Each year the CHQ Chamber creates opportunities for businesspeople to meet with elected representatives and ask questions about policy issues that impact our local economy. The issues are always varied, and Friday’s Elected Representatives Luncheon was no exception. This year we combined county and state officials into a single panel discussion, as many of the issues overlap. Our panel speakers were New York State Senator George Borrello, Assemblyman Andrew Molitor, and County Executive PJ Wendel.

Initial questions centered on energy issues including the need and/or desire for nuclear energy to help augment the New York State power grid. The panelists agreed that a study of the former NRG power plant in Dunkirk shows the best re-use of the facility would be another power plant to help fuel the state’s power needs. There have been discussions around rebuilding the plant to accommodate nuclear energy.

The opportunity for municipal shared services and potential mergers came up, in conjunction with whether local governments are business-friendly in terms of permits, inspections, and licensing issues. All three panelists noted that local governments need to do what’s right for their own constituencies and to meet their own code issues. They also indicated property taxes are just one of the issues that may be a detriment to local businesses, with other concerns centered on wages, workers compensation, and a variety of state policy issues that impact small business owners.

Workforce development and apprenticeships were discussed as the Senator, Assemblyman, and County Executive all noted Chautauqua County is fortunate to have a variety of programs that encourage high school students to enter skilled trades fields.

Chautauqua Lake was also a topic for discussion. With a heavy weed growth problem this summer in the south basin, the lake has been a key topic of discussion in the media and for many property owners, boaters, and recreational lake users. Chautauqua Lake is undoubtedly a prime economic driver for Chautauqua County. County Executive Wendel noted Chautauqua Lake may be “the most studied lake in New York State.” Responding specifically to a question about data collection he added both the Jefferson Project – a confluence of science and government – is collecting data, as is the Army Corps of Engineers. Senator Borrello added “it’s the politics of the lake that is holding us back.”

Sponsors for the event were Brooks-TLC Hospital System/Kaleida Health, County of Chautauqua Industrial Development Agency, LaBella Associates, National Grid, Phillips Lytle, Southern Chautauqua Federal Credit Union, UPMC Chautauqua, Jamestown Community College, Media One Radio Group, Observer, and The Post-Journal.

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 A Automotive, Brooks-TLC Hospital System, Cattaraugus County Bank, Charlie’s Auto Center, Chautauqua Patrons Insurance Agency, DFT Communications, DoubleTree by Hilton, Great Lakes Insurance, Jamestown Container Companies, Jamestown Mattress, Koester Associates, LaBella Associates, Lake Shore Savings Bank, National Grid, Nestle Purina PetCare, Shults Auto Group, Southern Chautauqua Federal Credit Union, and Westfield Nursery and Garden Center. 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.

Music in the Green is August 13

Join us in the heart of uptown Mayville from 5-8pm Wednesday, August 13 for Music in the Green. This traditional summer concert series in Mayville has been moved to the Village Green at Routes 394 and 430 – specially crafted to blend live regional entertainment with a vibrant local walkable business community.

This month’s featured band is Charity Nuse and Her Band. Charity Nuse and her band are a powerhouse force in the Americana and roots rock scene, blending elements of funky grooves, heartfelt storytelling, and high-energy performances that captivate audiences far and wide. Hailing from the small but vibrant town of Warren, Pennsylvania, Charity Nuse has become a standout figure in the world of roots music, earning a reputation for her soulful vocals, dynamic instrumental skills, and authentic songwriting.

Enjoy the live music and visit local businesses nearby to get the true flavor of Mayville. In addition to local restaurants, retailers, and food trucks. This event is made possible thanks to the generous financial sponsorship of the Village of Mayville and the Town of Chautauqua, whose support allows us to bring vibrant live music and renewed energy to the uptown business district. Their contributions help cover essential event costs and ensure we can deliver a meaningful experience for all.

Music in the Green supports the CHQ Chamber’s mission to build vital connections, provide professional resources, and champion our local businesses in Chautauqua County. Come enjoy the music, explore uptown, and connect with the businesses that make Mayville thrive!