The CHQ Chamber was on hand Thursday as newly enrolled students moved in on the SUNY Fredonia campus. As they get settled into their new community, our objective is to make sure they – and their families – know about all that’s available for them right here in Chautauqua County.

College living is about so much more than just a dorm room and a campus. It’s about the local businesses they will frequent while they’re in school, and the additional regional recreational and arts opportunities they will discover. Chautauqua County is always poised to show off its best assets, and this welcome day for students and parents is a great moment to show them how to make the most of their college years, and beyond.

The CHQ Chamber provided welcome bags organized by our coordinator Denise Szalkowski, featuring coupons, special offers, and items from local businesses and organizations. The bags were supplied by DFT Communications. A 2023 Chautauqua County Travel Guide from the Chautauqua County Visitors Bureau was inserted in each bag, along with a Shop-Dine-Explore Fredonia brochure from the Chamber of Commerce, listing local retailers, restaurants, recreational sites, and services that students or their families may want and need during the school year. The brochure also includes a QR code that leads students directly to our website where they can find even more exciting places to shop, dine, and visit throughout Chautauqua County. Giveaways, coupons, and information in the bags was provided by 3 Lakes Café, The Barn 3521 and The Daisy Farm, The Cakery, CHQTrails.org, Community Bank, DFT Communications, Edwards Waterhouse Inn, Festivals Fredonia, Fredonia Cycle, Fredonia Farmers Market, HBKS Wealth Management, Hideaway Bay Resort, Lake Shore Savings Bank, Next Chapter Bookstore, and TCC Health.

The annual school year bump in population in Chautauqua County, both at SUNY Fredonia and at Jamestown Community College, represents economic opportunity for all businesses countywide. Students often come to a college campus and find a long-term home, and as their families visit during their college tenure, they spend money at local lodging, dining, tourism, and retail establishments.

For the first time this year, the CHQ Chamber also created an opportunity for families to purchase ShopLocalCHQ Gift Cards for their students. These are the same gift cards available year-round for county residents, now being offered to in-coming students as an easy-to-use gift that will allow them to sample local businesses. The ShopLocalCHQ Gift Card can be purchased in any amount between $5 and $500 and may be redeemed at over 170 participating businesses in Chautauqua County. It’s not just a nice gift for a new student, it helps to support our local merchants and local economy.

FIRST FRIDAY TO CLOSE THE SEASON SEPTEMBER 6

First Friday in Westfield offers something for everyone! You can enjoy open businesses along Main Street, as well as street vendors, live music, and much more! Main Street in Westfield is closed from Portage to Pearl to make the event safer for all attendees.

The September 6 First Friday will be the final one this season. It is proudly sponsored by Blue June Blooms, AHN Westfield Memorial Hospital, and Westfield Boatworks.

Vendors can still register for this event. The price for business vendors is $20 and it helps to cover the costs of street closure as well as marketing and promotion for the event. A certificate of liability insurance is required for all vendors. Find the vendor requirements and sign up online 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.

CHAMBER CONGRESSIONAL LUNCHEON IS OCTOBER 3

Save the date now and get ready to sign up soon for the annual CHQ Chamber Congressional Luncheon Thursday, October 3 at Shorewood Country Club, 4958 West Lake Road, Dunkirk. Each year the Chamber provide an opportunity for local businesspeople to hear directly from their local elected representatives at the county, state, and federal levels. This event is part of that legislative series. We always encourage attendees to come with questions for Congressman Nick Langworthy.

The CHQ Chamber Congressional Lunch is sponsored by Advanced Manufacturing Technology, Brooks-TLC Hospital System, Chautauqua Institution, County of Chautauqua Industrial Development Agency, Jamestown Community College, Jamestown Mattress Company, Media One Radio Group, National Grid, Observer, The Post-Journal, Shorewood Country Club, and UPMC Chautauqua.