With a focus on innovating, unifying the business community countywide, and building community, the Chautauqua County Chamber of commerce Thursday unveiled a new name, logo, and colors. CHQ Chamber reflects the work we do. We are the Chamber of Commerce for all of Chautauqua County, and this new brand is dedicated to telling that story.

Ever since I started at the Chamber three years ago, I have gotten the question, ‘Which Chamber of Commerce do you work for? Is it Jamestown, or Dunkirk, or Chautauqua County?’ We are one Chamber of Commerce. Throughout our more than two-decade history we have represented and provided services and programs for businesses countywide. This new name and logo bring that integration to the forefront.

Chamber Board Chair Heather Brown noted, “As the Chamber is poised to enter its 25th year as a countywide organization, the time was right to evaluate where we have been and where we are headed. Last year’s strategic planning process launched us in this direction, and we are excited about the refresh and about the future of the Chamber and our business community.”

Directions highlighted in the strategic plan were to facilitate collaborative relationships between businesses to promote economic activity for our county, unify and streamline the Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce through utilization of a consistent brand structure, clarify who we are and what we do, and lead the way and excel at boosterism and serve as the spokespeople for business. Following that planning process the Chamber Board adopted a new mission statement: to build vital connections, provide professional resources, and champion our local businesses in Chautauqua County. The vision statement is: The Chamber of Commerce is a critical partner in achieving consistent economic growth, resiliency, and prosperity to increase the collective opportunity for local businesses and organizations in Chautauqua County.

Both our mission and vision statements speak to our nature as a collaborative countywide entity. For over two decades we have been providing just as much support for businesses in Falconer as we do in Fredonia. We have cut ribbons in Cherry Creek and Clymer. We have held events in Bemus Point and Brocton. We are already serving businesses from Findley Lake to Frewsburg to Forestville and all points in between. We are CHQ Chamber.

For the past several months the Chamber’s Board of Directors and staff have been working with Mr. Smith Agency in Buffalo on a new brand. The work included an in-person discovery session with lots of time for discussion about the Chamber’s values and goals and several follow-ups to review how to visually represent the Chamber’s mission.

Rob Dimmer, Founder and Principal of Mr. Smith Agency, said, “We looked at the characteristics of the Chamber and of Chautauqua County to capture the essence of CHQ Chamber’s collaborative spirit, explore design directions including colors, fonts, and graphics. What our art team came up with was a concentration on water, connections, and community pillars to create a logomark that incorporates the name CHQ Chamber in a way that’s dynamic, connective, and structured.”

CHQ Chamber thanks Mr. Smith Agency for its focus and dedication to this work. The brand launch party was held at the Roger Tory Peterson Institute.

JAMESTOWN CRUISE-IN RETURNS AUGUST 9

One of Downtown Jamestown’s largest events returns August 9 as the Chamber of Commerce presents Jamestown Cruise-In from 5-9pm. This annual display of classic cars, hotrods, and cool vehicles always draws a crowd. This spectacular event is back for its 31st year! Enjoy live music by In Crowd, support local businesses with food and beverage purchases, and join in all the fun with another People’s Choice Award as spectators can text the number of their favorite car. Vehicle registration and sponsorship opportunities are open online now through the Chamber’s web calendar. Jamestown Cruise-In is sponsored by Cummins, Shults Auto Group, 3 C’s Catering, Elegant Edibles Catering, Axiom Office Imaging, Chautauqua Patrons Insurance Company, Affinity One Federal Credit Union, LaBella Associates, National Grid, Brooks – TLC Hospital System/Kaleida Health, and AHN Westfield Memorial Hospital.

CHAMBER GOLF TOURNAMENT IS AUGUST 15

The Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce is pleased to return to Peek’n Peak Resort for a fabulous day of golf and camaraderie. Networking doesn’t get much better than on the golf course, and the pro-level course at Peek’n Peak is a golfer’s dream! Limited space remains, so get your foursome together now and register through the Chamber’s web calendar at www.chqchamber.org. Your registration includes greens fees, cart, tee gift sponsored by the Basil Dealerships, lunch, and dinner. We begin the day with a shotgun at 11am.

New this year, we have a Tee Gift Sponsor! Many thanks to Basil Chevrolet for this generous sponsorship. Our Par Sponsors for the tournament are: A Automotive, Brooks-TLC Hospital System, Chautauqua Patrons Insurance Company, Community Bank, DFT Communications, Falconer Power Sports, Jamestown Container Company, Jamestown Mattress, Jamestown Plastics, Koester Associates, Lake Shore Savings Bank, National Grid, Nestle Purina, Northlake Development, Peek’n Peak, R & R Property Services & Landscaping, Shults Auto Group, Southern Chautauqua Federal Credit Union, and Westfield Nursery.

CHQ CHAMBER COMMITTEE IN HANOVER COMMITTEE TO HOST SILVER CREEK YARD SALES

Browse for bargains and support local businesses during the 32nd Annual Silver Creek Yard Sales! Sales run from 9am-5pm Saturday August 3. 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 scholarships for graduating seniors at Silver Creek and Forestville High Schools. You can register through the Chamber’s web calendar at , [http://www.chqchamber.org,%20or%20in%20person%20at]www.chqchamber.org, or in person at Hae Jude Custom Signs, Dave’s Outlet Store, or Silver Creek Village Hall during regular business hours. Registration must be received by July 29 to be included on the map. Please support local businesses in the Silver Creek area while you’re enjoying the sales!