The CHQ Chamber is accepting nominations for the 2026 Pam Lydic Coalition Builder Award, recognizing an individual or organization who is making a difference in our region by bringing people together, building partnerships, and working toward a common goal.

Established in 2012, the award honors the legacy of Pam Lydic, the Chamber’s first executive director. Pam played an instrumental role in bringing together the Northern Chautauqua Chamber of Commerce and the Jamestown Area Chamber of Commerce to form the Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce in 2000. Her commitment to collaboration and community building continues to inspire the work of the Chamber and others throughout our region.

Presented annually at the Chamber’s Annual Meeting, the award recognizes an individual who has helped move Chautauqua County forward through collaboration, coalition building, and meaningful partnerships. It shines a light on those who bring people and organizations together around shared goals, often working behind the scenes to create lasting, positive change in our communities.

Do you know someone who embodies this spirit of collaboration? We encourage you to submit a nomination for the 2026 Pam Lydic Coalition Builder Award. The nomination form is available online at chqchamber.org/award-nomination-form.html.

The deadline to submit nominations is October 31.

The CHQ Chamber Board of Directors will review the nominations and select this year’s recipient. The award will be presented during the Chamber’s Annual Meeting on December 11th at noon at the Chautauqua Harbor Hotel in Celoron.

Past recipients represent the many ways coalition building strengthens our region. They include Aimee Rogers, founder and president of Imagine Forestville; Amy Rohler, executive director of United Way of Chautauqua County; Bishop Leecroft Clark of the I.D.E.A. Coalition; Larry Fiorella, recognized for his leadership in Fredonia coalitions, including Festivals Fredonia; the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation, Northern Chautauqua Community Foundation, and United Way for their collaboration in developing The Capacity Lab; and Mike Abbate for his leadership in developing food provider programming in Chautauqua County.

Strong communities are built when people work together. Help us recognize someone whose dedication to bringing people together is making a meaningful difference across Chautauqua County.

Submit your nomination by October 31st and save the date for the CHQ Chamber’s Annual Meeting on December 11.

Our next Business After Hours will take place Wednesday, October 21, from 5 to 6:30 p.m. at Raven & Thorn, located at 26 Water Street in Fredonia. Guests will enjoy complimentary appetizers and a cash bar while connecting with fellow Chamber members and members of the local business community. As a benefit of Chamber membership, members may bring up to two guests free of charge. Additional members and non-members are welcome to attend for $10 per person.

This Business After Hours will coincide with National Support Your Local Chamber Day, making it a great opportunity to connect, celebrate the role of the Chamber in our local business community, and learn more about the work happening throughout Chautauqua County. Be sure to follow the CHQ Chamber website and social media as we celebrate all things Chamber!

This Business After Hours is sponsored by Raven & Thorn, LaBella Associates, Southern Chautauqua Federal Credit Union, and State University of New York at Fredonia.

Registration is open through the CHQ Chamber’s online calendar.