This article is part of a series highlighting our efforts to create a business environment in the region where our members can thrive. Our organizations are built to deliver on a five point focus to deliver value to businesses in our region. The five point focus was built around the input and needs of the membership.  We work for our members every day to 1) Drive foot traffic and internet traffic into our local businesses creating business to consumer connections; 2) Increase business to business connections for our members through services, events and seminars; 3) Contain health insurance costs through pro-active solutions; 4) Advocate for positive change with a focus on reducing taxes; and 5) Support economic, workforce and tourism development.

Focus 2 of our five point focus is to increase business to business connections through services, events and seminars.

We are proud to produce thirteen events a year for our members to develop business to business connections. These events take place across Chautauqua County. Some are designed to be strictly networking opportunities, while others include special programming such as awards presentations or learning opportunities.

Through sponsorship and marketing programs we provide our members excellent opportunities to connect with businesses in the region. In addition, advertising opportunities on our web-based platforms are an affordable way to connect with businesses throughout Chautauqua County.

To help facilitate business to business connections we annually publish the Chamber’s Business Builder Source Book, which is mailed to more than one-thousand businesses in the region.  The 2017 edition is in the works now.  Every member business is included in this publication.

Throughout the year we distribute the Chautauqua Business Weekly email to our members, sharing information about Chamber and member events, issues, and policies.  Our weekly Chamber Corner column is published 52 times a year by local newspapers highlighting business activities in Chautauqua County and New York State.  We also provide an online electronic newsletter monthly, The VOICE, which highlights not only Chamber articles but news from our member businesses as well.

If your goal is to grow your business then put us to work for you!  Let us know how we can help your business by calling 716-484-1101 or 716-366-6200. You can also learn more about us by visiting us online at www.chautauquachamber.org.

ART AND NETWORKING MIX AT RTPI FEBRUARY 16

The next Experience Chautauqua Networking Event will provide a special private look at the Roger Tory Peterson Institute for Natural History and its current exhibit, Focus on Nature XIV.  Organized by the New York State Museum, this exhibit features images of nature that people may not otherwise be aware of or able to visualize.  Over 60 works in a variety of mediums represent artists from diverse geographies and include illustrations that are both practical and beautiful.

The exhibit and a look at the architecturally stunning RTPI building are on tap when the Chamber of Commerce welcomes its members for an evening of networking, Thursday, February 16.  RTPI is located at 311 Curtis Street, Jamestown.  The event includes complimentary appetizers and a cash bar.  It is sponsored by Bellevue University, OBSERVER, The Post-Journal, and WJTN/WWSE/WKSN/WHUG/WQFX.  The cost is $11 per person for pre-registered Chamber members or $13 for walk-in members.  To register, call the Chamber at 366-6200 or 484-1101, or sign up online at www.chautauquachamber.org/events.

CALLING VOLUNTEERS FOR THE 30TH ANNUAL WINTER FESTIVAL

If you love winter and want to participate in one of the largest festivals in Chautauqua County, the Presidents Day Weekend Winter Festival is just for you!  Many hands make light work, and volunteers are needed for a variety of projects for the event, coming up February 17-19 at Lakeside Park in Mayville.  This is the 30th year of this spectacular annual event!  Weather permitting the centerpiece of the festival annually is the giant ice castle.  Organizers will determine soon if a castle can be constructed this year.  Also on tap will be snowmobile rides, a snowmobile flare parade, a giant snow slide, horse drawn rides, a polar bear swim, fireworks, games, food vendors, and much more.

One new attraction this year is a scavenger hunt involving local Chamber member businesses, replacing the long standing medallion treasure hunt.  Participants can pick up a scavenger hunt form, visit the eight participating businesses any time during the month of February, locate the Winter Festival Logo (you cannot ask for help), and copy the code written on each logo onto the entry form.  When you’re done, complete the form and send it in.  Logos will be in plain sight but can be anywhere inside the business. Participating businesses are:  3 Seas Recreation, 74 Water Street; Chautauqua Miniatures, 5031 West Lake Road; Crosby’s, 14 North Erie Street; Lighthouse Point Grocery, 5262 West Lake Road; Mayville Hardware, 55 South Erie Street; Reverie Creamery, 3943 Route 394; Webb’s Candies, 115 West Lake Road; and Webb’s Cottage Collection, 115 West Lake Road.  The scavenger hunt runs February 1-28.  Completed and correct entry forms will be eligible for cash prize drawings of $125, $75, and $50.

For more information about the festival, or to volunteer or help sponsor this exciting event, call the Mayville-Chautauqua Community Chamber of Commerce at 753-3113.  You can also learn more at mayvillechautauqua.org.