The CHQ Chamber is in business for business. As a countywide business association, we provide programs and services that assist a broad variety of establishments across all economic sectors from retail to manufacturing to nonprofit to agriculture to finance and everything in between. This task may sound daunting, but with resolute focus we are centering in on vital needs that drive commerce and boost our region’s economy.

Building a business association that focuses on business is no easy task. The CHQ Chamber has been working for over two years now to develop an effective work plan that makes a difference for our members. It began with a new strategic plan that our board of directors adopted in 2023. The plan revealed four key strategic directions: facilitate collaborative relationships between businesses to promote economic activity for our county; unify and streamline the Chamber of Commerce through utilization of a consistent brand structure; clarify who we (the Chamber) are and what we do; and lead the way and excel at boosterism and serve as the spokespeople for business. We tackled this work immediately and just months later our board adopted new mission and vision statements. The mission of the CHQ Chamber is to build vital connections, provide professional resources, and champion our local businesses in Chautauqua County. Our vision is to be a critical partner in achieving consistent economic growth, resiliency, and prosperity to increase the collective opportunity for local businesses and organizations in Chautauqua County.

For all nonprofit organizations such as ours, a clear and direct mission is vital to the formation of our work. The CHQ Chamber continues to align our work with the mission statement, providing programs and services that connect businesses with customers, peers, resources, and community. As an essential element to business success, joining a professional business association such as the CHQ Chamber gives your business access to networking and advocacy opportunities, partnerships with other business organizations, workshops, HR compliance services, our ShopLocalCHQ Gift Card, medical and supplemental insurance plans, referrals and map links, marketing options, and more.

In the past few months alone, the CHQ Chamber has been hyper-focused on mission-driven projects. That includes providing Business Builder Workshops on important topics for local businesses, visiting 500 small businesses in person during National Small Business Week, networking events that create important connections among local businesspeople, the new State of Business event designed as a check-in for local business and government organizations as a type of report card for where we are, and much more. Now, as the summer season unfolds, we are providing a number of events that feel community-centered, but are intentionally structured to help directly promote small businesses such as First Fridays in Westfield, Music in the Green in Mayville, Jumpstart to Third Thursday in Jamestown, and a new CHQ Chamber at the Fairgrounds in Dunkirk that will be a business showcase and networking event combined. Each of these events is carefully planned to highlight businesses and drive commerce. We encourage all to come out and enjoy these events and support local restaurants and retailers that are the foundations of our community’s main streets.

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.

NOMINATIONS OPEN FOR THE CHQ CHAMBER 2025 AWARDS

The CHQ Chamber will once again honor a variety of local businesses and organizations that are doing outstanding work and nominations are open now. Anyone may nominate a business or organization to be recognized during the CHQ Chamber Awards Banquet, which is scheduled for October 2 at the Williams Center at SUNY Fredonia.

Award categories are designed to include businesses and organizations in a number of fields. One award will be given for Emerging Business of the Year – a newer or growing business that has demonstrated vision and/or filled a need in Chautauqua County. There are four business sector awards that will recognize outstanding service, production, growth, or community involvement for Hospitality Business of the Year (restaurants, attractions, lodging); Service Business of the Year (retail or service such as financial, insurance, legal, etc.); Producer of the Year (manufacturing, agriculture, or construction); and Not-For-Profit of the Year (and outstanding nonprofit organization). The Business Champion Award will be presented to an organization that has contributed most to the economic development, quality of life, and stability of Chautauqua County. The Business of the Year Award will be presented to a business that has demonstrated outstanding leadership in employee growth, product development or exemplary service. In addition, multiple businesses may be recognized for milestone service years that end in a 5 or 0.

Nominations are open through August 1. All nominations must be submitted through our online form at www.chqchamber.org/2025-award-nominations. Preference will be given to nominees that are members of the CHQ Chamber, and all information must be complete in the application. Nominations will be reviewed by a “supercommittee” of volunteers from across the County and will be approved by the CHQ Chamber Board of Directors.