Put the Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce and our Community Chambers of Commerce to work for you. The Chamber has launched its 2017 Spring Membership Drive, offering more opportunities than ever before for local business people to connect with one another, connect with new customers, and connect with the Chamber. The drive will run from April 30 – June 15, and includes a special one-week discount for small businesses, Mornings on Main coffee hours, two Experience Chautauqua – Business after Hour for members, and prize drawing for all new members who join during the event.

During National Small Business Week from April 30-May6, the Chamber is offering an unprecedented 20% discount off a first year membership for the smallest businesses in our county. 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 is an opportunity for small businesses 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. To take advantage of the Small Business Week discount, please find our event online at www.chautauquachamber.org/events or call the Chamber at 366-6200 or 484-1101.

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. If you are a business interested in ‘heating up’ your sales, meet with us and we’ll buy the coffee. 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! Right after the coffee hour, Chamber staff and board members will be walking each community to touch base with members and prospective members.

The Chamber’s Experience Chautauqua – Business after Hour events will be held during the drive aboard the Summer Wind on May 18 and at Johnson Estate Winery in Westfield on June 15. Members who join during the drive have an opportunity to attend one of these great events for free. The drive will close with a prize drawing during the Johnson Estate event, with all new members to be entered for several prizes including a $300 value stay and golf package at Peek’n Peak Resort.

WOMEN IN MANUFACTURING – FOCUS OF MAST ANNUAL MEETING 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.

GRAPE EXPECTATIONS WINE FESTIVAL MAY 12

The Dunkirk and Fredonia Community Chambers of Commerce invite everyone to attend the Grape Expectations Wine Festival from 6-8pm, Friday, May 12 at the Clarion Hotel, 30 Lake Shore Drive, East, Dunkirk. This tasting event will showcase wines from Chautauqua County and the Lake Erie Wine Trail. The cost is $15 per person, or two for $25, which will include wine tasting, light appetizers, music, a complimentary wine glass, and much more. You can register online at www.chautauquachamber.org/events or call the Chamber at 366-6200. Tickets are available for pre-sale in the Chamber’s office in Dunkirk at 10785 Bennett Road and will also be available at the door, or you can sign up online at www.chautauquachamber.org/events and tickets will be held for you at the door.

COUNTY EXECUTIVE BREAKFAST JUNE 2

Each year the Chamber of Commerce provides an opportunity for its members to meet directly with the County Executive and ask questions. This year that date will be Friday, June 2 at Chautauqua Golf Club, Route 394, Mayville. County Executive Vince Horrigan will be our special guest. Breakfast begins at 8:30, with registration opening at 8am. The County Executive Breakfast is sponsored by: Chautauqua Institution, DFT Communications, Jamestown Mattress Company, Lawley Insurance, Phillips Lytle LLP, Serta Mattress Company, and UPMC Chautauqua WCA. To make reservations, please call the Chamber at 366-6200 or 484-1101, or register online at www.chautauquachamber.org/events.