Written by Todd J. Tranum, President and CEO of the Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce & Executive Director of the Manufacturers Association of the Southern Tier

The Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce the distribution of its 2018 Business Builder Source Book. The Business Builder Source Book is being mailed to all members of the Chamber countywide. It includes our newly updated Membership Handbook, featuring a convenient checklist to help you take advantage of all the benefits of your Chamber membership. Also updated for 2018 are sections on manufacturing, agriculture, working and investing in Chautauqua County, living here, learning here, and Chautauqua Leisure to highlight our exemplary year-round recreational and tourism opportunities.

In addition, the Business Builder Source Book includes a Membership Listings white pages section as well as the yellow pages Buyers Guide, which lists Chamber member businesses by category so you can find the right business to suit your needs right here in Chautauqua County.

Increasing business to business connections is one of the key ways the Chamber serves its members. We do that in a variety of ways including Business After Hours networking opportunities and other programs throughout the year. The Buyers Guide in the Chamber’s annual Business Builder Source Book is an invaluable resource for local businesses who may be seeking customers, vendors, community partners, or assistance in some way. We encourage you to use this print directory and our online business directory often.

Data for the print directory was pulled in March and it is possible that some of the businesses listed have seen changes since that time. Please rest assured that the most up to date information for all Chamber members is always available in the searchable Business Directory on our website. If you see something that you would like to have changed in your listing, please call or email the Chamber so we can update our database or provide you with login credentials to keep your online data up to date at all times.

Please support the businesses that helped to make the print directory possible. Limited additional copies of the Business Builder Source Book are available in our office or if you just need the 2018 Community Profile color pages section you may call us at 366-6200 or 484-1101.

CHAMBER STATE LEGISLATIVE

BREAKFAST IS APRIL 27

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 27 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., Fredonia College Foundation, Jamestown Community College, Jamestown Mattress Company, Nestle Purina PetCare, OBSERVER, The Post-Journal, Serta Mattress Company, 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.

CHAMBER SPRING MEMBERSHIP

DRIVE STARTS APRIL 29

The Chamber will kick off its annual Spring Membership Drive during National Small Business Week, April 29-May 5. The Chamber will offer special discounts for new memberships for small businesses with ten or fewer employees during that week. In addition, we will plan Mornings on Main walking tours in communities throughout the county to meet with small business people. All businesses that join the Chamber during the drive will be eligible for prizes. Watch this space for details to be announced soon.

By joining the Chamber, you are making an investment in your business. The Chamber offers a wide variety of services designed to meet the priority needs of local businesses including boosting sales and direct consumer contact, assisting with workforce development, connecting you to other business people in your community and our county, and more. For more information call the Chamber at (716) 366-6200 or (716) 484-1101.

Our Spring Membership Drive will close this year with a fantastic event being planned jointly with the Chautauqua County Visitors Bureau. Watch for more details to be announced soon!

GRAPE EXPECTATIONS IS MAY 11

The Dunkirk and Fredonia Community Chambers of Commerce will jointly host the annual Grape Expectations Wine Festival, Friday, May 11. This event will be held at the Clarion Hotel & Conference Center, 30 Lake Shore Drive East, Dunkirk. It begins at 6pm.

Several local wineries will participate, along with vendors featuring theme-appropriate products. There will be live music by Marshall Seddon, wine tasting, good food, and a complimentary wine glass for each attendee, as well as a chance to win prizes donated by local merchants.

The cost is just $15 per person or two for $25. Tickets are available at the Dunkirk Chamber office, 10785 Bennett Road, from Chamber Board members, or you can call the Chamber at (716) 366-6200 or sign up online at chautauquachamber.org/events.