The CHQ Chamber opened the year by restructuring our advocacy events, and now the third of the three planned events is quickly approaching. All are invited to attend the Elected Officials Panel Discussion at noon, Friday, August 8 at Chautauqua Suites, 215 West Lake Road, Mayville.

Our special guests for this event will be New York State Senator George Borrello, Assemblyman Andrew Molitor, and County Executive PJ Wendel. This will be a question-and-answer session for our elected officials. We encourage local businesspeople to come with questions related to state and county issues that impact our local economy and the business environment in our region. We will moderate the event and direct questions either our county executive or state representatives – or both – as the issues come up. Our goal is to maximize the benefit to our member businesses and organizations by providing a direct opportunity to meet with some of our highest-level elected officials.

The other two advocacy events offered by the CHQ Chamber this year have been well-received including our State of Business breakfast in January and the Official Introductions networking event in June. At the end of this year, we will do a thorough evaluation of these new advocacy events as we shift into planning mode for 2026. We welcome all feedback from attendees.

The cost for this buffet lunch is $30 and pre-registration is required. Please register by August 1. The CHQ Chamber Elected Officials Panel Luncheon is sponsored by Brooks-TLC Hospital System, County of Chautauqua Industrial Development Agency, LaBella Associates, National Grid, Phillips Lytle, Southern Chautauqua Federal Credit Union, and UPMC Chautauqua, as well as Jamestown Community College, Media One Radio Group, Observer, and The Post-Journal. Registration is open now through our web calendar at www.chqchamber.org.

NOMINATE NOW FOR THE CHQ CHAMBER BUSINESS AWARDS

Our small businesses and local non-profit organizations create a sense of community throughout Chautauqua County and provide vital goods and services for local people. Help us recognize those that are doing outstanding work!

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.

GOLF WITH THE CHQ CHAMBER

Networking doesn’t get much better than on the golf course, and the CHQ Chamber tournament is always a fabulous day of golf and camaraderie. Get your foursome together and spend a great day on the golf course with the CHQ Chamber! The annual CHQ Chamber Golf Tournament is Thursday, August 21 at the beautiful Peek’n Peak Resort. We begin the day with a shotgun start at 10am. (This is an hour earlier than last year.) Lunch is served on the course, and after a great day of golf we end with dinner. The total prize purse is $1,000 payable in ShopLocalCHQ Gift Cards.

Remember to add your golfer’s special Super Pack for $30 per player. The Super Pack includes two mulligans, the Ring of Fire, Play with the Pro, raffle prize drawings, and the 50/50 drawing. Please purchase your Super Pack online when you register, as prizes are drawn prior to play the day of the tournament. New this year: there will be one special golfer’s raffle prize drawn at the close of the tournament.

Our tee gift sponsor is the Basil Family of Dealerships. Par sponsors are Brooks-TLC Hospital System, Cattaraugus County Bank, Chautauqua Patrons Insurance Agency, DFT Communications, Koester Associates, LaBella Associates, Lake Shore Savings Bank, National Grid, Nestle Purina PetCare, and Southern Chautauqua Federal Credit Union. Lunch and snacks at the turn are sponsored by M&T Bank.

It’s easy to register online for the CHQ Chamber Golf Tournament when you visit www.chamberrsvp.org.

JOIN US FOR FIRST FRIDAY IN WESTFIELD AUGUST 1

First Friday in Westfield is fun for the whole family! Enjoy open businesses along Main Street along with street vendors, food trucks, live entertainment, and more!

For the third summer in a row this traditional street party in Westfield spills into the street as the CHQ Chamber has secured a permit from the New York State Department of Transportation to close Route 20 in the village during the event. Route 20 (East Main Street) will be temporarily closed to all traffic from Portage (Route 394) to Union Street, with limited traffic from Union to Pearl Street. First Friday will run from 5-8pm, Friday August 1.

Many thanks to our series sponsors this summer: Brooks-TLC Hospital System/Kaleida Health, AHN Westfield Memorial Hospital, Full Strength Coffee Company, Larson Design Group, and the Village of Westfield.