More than 270 businesses in Chautauqua County have signed on since the inception of our Human Resources Compliance program in May. That may sound like a large number, but there are many that have yet to take advantage of this new program, and the state’s deadline for compliance with the new workplace sexual harassment law is looming. By October 9, all current employees of all businesses in New York State must be provided with both a written policy regarding sexual harassment in the workplace, and with interactive training.

The Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce and Manufacturers Association of the Southern Tier have partnered with HR360 to provide an easily accessible series of compliance tools and videos that will allow local businesses to meet these requirements. There is no additional cost beyond the price of your Chamber membership, and the online portal allows employees to complete the mandatory video review and the employer to track that completion.

Sexual harassment in the workplace is a serious issue and businesses need to move pro-actively to address it. With this new service we are helping businesses comply with New York State requirements and help foster improved awareness and prevention of harassment in the workplace. In addition to creating a safe work culture it is important for businesses to take steps to protect their own interests. This is a quick and easy way for businesses to work through the platform and is a true value-added product for our member businesses.

For more information, call the Chamber today at 366-6200 or 484-1101.

Summer Events Keep the Region Active

A friend from a more southern climate recently, and accurately, said Western New Yorkers are “intense” about our summers. That’s because we joyfully pack so much fun into a short season! Here we are about halfway through the season and there’s still so much to see and do!

Coming up next weekend is the Wild America Nature Festival, Saturday and Sunday, July 27-28 coordinated jointly by Panama Rocks and the Roger Tory Peterson Institute and held at Panama Rocks. Featuring nature-inspired art and crafts, wild animal demonstrations, locally grown food, and lots more, it is both fun and educational for the whole family.

The Lucille Ball Comedy Festival is coming up August 7-11 in downtown Jamestown with more than 50 events and 30 artists. This huge festival attracts thousands of visitors to the community including some of the largest names in comedy today.

In Dunkirk the 2nd Annual Great Lakes Offshore Grand Prix will be held August 16-18. Professional powerboat racers compete in this world class event that is open to spectators along the beautiful Dunkirk harbor and beachfront viewing areas.

In between all of these headline events, there are concerts, crafts fairs, art shows, and no shortage of recreational prospects including golf, swimming, boating, fishing, bicycling, hiking, horseback riding, and more. We strongly recommend you visit the Chautauqua County Visitors Bureau online calendar at tourchautauqua.com for a complete look at all of the events and opportunities still to come this summer!

Sign Up for Silver Creek Yard Sales August 3

Silver Creek area residents are invited to sign up to participate in the 26th Annual Silver Creek Yard Sales, Saturday August 3. The cost is just $10 per sale location, and participants can register at Silver Creek Optical, 41 Main Street, or online through the through the Chamber calendar at www.chautauquachamber.org. All sales registered by 5pm, Monday, July 29 will be listed on a map that will be sold for one dollar at the Village Park in Silver Creek the morning of the sale. Sales will be held rain or shine!

Jamestown Cruise-In is August 16

Once again this year the Jamestown Community Chamber of Commerce presents Cruise-In in downtown Jamestown from 5-10 p.m., Friday, August 16. This fun annual event is a great time for the whole family. Stroll through downtown, view hundreds of vintage and special autos, enjoy live music by the In Crowd, and visit our local businesses and street vendors. Jamestown Cruise-In is sponsored by Ahlstrom Schaeffer Electric, Elegant Edibles Catering, Five Star Bank, and the Jamestown Renaissance Corporation. For more information or to pre-register to display your vehicle in this show, visit our online calendar at www.chautauquachamber.org.

Chamber Golf Tournament is August 22

Some space remains for the 2019 Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce Annual Golf Tournament. It will be held Thursday, August 22 at Peek’n Peak Resort in Clymer, with a shotgun start at 11 a.m. The beautiful upper course at Peek’n Peak recently hosted the LECOM Health Challenge PGA event, and you can join fellow Chamber members to enjoy this beautiful and challenging course during the Chamber tournament. The 2019 Chamber Golf Tournament is sponsored by Allied Alarm Services, Bush Industries, Community Bank, DFT Communication, Insurance Management Company, Lake Shore Savings Bank, Lawley Insurance, Jamestown Mattress Company, Koester Associates, National Fuel Gas, National Grid, Nestle Purina PetCare, OBSERVER, The Post-Journal, and Shults Auto Group. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Tom Baressi Scholarship Fund through the Northern Chautauqua Community Foundation. To register, call the Chamber at 366-6200 or 484-1101 or register online at www.chautauquachamber.org.