The Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce and our six Community Chambers of Commerce work on behalf of businesses every day, and invite you to join in the progress we are making! The Chamber’s 2018 Spring Membership Drive will run April 29 – June 7, with some special events and opportunities to help your business grow and be noticed.

During National Small Business Week from April 29-May 5, the Chamber is offering a 20-percent 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 during that week at www.chautauquachamber.org/events or call the Chamber at 366-6200 or 484-1101.

Chamber staff and volunteers will also be walking our communities during Mornings on Main events Tuesday mornings throughout the spring membership drive. We will be visiting current Chamber members just to chat about how we can serve you better, as well as stopping in at non-member businesses to talk with them about what the Chamber has to offer. These events will take place on a schedule to be announced in all six areas where we have Community Chambers of Commerce: Dunkirk, Fredonia, Hanover, Jamestown, Mayville-Chautauqua, and Westfield-Barcelona.

The Chamber is also offering a special prize drawing for business people who join during the six week drive. Prizes include a $300 value stay and golf package at Peek’n Peak Resort, a one night stay at Chautauqua Suites including continental breakfast, a second year Chamber membership free, a $50 Shoptauqua Gift Card, or one of two $25 gift certificates for Webb’s Captains Table. All new members who join during the drive will be entered into this drawing.

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!

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.

MAST ANNUAL MEETING IS MAY 3

The Manufacturers Association of the Southern Tier will hold its 2017-18 Annual Meeting on Thursday, May 3 at Moon Brook Country Club, North Main Street Extension, Jamestown. A cocktail hour with cash bar begins at 5:30, with a buffet dinner at 6:30.

This event is sponsored by OBSERVER, The Post-Journal, and Univera Healthcare Southern Tier. Reservations are requested by April 26. The cost is $35 and you can call MAST at 366-6200 or 484-1101, or register online at www.chautauquachamber.org/events.

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. Grape Expectations is sponsored by: Hometown Insurance, Lake Shore Savings Bank, Larson-Timko Funeral Home, and Putnam Record Insurance Agency.

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 www.chautauquachamber.org/events.