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A closer look at state budget hot topics

It’s a fascinating exercise to watch the state budget process as it unfolds this year. We spent a little time in the past week on the NFIB’s New York Small Business Day online, learning about a variety of issues that could impact businesses across the state. At the same time, The Business Council has pumped out an updated chart demonstrating broad disparities in proposals from the Governor’s office, the state Senate, and the Assembly. But here’s a quick review of some items that stand to have a big impact on business overall. Minimum wage reform is included in all the ...

Workforce issues are front and center

The concern around workforce recruitment and apparent labor shortage has heated up the last few weeks. Recognizing hiring and staffing as one of the top issues facing the business community, the Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce and Chautauqua County Visitors Bureau scheduled panel discussions, starting Tuesday morning with the Chamber’s Tuesday Talk, and then a half-day session specific to hospitality and seasonal hiring on Thursday, organized by the Visitor’s Bureau. These challenges are widespread and other organizations are also responding to provide resources and ...

Local banker expresses confidence in banking system

Despite national concerns regarding banking in light of the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank, government officials and banking experts are expressing confidence in America’s banking system. According to the Associated Press, Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen has made it clear that the federal government is not planning to bail out the Silicon Valley Bank. During an interview with CBS’ “Face the Nation,” Yellen said, “We’re not going to do that again, but we are concerned about depositors, and we’re focused on trying to meet their needs.” Yellen ...

Applications sought for labor scholarship

Nationwide, and right here in our community, there is a great need for skilled tradespersons, including machinists, plumbers, electricians, and more. The Dunkirk Area Labor Council Scholarship at Northern Chautauqua Community Foundation is awarded annually to students pursuing an education in the trades, manufacturing technology, auto technology, or auto body repair. Graduating seniors from the following schools are eligible to apply: Brocton, Cassadaga, Chautauqua Lake, Dunkirk, Forestville, Fredonia, Pine Valley, Silver Creek, Westfield, and BOCES. Applications are available from ...

Put networking to work for your business

By Daniel J. Heitzenrater, President and CEO of the Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce Networking may sound like a buzzword, but it’s actually a strategy to improve your business connections and sales. The Chamber of Commerce has been focused on networking for decades, and we have seen a resurgence in the past year as our collective work and mindsets continue to emerge from pandemic mode. The desire to be in a room with other people has never been stronger for many, and so we have seen growth in attendance at a variety of Chamber events, especially our Business After Hours ...

Unspecified 150-acre site eyed for development

While the Chautauqua County Legislature has agreed to fund another $2 million to develop shovel-ready sites, one official says they may have found a property, but its location is still under wraps. Mark Geise, Chautauqua County Industrial Development Agency Director and deputy county ...