Chamber's corner
DFT Communications encourages businesses to explore Chamber membership
When seeking a smart strategic alliance that will positively influence their business, as well as the communities in which they do business, the DFT Communications family looks to their partnership with the Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce, the Fredonia Chamber of Commerce and the Jamestown Chamber of Commerce.
DFT Communications, a full-service telecommunication company serving customers across Chautauqua County, attributes publicity efforts, networking opportunities, special events, Chamber publications and professional staff as key aspects of its Chamber membership.
"DFT Communications became a member of the Chamber because we are a business on the move. It works out great because the Chamber is moving in a positive direction, which is forward, like DFT," states Dan Siracuse, marketing manager of DFT Communications. "Since DFT has locations throughout Chautauqua County, the Chamber enables all DFT locations to unite and come together."
"The Chamber publicity efforts have helped DFT. Having a Chamber membership really gives us a great reputation and a positive label in the eyes of the public, as well as in the eyes of other area businesses. In regards to publicity we purchase inserts from the Chamber which allows us to advertise DFT products and services in other publications throughout the county. Through our membership we are able to utilize Chamber publications such as The Voice and the Chamber Membership Directory," explains Siracuse.
"Our Chamber membership has a large impact on our business because people within the community have become so much more aware of DFT, which shows that the community is interested in the products and services we offer," said Siracuse.
DFT Communications also turns to the Chamber for access to new ideas and connections to new customers.
"We utilize many of the services that the Chamber offers this includes seminars, training programs and Networking Mixers," explains Siracuse. "By attending events hosted by the Chamber of Commerce, DFT is able to network and develop connections among other Chamber members as well as with the Chamber itself."
Siracuse says that one of the biggest assets is the staff, "We really enjoy the staff at the Chamber. They are a tremendous asset because they want all of their members to succeed not just in business but also within the community."
Siracuse is quick to encourage other businesses to explore Chamber membership and begin taking advantage of the variety of services available that will help their business grow.
"Those businesses who are not Chamber members really need to examine becoming a member. They will be able to utilize a service that will have a positive impact on their business as well as within their community. The dues you pay are minimal compared to what you receive. You and your business will benefit from a Chamber membership because it is a valuable vehicle for your business to keep it moving forward," said Siracuse.
Chamber membership is open to any business or organization operating or doing business in Chautauqua County. And by becoming a member of the County Chamber you get the benefit of a dual membership with your local Chamber.
To join, visit www.chautauquachamber.org, call 366-6200 or 484-1101, or stop in at either Chautauqua County Chamber of commerce branch office at 10785 Bennett Road, inside the JCC North County Training center, in Dunkirk or 101 West Fifth Street in Jamestown.
Demand for workforce being surveyed
Manufacturers are facing a workforce crisis that threatens to become even worse in the coming years. In an effort to get a better handle on this challenge, the Manufacturers Association of the Southern Tier and the region's Workforce Investment Boards are working with manufacturers to gather information regarding workforce needs.
"We are calling on manufacturers from throughout the region to respond to this important survey," stated David Dawson, President of MAST. "This survey will create an important benchmark that will help us understand the skill needs of manufacturers and help direct our continuous efforts toward pro-active strategies to respond to the challenge."
"This data is extremely valuable as we strategize and plan for our current and future workforce demand," stated Sue McNamara, Executive Director, Chautauqua County Workforce Investment Board. "There are many good paying manufacturing related job openings in the region, yet businesses are finding it a challenge to fill these positions."
"Manufacturing is alive and well," stated Dawson. "There are many job opportunities right here in our backyard; we just need to find people to fill them. Programs such as the Welding and Mechanical Technology programs at JCC are helping meet demand, but job openings are still outpacing supply. We want our manufacturers throughout the region to respond to our survey so we can get an even better handle on the workforce skills gap."
The survey is being distributed electronically to manufacturers throughout the region by the Manufacturers Association of the Southern Tier. Questions regarding the survey should be directed to MAST at 716-483-1833.
