We’re halfway through the month of May and so far, it’s been a season of growth here at the Chamber of Commerce.

Our annual Spring Membership Drive has wrapped up, with 28 new members to show for it. New members from Cassadaga are 3 Lakes Cafe and Gay-Mark Tire & Wheel. From Dunkirk, Agricultural Logistics/Agricultural Transport joined the Chamber. From Falconer new members are Good Bargains Chautauqua and Good for the Spirit by Suzy Woo. In Fredonia, the Darwin R. Barker Library & Museum Association and Goldsworthy Alterations & Design have joined the Chamber. From Frewsburg, new members are Haggy’s Hatchet House and the Town of Carroll. In Jamestown new members are HAWC Physical Therapy and Jamestown Skate Products. In Lakewood, new members are All American Maker and its subsidiary Made Custom Media, Big Tree Maple, Marquise Bridal Boutique, and the new Southern Chautauqua Federal Credit Union Community Training Center. Sacred Grounds Coffee House in Lily Dale joined the Chamber, as did Northlake Development in Mayville. New members in Silver Creek are Hideaway Bay Resort and the Town of Hanover. New Chamber members from Westfield are Concord Quilting Studio, Jessica’s Signature Salon, Kiwanis Club of Westfield-Ripley, Larson Design Group (and its parent corporation based in Cranberry Township, Pennsylvania), Main Street Salon and Co., and Westfield Boatworks. Joining the Chautauqua County Chamber from Charlotte, North Carolina is Eager 2 Run, Inc.

In recognition of National Small Business Week, many of these members received a special discounted rate for their first year of membership for joining during the drive. They were all entered into a drawing as well for one of two prizes. The recipient of a second year Tier One membership – a $195 value – is Marquise Bridal Boutique in Lakewood. Winning two tickets to the Chamber’s Annual Awards Banquet – a $125 value – was Larson Design Group of Westfield.

Kudos to our staff at the Chamber of Commerce for making this work. Both the part-time and full-time staff at the Chamber have been committed to talking up the value of a Chamber membership based on our mission statement: to build vital connections, provide professional resources, and champion our local businesses in Chautauqua County. Our board members and volunteers from around the county have also been instrumental in this process and we thank them all.

As an integral part of our work the Chamber is especially devoted to promoting the importance of small businesses. They not only represent the bulk of our economy in Chautauqua County, but they also build our unique sense of place. Each local coffee shop, insurance office, retail space, bank, and every other type of business imaginable makes our community special. While some of the news recently has been focused on a couple of businesses that have closed, we very much like to celebrate those that are opening. During our membership drive we have organized and participated in grand opening celebrations for many local businesses. In the past two weeks we have toted our big scissors to four ribbon cuttings, and there are five on the calendar for next week and more in the weeks ahead. We encourage one and all to support small locally owned businesses, not just because it’s good for the economy and the tax base, but because you’ll make great connections with your community in these small spaces. And that’s what the Chamber is all about.

First Fridays Begin in Westfield

June 7

First Friday in Westfield offers something for everyone! You can enjoy the open businesses along Main Street and in the vicinity, along with street vendors, live music, and much more.

Vendors are welcome for this summer season. This year a small vendor registration fee is being charged to help cover the costs for marketing, promotion, and street closure for the event. This helps to create a safer and more successful event for both vendors and customers. Participating as a vendor offers valuable networking and sales opportunities. The price for business vendors is just $20 per event. For nonprofits its $10 for those selling goods, and no charge if you are a nonprofit setting up an information-only table (no sales.)

Sponsorships are also available for First Fridays. Learn more or sign up now on the Chamber’s web calendar at www.chautauquachamber.org and join us for First Friday. Dates through the summer are June 7, July 12 (reunion weekend), August 2, and September 6.

Beach Bash Showcase is June 13

The Chamber’s Hanover Committee is hard at working planning the first ever Beach Bash Showcase from 6-8pm, Thursday, June 13 at the Sunset Bay Beach Club. This will be an opportunity for many local businesses to connect in a fun and inviting atmosphere.

A number of Hanover area businesses will have displays available so you can see what products and services they offer. There will be acoustic music, opportunities for networking, food, half-priced drinks, and a basket raffle. This event will help to raise funds for scholarships for graduating seniors from Silver Creek and Forestville Central Schools.

The Beach Bash Showcase is sponsored by Farrell Roofing, Financial Trust Federal Credit Union, M&T Bank, ADD Lumber True Value, and Brooks-TLC Hospital System.

Tickets are $12 per person for Chamber members or $15 for nonmembers. You can sign up online now through the Chamber’s web calendar at www.chautauquachamber.org or pay at the door.