The monthly newsletter of the
Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce
March 2012

 

Chamber Opposes Minimum Wage Proposal
Written by Todd J. Tranum, President & CEO of the Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce & Executive Director of the Manufacturers Association of the Southern Tier
Now is not the time for New York State to entertain an increase in the minimum wage. Governor Andrew Cuomo and the State Legislature have been working hard for the past year to turn around a sagging economy in what could again be called the Empire State. Those efforts must continue, and a proposal by Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver to raise the minimum wage by 17-percent would only hamper that work.
The state has taken steps to improve the climate for business growth, including the tax cap legislation approved last year. This year, the Governor is making mandate relief a high priority in his budget, including the creation of a Tier VI retirement plan, which will help to reduce tax rates at all levels of government. He has also called for additional governmental reforms to reduce spending, as well as strategic economic development proposals to strengthen New York’s job base. All of these measures are good for business.
Throwing a proposed increase in the minimum wage into the mix at this point will undermine the positive steps already being taken in Albany. Many businesses are climbing out of an economic downturn. As they build back their markets and expand jobs, our state must continue to encourage job growth, not to weaken it. Establishing a minimum wage above the federal level would put New York State at a competitive disadvantage. 
Most of our local manufacturing jobs already start employees at a higher pay than the current minimum of $7.25 an hour, and even more than the proposed $8.50 an hour. For these large employers, an increase in the minimum wage would not make a significant difference. However, for the small business owners in our county, this could prove to be the difference between hiring another one or two employees, maintaining their current staff, or even downsizing. 
For our county to thrive we need to be sure that real family-sustaining jobs are created. The minimum wage will never provide that type of growth, regardless of increases. True economic development comes from the type of stability encouraged by a government that brings its own taxing and spending in line, and allows business to chart its own course for rewarding good employees.
 
 
Business Council Pushes for Tier VI Pension System
The Business Council of New York State has launched an e-advocacy campaign to support Governor Cuomo’s Tier VI Pension plan. 
Heather Bricetti, Business Council President, said “New York has one of the highest pension burdens in the nation, and it’s about to get worse. Our current pension system is already unsustainable, and the generational surge in retirees will mean that our younger population will be forced to carry the fiscal burden.”
Governor Cuomo has outlined a plan that would implement a new defined benefits system for the future workforce, but would not affect current employees. It would also provide an opportunity for new employees to enroll in a 401K-style retirement account.
If a new Tier VI is not adopted, New York taxpayers could be exposed to $123-billion more in taxes. Given the limited options municipalities have to obtain revenue, the majority of the funding would likely come in the form of property taxes. The Business Council estimates that the local Tier VI savings outside of New York City is $49-billion. Businesses pay about 35-percent of local property taxes. Without a Tier VI, New York’s businesses could face a $17.15-billion increase in property taxes.
To make your voice heard in favor of the Tier VI pension plan, visit http://fixnys.org. 
 
 
Meet With Our State Legislators – March 9 
The Chamber of Commerce is proud to present local business people with an opportunity to address issues, like the proposed minimum wage increase, directly to our state lawmakers.
The Chamber’s annual State Legislative Breakfast will be held Friday, March 9th at the Lakewood Rod & Gun Club.   This annual event allows local business people to meet directly with State Senator Cathy Young and Assemblyman Andrew Goodell. Among the topics certain to be addressed are: the minimum wage, the proposed Tier VI addition to the state employees’ pension system, and more.
Registration will begin at 8:00am, followed by breakfast at 8:30. The cost to attend is $15 for Chamber members or $20 for non-members.
The 2012 State Legislative Breakfast is sponsored by:  Affinity One Federal Credit Union, Cummins, DFT Communications, Jamestown Savings Bank Arena, Jamestown Community College, Jamestown Jammers, Jamestown Mattress, KeyBank, Lake Erie Regional Health System, Nestle Purina, NRG, OBSERVER, The Post-Journal, Serta Mattress, SKF Aeroengine, WCA Hospital, and WJTN/WWSE/WKSN/WHUG/WQFX.
 
 
In Remembrance of a Leader:  Pam Lydic
As the first ever executive director of the Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce, Pam Lydic was an advocate for the business community and for all of Chautauqua County.  She understood the delicate balance required to strengthen the organization in its earliest days, and brought both force and finesse to the table to accomplish what, at the time, seemed like a herculean task. 
Pam took pride in watching the County Chamber grow to be a powerful voice for the business community.  Under her leadership, the Chamber stepped up as a true advocate for reducing taxes and creating an improved climate for economic advancement in our county and our state.  
After eleven years at the helm of first the Northern Chautauqua Chamber and then the County Chamber, Pam stepped down in 2007 after she was diagnosed with cancer.  In 2008 she was named the Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce Person of the Year - an honor that was well-deserved.
Following a courageous battle with cancer, Pam passed away on Friday, February 17th. Our condolences and prayers go to her husband, Brian, daughter, Chelsea, and other family and friends.  She will be missed by so many. 
Pam’s bright light for our county never dimmed.  The Chamber will continue to carry that torch to make sure that her work lives on.

 
Social Media for Your Business
This world is a highly competitive place and businesses need to utilize every avenue to market themselves. The Center for Continuing Education at Jamestown Community College and the Small Business Development Center are sponsoring a Social Media Day on Wednesday, March 28th to focus on electronic networking.
The day will focus on ways businesses can embrace and effectively utilize a number of social media tools. Topics will include Writing for Your Website, Branding, iPad for Business, Using Google+ as a Business Tool, Non-Traditional Marketing, and Blogging for Business.
The event will run from 9am-4pm. The cost is $54 per person, including lunch. It will be held at the Carnahan Center on JCC’s Jamestown campus. You can get more information and register here.
 
  
 
Dunkirk Man Finds Treasure Hunt Medallion
Douglas Hamernik of Dunkirk, New York, was the winner of the Medallion Treasure Hunt, an event that is held in conjunction with the annual Mayville/Chautauqua Chamber of Commerce President’s Day Weekend Winter Festival. The medallion was hidden on a playground at Lake Erie State Park. Although he missed the registration deadline, Mr. Hamernik decided to look for the medallion anyway, as new rules this year allowed for a lesser prize to be awarded even if the winner was not registered.
Mr. Hamernik was awarded the $125 cash prize by James Barrett, the Assistant Vice President and Manager of Northwest Savings Bank, Mayville, which provided the cash prize.  Thanks also go to the Athenaeum Hotel, Chautauqua Institution, and The Maple Inn, for offering prize packages for a registered winner.  Additional thanks to Melissa Warsitz of Northwest Savings Bank for creating some wonderful and challenging clues this year. The medallion wasn’t found until after the seventh clue was released. We look forward to next year’s treasure hunt!   
Photo caption: Douglas Hamernik is awarded the $125 Treasure Hunt Medallion prize by James Barrett of Northwest Savings Bank
 
 
Presidential Costume Contest Winners at Winter Festival
The 2012 President’s Day Weekend Winter Festival in Mayville featured a Presidential Costume Contest this year. Participants came dressed as their favorite President or First Lady. Jason Toczydlowski of the Athenaeum Hotel at Chautauqua Institution, and Abraham Lincoln impersonator Jeff Bloomquist of Jamestown, New York, co-hosted this event which took place February 18th at the Carlson Community Center at Lakeside Park.  Winning first place was Marissa Love of Millville, New Jersey, who came dressed as Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. Journey Gunderson of Bemus Point, New York, dressed as Martha Washington, was awarded second place. 
Photo caption: Jason Toczydlowski as Teddy Roosevelt; Jeff Bloomquist as Abraham Lincoln; Marissa Love as Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis; and Journey Gunderson as Martha Washington in the Presidents Day Weekend Presidential Costume Contest
 
 
Jamestown Salutes “Finest” for 2011
The Jamestown Community Chamber of Commerce honored a group of distinguished businesses and their representatives during the 10th annual “Salute to Our Finest” award reception Thursday, February 23, at the Lillian Ney Renaissance Center. Being recognized for 2011 were: Mike Metzger, Community Service Award; Framemasters, Retailer of the Year; the twelve Jamestown area foundations, Service to Humanity Award; Jamestown Rental Properties, Business of the Year; Jamestown Savings Bank Arena, Pride of Jamestown; Jamestown Gazette, New Business of the Year; and Weber-Knapp Company, Manufacturer of the Year.
 
 
Dunkirk Community Chamber Elects Officers
The Dunkirk Community Chamber of Commerce held its annual meeting recently at the SUNY Fredonia Technology Incubator on Central Avenue. Elected as officers for 2012 were John D’Agostino, President; Ellen Luczkowiak, Vice President; Doug Fenton, Secretary; and Jay Warren, Treasurer. Completing the Board of Directors are Jason Ferguson, Mark Harvey, Shaun Heenan, Gina Kron, Steve Neratko, Lee Parker, Meredith Patton, Ginger Pokoj, and Frank Porpiglia. 
Several items were discussed including the sponsorship of Thursday Music at the Pier, A Business After Hours networking event to be held March 28, the Grape Expectations Wine Festival, held in conjunction with the Fredonia Community Chamber, the annual DCCC business awards celebration and the annual Chamber scholarships which will be awarded to two Dunkirk High School seniors who seeking post-secondary education. Steve Neratko of the City of Dunkirk discussed current plans for the harbor front, regional development plans, and activities of the Department of Development and Planning. Jay Warren reported on the activities and goals of the Local Economic Development committee.
The next meeting will be held at 1:00pm, March 14 in the conference room at Dunkirk City Hall. All Chamber members and businesses interested in membership are welcome to attend. The Dunkirk Community Chamber is an affiliate of the Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce.
 
 
Sign Up for Active Rewards
Maybe you started 2012 with a fitness goal in mind. For many of us, these New Year’s resolutions have a way of waning after the first month or so. But there may be an incentive for you to renew your fitness commitment: cash back! 
If you have Univera health insurance through the Chamber’s Bright Choices exchange, you are eligible for ActiveUnivera, the rewards program that makes it easy to get cash back for simple health lifestyle decisions. You can earn up to $1,000 per family each year just for doing healthy things that fit into your daily routine; things like working in the yard, taking the stairs instead of the elevator, or walking the dog. You simply track your healthy activities through the ActiveUnivera portal.
To learn more, visit www.univerahealthcare.com and click the link for ActiveRewards.
 
 
A Salute to Social Workers
A Wellness Feature by Great Lakes Home Healthcare Services
March is National Social Work Month, time to pay tribute to the Social Workers in our community as well as educate readers as to why they are so important!
Social Workers take on many different roles in the community. They may work for hospitals, government agencies, long-term care facilities, homecare or hospice agencies, just to name a few.
Social workers are often the key to the coordination of a patient’s care, as well as identification of their needs. The goal of a social worker is to optimize community resources that can assist a patient and their family in their overall well-being. This may include the services that connect the patient to the community, ideally allowing them to optimize their independence and stay in their home. A social worker in the hospital setting may be asked by the physician to coordinate services to continue their care at home, such as a nursing visit, or equipment like wheelchairs, hospital beds or oxygen. On the other hand, care may now be too involved to stay at home, so they will assist in coordinating a short or long-term stay in an assisted living community or skilled nursing facility.
To all Social Workers during this special month, we thank-you!
For more information on products and services that can help your loved-ones stay at home and independent, contact Great Lakes Home Healthcare Services at 716-664-5092.
 
  
 
To Frack or Not to Frack: That is the Question
A panel discussion on the drilling process known as “fracking” will be held at the Robert H. Jackson Center, 305 East Fourth Street, Jamestown, on Tuesday, April 24. 
The morning-long session is a free professional continuing education seminar for multiple certifications (NYS CLE credits available). The main topic will be a conversation about the environmental, health, and safety impact of hydraulic fracturing. Other topics include updates on real estate law and business ethics. 
Registration begins at 8:00am, with the seminar from 8:30-12:45, followed by lunch. The event is sponsored by Chautauqua Abstract Company, the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation, the County of Chautauqua Industrial Development Agency, Phillips Lytle LLP, and the Robert H. Jackson Center. For more information call the Robert H. Jackson Center at 716-483-6646 or visit www.roberthjackson.org.
 
 
Red Cross “Savor the Flavor”
The American Red Cross, Southwestern NY Chapter invites you to come Savor the Flavor – A Taste of Chautauqua which will be held at the Jamestown Savings Bank Arena on March 18, from noon-3:00pm. 
Each vendor will offer samples of their products for those who purchase a $25.00 ticket from the American Red Cross. A silent auction will be held as well for some great items from area businesses. 
Participating vendors include 3Cs Catering, B&B Catering, Cibo Jamestown, Culligan Water, Elegant Edibles, Hometown Grill, Horseshoe Inn, Jamestown Bowling Company, Jamestown Savings Bank Catering Staff, Johnson Estate Winery, Merritt Estate Winery, Payne Pantry, Roberto’s, Ruby Tuesdays, Southern Tier Brewing Company, Taco Hut, Tim Horton’s, Wegmans and Wing City Grille.
Tickets can be purchased at the Jamestown Red Cross office, Cibo Jamestown or Jamestown Savings Bank Arena. You must be 21 or older to attend. 
For more information please visit www.redcross-acc.org/savor.
 
 
American Red Cross Participates in Community GiveBack Program
On selected Thursdays in March, you can enjoy a meal at Ruby Tuesday in Lakewood and they will Give Back 20% of the purchase to the American Red Cross of Southwestern New York.
The GiveBack program will run on March 8th and 15th. A GiveBack flyer is available from local Red Cross offices or can be printed from their web site at www.redcross-acc.org. Present the flyer to your server, and 20% of your purchase will go to the Red Cross.
For more information, contact the American Red Cross at 716-664-5115.
 
 
Todd R. Allen, CFP® Receives Promotion at Morgan Stanley Smith Barney
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney has announced that Todd R. Allen, CFP® has been promoted to Vice President in the firm’s Wealth Management office in Olean, New York.
Mr. Allen, who has been with Morgan Stanley Smith Barney since 1995, is a native of Franklinville, New York. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration – International Business from Elmira College. In addition, Mr. Allen is a Certified Financial Planner™ and has achieved the firm’s Investment Management Consultant designation. He currently lives in Lakewood, New York.
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney, a global leader in wealth management, provides access to a wide range of products and services to individuals, businesses and institutions, including brokerage and investment advisory services, financial and wealth planning, credit and lending, cash management, annuities and insurance, retirement and trust services. For more information, contact 1-800-999-9995.
Morgan Stanley is a leading global financial services firm providing a wide range of investment banking, securities, investment management and wealth management services. The Firm's employees serve clients worldwide including corporations, governments, institutions and individuals from more than 1,300 offices in 42 countries. For further information about Morgan Stanley, please visit www.morganstanley.com.
 
 
Audubon Center Open Daily
 After an energy-saving modified winter schedule, the Audubon Center and Sanctuary has now returned to being open daily. Located at 1600 Riverside Road, off Route 62 between Jamestown and Warren, Nature Center building hours are Monday-Saturday 10 am-4:30 pm and Sundays 1-4:30 pm.
Visitors can enjoy displays of local reptiles, including a variety of snakes and turtles, and amphibians, like frogs and a toad, plus tanks of fish. They can also sit and observe a beautiful view, seeing birds, chipmunks, squirrels and sometimes even deer at the Center’s birdfeeders.
The Frog Exhibit allows visitors to hear the peeps, groans, trills, snores and grunts of local frogs. The Energy Exhibit demonstrates how to save electricity through simple changes at home. In the third floor Sky Room you will feel like you are outdoors with majestic hawks flying overhead. The Nature Center building is also home to the Nature Store, which features a wide variety of gift items and bird seeds. Outdoors, Audubon offers miles of trails for hiking, snowshoeing, and cross country skiing.
Members and children are admitted to the exhibits free of charge; non-member adults pay only $5. Sunday is a free admission day. Visitors are welcome to walk or ski the trails or visit Liberty, a non-releasable bald eagle, free of charge daily, from dawn until dusk. Liberty is on display in her own enclosure behind the Nature Center building, where she can fly short distances.
To learn more about the Audubon Center and Sanctuary and its many programs, call (716) 569-2345 or visit www.jamestownaudubon.org.
Photo caption: You’re guaranteed to see a variety of creatures when you visit the Audubon Center and Sanctuary – inside as well as out. You might even spot a Spring Peeper like the one pictured here.
 
 
Cash Prizes for 2012 Jamestown Audubon Nature Photo Contest
Changing the entry process and adding cash prizes have already made a difference for Jamestown Audubon’s 2012 Nature Photography Contest.
“This year photographers can send their entries to us digitally,” explained Audubon Center and Sanctuary Program Director Jennifer Schlick, “making it a simpler process. And I’m pretty sure that the cash prizes have also increased interest!”
That’s how the contest’s coordinator explained that entries have already been submitted from as far away as Florida, Oklahoma, and the United Kingdom.  
In 2012, prizes will be awarded in three categories and two divisions. The Youth Division is for those 18 and under or still in high school; Adult is over 18 or post-high school. Adult winners in the categories of Wildlife, Plants/Trees/Fungi, and Landscapes will each receive $100, and youth winners will receive $50. All will also receive free photo finishing. The contest entry deadline is June 30, 2012. Full details for the competition are on-line at http://jasphotocontest.com/.
Funding for expansion of the Jamestown Audubon Nature Photography Contest was made possible by a grant from the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation. The contest is sponsored by Main Street Photo of Bowling Green, Ohio (http://bgmainstreetphoto.com/).
 Photo caption: “Time Out,” Dave Cooney’s photograph of a Canada goose at rest, was one of the winners in the 2011 Audubon Photo Competition.
 
 
“Composition and Review” is Topic of Audubon Photo Club Meeting
Longtime Southwestern High School teacher Mark Kirsch will be the main speaker at the March meeting of the Jamestown Audubon Nature Photography Club on Thursday, March 8. His topic will be
 “Composition Basics and In-depth Review of Members’ Images.”
Kirsch will give a short talk on compositional tips followed by a careful evaluation of images selected especially for this review by club members.  His evaluation will include how camera settings were used, effective use of framing, color and lines, compositional strength and expressive quality of the image.  Kirsch will offer suggestions and options on how to make improvements by reviewing one’s images. 
A teacher of photography and painting at Southwestern High School for more than two decades, Mark Kirsch also teaches photography at Jamestown Community College, as well as training educators in character education and classroom management skills. 
“Bridges” is the subject for the 6:30 pm camera project that precedes the speaker.  All camera project topics deal with camera setting handling, vantage point selection for perspective and lighting awareness of time of day, direction and weather in order to bring out what the photographer wants to tell.
The program runs from 7-9pm, with a social time to follow. Visitors are asked to pay $5, which can be applied toward the annual $25 Club membership if application is made by the next meeting.
The Jamestown Audubon Photography Club meets at the Audubon Center and Sanctuary at 1600 Riverside Road, off Route 62 between Jamestown and Warren. For more information call 716-763-9462.  
Photo caption:  A photo of the Union Ship Canal by Mark Kirsch, who will speak at the Jamestown Audubon Nature Photography Club
 
 
Falconer Library Features Audubon Photo Club Exhibit
The Falconer Public Library will be filled with the beauty of flowers photographed by members of the Jamestown Audubon Nature Photography Club during the month of March. The exhibit will feature a great variety of flower species and will reflect the varied interests and compositional styles of the members. 
The public is invited to enjoy the opening reception for the exhibit on Saturday, March 10, 1-3 pm at the Library at 101 West Main Street in downtown Falconer.
Regular Library and exhibit hours are Monday-Wednesday, 9 am-7 pm; Thursday and Friday, 9 am-5 pm; and Saturday, 9 am-3 pm. More information about the Library is available at www.cclslib.org/falconer.
Photo caption: This photo of a rose by Audubon Nature Photography Club Vice President Don Armstrong is among the images of flowers that will be on display March 3-31 at the Falconer Library
 
 
Jamestown Ironmen Visit WCA Hospital
The Jamestown Ironmen paid a visit to WCA Hospital recently, delivering roses to patients and hospital employees. The players’ aim was to spread joy and smiles on the day after Valentine’s Day. 
 “It is always great to make someone happy,” said Ironmen forward, Anthony Coles. “It’s an awesome feeling when you have the ability to make somebody smile.”
The team’s hospital visit came less than two weeks after the “Pink the Rink” event at the Jamestown Savings Bank Arena. At this event, the Ironmen auctioned off jerseys and merchandise to help raise funds to support WCA’s Link’s Charity and the fight against breast cancer.
Photo caption: Pictured are players Aaron Arm, Joey Ballmer, Aaron Scheppelman, and Anthony Coles with a WCA Nurse and patient Candace Stawitzky
 
 
YMCA Women’s Basketball League Registration
Registration for the Jamestown YMCA spring women’s basketball league is under way through March 13th. The league emphasizes fun, friendship, and clean competition. Registration is open for adults 18 and older and all levels of players are welcome.
Participants can join as a team or as an individual. The registration fee is $45 for YMCA members and $60 for potential members. Team space is limited. Registration forms are available at the Jamestown and Lakewood YMCAs. For more information, call Rich Nary at the Jamestown YMCA at 664-2802 ext.240 or email basketball@jamestownymca.org.