2026 Chamber Business Milestones to be Recognized

As the CHQ Chamber continues to gear up for our annual Business Awards Banquet this year, we are pleased to announce a list of Chamber member businesses and organizations that will be recognized for anniversaries in 2026.

Observing 200 years this year are the State University of New York at Fredonia and The Post-Journal. Community Bank, NA, has been in business for 160 years. Celebrating 135-year anniversaries are the 1891 Fredonia Opera House and Lake Shore Bank. Jamestown Mattress Company has been in business for 140 years. Putnam Record Insurance Agency in Dunkirk is observing 95 years in business. Johnny’s Lunch in Jamestown is celebrating a 90th anniversary. The Elizabeth Warner Marvin Community House in Jamestown is observing 75 years of service. Jamestown Container Companies and JRSC Digital in Jamestown have each been going for 70 years. Alliance Financial Network, Inc. is in its 60th year. Celebrating 50 years are The Wine Cellar in Jamestown and US Steam Lines LTD & The Chautauqua Belle in Mayville. The Chautauqua Sports Hall of Fame is in its 45th year. Celebrating 40 years are the Northern Chautauqua Community Foundation, the Southwest Region Small Business Development Center, and Springville Door & Window. Marking 30 years are both 3 C’s Catering in Kennedy, and Festivals Fredonia, Inc. Commemorating 25 years are the Robert H. Jackson Center, Inc. in Jamestown and Thru the Grapevine Travel in Silver Creek. The Chautauqua Lake Child Care Center in Mayville has a 20-year anniversary. Celebrating 15 years are Bag & String Wine Merchants in Lakewood and Portage Pie in Westfield. Marking 5 years in business are Art Cloth & Craft and Ballgame Heroes, both in Jamestown, and Buddy Brewsters in Lakewood.

Each of these organizations has made a profound mark in Chautauqua County, providing service, education and training, expertise, quality merchandise, and more to help build the quality of life in our region. Collectively they employ hundreds of people. Their longevity is a testament to the hard work and dedication of staff, owners, volunteers, and customers who make these businesses and nonprofits work to serve our community.

All are invited to help us honor these milestones, and our other Business Award recipients, during the CHQ Chamber Business Awards Banquet which will be held Thursday, October 8 at the Williams Center at SUNY Fredonia. The CHQ Chamber Business Awards Banquet is designed to help meet our mission to build vital connections, provide professional resources, and champion our local businesses in Chautauqua County.

Our business awardees for 2026 are: Business of the Year – DFT Communications; Business Champion – Chautauqua Lake Dental; Emerging Business of the Year – Westfield Makerspace; Hospitality Business of the Year – 3 Lakes Café; Service Business of the Year – Sanfilippo Solutions, Inc.; Producer of the Year – Wells Enterprises; and Not-for-Profit of the Year – Northern Chautauqua Community Foundation.

Major sponsors for the event are AHN Westfield Memorial Hospital, Brooks-TLC Hospital System/Kaleida Health, County of Chautauqua Industrial Development Agency, Glenora Radio Group, Lake Shore Bank, and the State University of New York at Fredonia. Registration is open now through the Chamber’s web calendar at www.chamberrsvp.org.

Official Introductions is This Thursday

Limited space remains for the CHQ Chamber’s Official Introductions, which will be held Thursday, September 10 from 5-7pm at the Athenaeum Hotel, Chautauqua. This special event is designed to facilitate personal connections between local businesspeople and their elected representatives from many levels of government, from village to town to county and state. Official Introductions is a networking event like no other. There will be heavy hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar, and the CHQ Chamber will help facilitate meetings as needed with legislators, council members, and more so local businesspeople can have meaningful discussions with elected representatives.

This year’s event is sponsored by AHN Westfield Memorial Hospital, Athenaeum Hotel, Brooks-TLC Hospital System, County of Chautauqua Industrial Development Agency, Glenora Radio Network, National Grid, Southern Chautauqua Federal Credit Union, and State University of New York at Fredonia. The cost is $35 for members or $40 for non-members. Due to remaining space constraints, we ask that you contact Director of Events Staunzie Grady to register at (716) 484-1101 ext. 300.

3rd on Third is September 17

3rd on Third is a free community event designed to help you shop, dine, and explore downtown Jamestown. The final 3rd on Third for this season features many open businesses, live music by Rachel Eisenstat, free downtown walking tours by the Fenton History Center, and the Jamestown Farmers Market with eleven vendors. This event is Thursday, September 17 from 5-8pm and is sponsored by Chautauqua Region Community Foundation, Gebbie Foundation, Sukanya Burman Dance, and Sumo Fiber.

Business After Hours at RTPI

Business After Hours is back for the fall at the Roger Tory Peterson Institute, 311 Curtis Street, Jamestown on Thursday, September 24 from 5-6:30pm. There will be complimentary appetizers and a cash bar. Chamber members can send two people free of charge. Additional members or non-members are $10 each. This Business After Hours is sponsored by the Roger Tory Peterson Institute, LaBella Associates, Phillips Lytle, Southern Chautauqua Federal Credit Union, and State University of New York at Fredonia. Registration is open now through the CHQ Chamber’s online calendar.