Regionalism may sound like a contemporary buzzword, but it can be both a solution and a forward-thinking move for a number of local governments and school districts. In the past four months, two villages in Chautauqua County have voted to dissolve into the surrounding town governments. After a vote last November, the Village of Forestville is dissolving into the Town of Hanover, while the Village of Cherry Creek will be dissolved into the Town of Cherry Creek after a vote taken in February. In December, voters in the Village of Sherman decided by a slim two-vote margin, that they would not dissolve the village into the Town of Sherman.

The critical issue for these small government entities is the increasing cost of doing business. All levels of government are working to try to save money at a time when costs are going up and when New York State, rightfully, is focused on encouraging governments to remain within the two-percent tax cap.

Meanwhile, the Panama and Clymer School Districts are engaged in a similar process. They have agreed to move forward with a feasibility study to review issues including enrollment, curricula, transportation, taxes, and state aid. The two districts have been sharing a superintendent for some time now, creating a cost-saving move previously unseen in Chautauqua County. We commend these two school districts for taking this next step, which is required by the State Education Department in any school merger discussion.

In the meantime, one long-debated move toward shared services continues to languish: the proposed consolidation of the Jamestown Police Department and Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Department. We recognize that consolidating public safety is a challenging process but we encourage the leaders involved to continue to move the process forward.

Calling the property tax “the most burdensome tax to homeowners and business owners,” Governor Andrew Cuomo has proposed a measure that would require county officials to create plans to coordinate, share, and eliminate duplicate services. These measures would go through a public hearing process and would be put on the ballot as local referendums in the November election, giving voters an opportunity to have a say in controlling their own tax burdens. The focus would be on creating recurring savings and not simply shift tax burdens.

Consolidating government or service entities is vital to the success of our region. One of our key goals is to advocate for positive change with a focus on reducing taxes. Not only does that create a stronger business climate, but it enhances economic conditions for all of our residents. We are pleased with ongoing efforts in Chautauqua County and the work of the Regional Solutions Commission formed by County Executive Vince Horrigan. We strongly encourage local governments and school districts to continue to review ways they can maintain needed services while saving taxpayer dollars.

Jamestown Chamber Salute to the Finest is March 15

The annual Jamestown Community Chamber of Commerce Salute to the Finest awards celebration will be held Wednesday, March 15, at Moon Brook Country Club. This year’s awards are being presented to a number of Jamestown area businesses and organizations who have made a difference in their fields. Award winners are: New Business of the Year is Enchanted Mountain Spirits; Young Business Leaders of the Year are Jeffrey & Alexandria James and Frank Besse, the proprietors of Brazil and Labyrinth; Retailer of the Year, Farm Fresh Foods; Restaurant of the Year, Landmark Restaurant; Jamestown Economic Development Award, Borsari Food Co.; Business of the Year, Jamestown Awning, Inc.; and Pride of Jamestown, Jamestown Community College. The celebration will begin with a cocktail hour at 5pm, followed by a dinner at 6 and the awards presentations. The cost is $30 per person and advance registration is required by March 8. You may register online at www.chautauquachamber.org/events or by calling 484-1101.

STEM Wars Seeks Manufacturing Participation

Close to 800 students from schools all over the area are already signed up for STEM Wars 2017, to be held March 15 at the Jamestown Community College in Jamestown. STEM Wars is hosted by JCC and run by Dream It Do It WNY, NYSTEEA, the Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce, the Manufacturers Association of the Southern Tier, and the Chautauqua County Education Coalition. Additional sponsors include Pathways in Technology Early College High School (P-TECH), the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation, and Cummins Jamestown Engine Plant. There is still space available for manufacturers to help sponsor this tremendous event and to set up display tables and be part of a job fair, which will run for an hour following the main student competition event. For information, please contact DIDI Coordinator Jehuu Caulcrick by email at jcaulcrick@didiwny.com or by phone at (716) 484-1101.

Fredonia Chamber Annual Meeting, Award Banquet

The Fredonia Community Chamber of Commerce will hold its Annual Election and Awards Banquet on Thursday, March 23, at Shorewood Country Club, West Lake Road, Dunkirk. Receiving awards this year are: Business of the Year, Fred’s; Retailer of the Year, Pucci’s Carpet One, Furniture & Bedding; Community Service Award, Daniel Reininga, CEO of Lake Shore Savings Bank; Service to Humanity Award, Rev. Dr. Cynthia Wickwire Lundquist of the Fredonia Presbyterian Church; and Spirit of Fredonia Award, Larry Fiorella of HBKS Wealth Advisors. The cocktail hour will begin at 5:30, with dinner served at 6:30. The cost is $30 per dinner. You may register online at www.chautauquachamber.org/events, or can call Fredonia Chamber Coordinator Heidi Seddon at 679-1565.

LECOM Health Challenge Tickets Available

The Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce is proud to help support the PGA Web.com LECOM Health Challenge at Peek’n Peak this coming July. This year we are a ticket sales agent for the event, with tickets available in our offices in Dunkirk or Jamestown or through our website at www.chautauquachamber.org/events. You can watch some spectacular golf on the beautiful Upper Course at Peek’n Peak for the day pass price of just $10. Proceeds help support initiatives of the Chamber of Commerce and its Community Chambers including community events, workforce development, business training programs, and more. LECOM Health Challenge tickets make great gifts.