The CHQ Chamber has a variety of events slated for the summer ahead – all with an eye toward our mission to build vital connections, provide professional resources, and champion our local businesses in Chautauqua County. As a countywide business association, the work we do must be focused on supporting our local businesses. That means providing some programming that helps to drive consumer traffic to local businesses and promoting them whenever we can.

First Fridays in Westfield begin for the season June 6. For the third year in a row the Chamber has secured a permit from the State Department of Transportation to close Main Street (Route 20) during First Friday events. This allows for a safer and more walkable experience for everyone – visitors and vendors alike. First Fridays highlights the energy and diversity of the local business community. Businesses stay open for extended hours. There is live entertainment on the street. A wide variety of vendors and food trucks participate, and it’s a chance for residents and visitors to experience the unique offerings that make Westfield’s downtown vibrant. The Village of Westfield is an in-kind sponsor assisting with barricade setup and removal. We also want to thank our headline sponsor Larson Design Group and series sponsors Brooks-TLC Hospital System, AHN Westfield Memorial Hospital, and Full Strength Coffee Company.

In uptown Mayville this summer we’ll present Music in the Green – a series of summer events select Wednesdays providing professional musical entertainment while also spotlighting our local businesses in the heart of the village. Performances will be at the Village Green at the intersection of Route 394 and 430 from 5-8pm on select Wednesdays. On June 18 enjoy the acoustic country duo Osborn Nash. July 16th will feature Dirty Shirley, a party rock band with a set list that includes country, pop, disco, classic rock, and more. The series will close August 13 with Charity Nuse (And Her Band) with soulful vocals, funky grooves, and a high-energy roots rock scene. The music is just one part of the event, as local businesses are urged to stay open a little later, host sidewalk sales, and create interactive or unique in-store experiences to attract and engage customers. Residents and visitors are encouraged to experience local dining and retail, while enjoying a free concert that is certain to be a vibrant event in a walkable community. Music in the Green is sponsored by the Village of Mayville and the Town of Chautauqua.

In Jamestown the CHQ Chamber is pleased to present Jumpstart to Third Thursday. Free concerts are programmed at Winter Garden Plaza on Main Street the Third Thursday of each month from 6-9pm. Jumpstart brings some additional energy to downtown by offering additional street entertainment, unique retail experiences including sidewalk sales, art events and more. You’re invited to enjoy dining and shopping in downtown Jamestown before the concerts on June 19, July 17, August 21, and September 18.

In Dunkirk, enjoy CHQ Chamber at the Fairgrounds Thursday, July 10. This is a free business expo and networking event. Dunkirk and Fredonia area businesses are encouraged to table at this event to show off their products and services, while the general public is invited to network and enjoy the expo. Food and beverages may be purchased from fair vendors on the midway. Businesses that want to table at this event should register online through the Chamber’s web calendar.

As a local business association, the CHQ Chamber is innovating a variety of events countywide that draw potential customers to restaurants, retail, and service industries. We look forward to a great summer ahead.

A NETWORKING OPPORTUNITY FOR BUSINESS AND GOVERNMENT

The CHQ Chamber is pleased to help local businesspeople connect with their elected representatives in a brand-new way. We have restructured our advocacy events this year to provide an improved experience for all involved. One of the new events we are trying out is an informal networking event designed to allow businesspeople to have one-on-one conversations with local elected officials during a program we’re calling Official Introductions.

This reception-style event will be held at the Chautauqua Harbor Hotel, 10 Dunham Avenue, Celoron, Tuesday, June 17 from 5-7 pm.

The CHQ Chamber personally invited local elected representatives from the federal, state, county, town, city, and village levels. To date we have received positive responses from over 30 municipal and state officials.

This is a tremendous opportunity for businesspeople to meet directly with their representatives. The CHQ Chamber is not creating a heavily structured agenda for this program. Instead, we want to foster direct communication between the business community and our government officials. This event directly meets our mission to build vital connections, provide professional resources, and champion our local businesses in Chautauqua County.

The price to attend is just $35 per person. Your registration includes heavy appetizers and a cash bar, as well as support for the year-round activities of the CHQ Chamber. Registration is open now through our online calendar at www.chqchamber.org. Please RSVP by June 10.

Official Introductions is sponsored by Brooks-TLC Hospital System, County of Chautauqua Industrial Development Corporation, DFT Communications, LaBella Associates, National Grid, Southern Chautauqua Federal Credit Union, UPMC Chautauqua, Jamestown Community College, The Media One Radio Group, Observer, and The Post-Journal.

BUSINESS BUILDER WORKSHOP: PRESENTATION MATTERS

The next CHQ Chamber Business Builder Workshop will be held Wednesday, June 25 from 1-3pm at Lake Shore Center for the Arts, 49 South Portage Street, Westfield. The topic will be Presentation Matters. Join us for a look at the importance of how you present your business image – inside and outside your building, online, and in print. We’ll look at ways to positively show off your business through images, product labels, merchandising, and more. This workshop is for any businessperson or employee that may be interested in some tips to boost your visual marketing.

Our presenters will be a powerhouse trio that brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the visual experience of business sales and marketing: Beth Margolis from Liberty Vineyards on labeling products and storefront design; Blair Koss, owner of Rosie’s Workshop in Westfield on storefront display and merchandising; and Carrie Swanson of Sweeterson Farms on merchandising online and for pop-up events and vendor spaces. The workshop is free to all, but registration is required. Sign up through our web calendar at www.chqchamber.org.