The CHQ Chamber is pleased to announce that we will honor a diverse group of award recipients during our annual Business Awards Banquet October 2nd. This event is designed to recognize local businesses and organizations for their outstanding efforts year-round, and meets our mission to build vital connections, provide professional resources, and champion our local businesses in Chautauqua County.

We will be presenting awards for Emerging Business of the Year – a newer or growing business that has demonstrated vision and/or filled a need in Chautauqua County. Business Sector Awards are being presented for Hospitality Business of the Year (restaurants, attractions, lodging); Service Business of the Year (retail or service such as financial, insurance, legal, etc.); Producer of the Year (manufacturing, agriculture, or construction); and Not-for-Profit of the Year (an outstanding nonprofit organization).The Business Champion Award is designed to recognize an organization that has contributed most to the economic development, quality of life and stability of Chautauqua County. The Business of the Year Award will be presented to a business that has demonstrated outstanding leadership in employee growth, product development or exemplary service.

The award recipients for 2025 are:

Emerging Business of the Year – West Main Mercantile, Falconer

Hospitality Business of the Year – The White Inn, Fredonia

Service Business of the Year – Porter-Blair Cleaning & Co., Jamestown

Producer of the Year – Triple E Manufacturing, Sherman

Not-for-Profit of the Year – Chautauqua County Rural Ministry, Dunkirk

Business Champion Award – Jamestown Board of Public Utilities, Jamestown

Business of the Year – Bemus Point Golf Club & Tap House, Bemus Point

In addition, multiple businesses will be recognized for milestone service years.

The CHQ Chamber Annual Awards Banquet will be held Thursday, October 2 at 6pm at the Williams Center at SUNY Fredonia with a buffet dinner. Major sponsors for the event are AHN Westfield Memorial Hospital, Brooks-TLC Hospital System/Kaleida Health, Cattaraugus County Bank, County of Chautauqua Industrial Development Agency, Lake Shore Bank, Jamestown Community College, Media One Radio Group, Observer, and The Post-Journal. Registration is open now through the Chamber’s web calendar at www.chamberrsvp.org.

This recognition represents our ongoing commitment to champion local businesses countywide. From the smallest shop to the largest manufacturing plants, we are proud to honor the people and organizations that make Chautauqua County a great place to do business.

SALUTING OUR LOCAL LABOR FORCE

Labor Day is upon us and while that generally signals the end of the summer season it’s also a moment to reflect on the importance of our labor force in Chautauqua County and the people who make our businesses run. Sometimes they are behind the scenes, and sometimes they are the first people you meet in a business. Local manufacturers, retailers, restaurants, and all types of service industries rely on skilled labor to make their businesses run.

The CHQ Chamber provides some resources to help businesses better manage their labor force including health and ancillary insurance packages for employees and workshops that offer helpful information on a variety of topics including customer engagement, marketing, and more, and we sell Live CHQ gift baskets specially designed for talent attraction to our local companies.

The Chamber recognizes that good employees are vital to help our economy thrive. This Labor Day weekend we salute all the people who are doing hands-on work to keep our businesses and our communities healthy.

BUSINESS AFTER HOURS AT LIBERTY

VINEYARDS IS SEPTEMBER 11

The next CHQ Chamber Business After Hours will be held at Liberty Vineyards & Winery, 2861 Route 20, Sheridan, from 5-6:30 pm on September 11.

Business After Hours is a great opportunity to make new professional connections. Designed as a relaxed networking event, the CHQ Chamber provides a Who’s Who in the Room list for all pre-registered guests. There are complimentary appetizers and a cash bar. Chamber member businesses can send two people at no charge. The cost is just $10 for non-members or anyone above the two-person limit. We always encourage the exchange of business cards for networking.

This Business After Hours event is sponsored by Liberty Vineyards & Winery, Brooks-TLC Hospital Systerm/Kaleida Health, DFT Communications, LaBella Associates, National Grid, Southern Chautauqua Federal Credit Union, and by Jamestown Community College, Media One Radio Group, Observer, and The Post-Journal.

Register online now through the web calendar at www.chqchamber.org.

MUSIC IN THE GREEN IS SEPTEMBER 10

The CHQ Chamber is pleased to offer one additional Music in the Green event in Mayville this year. Join us in uptown Mayville September 10 from 5-8pm with special musical guests Bill Ward and John Cross.

This is not your typical vendor fair. It’s designed as a business expo-style experience that invites local storefronts and organizations to creatively showcase what they offer in engaging ways. Local businesses are encouraged to stay open and create unique in-store experiences to attract and engage visitors. Save the date and join us for Music in the Green, September 10, being offered with the support of the Village of Mayville and the Town of Chautauqua.