The mission of the CHQ Chamber is to build vital connections, provide professional resources, and champion our local businesses in Chautauqua County.

As one of the largest business associations in Western New York, the CHQ Chamber offers a wide variety of services, events, and programs that make a meaningful difference for the business community countywide – meeting our mission in numerous ways.

For decades the Chamber of Commerce has been providing networking opportunities that help businesspeople connect with one another. Whether your business is seeking customers or sales or your nonprofit is looking for volunteers or board members, the Chamber’s Business After Hours networking events are the place to be.

Chamber member organizations can send two people at no charge, and there’s a nominal fee for anyone above the two-person limit or for non-members. We take time to help showcase each attending business with our fun and quick Who’s Who in the Room session.

Networking opportunities also abound at other CHQ Chamber functions throughout the year including the Chamber Golf Tournament, Annual Awards Banquet, Annual Meeting, and more. CHQ Chamber Connections is a weekly email newsletter distributed to more than 2,700 businesspeople countywide. It not only reminds people about upcoming Chamber events, it’s also a great place for members to share their own news whether it’s a new product line, service, or a workplace promotion.

Through sponsorship and advertising opportunities Chamber members can help grow their brand and drive up their return on investment. Reinforce your company name and product awareness while aligning yourself with the CHQ Chamber – a well-known and trusted association.

Business Builder Workshops provide a series of topical discussions that bring together expertise with your desire to learn. These quarterly workshops offer vital information as well as plenty of time for questions and answers.

Through our sister corporation, Chautauqua Benefits Specialists, the Chamber has a licensed insurance broker who can provide an analysis of your needs. We offer cost-competitive insurance products featuring multiple plans through a variety of carriers. In order to meet additional human resources needs, the Chamber provides members with an easy to use online system so employees can be certified annually in workplace sexual harassment prevention training, per New York State requirements.

The ShopLocalCHQ Gift Card is accepted by more than 170 businesses throughout Chautauqua County. In 2023 gift card spending with participating local merchants topped $54,000 – a 7.4% increase from the prior year.

That’s money being invested directly into our local economy as ShopLocalCHQ Gift Cards are redeemed for purchases at retailers, grocery stores, wineries, attractions, restaurants, and specialty services.

Whether your business is a member or not, the Chamber is happy to assist in a grand opening/ribbon cutting for new businesses. Just fill out the convenient form on our website and give us a couple of weeks to get it scheduled. This is just a quick overview, and there’s much more the CHQ Chamber does for local businesses day in and day out, including local events that draw foot traffic into businesses. To find our more, check out our website at www.chqchamber.org.

Chamber Golf Tournament is August 15

If you’re an avid golfer and haven’t signed up yet for the Chamber’s Annual Golf Tournament, limited space remains.

We do ask that all golfers register before the close of business Monday, August 12. The tournament is Thursday, August 15 at Peek’n Peak Resort, and it features a great day of golf and networking. 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, Cattaraugus County Bank, Charlie’s Auto Center, 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.

Get your foursome together now and register through the Chamber’s web calendar at www.chqchamber.org.

Business After Hours at Hideaway Bay Resort September 19

Join us at a brand new and spectacular venue for Business After Hours! Our hosts September 19 will be Hideaway Bay Resort, 42 Lake Avenue, Silver Creek.

Drift Restaurant at Hideaway Bay Resort offers a unique experience with expansive views of Lake Erie. At this Business After Hours you’ll enjoy complimentary appetizers, a cash bar, and a chance to mingle with a wide variety of local businesspeople in a tremendous setting. Business After Hours is sponsored by Brooks-TLC Hospital System/Kaleida Health, DFT Communications, Jamestown Community College, Media One Radio Group, OBSERVER, and The Post-Journal.

Registration is not required but is appreciated for our planning purposes and to get you on our Who’s Who in the Room list. Chamber member businesses may send two people for free. After that the cost is just $10 per person, or it’s $10 if you’re a non-member. Register now through our web calendar at www.chqchamber.org.