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Democracy works for business

Our national and local economies are struggling to recover through a crippling pandemic, and the federal government only recently approved a new relief bill to help businesses that have been crippled by closures and illness. Now, in the wake of a siege on the US Capitol, we have even greater concerns about our economic future.

Both the National Association of Manufacturers and the US Chamber of Commerce issued statements on Wednesday condemning the attack, which occurred during a joint session of Congress. The fact is that business cares a great deal about the strength of our vital democratic institutions and the peaceful transition of power. The entire world is watching, and our businesses in the United States are intrinsically economically connected to business around the world.

Business flourishes in a democracy because our system of government provides a bedrock that instills in us both the freedom to be creative and the will to be industrious. Our economy relies on the strength of that democracy. As we work to overcome a worldwide health crisis and bring all economic sectors back to full strength, it is vital now that our entire country reaffirms a commitment to our democratic processes. Jobs that employ American workers rely on a strong government. As Americans we are always stronger together than we are divided. Now is the time to come together.

Local Webinar on New Relief Package for Businesses

The Chamber of Commerce is pleased to present the first in a new series of Tuesday Talks programs for 2021 with a special presentation on the new COVID relief package and how it can help local businesses. Our special guest will be Courtney Curatolo, Ph.D., Director of the Small Business Development Center at JCC. She will discuss additional funding through the Paycheck Protection Program and the Economic Injury Disaster Loan Advance Grant program and more. This event will be held online at 8:30 a.m., Tuesday, January 19. Register online through the Chamber Calendar at www.chautauquachamber.org.

Tuesday Talks will be held periodically throughout the year as we are able to engage guests to provide valuable information for our local business community. We understand that local businesspeople face a variety of issues each day related to human resources, marketing, record keeping, sales, and more. If you have a topic you would like to have addressed for an upcoming Tuesday Talks program, please let us know. You can email rvoty@chautauquachamber.org.

Chamber and MAST Annual Meeting is January 22

The Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce and Manufacturers Association of the Southern Tier will hold a joint Annual Meeting on Friday, January 22, 2021, featuring Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul as keynote speaker.

This event marks the 20th anniversary of the Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce and the 120th anniversary of the Manufactures Association of the Southern Tier. We hope you will join us online to celebrate these major milestones. The Lieutenant Governor is a Western New York native and a proud cheerleader for our region and we are pleased that she can join us for this occasion.

The Chamber will also present its Pam Lydic Coalition Builder Award to Mike Abbate, the former Plant Manager for Cummins Jamestown Engine Plant. He was instrumental in 2020 in coordinating local providers of emergency food services in order to streamline communications and distribution especially as schools and businesses were forced to close. The award is named in memory of the first President of the County Chamber of Commerce who worked diligently to bring multiple organizations together.

Representatives for both Boards of Directors will also be elected. This joint Annual Meeting will be held online via Zoom at 12:00 noon, January 22. You may register any time at www.chamberrsvp.org.

Doors Open Jamestown Goes Virtual

Doors Open Jamestown is going online this year, with a fun and engaging experience that invites one and all to Follow the Red Brick Road to the Pearl City!

With many attractions unable to provide the full Doors Open experience, the Jamestown Community Chamber of Commerce remains committed to promoting the wide variety of experiences and businesses available in Jamestown. Numerous volunteers are coming together to create an interactive online event for Virtual Doors Open on February 27 – a fun and interactive online experience highlighting our amazing array of museums and attractions! This event will include incentives to watch and participate and more details will be announced soon.

As part of this event, local businesses in Jamestown are encouraged to provide their own commercial content. This is a record-your-own video opportunity to showcase your local business. Videos may be up to 2 minutes in length. Space is limited. All businesses interested in submitting a videotaped commercial must register now to reserve a spot. To learn more or to reserve a spot for your commercial, visit www.chautauquachamber.org/jamestown and click on the Virtual Doors Open link. All businesses in the 14701 Zip Code are eligible to participate. Videos must be high resolution with good quality audio and must be submitted by January 23.

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