It’s been quite a week for the CHQ Chamber as we unveiled some new programs focused on the numerous ways we support local businesses.

Tuesday night was the CHQ Chamber’s inaugural Official Introductions event. Set at the spectacular Chautauqua Harbor Hotel, we were proud to host a broad variety of local elected officials along with a number of businesspeople from many economic sectors. Our goal was simple: encourage people to talk amongst themselves about some of the issues facing local businesses that our elected officials can help with at all levels of government.

Often, we think about the overriding issues of tax policy or federal and state directives that can impact businesses, but we don’t always think about some issues at the local level such as signage policies or permitting. One way we like to look at it is what we call the “hotdog test.” If your business sells hotdogs, how many hotdogs do you have to sell just to cover a special permit fee or the basic costs of doing business, even before breaking a profit? This is the type of question many of our smallest businesses often ask themselves as they are establishing a business plan and considering where to locate their business.

With over 90 people in the room, we were happy to have a mix of about 40% elected officials and 60% businesspeople. The conversation flowed, and as the evening ended, we encouraged feedback through an online survey customized for the event and so far have received some constructive input so we can work on our plans for next year.

Sincere thanks to all who attended, and to our sponsors for Official Introductions: Brooks-TLC Hospital System/Kaleida Health, County of Chautauqua Industrial Development Agency, DFT Communications, LaBella Associates, National Grid, Southern Chautauqua Federal Credit Union, and UPMC Chautauqua.

Wednesday night and Thursday night also took us in slightly new directions, but both were impacted by less than favorable weather.

Music in the Green Wednesday was designed as a free outdoor concert in the Village Green at the intersection of Routes 394 and 430. Just as our band, OsbornNash, started to set up sound equipment on the stage the rain began. With the quick approval of a local business we were able to move the band undercover on the patio at Music For Your Mouth and didn’t have to cancel the event. Nearby businesses remained open through the evening and we did note there was foot traffic for many of them. Kudos to all the local businesses in uptown Mayville working with us to make this event successful. Our next two are set for July 16 with the band Dirty Shirley, and August 16 with Charity Nuse (And Her Band.)

The following afternoon, Jumpstart to Third Thursday in Jamestown was hampered by the weather when thunderstorms rolled in during event setup shortly before 4 o’clock. Our street entertainers also had to move indoors with Wicked Warren’s hosting Adam McKillip and Bill’s Place at the Reg Lenna Center for the Arts hosting Nu Juice. Face Painting by Patti moved into the CHQ Chamber office for the event. Despite the weather, the Roger Tory Peterson Institute was able to do a very nice ribbon cutting for its brand-new five-story mural on the Pearl City Arts building in Foundry Alley and Jamestown Young Professionals held a small business crawl.

Planning outdoor events always presents some unknowns. We cannot be responsible for the whims of Mother Nature, but we are working to be as flexible as possible with the planning and delivery of the programs we are offering.

All CHQ Chamber events are designed with our mission in mind: to build vital connections, provide professional resources, and champion our local businesses in Chautauqua County.

BUSINESS BUILDER WORKSHOP:

PRESENTATION MATTERS IS WEDNESDAY

The next CHQ Chamber Business Builder Workshop will be held Wednesday, June 25 from 1-3pm at Lake Shore Center for the Arts, 49 South Portage Street, Westfield. The topic will be Presentation Matters. Join us for a look at the importance of how you present your business image – inside and outside your building, online, and in print. We’ll look at ways to positively show off your business through images, product labels, merchandising, and more. This workshop is for any businessperson or employee that may be interested in some tips to boost your visual marketing.

Our presenters will be a powerhouse trio that brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the visual experience of business sales and marketing: Beth Margolis from Liberty Vineyards on labeling products and storefront design; Blair Koss, owner of Rosie’s Workshop in Westfield on storefront display and merchandising; and Carrie Swanson of Sweeterson Farms on merchandising online and for pop-up events and vendor spaces. The workshop is free to all, but registration is required. Sign up through our web calendar at www.chqchamber.org.

CHQ CHAMBER AT THE FAIRGROUNDS IS JULY 10

Come one, come all to the Chautauqua County Fairgrounds before the Fair begins, for a free business expo and networking event which will be held Thursday, July 10 from 5-7pm.

Dunkirk and Fredonia area businesses are invited to table at this event to show off their products and services, while the general public is invited to network and enjoy the business expo. Food and beverages may be purchased from vendors on site.

Businesses that want to table at the event must register with the CHQ Chamber in advance. Registration is open now through the Chamber’s web calendar at www.chqchamber.org. You must bring your own table and materials. This event is not designed for craft vendors, but rather for local Chamber member businesses. Questions about this event can be directed to Director of Events Staunzie Grady at sgrady@chqchamber.org.