLF TOURNAMENT

You can still register to play golf in the Chamber’s Annual Golf Tournament, August 17 and get $10 off per player. Our Early Bird Special is just $185 per golfer, and it includes lunch, snacks, beverages, and dinner, as well as cart and golf fees.

The Chamber Golf Tournament will be held on the spectacular Upper Course at Peek’n Peak Resort in Clymer, Thursday, August 17, with a shotgun start at 11am. 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.

Early Bird registration runs through July 17, and after that the price climbs to $195, so sign up now through the Chamber’s web calendar and take advantage of this offer.

CHAMBER CONGRESSIONAL BREAKFAST TO BE RESCHEDULED

Due to an unavoidable conflict, the Chamber of Commerce must reschedule its annual Federal Congressional Breakfast with Representative Nick Langworthy. We are continuing to work with the Congressman’s office to find a new date and time and will announce it as soon as possible.

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!