The Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce is committed to providing tools that boost local businesses and our local economy. One of those tools is the Chamber’s popular gift card program.

With a crucial focus on promoting small, locally owned businesses, the Chamber of Commerce has rebranded the gift card program to align with our other promotions in the same vein. So, the ShopLocalCHQ Gift Card has a brand new look, but still spends the same.

Formerly called ‘Shoptauqua,’ the new ShopLocalCHQ Gift Card is still accepted at 140 local merchants throughout Chautauqua County. It can still be used to purchase all kinds of items from local wines to gift items to groceries.

The old ‘Shoptauqua’ gift cards still in circulation remain valid. They do not expire and can still be used, alongside the new ShopLocalCHQ Gift Cards. We remind Chamber member businesses that accept the cards to be sure to let their cashiers know to process both the older and the new cards as a credit card in their point-of-sale system.

Since the Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce was founded 21 years ago, it has been running a program such as this aimed at driving direct consumer traffic into local businesses in order to support local merchants and the local economy. Initially it was a gift check program, transitioning to a gift card in 2017.

Throughout that time the total economic impact of the program is estimated at $3 million.

Each year the Chamber of Commerce sells hundreds of gift cards to individuals and companies to use as gifts, bonuses, or incentives. ShopLocalCHQ Gift Cards are sold only through the Chamber of Commerce. To make a purchase, please contact the Chamber directly at (717) 366-6200 or (716) 484-1101.

The chamber can fill gift card orders before Christmas until December 22, but our offices will be closed the 23rd and 24th in observance of the holiday. To learn more about the ShopLocalCHQ Gift card visit www.ShopLocalCHQcard.com.

CHAMBER PRESENTS TUESDAY TALKS PANEL ON BUSINESS SECURITY

The Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce is reviving its series of Tuesday Talks programs, with a timely panel discussion on security for all businesses on Tuesday, December 14. This informational session will focus on both cyber security from presenters at Ultimate Tech Solutions, and on personal security from Officer Matthew Rhinehart of the Jamestown Police Department.

Tuesday Talks is designed as an informational and interactive program, where participants can feel free to ask questions.

This event will be held via Zoom meeting for the convenience of all participants at 8:30 a.m., Tuesday, December 14. Sign up now through the Chamber’s online events calendar to get the Zoom link.

SHOP LOCALLY THIS SEASON

Remember the joy in holiday shopping? You can find it again when you shop at small locally owned businesses. Small Business Saturday is past, but you can shop small every day when you choose to support local businesses.

There are dozens of small, locally owned businesses are dotting every corner of Chautauqua County and packed with gift items that will fit your list and your budget. Whether you’re looking for games, books, toys, home decor, clothing, artisan made soaps, local wines, or more, you’ll find those products at small local businesses right here in our own communities. Savor the shopping experience and find unique and special gifts for your family and friends.

It’s also easy to support small local businesses when you shop online. Visit www.ShopLocalCHQ.com to find a local shopping and marketing platform featuring over 70 local merchants with more than 300 products for sale.

Local businesses make our communities vibrant and distinct. Support small locally owned businesses during the holiday season and all year round.