Once a year the Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce staff steps out of our offices and away from our long lists of events and projects to enjoy a day out. These respite days are designed as part team building, part educational, and part relaxation. We generally try to visit places where some of us haven’t been or haven’t been in a while.

This past week we launched our team day with a guided tour at the Audubon Community Nature Center on Riverside Road outside of Jamestown. Executive Director Leigh Rovegno showed us the extensive gardens, the two resident un-releasable birds housed on the grounds, the beautiful pavilion, and their creative use of space both indoors and out for maintained hiking trails and extensive play spaces. The Audubon Community Nature Center is much more than a nature preserve. It is a hands-on learning center for children of all ages to enjoy the beauty of the land and learn about the plants and wildlife in our region. For families with young children, we can highly recommend the indoor and outdoor play spaces. For those with older children the exhibits and nature trails will be entertaining and educational. And for adults the well-maintained building and grounds provide endless hours of nature immersion. Please check out their website at auduconcnc.org to find a wide variety of programs and experiences available to suit all ages.

Lunch was a relaxing meal with a gorgeous lake-side view on the patio at the Chautauqua Harbor Hotel in Celoron. Sales Manager William Hart Frantz personally greeted us when we arrived. Because our staff is spread throughout the county we don’t often gather in the same place at the same time. The wait staff at the Chautauqua Harbor Hotel was very accommodating, the food was delicious, and we had some time to connect with one another on both a professional and personal level.

From there we moved on to a private tour of Southern Tier Brewing Company in Lakewood. Experienced tour guide Mike Osgood took time out of his birthday celebration to show us how beer is made, packaged, and distributed at this iconic plant off Hunt Road. So much goes into the production of this beverage which many of us take for granted. Southern Tier Brewing company products are distributed far and wide, and we are fortunate to have them call Chautauqua County home.

If you’re part of a small team that works hard year-round, you might also consider a team day out. It’s a great opportunity to get to know some of the businesses and attractions right here in Chautauqua County. In the past our staff days have included such notable locations as the Dunkirk Lighthouse, Panama Rocks, and the National Comedy Center as well as numerous local restaurants, wineries, and other businesses. These opportunities have given us a chance to bond as a staff, as well as getting to know the resources around us. You can do the same. If you need help figuring out how to set up your own staff development day, we are happy to offer some tips, and the Chautauqua County Visitors Bureau is also a great resource. Your personnel may be one of your greatest expenses as an organization, but it can also be one of your greatest assets. Give your team a little knowledge and fun, and they’ll return more to your business in positive reviews and repeat customers!

CHAMBER CONGRESSIONAL BREAKFAST RESCHEDULED FOR AUGUST 30

The Chamber’s annual Congressional Breakfast featuring our guest, Representative Nick Langworthy, has been rescheduled for Wednesday, August 30 at 9am at Shorewood Country Club, 4958 West Lake Road, Dunkirk. All are invited to attend. The price for breakfast is $25 for Chamber members or $29 for non-members. Pre-registration is required. Please respond through the Chamber’s online calendar at www.chqchamber.org. 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.

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.

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.