Our mission at the CHQ Chamber is to build vital connections, provide professional resources, and champion our local businesses in Chautauqua County. We take that mission seriously, and work every day to provide services, opportunities, and programs that serve local businesses in a variety of ways. That means the CHQ Chamber works to create meaningful events that will drive customers to local businesses, develop workshops and disseminate information, and facilitate connections that improve professional relationships and build customer and vendor contacts and more.

Feedback from our members is crucial as the CHQ Chamber develops its work plan and schedule. This year we have done more to seek direct and helpful feedback than ever before. We have transitioned to a series of community-based business meetings where all local businesspeople are invited to tell us what they need and want. These sessions have been well attended in communities all across the county, and the input we have received has helped to inform our decision-making to create some new and beneficial projects.

When it comes to promoting our local businesses, the CHQ Chamber strives to help from the moment they open their doors. We have seen an uptick recently in ribbon cuttings for new businesses – helping them get off to a great start with some local publicity and a visit from local dignitaries. Recently we were happy to celebrate the grand opening of Backstage Laundrette in Mayville, Leafy Lounge in Jamestown, and Ivory Valley Farms in Frewsburg to name a few. Our big scissors and our Facebook live video streaming creates extraordinary visibility for start-up businesses.

Through our use of a platform that allows us to create gamified online passes, we are boosting local businesses in a new way. We currently have a coupon pass open for local businesses offering specials during the Babe Ruth 13-Year-Old World Series getting underway in Jamestown and have just launched the brand-new Chautauqua Coffee Crawl to promote small local coffee shops countywide.

At the same time, the CHQ Chamber restructured its advocacy events this year, and has increased the number of Business After Hours networking events we offer. Last week we held our Elected Officials Luncheon, designed to provide an informative business conversation with our State and County representatives. Putting people in a room together to make business contacts and learn new skills is a key part of what we do. Our next networking opportunity is September 11th at Liberty Vineyards in Sheridan, and our next workshop will be September 16th at the Robert H. Jackson Center in Jamestown.

Small business owners and community leaders know better than anyone, you must constantly evaluate, analyze, and adapt for your organization to be effective and grow in the ever-changing environment around us. They say the only constant is change, and the CHQ Chamber continues to evolve to serve our local business community as effectively as possible. In this moment, we can confidently say we are providing services and programs that local businesses need and want. One newer local business told us their Chamber membership is “the most valuable service they have found as a new business.” One long-time volunteer noted,

“having been involved in the Chamber for a long time I am so impressed with all you are doing now to specifically assist our small businesses.”

We are always interested in ideas or ways we can better serve our members. We urge you to come to a Chamber event to see what it’s about firsthand, and you can always email us directly at dheitzenrater@chqchamber.org. Thank you for your continued participation and support of the CHQ Chamber and our local business community.

Jumpstart to Third Thursday is August 21

Third Thursdays in Jamestown are now even better with the addition of Jumpstart to Third Thursday, designed to get more people moving throughout downtown Jamestown to enjoy a plethora of local businesses. Jumpstart runs from 4-6pm with some additional offerings leading up to the free Third Thursday concert at Winter Garden Plaza beginning at 6pm. This coming week you’ll find two musical acts along Third Street for Jumpstart, and Face Paint by Patti will return!

Daniel Cecil was once known primarily as a skilled horseman and farrier and has now returned to his first love – music – crafting heartfelt originals and reimagined favorites with a voice and style all his own. Blending sincerity, wit, and a touch of storytelling charm, his performances invite listeners to lean in and connect. Whether it’s a tender ballad or a playful tune, Daniel sings the songs he needs to hear–and chances are, you’ll need to hear them too.

Singer-Songwriter Michael Gerholdt is an engaging storyteller and accomplished fingerstyle guitarist. Located in the Western New York state area, Michael has been entertaining audiences for years with his compositions, musical histories, and guitar playing. His music is a mixture of thoughtfully written ballads, acoustic blues and cross-generational favorites delivered in his soft baritone vocal style and evocative guitar work.

Face painter and cheer bringer, Face Paint by Patti will be back for Jumpstart to Third Thursday, bringing color, magic, and a dash of sparkle to every smile for ages 0 to 100. From whimsical fairies to fierce tigers, Patti transforms faces into stunning mini masterpieces. Known for her professionalism, creativity, and warm personality, she works with guests of all ages to make every party, festival, and celebration truly unforgettable. With a gentle touch and a heart full of joy, Patti’s brush brings imagination to life for everyone she meets.

The FREE Third Thursday concert this month features Damone Jackson Outcome with an opener by The Elektra Kings. Bring a folding chair and enjoy the music at Winter Garden Plaza starting at 6pm.

Join us for First Friday in Westfield September 5

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, September 5.

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.

Save the Date for Business After Hours at Liberty Vineyards

The next CHQ Chamber Business After Hours will be held at Liberty Vineyards & Winery, 2861 Route 20, Sheridan, from 5-6:30 pm on September 11.

Business After Hours is a great opportunity to make new professional connections. Designed as a relaxed networking event, the CHQ Chamber provides a Who’s Who in the Room list for all pre-registered guests. There are complimentary appetizers and a cash bar. Chamber member businesses can send two people at no charge. The cost is just $10 for non-members or anyone above the two-person limit. We always encourage the exchange of business cards for networking.

This Business After Hours event is sponsored by Liberty Vineyards & Winery, Brooks-TLC Hospital Systerm/Kaleida Health, DFT Communications, LaBella Associates, National Grid, Southern Chautauqua Federal Credit Union, and by Jamestown Community College, Media One Radio Group, Observer, and The Post-Journal. Register online now through the web calendar at www.chqchamber.org.