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Workplace Sexual Harassment Compliance Deadline is October 9

In 2019 alone, New York State has implemented at least a dozen new regulations focused on employee interactions in the workplace. While we work with The Business Council of New York State and Manufacturers Alliance of New York to advocate against stringent requirements that hamper businesses, we also understand the need for some regulation and respect the employers’ concerns about fulfilling those obligations. As a result, the Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce and Manufacturers Association of the Southern Tier have partnered with HR360 to bring our members the convenience of an online platform that helps to keep track of and meet regulations implemented by both the state and federal Departments of Labor.

Among the most pressing concerns for local companies is the looming October 9 deadline for compliance with the state’s new Sexual Harassment in the Workplace Law. The law requires that each company have a written policy addressing workplace sexual harassment, distributes that policy to all employees, and provides training to each employee every year. All new hires are required to be trained when they begin employment. The HR360 platform offers compliance videos that meet the state’s requirements for employee interaction, and the Chamber/MAST offer this program at no additional charge as a benefit of their membership in our organizations.

To date, more than 270 local companies have signed up to participate in this important program. Based on a review of the demographics of current members, approximately 90 percent are small businesses reporting fewer than 50 full time equivalent employees. Small businesses typically do not employ a full-time professional Human Resources staff member, and those tasks often fall to various department heads or managers who also have other responsibilities. Fortunately, we can help. It’s a simple system, and local member businesses can call the Chamber/MAST to get set up. This robust library of resources through the online portal helps our members maintain compliance with all ongoing regulations of both the state and federal governments. For more information, please call our office at 366-6200 or 484-1101.

Chamber Annual Awards Banquet is Oct. 10

The Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce is proud to recognize a number of local leaders and business and community service during our Annual Awards Banquet on Thursday, October 10. This event is the largest gathering of business people in the county each year and will once again be held at the Williams Center on the SUNY Fredonia campus.

The Chamber’s annual Economic Development Award is being presented to Lakeside Precision, Inc. in Dunkirk, which offers precision CNC machine services including turning, machining, welding, and rapid prototypes, all using state of the art technologies and equipment.

The Person of the Year Award will be presented to Bruce Erickson of Lakewood. The long-time president of Fancher Chair Company, Inc., he has long been active in the community including serving as past Chair of the Chamber of Commerce Board and the Chautauqua Lake Association.

Each of the six community Chambers of Commerce presents a Community Service Award during the Chamber Banquet. The Dunkirk Community Chamber has selected the late John W. (Bill) Farrell, who gave much to Dunkirk and the community by donating materials through his company, A.W. Farrell, Inc., for many years. The Fredonia Community Chamber chose Larry Fiorella for its Community Service Award for his exemplary involvement in the Community Chamber as well as Festivals Fredonia and more. Sam Bova has been selected to receive the Community Service Award from the Hanover Community Chamber in recognition of his years of quiet contributions to community projects and programs. The Jamestown Community Chamber selected Lucille Miller for its Community Service Award for her long time work with Lucille Ball Little Theatre of Jamestown and her countless hours of piano playing for a number of community and educational institutions. The Mayville-Chautauqua Community Chamber has chosen Bob and Joyce Mathews for their commitment as EMTs with the Mayville Volunteer Fire Department. The Westfield-Barcelona Community Chamber is presenting its Community Service Award to Jean Dibble McCausland, president of the Westfield Community Kitchen and a member of the hospital auxiliary board.

We hope you will join us in saluting all of these deserving award winners during the Chamber’s Annual Awards Banquet. This annual event is proudly sponsored by Bush Industries, County of Chautauqua Industrial Development Corporation, Community Bank, DFT Communications, Lawley Insurance, Media One Radio Group, National Grid, OBSERVER, and The Post-Journal. Invitations are being mailed to Chamber member businesses, but all are welcome to attend this event and online registration is now open through the Chamber’s events calendar at www.chautauquachamber.org.

Business After Hours at Big Inlet Brewing Sept. 19

The Chautauqua County and Mayville-Chautauqua Community Chambers of Commerce invite one and all to Business After Hours at Big Inlet Brewing, Inc. This great event will be held from 5-6:30pm, Thursday, September 19. Big Inlet Brewing is at 6169 Elm Flats Road, Mayville. Enjoy your fellow Chamber member friends and colleagues with appetizers, door prizes, and a cash bar. The cost is $13 for pre-registered Chamber members and $16 for non-members or walk-ins. This Business After Hours event is sponsored by KeyBank, M&T Bank, Media One Radio Group, OBSERVER, The Post-Journal, and Webb’s Year Round Resort. Space is limited so register today by calling the Chamber at 484-1101 or 366-6200 or sign up online at www.chautauquachamber.org.

Fredonia Farm to Table Community Dinner Sept. 28

The Fredonia Community Chamber of Commerce is joining with the Fredonia Farmers Market and Fredonia Grange to present a Farm to Table Community Dinner, Saturday, September 28 from 4:30-7:30pm. This event will be held on Church Street at the Village Hall in Fredonia. Sponsored by the Fredonia Beaver Club, in case of inclement weather it will be held at the Beaver Club. This special evening will feature four courses by four local chefs: Johnny Bouquin, David Winchell, Marissa Griffis, and Devon Jones, along with two desserts by Jessamine Daly-Griffen and Valerie Kneitinger. All dishes will be freshly made with local ingredients from area farms and sources, and each course will be paired with beer and wine from EBC West and 21 Brix. Along with a spectacular meal you will be treated to live jazz by the SUNY Fredonia and Fredonia High School ensembles, and each ticket will include a special $5 discount voucher for the 7:30pm screening of The Biggest Little Farm at the 1891 Fredonia Opera House. Reservations are required and seating is limited. Purchase tickets through the Chamber website at www.chautauquachamber.org/fredonia.

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