We still get the question from time to time: What does the Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce do? Primarily, we are a business association, so we are engaged in a variety of services that assist our local businesses. Among those services is collaborating with other local organizations to promote local businesses and to connect them in meaningful ways. These efforts fully meet our mission: to build vital connections, provide professional resources, and champion our local businesses in Chautauqua County.

At this moment we are working on a project that will encourage new and returning students at SUNY Fredonia to better utilize local businesses and services. This includes a welcome video including the County Executive and highlighting the Fredonia community as well as some of the numerous other attractions Chautauqua County has to offer.

For some time now we have been building out specific lists featuring Jamestown businesses, especially if they are remaining open for extra hours or offering specials during downtown events such as the annual Lucille Ball Comedy Festival, the Scandinavian Festival, and the Babe Ruth World Series which is underway now. These lists are available in our Jamestown office as well as many of the local stores, restaurants, and attractions.

These projects in Fredonia and Jamestown are ones we plan to replicate in communities countywide. They are a great way to highlight local businesses. With integrated Google mapping built into our website, the Chamber can easily help consumers find a wide variety of businesses all over Chautauqua County.

Our collaboration with the Chautauqua County Visitors Bureau and the Gebbie Foundation on a new downtown Jamestown visitor information center has already demonstrated its own value. As tourists have poured into the region in the past few weeks dozens of them have stopped into our new facility. One of the most frequently asked questions is, “Where should we go for lunch or dinner?” We are more than happy to point them in the direction of a wide variety of local restaurants depending on their dining preferences and have also showed them how and where to find other local attractions, shopping, and outdoor recreation.

While we always strongly encourage owners and employees of local businesses to get involved in Chamber events and programs, we realize that’s just part of the value we have to offer for our members. We frame our services by referencing connections to customers, peers, and resources. But it’s also connections to our community that make a difference. Local business creates the fabric of the villages, towns, and cities where we live and work. Unique and special retailers, restaurants, and service industries create provide the canvas for our outstanding sense of place, while also generating jobs for residents. By supporting our local businesses and their employees in a variety of ways, we are all building community.

LIMITED SPACE REMAINS AT THE CHAMBER GOLF TOURNAMENT

Limited space remains for golfers in the annual Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce Golf Tournament, to be held Thursday, August 17 on the beautiful Upper Course at Peek’n Peak! This golf scramble begins with a shotgun start at 11am. New this year: you can participate in 5 Card Draw poker. Golfers can enter for just $20. Five buckets will be placed at different locations throughout the course, and each participant will draw one card from each bucket when they get to the hole or location. The final draw will be at the end of the tournament, and when you draw your last card your poker hand will be turned in along with your golf scorecard. The best three poker hands will split a portion of the proceeds from the game. This is an added feature to our existing lineup of golf, the optional skins game, and the optional Golfer’s Special super pack, which includes entries into the raffle prize drawings, 50/50, and other golf games on the course such as Ring of Fire and Play with the Pro.

Registration is open online and a few spots remain for the Chamber Golf Tournament, August 17 on the pro-level upper course at Peek’n Peak in Clymer. The registration fee includes golf fees and cart as well as lunch, snacks, beverages, and dinner for a price of $195 per player. All golfers must register by the close of business on Monday, August 14.

Par sponsors for this year’s Golf Tournament are A Automotive, Brooks-TLC Hospital System/Kaleida Health, Calvert Pearson 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, Southern Chautauqua Federal Credit Union, and Westfield Nursery & Garden Center.

CONGRESSIONAL BREAKFAST SET 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. If you registered for the previously scheduled date, there is no need to re-register. Please respond through the Chamber’s online calendar at www.chqchamber.org by August 23. 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.

CHAMBER GRAND OPENING AUGUST 31

All are welcome to attend the grand opening of the beautifully refurbished building at 300 North Main Street in Jamestown which serves as offices for the Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce as well as a downtown visitor information center. This special celebration is planned for Thursday, August 31, with a ribbon cutting at 5pm followed by an open house until 7pm. The facility is owned by the Gebbie Foundation which has invested in a new façade and interior improvements to create a welcoming space for both tourists and local businesspeople and residents in the heart of downtown Jamestown.