DFT Communications, a small business celebrating 125 years of service, hosted the kickoff event. Dan Heitzenrater, the county Chamber’s CEO and president, started things off by thanking a slew of dignitaries and partners for attending.

He noted Jamestown Mayor Eddie Sundquist, Fredonia Trustee Jon Espersen and Dunkirk Planning and Development Director Vince DeJoy, representing their respective municipalities.

Chautauqua County Legislators Susan Parker and Lisa Vanstrom — the latter also representing State Sen. George Borrello — were also there. SUNY President Stephen Kolison was in attendance, too.

Small Business Development Center officials were among the others name-checked, as was Langworthy. Chautauqua County Executive PJ Wendel couldn’t make it, but Deputy County Executive Mark Geise read the Small Business Week proclamation.

Kris Maytum of DFT Communications holds a proclamation from U.S. Rep. Nick Langworthy, at right, honoring DFT’s 125 years in business, during a Small Business Week kickoff event held at DFT. Behind Langworthy is Chautauqua County Deputy County Executive Mark Geise.

According to the proclamation, Chautauqua County has 2,764 small businesses, employing more than 41,000, with an annual payroll of more than $1.3 billion. A small business is defined as an independently-owned firm that employs 500 people or less.

Langworthy saluted DFT’s 125 years in business, drawing applause. “In the technology field with so many innovations and changes that have taken place over the years…the fact that they’re still here and thriving at 125 years old, is no small feat,” he said.

“I come from a small business family. I understand that dedication,” Langworthy continued. “Everybody in the family’s in the game, you’re paid last — and the risk all lies with the small business owner. There’s a lot of times politicians come around and talk about creating jobs — politicians don’t create jobs, people create jobs.

“The best thing we can do is get government out of the way so you do what you do best — which is create good paying jobs, and do good business in our community, providing good services and good opportunities for our communities to spend their money and invest with you.”

Langworthy sought to emphasize “the grit, the determination, the ingenuity” that helped small businesses get through the COVID-19 pandemic’s challenges.

“We must put a renewed focus on getting Americans back to work, back into the work force, and making things here in America again,” he said. “We must continue to shop local, spend our money locally, and support these local businesses that are on the front lines of the economy and the fabric of our community.”

Kris Maytum thanked attendees on behalf of DFT. He said he represents the sixth generation of Maytums in the business. The company started in 1898 with a phone line from the Maytum family grocery store to the train station, he said.

Langworthy and Geise, on behalf of Wendel, handed Maytum proclamations praising DFT’s 125 years in business.