The CHQ Chamber is always pleased to welcome new members, and the past month has brought a flurry of them. A broad variety of local businesses have joined since May 1, bringing our total membership to 916 across Chautauqua County.

From Dunkirk we added Tastefully Simple. Hagan Business Machines from Erie, PA has re-joined the CHQ Chamber. From Falconer we welcome new members the Builders Exchange of the Southern Tier and Chautauqua Bargain Bins. Beyond Support Network and The Daisy Farm joined the Chamber from Fredonia. In Jamestown we have these new members: Always Open Design, Another Guy’s Fries, Lifted Dispensary, Mr. Appliance of Jamestown-Warren, Personal & Home Development LLC, Ray’s Ride LLC, and SOLT Cafe & Spa. In Lakewood new members are Chautauqua Medical Aesthetics and Cotton Thistle Boutique. From Silver Creek Lakeside Financial Coaching has joined the Chamber, and Impact Internet from West Seneca has joined as well.

These seventeen businesses represent a cross-section of our economic sectors in the region, and a few more new members are still pending. While we did not reach our very aggressive goal of 31 new members in 31 days during the month of May, we did reach out to businesspeople throughout the region and made many new connections. During our Small Business Week walks in communities throughout the county we personally visited 500 small businesses of all types. Ultimately, this is a solid way to build both membership and awareness of the CHQ Chamber, and meets our mission to build vital connections, provide professional resources, and champion our local businesses in Chautauqua County.

We want to thank members that referred local businesses for membership over the past month including 3 Lakes Cafe in Cassadaga, Bag & String Wine Merchants in Lakewood, the Chautauqua Gazette, Good Bargains Chautauqua in Jamestown, Lakewood Community Development Corporation, and Main Street Mercantile in Falconer. The ongoing support we receive from our current members is evident and we are grateful for the input and participation at our events and programs throughout the year. Membership in the CHQ Chamber is both affordable and valuable, and it’s easy to join online any time 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.

A Networking Opportunity for Business and Government

Join us for a new and very special networking event designed to bring together business and government. Official Introductions is Tuesday, June 17 from 5-7pm at the Chautauqua Harbor Hotel in Celoron. This reception-style event will include local elected representatives from all levels of government. To date we have received positive responses from over 35 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.

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.