As the Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce kicks off its spring membership drive, it will offer an unprecedented 20% discount for the smallest businesses in Chautauqua County to join. Businesses with five or fewer full time equivalent employees will pay $144 for their first year membership, compared to the regular $180 cost; while those with six to ten full time equivalents will pay $193, compared to the regular $241.

“This special offer is designed to help support the smaller businesses in Chautauqua County,” stated Chamber President and CEO Todd Tranum. “We want these small businesses to have an opportunity to experience the high value we can provide them while also lowering any financial barriers to membership. We know that small businesses face challenges, and we want to support them in ways that are meaningful.”

The Chamber works year-round to drive foot and internet traffic to small businesses in order to help them improve sales. One of the ways we do that is through referrals, both online and in person. Chamber member referrals are growing exponentially because of Google search engine optimization tied to the Chamber website. Individuals searching for a business in Chautauqua County are more likely to find a Chamber member business online, thanks to our business directory category listings, searchable keywords, and social media links. In 2016, there were 14,000 direct referrals and website impressions per day for Chautauqua County Chamber member businesses. Google mapping is embedded in our site, so that businesses are easy to locate. In addition, the Chamber website is mobile friendly so it’s easy to search for member businesses from any device.

The Chamber has also stepped up its promotions for small member businesses through our engagement with the national Small Business Saturday campaign and through sales of our Shop-Tauqua Chamber Gift Checks. Chamber Gift Checks are designed to keep spending local to help support our local economy and to boost business for local restaurants and retail businesses. The Shop-Tauqua Gift Check program has made a more than $2-million impact on the local economy since its inception. The program is sponsored by the County of Chautauqua Industrial Development Agency so that participation is free to all local Chamber members.

To learn more about the value of joining the Chamber, or about other aspects of our Spring Membership Drive, call our offices at 366-6200 or 484-1101.

CHAMBER TO HOLD “MORNINGS ON MAIN” COFFEE HOURS

Chamber staff and board members will be holding Mornings on Main coffee hours countywide on Tuesday mornings throughout the spring membership drive. The Chamber wants to meet with local business people, members and non-members alike, to learn how we can better serve the business community. We’ll buy the coffee and hope to have good attendance at each event. In addition, after our coffee hours, Chamber staff and board members will be walking through the community to meet with local business people. All Mornings on Main coffee hours will be held Tuesdays at 8:00am during the Chamber’s Spring Membership Drive. The first event will be held at 8:00am, Tuesday, May 2 at the Lakewood Diner, 48 Chautauqua Avenue, Lakewood. Other dates and locations scheduled are: May 9 at Demetri’s, Lake Shore Drive West, Dunkirk; May 23 at Brick City Market, 101 West Fourth Street, Jamestown; June 6 at J & B Mayville Diner, 7 West Chautauqua Avenue, Mayville; and June 13, Tom’s Family Restaurant, Irving. Additional dates and locations will be announced. If you are looking to heat up your business, the Mornings on Main are the place to be. Meet with us to share your ideas and learn what businesses are percolating!

SMART SOCIAL MEDIA FOR SMALL BUSINESS IS MAY 1

Small Business Week will kick off in Chautauqua County with a Business Over Bagels workforce development training on Monday, May 1. Smart Social Medial for Small Business is the topic, and the session will run from 8:30-10am at the JCC North Training Center, Bennett Road in Dunkirk. The presenter is Kate Moody, Business Advisor and Project Manager for Social Media Marketing at the Small Business Development Center at JCC. This event is sponsored by Buffamante, Whipple, Buttafaro and M&T Bank. The cost program is just $20 per person for Chamber member businesses or $25 for non-members. To register call JCC’s North County Center at (716) 363-6500 or pre-register online at www.sunyjcc.edu/ce.

STATE LEGISLATIVE BREAKFAST IS APRIL 28

Each year the Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce provides opportunities for its members to have a direct conversation with elected officials from each level of government. This year, the State Legislative Breakfast will be held April 28 at the Lakewood Rod & Gun Club. Senator Cathy Young and Assemblyman Andrew Goodell will provide their insights about legislation in Albany and be available for questioning from the audience. This event is sponsored by Affinity One Federal Credit Union, Chautauqua Institution, Cummins Inc., DFT Communications, Fredonia College Foundation, Jamestown Community College, Jamestown Mattress Company, Nestle Purina PetCare, OBSERVER, The Post-Journal, Serta Mattress Company, Star Media Group, UPMC Chautauqua WCA, and WJTN/WWSE/WKSN/WHUG/WQFX. The cost to attend is $18 per person for Chamber members and $21 for non-members. Advanced registration is requested. You can register online at www.chautauquachamber.org/events or call our offices at 366-6200 or 484-1101.

MAST ANNUAL MEETING IS MAY 4

The Manufacturers Association of the Southern Tier will hold its 2016-17 Annual Meeting on Thursday, May 4, with a catered dinner at Artone, LLC, 1089 Allen Street, Jamestown. The guest speaker for the evening will be Ken Pokalsky, Vice President of Government Affairs with The Business Council of New York State. This year, a national award will be presented to a local individual who has made a difference in manufacturing. The Manufacturing Institute’s STEP (Science, Technology, Engineering and Production) Ahead Awards recognize manufacturing women who exemplify leadership within their companies. Lori Jafarjian, Senior HR Generalist at Cummins, will receive a STEP Ahead award, to be presented during the MAST Annual Meeting. This event is sponsored by Buffamante, Whipple, Buttafaro, PC; Enchanted Mountain Spirits; Lumsden & McCormick, LLP; OBSERVER; Star Media Group; and The Post-Journal. Reservations are requested by April 27. The cost is $30 and you can call MAST at 366-6200 or 484-1101, or register online at www.chautauquachamber.org/events.