Small Business Sit-Downs: Local Businesses, Shared Challenges, Practical Conversations

Throughout September, we held our Small Business Sit-Downs, open-format conversations with businesses throughout Chautauqua County around one central question: “What is one area of your business you wish you had more time, resources, or expertise to improve?” As always the answers varied, reflecting the nuanced challenges and priorities facing local businesses in any given area.

At our Falconer Sit-Down, the conversation focused on the hiring process and the time it takes to find the right employees while also managing a busy business. In Jamestown participants had a lively discussion about marketing, including how to identify the right channels and messaging to effectively reach their customers. The Westfield Sit-Down centered on using event programming as a way to increase customer traffic and sales.

While each community conversation was different, the discussions highlighted a common theme: our small business owners are navigating many of the same challenges and there is value in coming together to share ideas, experiences, and solutions with one another.

That is the goal of our Small Business Sit-Downs, which take place throughout Chautauqua County to provide small business owners and employees an opportunity to connect with other local business people, learn from each other, and build relationships within our communities.

All local small business owners and employees are welcome to join the conversation. Check our newsletter, website, and social media for information about upcoming Small Business Sit-Downs each month.

A Night of Celebration and Achievement at the Annual Awards Banquet to be Held October 8th

Join us for an evening of celebration as we honor this year’s awardees and milestone recipients and recognize their outstanding contributions and achievements. Guests will enjoy a delicious buffet dinner featuring a carving station with roasted turkey breast and Virginia baked ham, penne pasta primavera with Alfredo sauce, seasonal grilled vegetables, garlic mashed potatoes, seasoned bread stuffing, mixed green salad, and assorted desserts. The evening will also feature local beverage tastings and a cash bar, with a complimentary bottle of local wine provided at each table.

Awards will be presented in the following categories:

• Business of the Year — DFT Communications

• Business Champion Award — Chautauqua Lake Dental

• Emerging Business of the Year — Westfield Makerspace

• Not-for-Profit of the Year — Northern Chautauqua Community Foundation

• Service Business of the Year — Sanfilippo Solutions Inc

• Producer of the Year — Wells Enterprises

• Hospitality Business of the Year — 3 Lakes Cafe

Milestone recognition will go to Chamber members celebrating significant milestones including: 200 years — State University of New York at Fredonia & The Post Journal; 160 years — Community Bank N.A.; 140 years — Jamestown Mattress Company & Sagewell; 135 years — 1891 Fredonia Opera House, Anderson Precision & Lake Shore Bank; 95 years — Putnam Record Insurance Agency & Ideal Coatings, Inc.; 90 years — Johnny’s Lunch; 75 years — Elizabeth Warner Marvin Community House; 70 years — Jamestown Container Companies & JRSC Digital; 60 years — Alliance Financial Network, Inc; 55 years — Swan Painting, Inc.; 50 years — The Wine Cellar & U.S Steam Lines LTD and The Chautauqua Belle; 45 years — Chautauqua Sports Hall of Fame; 40 years — Northern Chautauqua Community Foundation, Southwest Region Small Business Development Center & Springville Door & Window; 30 years — 3 C’s Catering & Festivals Fredonia, Inc; 25 years — Robert H. Jackson Center, HBKS Financial Advisors, Borsari Food Company & Thru the Grapevine Travel; 20 years — Chautauqua Lake Child Care Center & Jamestown Renaissance Corporation; 15 years — Bag & String Wine Merchants & Portage Pie; 5 years — Art Cloth & Craft, Ballgame Heroes & Buddy Brewsters - Lakewood.

The social hour will begin at 6 pm, with a buffet dinner starting at 6:45 and the program beginning at 7:15 pm. This is the largest gathering of businesspeople in Chautauqua County each year. We hope you’ll join us in celebrating all of the awardees and milestone recipients.

The Awards Banquet is sponsored by: AHN Westfield Memorial Hospital, Brooks TLC Hospital, the County of Chautauqua Industrial Development Agency, Glenora Radio Network, Lake Shore Bank and SUNY Fredonia.

Business After Hours at Raven & Thorn

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.