The Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce has held two workshops, one in November and one this past week, on the eclipse and what it can mean for local businesses. Tom Traub of the Martz-Kohl Observatory has traveled to personally see nine solar eclipses and tells extraordinary tales of the crowds that turn out for what for some may be a once in a lifetime event. The County’s Director of Emergency Services, Noel Guttman, has heard from peers around the country who have said that major highways can turn into parking lots during the eclipse, when people may simply pull to the side of the road to watch as it unfolds. Immediately after the eclipse, those same highways can become gridlocked as viewers try to get back on the road. The Chautauqua County Visitors Bureau has been preparing for months as they have watched local lodging facilities sell out of space and Director Andrew Nixon notes their list of eclipse watch parties has grown to over 30 countywide.

These three individuals, Tom Traub, Noel Guttman, and Andrew Nixon, have addressed hundreds of people throughout Chautauqua County over many months. They have done their research, and they see the potential impact of this event – both economically and from a safety perspective. All three are urging local businesses to be prepared for crowds, especially Sunday April 7 and Monday April 8. We know that’s a stretch for a lot of local businesses, especially restaurants and small retailers that may traditionally not be open on those days. Restaurants and food service providers may want to order additional supplies. We want to be sure all businesses recognize that they have a unique opportunity to capture an audience – and that the customers who visit during the eclipse may also be returning visitors in the future.

If your business will be open special hours prior to or during the eclipse, let us and the CCVB help you spread the word. Both the Chamber and the Visitors Bureau will be working to publicize local dining, shopping, and attractions during this singularly exceptional time. To get listed with the Chamber, visit our web calendar at www.chautauquachamber.org and sign up under Eclipse Marketing Opportunities. To get listed with the Visitors Bureau, visit www.tourchautauqua.com.

This solar eclipse is particularly rare for the contiguous 48 United States – since the path of totality will run directly through many major North American cities for the first time. Chautauqua County happens to be directly in that line. Experts have pointed out numerous times that being in the path of the total eclipse is an experience unlike any other. The sky will get dark in the middle of the day, and you will be able to watch the shadow of the moon as it covers the sun.

Special eclipse glasses are required. If you look directly at the sun’s rays it can permanently damage your eyesight. Chautauqua County has ordered thousands of pairs of ISO-certified eclipse glasses and is distributing them for free starting Tuesday. The Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce can provide some to local businesses, along with safety tips for how to correctly use them. To request eclipse glasses from the Chamber, businesses and organizations are invited to complete our online form at www.chautauquachamber.org/eclipse-glasses-request-form. Each organization that accepts the county’s eclipse glasses from us must sign a liability waiver indicating that they will not resell them. Glasses will also be available to the public through local libraries, the Chautauqua County Visitors Bureau, and others.

Many thanks to our sponsors for this most recent Eclipse Business Builder Workshop: Brooks-TLC Hospital System, Jamestown Community College, Media One Radio Group, Observer, and The Post-Journal. And special thanks to the Elizabeth Warner Marvin Community House for opening its beautiful doors for our event. Presentations from the workshop are available through the Chautauqua County YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Q4AbXb7bZQ.

The total solar eclipse presents both opportunities and challenges. Let’s all work to make sure Chautauqua County is prepared to provide the best possible experience for all residents, visitors, and businesses around this distinctive event.

BUSINESS AFTER HOURS AT THE REG LENNA CENTER FOR THE ARTS MARCH 21

Join us for the first Business After Hours of 2024 as we visit the Reg Lenna Center for the Arts in Jamestown. This networking opportunity will be held upstairs in the Media Arts Studio above the theater – a great space you will want to see!

Business After hours is a chance for local businesspeople to come together in a casual and inviting way. It runs from 5-6:30pm, featuring appetizers, a cash bar, and a brief program that lets you know who’s who in the room. Remember to bring business cards for networking and our door prize drawing. The Reg Lenna Center for the Arts is at 116 East Third Street, Jamestown. Use the elevator to the right of the lobby entrance to head up to the Media Arts room.

Chamber member businesses can send two people at no charge. For non-members or anyone above the two-person limit, the price is $10. Advance registration is not required but is appreciated for our planning purposes and will get your name and business included in our Who’s Who in the Room list. Sign up online now through our web calendar at www.chautauquachamber.org. This Business After Hours is sponsored by the Reg Lenna Center for the Arts, Jamestown Community College, Media One Radio Group, OBSERVER, and The Post-Journal.