Meet our new congressman Nov. 9
The Chamber of Commerce is providing a tremendous opportunity this fall for area business people to meet with our new representative in Congress. Just days after the election, the Chamber will present our annual Federal Congressional Luncheon, to be held Friday, Nov. 9 at Moon Brook Country Club.
Both Republican candidate Tom Reed and Democratic candidate Nate Shinagawa were invited, and both accepted the invitation. Whoever wins that election will be the Chamber's guest and speaker for the event and will take questions from the audience.
The Chamber has provided a meeting in the past with our representative in Congress. This year, however, offers a unique opportunity. Since new Congressional District lines were drawn following the 2010 Census, this is the first election for the new 23rd Congressional District. As a result, the nature of the district has changed and this will be a first chance for our new Congressman to meet with his constituency.
The cost of the luncheon is $18 for Chamber members or $21 for non members. This event is sponsored by Advanced Manufacturing Technology, Jamestown Mattress Company, Jamestown Savings Bank Arena, Lake Erie Regional Health System of New York, Medicor Associates, NRG Dunkirk Power, WCA Hospital, Jamestown Jammers Baseball, OBSERVER, The Post-Journal, Chadwick Bay Broadcasting WDOE/KIX96, and WJTN/WWSE/WKSN/WHUG/WQFX.
Anyone who wants to attend may call the Chamber at 366-6200 or 484-1101 to register, or may register online at www.chautauquachamber.org.
Open enrollment deadline Oct. 26
Over 400 individuals have met with Chamber staff and representatives from the Bright Choices Insurance Exchange in recent weeks. Open Enrollment remains open until Oct. 26.
Current Chamber insurance clients should carefully review changes in the plan offerings for the coming year before making a decision. They can either opt to change plans at this time, or do nothing and their existing plan will be rolled over into next year with any changes in premiums or coverage that may be associated. A number of the plans offered have changed substantially for the coming year, both in coverage and in cost. Plan details for the 2012-13 year are posted on the Chamber's website at www.chautauquachamber.org in the Member Benefits/Health Insurance section.
Anyone who has questions about the Bright Choices products or program can contact Greg Krauza at the Chamber at 366-6200 or 484-1101. If you do not currently have health insurance coverage at your business for you and your employees, and are interested in the Bright Choices program, please call to set up an appointment and discuss the options.
New Social Media Classes Offered
The Chamber of Commerce and JCC's Office of Continuing Education will offer two new, free social media classes in the next several weeks.
If your business has a website and you are wondering whether anyone can find you online, this next class is for you. SEO and Google Analytics will provide valuable information on how to make your website be one of the first to show up when someone Google's your name or type of business. Search Engine Optimization is the key to being "found" on the web. Analytics will help track the numbers of people who are looking at your site and matching it to your business outcomes. SEO & Google Analytics will be held from 11 a.m. to 1p.m. on Tuesday and Thursday, Nov. 6 and 8.
While we all agree that computers, email, and the Internet have made our work lives easier, they have also raised a number of issues for employers about things like using email and Facebook for personal use during the work day. Social Network Office Policies can help your business determine how best to secure your devices and to establish policies that make sense. This class will be held Thursday, Dec. 6.
Both of these classes will be held at JCC's Carnahan Center and lunch is included. They are being offered for free to Chamber members and non-members alike, thanks to funding from the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation, Northern Chautauqua Community Foundation, and the Knight Foundation.
To register, contact Continuing Ed at JCC at 338-1005.
