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

 

 
Chamber to Host County Executive’s
Breakfast June 1st
The Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce will hold its annual County Executive’s Breakfast on Friday, June 1 at the Chautauqua Golf Club. County Executive Greg Edwards will make a brief presentation, followed by an opportunity for questions and answers.
“This is a good opportunity for the business community to hear directly from County Executive Edwards and to exchange questions and share concerns,” said Todd Tranum, Chamber President/CEO. “We look forward to a dialogue with him on the critical issues facing our county, and on county initiatives to help support economic development.”
Greg Edwards is in his second term as Chautauqua County Executive. He was the Republican and Conservative nominee for Lieutenant Governor of New York in 2010.
The event is sponsored by:  Chautauqua Institution, Compeer, Cummins, DFT Communications, Jamestown Community College, Jamestown Jammers, Jamestown Mattress, KeyBank, Lake Erie Regional Health System of New York, Medicor Associates, Nestle Purina, NRG, OBSERVER, Phillips Lytle, The Post-Journal, Serta Mattress, SKF Aeroengine, and WCA Hospital.
The breakfast begins at 8:00am. The cost is $15 for Chamber members and $20 for non-members. To register, call the Chamber at 366-6200 or 484-1101, or register on line at www.chautauquachamber.org.
 
Creative Workshops Highlight Chautauqua in June Learning Festival
By Stephanie Burdo, Communications Coordinator, Chautauqua County Visitors Bureau
An open house of artists’ studios along the Chautauqua-Lake Erie Art Trail kicks off the second annual Chautauqua in June learning festival over Memorial Day Weekend, May 26-27 and the following weekend June 2-3. During the annual Open Studio Tour, meet 24 artists who make their living in Chautauqua County. Visit their studios from 10 am – 5 pm each day and see recent works in all mediums while getting to know the artists in the personal spaces where they live and create their work. Tour this picturesque region of New York State where Victorian architecture set amongst verdant vineyards and fields, lush forests, rolling hills, and a spectacular Lake Erie shoreline inspires the creative spirit. Artists will be on hand creating pieces, demonstrating techniques and selling their works.
The Open Studio Tour is an appropriate start to Chautauqua in June where regional artists and artisans will offer more than a dozen classes and workshops in painting, drawing, photography, and film animation as well as jewelry making, knitting, sewing, and spinning yarn. Several workshops will occur en plein air, or “in the open air”, such as in the artist’s garden with instructor and artist, Thomas Annear. Students will learn color theory and composition while completing an oil painting inspired by over 40 varieties of irises and poppies.
Using the spring flowers growing around Chautauqua Institution for ideas, artist and retired teacher, Audrey Kay Dowling will offer a three day drawing series focusing on line drawing, shading, and color theory. Exclaimed Dowling, “I have always loved teaching and this is a wonderful opportunity to share how to capture the beauty of spring flowers in a gorgeous environment and spend pre-season time at Chautauqua when the pace is relaxed, and there are no parking restrictions or fees. Drawing is a meditative process that is both relaxing and rewarding while also being fun and stimulating, and being creative activates parts of the brain that many folks have neglected.”
Two different workshops will offer new perspectives on taking photographs. The Art of Taking a Second Look with award-winning nature photographer Gary Cuckler will include a field trip to the Allenberg Bog, an area of terrain that has changed very little over the last 12,000 years since the last glacier moved through the region. Landscape photographer James Hoggard will use vineyards as the muse for teaching basic photography skills including camera composition, lighting, color balance, and depth of field. A small class size will also allow him to customize the class according to participant interests. Said Hoggard, “with the amazing popularity of digital cameras, it seems everyone has been transformed into a photographer. While these new cameras give nice results there are still numerous ways to improve and get more professional photographs. I am looking forward to teaching my class because, not only do I enjoy sharing my experience about a topic that I love, but I always come away learning something myself!”
Students of all ages will enjoy making their own short animated movies using stop-frame motion as portrayed in the movie, HUGO, with animation artists and faculty from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania. Others might enjoy using sea or lake glass to make beautiful jewelry at Imagine! in Bemus or learning how to spin yarn with instructors from SUNY Fredonia’s Center for Lifelong Learning and Special Programs. Formally educated in fashion design, Margot Stuart from Ariel’s Bed & Breakfast will teach couture costume design techniques using a 30” teddy bear in a Designer Santa Bear Workshop. Aspiring writers will have opportunities to learn and develop their craft as well during the annual Chautauqua Writer’s Festival and a workshop on Adapting Literary Works for the Screen.
Capping off Chautauqua in June, the LakeArts Film Festival, June 15-17, salutes the 2012 election year with classic movies about American politics and politicians along with workshops, discussions, and an exhibit by photographer Barbara Proud called First Comes Love: Radical Spirits, Civil Rights and the Sexual Evolution. Several films will be screened including the 1949 classic All the Kings Men and the 2008 drama, MILK, starring Sean Penn as Harvey Milk. In conjunction with the animation workshop, the LakeArts Festival and Chautauqua Cinema will also screen the Academy Award-winning HUGO, directed by Martin Scorsese.
On Sunday June 17, the LakeArts Festival, in collaboration with the Rod Serling Foundation, and the Menace the Public Conscience Festival’s film preservation program will present THE MAN (1972), a recently discovered Rod Serling film about the improbable rise of a black President in the 1960’s. The film, which is in the process of being restored, features well-known stars from television and film including James Earl Jones, Burgess Meredith, Jack Benny (in a cameo), and Martin Balsam. Movie goers will have the opportunity to see and hear about the process of preserving a classic and newly-discovered landmark film.
Chautauqua in June is a three week learning festival, May 25 – June 17, 2012, with classes and workshops held in both indoor and outdoor classrooms across Chautauqua County, NY, a destination for leisure learning, summer camps and workshops. Participants can register for workshops online or request a program guide at www.tourchautauqua.com. Note, that creative workshops that require more individualized instruction are limited in size, and registrations are available on a first come, first serve basis.
Chautauqua in June is a promotion of the Chautauqua County Visitors Bureau and held in collaboration with the Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce, Chautauqua Institution, Jamestown Community College’s Center for Continuing Education, SUNY Fredonia Lifelong Learning and Special Programs. Partners include Webb’s Resort, Camp Chautauqua, Portage Hill Gallery and Johnson Estate Winery. Chautauqua County is located in the southwestern corner of New York State with New York’s largest grape growing region, five lakes, historic Victorian and Amish communities, and Lucille Ball’s hometown. For more information and a schedule of vacation learning events during Chautauqua in June as well as throughout the year, call 1-866-908-4569 or visit the Chautauqua County Visitors Bureau website at www.tourchautauqua.com.
Photo Caption:  Artist and instructor Audrey Kay Dowling demonstrates drawing spring flowers, a three-part workshop series offered during Chautauqua in June.
 
    
 
Chamber Membership Drive Extended
The 2012 Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce Membership Drive has been extended through the month of May. Due to increasing interest, the program will continue for four more weeks. Initially, the special offers and promotions surrounding the Membership Drive were set to run for just six weeks through May 1st. Now, because phone calls and interest are on the rise, the drive will run through May 31, allowing even more new Chamber members to participate.
Volunteers working on the drive are: Lisa Lynde, Chautauqua Region Community Foundation; Larry Ludeman, DFT; Jason Ferguson, Maytum Company; Stacey Hannon, Jamestown Gazette; Steve Keefe, Village of Fredonia; John Bauer, Chautauqua Sports Hall of Fame; Patti Jordan, KeyBank; LauraLee Hinman, KeyBank; Aaron Resnick, Village of Westfield; Ann Mason, Time Warner Cable Business Class; and Mark Summers, Jamestown Rubber Stamp Co. In addition, five SUNY Fredonia interns with the Chamber are helping to manage the project: Jack Bennett, Lizzy Saeva, Jenny Hall, Victoria Cuva and Caitlin Welc. Chamber staff involved are Todd Tranum, President/CEO; Greg Krauza, Director of Member Development; Guy Ditonto, Director of Member Services; Erin Andersen, Administrative Assistant and Health Insurance Coordinator; Sheila Webster, Director of Marketing Communications and Governmental Affairs; Debbie Marsala, Mayville-Chautauqua Community Chamber Coordinator; and Heidi Seddon, Fredonia Community Chamber Coordinator.
Benefits of joining the Chautauqua County Chamber include tools to increase profits such as Shop Chautauqua County Gift Checks and discounts on services; connections to new customers through networking events, sponsorships, and business promotion opportunities; representation where it matters through legislative events and advocacy; and information and new ideas including weekly updates, monthly e-newsletters, training and development, and guest speakers.
New members who join during the drive will be entered into a drawing for these prizes: a Sapphire GEM sponsorship ($1,000 value), membership paid for the year (2013-14 dues), and two free Chamber event passes for the year ($216 value, excluding the Annual Banquet, Golf Tournament, and Community Chamber events).
If you have not been contacted by a volunteer yet and are interested in joining the Chamber, please email joinnow@chautauquachamber.org, or call one of our offices at 366-6200 or 484-1101.
 
A Grape Experience: Networking Mixer at 21 Brix Winery
The next Chautauqua County Chamber Networking Mixer will be held on Thursday, May 17 at 21 Brix Winery in Portland. One of the newest wineries in Chautauqua County, 21 Brix very recently received a Value Added Grant from USDA to help bolster its wine-making and distribution avenues, and to create jobs.
The Mixer is sponsored by Casella Waste Service, Jamestown Jammers, Jamestown Savings Bank Arena, the OBSERVER, The Post-Journal, and WDOE/96KIX. To register, call the Chamber at 366-6200 or 484-1101, or visit our web site at www.chautauquachamber.org.
 
Market Your Business
A key part of the value of your Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce membership is the opportunity to market your products and services to both members and non-members through the Chamber web site and other Chamber offerings.
As more and more people turn to the Internet to do business, the Chamber has done more to improve its web presence. In 2011 more than 11,000 unique individuals visited the Chautauqua Chamber web site, with over 70,000 page views. As that number continues to increase, the Chamber is doing more to provide its members with opportunities to advertise on the web.
Web site advertising through the Chamber is easy, affordable, and can be customized to suit your needs. Opportunities include advertising on the Chamber home page, the VOICE newsletter page, and in several other locations. Ad space is also available through the Chamber’s weekly email summary. Additional opportunities for advertising and sponsorship are available throughout the year to Chamber members.
Marketing is just one of the valuable benefits of Chamber membership. To learn more, call the Chamber office at 484-1101 or 366-6200, or visit the Chamber web site at www.chautauquachamber.org.
 
Creating a Safe Home for Mom and Dad
A Wellness Feature from Great Lakes Home Healthcare Services
 
This is the time of year we honor our Mothers and Fathers. We take a day in May and June to thank them for the countless things they have done for us throughout the years and supporting the many decisions we have made on our own along the way. There are many ways we can recognize them, maybe with flowers, candy or a nice dinner out. It might also be a good time to take a look at their needs as they begin to age
It takes work, planning and preparation to make a home safe for aging parents —particularly those who are facing some degree of physical and/or mental impairment. Up to 50 percent of all home accidents can be prevented through modification or repair. The best way to avoid accidents is to conduct a thorough room-by-room inspection, identifying and making a list of problem areas. An exterior inspection is important as well. The time spent in repairing and modifying the home can be invaluable for preventing future accidents for your loved one.
Start by looking at the access to the home. Install ramps to doors where there are stairs. Repair sidewalks and walkways. Make sure the yard and walkways are free of debris. In winter, make sure there is salt or sand by the front door and be sure to shovel snow.
If there are stairs inside the home, install sturdy handrails on both sides. Build ramps to be used instead of steps and install thresholds in doorways if someone is using a walker, cane or wheelchair. Stair lifts can also be installed if necessary. It is helpful to mark the edges of stairs with bright or reflective tape. Also, put anti-slip treads on steps and stairs. Use night lights throughout the home and ensure pathways are clear. If your mother or father uses home oxygen, be certain they do not smoke. Others should also be educated not to smoke in the home and there should be no open flame nearby.
Around the home, ensure that there is adequate, strong lighting. Use low-glare bulbs, and aim lights at a wall or the ceiling. Make a flashlight easily accessible to the bed in case the electricity goes out. Install grab bars in closets. Organize paperwork, closets, medicine cabinets, and shelves so items have easy access. Keep the house warm enough for comfort and safety during winter. Provide air conditioning or fans in the summer. Check and repair insulation and storm windows. Install lever handles on faucets and doors.
The bathroom is always a key area of concern for safety as there is a high occurrence of falls. Install grab bars by tubs and toilets. Use a raised toilet seat if sitting and standing are difficult. Install a liquid soap dispenser in the shower. Use nonskid strips, decals, or a rubber mat in the tub or shower. Provide a transfer bench if needed by the bath for a person in a wheelchair. Be careful of bath oils and lotions on the feet. Use a screw-in shower rod. Clean up all water on the floor promptly.
In the kitchen, use a nonskid rug or runner in front of the kitchen sink. Keep the floor clean of grease and other materials. Be sure to install a fire extinguisher (rated for kitchen use) and a smoke alarm.
Falls can happen anywhere in the home, so pay attention to worn carpet and replace when needed. Avoid using throw rugs and nail down loose carpet edges. Keep floors clear of clutter, wires, stools, or other items that can cause tripping will also help to improve the safety of your home. A great gift idea which also helps with independence is a lift chair which allows mom or dad to rise easily from a seated position.
When you are celebrating with Mom and Dad over the next couple of months, be sure to check out their safety at home. For more information or suggestions on products and services that can help you or your loved-ones stay at home and independent, contact Great Lakes Home Healthcare Services at (716) 664-5092 or visit www.greatlakeshhs.com. You can also stop by the retail showroom at 512 West Third Street in Jamestown.
 
    
 
Mayville-Chautauqua Business After Hours
The Mayville-Chautauqua Community Chamber of Commerce will hold a Business After Hours event on Wednesday, May 9 at the Athenaeum Hotel on the grounds of Chautauqua Institution. This networking and learning event will be held from 5:30-7:00pm, with an hors d’oeuvres reception and soft drinks provided by the hotel. A full cash bar will be available.
Learn about the upcoming Chautauqua In June Program; Friends of Chautauqua Program; upcoming Mayville/Chautauqua Chamber events; and upcoming spring, summer, and fall events for Chautauqua Institution and the Athenaeum Hotel.
This event is free to Chamber members who register in advance and bring a non-member guest. Non-member guests who register in advance may also attend for free. The cost for walk-ins and registered guests who are not bringing a non-member is $5. Registration is available through the Chautauqua County Chamber web site at www.chautauquachamber.org.
 
Veterans Business Expo  May 5, 2012
The Chautauqua County Industrial Development Agency in conjunction with the NYS Small Business Development Center at Jamestown Community College are pleased to announce the upcoming “Veterans Business Expo” to be held Saturday, May 5, 2012 from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm at the Chautauqua Mall in Lakewood, NY.
The “Veterans Business Expo” is a public showcase of veteran owned businesses and veteran services in Chautauqua County.  This free event is for current veteran business owners, prospective veteran business owners, family members, and the general public.
In addition to the business expo there will be four informational seminars (Veteran Educational Opportunities, How to Start a Business, Government Procurement, and Financing Your Business) for veterans who would like to start or grow their own business.  Veteran service and civic organizations will be in attendance highlighting program information.
For information please call Scott Miller, NYS SBDC at JCC at 716-338-1356.
 
Many Birding Opportunities at Audubon This Spring
Classes, walks, and bird banding demonstrations: the Audubon Center and Sanctuary is offering a variety of birding opportunities this spring that can be enjoyed by the novice as well as the experienced bird watcher.
On four Wednesday evenings beginning April 25 through May 16, birding classes will be held at the Nature Center from 7 to 8:30pm. Guided bird walks are planned for 8-10 am Saturday mornings from April 28 through May 19. In addition, for the sixth consecutive year, visitors can watch career ornithologists do bird banding demonstrations on four Saturdays, 7-11 am, April 28-May 19.
In the classes local birding experts will introduce different birds each week based on their habitat.  Each presentation will be designed as a preparation for a companion walk on the following Saturday and will feature information about the habitats to be visited and the birds most likely to be seen there.  Each session will also focus on a different birding tool or technology. Participants can come to the class, the field trip, or both -- or sign up for the whole series.
Class and walk participants are encouraged to dress for the weather and bring binoculars and field guides if you have them, or wait to learn more before you buy them. While there is no charge for watching the bird banding demonstrations, donations are appreciated. The cost for each class and walk is $10 for members, $12 for non-members, and $5 for children 12 and under. For those who sign up and pay in advance for four or more classes and/or walks the cost drops to $8 for members and $10 for non-members.  Lectures can be mixed and matched with walks to enjoy this discounted price. Registrations are needed by the Sunday before each class and the Wednesday before each walk. To register, call (716) 569-2345. Audubon education programs are made possible in part through funding from the Johnson Foundation, the Carnahan Jackson Foundation, the Hultquist Foundation, and the Jessie Smith Darrah Fund.
The Audubon Center and Sanctuary is at 1600 Riverside Road, off Route 62 between Jamestown and Warren.
Photo caption: The Audubon Center and Sanctuary is offering a variety of birding opportunities this spring that can be enjoyed by the novice as well as the experienced bird watcher. There are several lovely spots along the Audubon trails with wonderful views for birders, like the observation deck on Big Pond shown here. (Photo by Jennifer Schlick)
 
Audubon Receives Community Foundation Grant for New Tractor
The lawns at the Audubon Center and Sanctuary will look better and the load will be lighter thanks to a new tractor provided by funds from a Chautauqua Region Community Foundation Community Service Grant. It was a John Deere tractor from Zahm & Matson in Falconer, New York, that met the specifications provided by the volunteers of Audubon’s building and grounds crew.
Community Foundation Executive Director Randy Sweeney was at the Sanctuary to receive the appreciation of volunteers Denny Anderson, Todd Anderson, Larry Brown, Don Carlson Al Johnson Terry LeBaron, Naomi Prather, and Don Weber. Volunteer Barb Carlson was not able to be present.
Audubon Program Director Jennifer Schlick noted, “We are very grateful for the incredible support of the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation. Many dedicated volunteers spend countless hours maintaining our beautiful grounds. It is wonderful that they now have this great piece of equipment to assist them!”
Photo caption: Audubon’s volunteer building and grounds crew (standing from left) Terry LeBaron, Todd Anderson, Denny Anderson, Larry Brown, Naomi Prather, Don Weber, and Don Carlson. In the driver’s seat is CRCF Executive Director Randy Sweeney. Not pictured are Barb Carlson and Al Johnson, who will be the two main drivers. (Photo by Jennifer Schlick)
 
Jamestown Business College, Gannon University Finalize Articulation
Officials at Jamestown Business College (JBC) and Gannon University recently finalized an articulation agreement designed to assist JBC Bachelor degree graduates as they proceed to studies at the graduate level at Gannon University.
As a result of the agreement, students who successfully complete the Bachelor in Business Administration degree program at Jamestown Business College may be able to waive up to 18 Gannon Master of Business Administration (MBA) credits, which will qualify them for as little as a 30-credit MBA.
Jamestown Business College Dean, Gretchen Lindell, said that she was pleased with the extended partnership and the opportunity that it presents JBC students.
“As our Bachelor degree program continues to grow, we naturally have students who are eager to engage in further education,” she said. “This agreement is a natural fit and presents them with a great opportunity to earn that advanced degree in a shorter amount of time.”
Jamestown Business College President, David Conklin, added that he, too, was pleased with the relationship.
“We look forward to this new option for our JBC graduates – it presents a fantastic opportunity for them to continue on with their educational goals beyond our program.”
As part of the agreement, students have the option to complete their Gannon MBA studies at the main campus in Erie, PA, at the Gannon center in Warren, PA, or online.
Jamestown Business College offers business-focused Associate and Bachelor degrees and certificate programs that include targeted professional development activities. For more information on registering for these programs, call 664-5100 or visit us online at www.JamestownBusinessCollege.edu.
Photo Caption: Representatives from both Jamestown Business College and Gannon University were on hand as the final articulation agreement between the two colleges was signed. From left, JBC President, David Conklin; JBC Dean, Gretchen Lindell; Gannon College of Engineering and Business Dean, Melanie Hatch; and Gannon President, Keith Taylor.
 
Golf Tournament to Benefit WCA
On Saturday, May 5th, South Hills Country Club will host their annual Members’ Memorial Golf Tournament to benefit Sharing the Gift of Health: The Capital Campaign for Our Emergency Department. Registration will begin at 9:00 a.m. followed by a Shotgun Start at 10:00 a.m.
Please consider golfing. The format of this golf tournament is a two-person scramble and golfers can sign up for four different divisions – Scratch, Team Handicap (15 – 36), Senior (ages 60+), or Ladies. The cost per golfer is $50 for members of South Hills Country Club and $65 for non-members. This includes 18 holes of golf, cart, on-course snacks, and a meal after the tournament. Please see attached pre-registration form which is also available at South Hills Country Club (716-487-1471).
Please consider donating.  South Hills will be accepting tribute gifts in honor or memory of loved ones who will be honored at the tournament alongside members who have passed over the last calendar year - please see attached. If you would like to make a gift, please make your check payable to: SHCC Membership Fund, and mail to: South Hills Country Club, 3108 Busti Stillwater Road, Jamestown, NY 14701-9519 or drop off in the WCA Office of Development.
 
YMCA Announces Summer Day Camp Program
The Jamestown YMCA announces the 2012 Summer Day Camp Program is now accepting registrations for children ages 5-12. The program operates 9 weeks during the summer and is scheduled to begin the week of June 25 through August 25, 2012. The program runs Monday – Friday from 9am-5pm, with early drop off at 7:30am and late pick up at 5:30pm for working parents at no extra charge. YMCA programs include daily opportunities for children to engage in a variety of intellectual and physical activities throughout the day to keep children active, both in body and in mind.   The YMCA's day camp environment is designed to educate and support children as they make healthy lifestyle choices, enlarge their character, and develop healthy relationships among their peers.
Camp Discovery is designed for children ages 5-7 and will feature age appropriate activities such as storytelling, singing, arts & crafts, sports, gym games, swimming, science, drama, cooking and more. Each week’s activities are theme related and include a special trip.   Each camper will receive a free camp tee-shirt for special trip days.
Camp Chautau is designed for children ages 8-12 and will feature a wide variety of activities that include arts & crafts, sports, field activities, swimming, games, singing, cheerleading, music, drama, dance, nature, cooking and much more. Each week’s activities are theme related and include a special trip.    All campers will receive a free camp tee-shirt for special trip days.
Registrations can be made online or in person at the Welcome Center at the Jamestown YMCA. A $10 per week deposit is required for each child to hold their reservation. The remaining balance is due the week prior to the start of each week. Scholarships are available on a first come, first serve basis to qualifying individuals. Scholarship applications are available at the Welcome Center at the Jamestown YMCA. The YMCA is a United Way agency. For more information, contact Ronda Piazza, Child Care Executive at (716)664-2802 ext. 222.