Written by Daniel J. Heitzenrater

President and CEO of the Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce

If your small local business is not selling online now is the time to make that happen, and the Chamber of Commerce is here to help. Online sales have skyrocketed in the past two years and are predicted to increase yet again this holiday season.

The key for small, local businesses now is to cut through the online noise and get noticed by consumers. Establishing your own sales portal can be expensive and challenging, but the Chamber of Commerce makes it simple and affordable

Working with an innovative provider – Shop Where I Live – the Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce has established a local marketplace online, where small local businesses can compete with the major retailers. This platform will also help local businesses reach new customers. It works as both an e-commerce sales platform and a marketing platform that will allow small local businesses to contain their costs around online retail and help them reach thousands of high-value customers.

If you have considered online retail in the past for your business but found it cost-prohibitive, this new program is exactly what you need. Get your business signed up now. It’s easy! Visit www.ShopLocalCHQ.com and click “Start Selling.” The helpful folks at Shop Where I Live can assist you each step of the way. All it costs is your membership with the Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce – starting at $195 annually for the smallest businesses.

If your businesses is already on the ShopLocalCHQ platform, please be sure your merchandise is up to date. Add new items to your collection to keep your online storefront fresh and attract new customers.

Businesses can learn more about how easy it is to sell and market online by visiting our website at www.chautauquachamber.org/shoplocalchq or you can call our office at (716) 484-1101 or (716) 366-6200.

Mayville Area Holiday Open House is November 12-13 and 19-20

Kickstart your holiday shopping with the Holiday Open House hosted by the Mayville-Chautauqua Community Chamber of Commerce, November 12-13 and November 19-20. On these two Fridays and Saturdays you can visit participating local merchants and pick up a special punch card. Get your card punched at each participating business, and then drop it off at your last stop to enter to win prizes donated by each participating business. 26 local businesses are taking part in the Mayville, Chautauqua, and Dewittville areas. For a full list of participants find the event on Facebook through the Mayville-Chautauqua Community Chamber of Commerce.

Sign Up Now for an Experience Mayville Evening with the Chamber!

Enjoy an evening in Mayville with the Chamber of Commerce.

The Chautauqua County and Mayville-Community Chambers of Commerce invite you to save the date for a double-header evening November 18!

Business After Hours with the Chamber will be held from 5-6:30pm at Chautauqua Suites, 215 West Lake Road, Mayville. Business After Hours is a fun social event and is free for two representatives from any Chamber member business, or just $15 for non-members. Enjoy networking, appetizers, and a cash bar. This Business After Hours event is sponsored by Chautauqua Suites, DFT Communications, Media One Radio Group, OBSERVER, and The Post-Journal.

The Mayville-Chautauqua Community Chamber Committee will follow up with its annual Awards Dinner starting at 6:30pm at Webb’s Captain’s Table at 115 West Lake Road, Mayville. Advanced registration is required for the dinner by November 11.

Masks will be required for all attendees at either event until they are seated to eat or drink.

Registration is open now for either or both events. Check out the Chamber’s calendar at www.chautauquachamberorg.

Westfield-Barcelona Community Focuses on Holidays

A number of community organizations from the Westfield area have come together to organize the Let There Be Light Parade, Saturday, November 20 at 4:30pm. Local organizations interested in participating can fill out the entry form available on the Westfield-Barcelona Community Chamber Facebook page. The entry deadline is November 15. All entries must have lights and a team of celebrity judges will determine the winner. Prizes for best entry are sponsored by Grace & Abe’s in Westfield. This event is part of Christmas in the Village, and both are being organized by the Village of Westfield, Village of Westfield Beautification Committee, Patterson Library, Westfield Development Corporation, and the Westfield-Barcelona Community Chamber of Commerce.

Chamber Annual Meeting is December 3

The Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors will hold its Annual Meeting at noon, Friday, December 3 at the Chautauqua Harbor Hotel in Celoron. This luncheon event will feature presentation of the Pam Lydic Coalition Builder Award, as well as election of board members and officers for the year ahead. You can learn more or register now at www.chamberrsvp.org. The Chamber Annual Meeting is sponsored by Chautauqua Harbor Hotel, DFT Communications, Jamestown Community College, Media One Radio Group, OBSERVER, and The Post-Journal.

Tuesday Talks Returns December 14

Save the date now for the return of Tuesday Talks, December 14. Tuesday Talks features information pertinent to all types of businesses in a convenient, hour-long panel discussion held online. Our topic for December 14 is Business Security, with a focus on both physical security steps as well as cybersecurity. Watch our online calendar for additional details.