In business, connections mean opportunities for sales, suppliers, and more. The Chamber of Commerce works to connect local businesspeople to other business people, because we understand that it drives value for all of our members.

Throughout the year, the Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce and its six Community Chambers in Dunkirk, Fredonia, Hanover, Jamestown, Mayville-Chautauqua, and Westfield-Barcelona host Experience Chautauqua Business After Hours events. More than just a networking event, these are opportunities for all of us to learn about some of the business assets we have right here in our own backyard. And now, the Chamber offers these opportunities for FREE to our member businesses.

Chamber member companies can sign up two staff members to attend at no charge at each of these events as part of the value of your Chamber investment. To take advantage of the complimentary attendance, we ask that all personnel pre-register. Member businesses are welcome to bring as many people as they like, and the first two are free. After that, the cost is $13 for Chamber member employees. Non-members pay $20 for these events.

The Chamber has a long history of offering networking opportunities to its members. Bringing people together is a core tenet of what we do. In addition to the Business After Hours series of events, there are also networking opportunities built into our other events that focus on advocacy and awards presentations. The Chamber’s Annual Awards Banquet in October is the largest single business assembly in Chautauqua County each year and one of the largest gatherings of businesspeople in Western New York. In addition, the Chamber works with other partner organizations to promote opportunities that build connections for local businesspeople.

Your business investment in the Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce makes you part of one of the largest business associations in Western New York. Our focus is on driving service and value. We thank you for your investment and your participation in the Chamber of Commerce and look forward to serving your business throughout the year.

Get involved in STEM Wars March 12

On March 12th manufacturers and schools from throughout the region will come together for STEM Wars. STEM Wars provides students an opportunity to showcase their science, technology, engineering and math talents and projects. STEM wars features a variety of competitions and an opportunity for students to meet with area manufacturers to learn about their companies and products. The event takes place at the Jamestown Community College Campus in Jamestown, bringing together over 800 students from around the region to participate in a fun and educational event, featuring STEM activities, competitions, local manufacturing technology companies, and on-site team building/leadership skills projects. Middle school and high school students are invited to participate each year, and work for weeks in advance to prepare their projects for competition.

STEM Wars is co-presented by Dream It Do It Western New York (DIDIWNY) & the New York State Technology and Engineering Educators’ Association (NYSTEEA) Chautauqua County Chapter.  STEM Wars is produced with support from the Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce (CCCC), Jamestown Community College (JCC), The Manufacturers Association of the Southern Tier (MAST), Pathways in Technology Early College High School (PTECH), and the Chautauqua County Education Coalition. There is still space for manufacturers who want to participate in the career fair, where students can engage with local businesses about skills, studies, products, and more. Sponsorship opportunities are still available as well. For more information, contact Tim Piazza at tpiazza@mast-wny.com or (716) 483-1833.

Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in downtown Jamestown March 14

Your business can get more GREEN on St. Patrick’s Day! Dollars, that is. The Jamestown Community Chamber of Commerce will once again Turn the River Green for St. Patrick’s Day in downtown Jamestown.  Everyone is invited to join us at the Riverwalk in Brooklyn Square for the event at 11am, Saturday, March 14. This event is sponsored this year by the Chautauqua County Visitors Bureau and M&T Bank. The Chamber strongly encourages local businesses to participate for the day as well. We will provide you with a standard “Leprechaun Crossing” poster for your business that indicates you are offering some special deal on Saturday, March 14.  Just let us know that you’ll be participating and we will add you to our list to be handed out during the event at the Riverwalk. It could be a discounted price, a special food item, or anything of your choosing.  Our goal is to move foot traffic from Brooklyn Square into to local businesses for shopping, brunch, or lunch.  Any Jamestown business can participate. For more information or to get listed, contact Jamestown Community Chamber Coordinator Joanna Dahlbeck at jdahlbeck@chautauquachamber.org or call the Chamber at 484-1101.

CCIDA offers manufacturing Business-to-Business event March 18

Buyers, sellers, service providers and anyone in a manufacturing related field is encouraged to attend the Business-to-Business networking event with their peers from Chautauqua County from 7:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Wednesday, March 18 at the Chautauqua Harbor Hotel, 10 Dunham Avenue, Celoron. This event will include dedicated time with vendors and buyers in a one-on-one “speed dating” format, as well as a lunch presentation featuring Patience Fairbrother, Account Director with Development Counsellors International, including findings from their latest “Talent Wars” study – a survey of over 1,500 working age individuals on how they make decisions about jobs, locations, and best practices. This event is co-sponsored by the Chautauqua Works, Jamestown Community College, and the Manufacturers Association of the Southern Tier. The cost ranges from $35 for one attendee to up to $500 as a Champion Sponsor for 6 attendees and a premium table. For more information or to register, contact Jeanette LoBello at CCIDA at (716) 661-8901.