You’ve heard a lot over the last year or so about building connections, something that is core to our work in the Chamber world and was identified front and center in our strategic planning process. Our new mission statement includes “build vital connections,” and it was even deliberately designed into our new CHQ Chamber logo, with the abbreviated CHQ letters squished together showing visually connecting lines.

With the technology we have you’d think people would be more connected than ever, but often it feels like we couldn’t be further apart as people engage in community groups and activities less, and struggle to even have a relationship with their neighbors. Some of my reading this year whether on history, child rearing, or other topics, has pointed out this gradual decline in community throughout the last few decades. This is perhaps best illustrated in the sociology book Bowling Alone, which I have not actually read – the audiobook is 19 hours long in case you were considering it.

The concept though, is that over time Americans have disengaged from community involvement, participation in clubs and community service which build connections and community. As the title implies, the example of bowling is an interesting case study because while the number of people who bowled increased in the twenty years studied, those who bowled in leagues decreased. In practice, when people bowl alone they miss out on social interaction and conversations that help us bond as neighbors and members of the community.

While this is a steady trend, it doesn’t mean we no longer have examples and opportunities to connect with each other. Just the other day, I attended a 90th birthday celebration for Jamestown’s Russ Diethrick along with many community members. A lineup of about fifteen speakers shared stories of their interactions with Russ, and how his presence made a positive impact on their lives and the community. It was a wonderful celebration. But on the drive home I couldn’t help but wonder, in 20 or 30 years will our kids and grandkids have these same stories about someone special in the community leaving a profound impact on their life’s trajectory?

I mentioned building connections as being core to the work of a Chamber of Commerce, it really is “in our DNA.”

Everyone on the Chamber team is working hard to connect people and improve our community every day. Our internal work the last few years has positioned us to become more effective with our resources and center our work on the local business community. During our strategic planning sessions, a board member said something that has stuck with me: “Small businesses are the foundation of the community.” In a literal sense, they are the buildings lining our main streets. They are places which add to the local culture with the products, food, and services they offer. These local businesses create a unique sense of place in each of our communities. They provide opportunities and resources for their employees and the community sports or clubs they support. Most of all, they are a gathering place, where friends and neighbors can share a cup of coffee, catch up on what is happening in town, and support this cycle with the purchases they make.

I believe the CHQ Chamber is an important piece of connecting people, connecting businesses, and building positivity for our community within Chautauqua County. The secret ingredient to our success and impact is participation. We’ve seen positive trends for participation at Chamber events and greatly appreciate everyone who has attended a Chamber event throughout the year. It is incredibly tough with our busy lives but remember, you can’t make meaningful connections if you’re bowling alone.

Business Builder Workshop is October 21

Get your business ready for the holiday season! Come to our next Business Builder Workshop and we’ll help you prepare for the fast-paced months ahead.

The next CHQ Chamber Business Builder Workshop topic is Prep Your Business for the Holidays. It will be held from 1-3pm, Monday, October 21 at the Roger Tory Peterson Institute in Jamestown Topics will include Small Business Saturday, and the Chamber’s programs aimed at helping support small businesses such as the ShopLocalCHQ Gift Card and our countywide Holiday Window Decorating Contest. We’ll have some new programs and resources to unveil for you! Also on the agenda will be social media strategies to help you market your business – not just during the holiday season but all year round.

Business Builder Workshops are free for all local businesspeople to attend, and always include opportunities for networking. We appreciate advanced registration for our planning purposes. You can learn more or register now through our web calendar at www.chqchamber.org.

Business After Hours at Downtown Brew is October 24

Join us for Business After Hours at Downtown Brew, 13 Water Street, Fredonia, on Thursday, October 24 from 5-6:30pm. Business After Hours is a great way to get to know a wide variety of local businesspeople from all over Chautauqua County. Enjoy complimentary appetizers and a cash bar, while getting to know Who’s Who in the Room. It’s an engaging experience for all! We always encourage attendees to bring business cards for networking.

Each Chamber member business may send two people for free to each Business After Hours. The cost is just $10 per person for non-members or for anyone over the two-person limit. We appreciate advanced registration for planning purposes. Register now through our web calendar at www.chqchamber.org.

After the October event we’ll have one final Business After Hours for the calendar year with the always popular event at Southern Tier Brewing Company. This event will be held Wednesday, November 13. Please book early as the Southern Tier Brewing location tends to fill quickly.

The CHQ Chamber looks forward to seeing many local businesspeople at our Business After Hours events. Please bring business cards for networking.