Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce

Newsletter September 2011

Open and read our September issue here, or scroll down for complete articles.

 

 

 

Vote YES to Reduce the Size of the Legislature

When you go to the voting booth on November 8th this year you will have an opportunity to send a strong voice to the Chautauqua County Legislature. A proposition on the ballot will ask you to approve a local law amending the County Charter which will require that future redistricting plans reduce the size of the County Legislature to no greater than 19 members. We strongly encourage a “yes” vote on this proposition.
In the past 40 years our county’s population has declined by 12,400, from its peak of 147,305 in 1970 to 134,905 in the 2010 US Census. Yet the County Legislature remains a 25-member body.
Over the same period of time dramatic changes have occurred in our ability to easily communicate with one another. Forty years ago our elected officials were not in touch with their constituents via email and Facebook, as many are now. 
Not too many years ago the County Legislature held regular meetings twice a month. Now they meet monthly, conducting all business in about half the time it once took. 
At least three separate, bi-partisan commissions convened in the past fifteen years have recommended reducing the size of the County Legislature. 
Despite all of these sound arguments for legislative reduction, the Legislature itself has failed to act of its own accord. Many of those whom we have elected to positions of leadership have not demonstrated their willingness to tackle this issue, with some notable exceptions. We congratulate the lawmakers who have tried, unsuccessfully, to get the reduction approved.
The issue has not been a partisan political battle. Democrats Maria Kindberg, Rudy Mueller, and John Gullo have been in favor of reduction; as have Republicans George Borello, Bob Scudder and Independent Scott Stutzman. The proposition on the ballot this fall was ushered in by Republican John Runkle. 
The Chamber of Commerce knows about consolidation and downsizing. By making a series of difficult decisions in the past decade, a countywide Chamber was formed encompassing all of the smaller community Chambers of Commerce. In the past the Manufacturers Association of the Southern Tier consolidated services into the County Chamber of Commerce as well. As an organization, we have demonstrated leadership in order to increase efficiencies, save money, and improve the business climate in Chautauqua County. 
We do not expect enormous financial gains for the county by downsizing the legislature. But as the business community continues to cry out for tax relief and the reduction of layers of taxing entities, we are seeking leadership. The County Legislature must be reduced in order to set a precedent for additional governmental agencies. 
The next move is up to you, the voter. We strongly encourage a “yes” vote on this proposition.

 

 

 

WNY Regional Economic Development Council to Hold Community Workshops
The Western New York Regional Economic Development Council will hold a series of community workshops designed to gain input and aid in the creation of the council’s five-year economic development plan. 
In Chautauqua County the workshop will be held from 6-8pm Tuesday, September 13 at the Robert Lee Scharmann Theatre at Jamestown Community College, 525 Falconer Street, Jamestown. The format will be a facilitated community conversation and will include an overview of the regional council, a discussion of the strategic planning process, and will use “clicker” technology that will allow the public to have their voices heard regarding priorities and regional issues. Additional workshops will be held in Allegany, Cattaraugus, Erie, and Niagara Counties.
In addition to attending the sessions, local residents are also being asked to fill out a brief online survey to maximize public input. The survey is available at http://nyworks.ny.gov/western-ny-regional-issues-form. The survey takes just a few minutes to complete and the results will be shared with Regional council works groups and the council at large.
The Regional Economic Development Councils represent a shift in the state’s approach to economic development, from a top-down development model to a community-based approach that emphasizes each regions unique assets, harnesses local expertise, and empowers each region to set plans and priorities.
The Western New York Regional Economic Development Council is one of ten regional councils across New York State that will serve as a single point of contact for economic activity in the region. Through its strategic planning process the Council will identify priority projects that demonstrate the greatest potential for job growth. As part of the initiative, up to $1-billion in state resources will be accessible to economic development projects through existing program grants and tax credits.
Each Regional Council will develop a plan for its region, which will provide a vision for economic development, address critical issues and opportunities, and lay out an implementation plan for future growth. The state will work with regional councils to align resources and policies, eliminate unnecessary barriers to growth, and streamline the delivery of services and programs to help carry out plans for development.
 
Buster Brown Bean Company Holds Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
Buster Brown Bean Company marked the official Grand Opening of its Flagship Café & Bistro recently with a ribbon cutting ceremony under the backdrop of the Historic “Old” Village Fire Hall at 33 Church Street, Fredonia. Mayor Stephen Keefe had the honor of cutting the ribbon along with Co-Owner and Head Chef, David Culver, and Co-Owner Gregory Wollaston. Heidi Seddon represented the Fredonia Chamber of Commerce, while Patrick Stokes and Greg Krauza represented the Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce.
Buster Brown Bean Company (BBBC), a local, family owned business in Fredonia since 2007, prides itself on being a “globally conscious” company. The gourmet coffees they serve are roasted at a family-owned plant in Oakville, Ontario which is powered completely by green energy. In addition, many of the delicious products served come from local farmers and businesses.
“Buying from local farms, is one of the greenest policies any restaurant or household can have,” said Culver. “The carbon footprint that we or anyone makes can be drastically reduced just by buying local goods. And it’s good for the local economy.”
But the BBBC doesn’t just focus their efforts locally. Many of the coffees and teas they offer are USDA Organic certified, and many are tied to multi-national non-profit groups, like the Rainforest Alliance and Coffee Kids, which support environmental conservation and aid the peoples that produce those products.
The Café & Bistro concept came about when David and Greg learned that the space, once occupied by the Hook ‘N’ Ladder Deli for many years, had become vacant and up for lease.
“What most sets us apart from the big chains,” said Wollaston, “is that we transform from a café during the day into a quaint bistro-inspired restaurant at night. We have also applied for a restaurant wine license to further enhance the dining experience and plan to host wine and beer tastings from local vendors.”
 The Buster Brown Bean Company Café and Bistro serves breakfast and lunch every day; dinner beginning at 5pm on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday; and Sunday brunch from 9:30am to 2pm.
 
Community Chamber Award Winners Will be Honored October 6th
 The Community Chambers of Commerce in Chautauqua County have chosen their Community Service Award recipients for 2011.
Ann Weidman of Mayville was selected by the Mayville/Chautauqua Chamber of Commerce for her active volunteerism for many organizations throughout the years. She is a founding member of the Mayville/Chautauqua Community Development Corporation and has been chair and co-chair of the Ice Castle Extravaganza. Among her many other activities she is a founding member of the Girl Scouts Volunteer Alumni Association, is active with the Westfield Memorial Hospital Foundation, the Westfield/Mayville Rotary Club, the Chautauqua Leadership Network, First Presbyterian Church in Westfield, and helped to initiate the Mayville Library Association book sale.
Richard Goodman of Dunkirk was selected by the Dunkirk Community Chamber. He is the director of Spoke Folk, whose slogan is “building a healthier community one bicycle at a time.” The non-profit, volunteer organization helps people learn to ride, fix, clean and tune up bicycles. He is also a professor emeritus of SUNY Fredonia, where he helped to launch a gateway project with eleven Japanese universities.
John Rawlinson was chosen by the Westfield/Barcelona Community Chamber. He is a Community Chamber board member, and member of the Westfield Memorial Hospital Board, Foundation Board, Northern Chautauqua Community Foundation Board, Chautauqua Opportunities New Enterprise Inc. Board and the Westfield/Mayville Rotary.
Mike Metzger of Bemus Point was chosen by the Jamestown Community Foundation. He has been actively involved in many organizations including serving on the boards of the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation, The Resource Center, and United Way. He has also been actively involved in the Audubon Society, the Fenton Historical Society, Roger Tory Peterson Institute, the Lucy-Desi Center and the Catholic Academy of the Holy Family.
Bob Graves was selected by the Greater Silver Creek Area Chamber of Commerce, where he has been active for many years in the Merchants Committee which promoted local retail establishments. He worked to raise money to purchase holiday lighting for the village and to erect the village gazebo. He was also instrumental in presenting an anti-drug program in the village.
Pat Christina was chosen by the Fredonia Community Chamber of Commerce. She has been involved in the community as a teacher, a member of the Fredonia Chamber Board, a Town Councilwoman, and many other professional and volunteer organizations, serving with energy, grace, and a positive attitude.
All of these Community Service Award Winners will be honored during the Chamber of Commerce Annual Awards Banquet, which will be held Thursday, October 6 at Chautauqua Suites in Mayville. Keynote speaker for the evening will be Lieutenant Governor Robert Duffy, who will speak on the topic of New York State’s new Regional Economic Development Councils. As chair of each of the ten regional councils in New York State, Lieutenant Governor Duffy is working with many stakeholders from business, government, higher education, labor, agriculture, and others to coordinate economic development efforts. For information about the Annual Awards Banquet, or to register an individual or a table, call the Chamber at 366-6200 or 484-1101 or visit the Chamber web site.
 
SellingHive Launched—Social Network for Sales Goes Live
SellingHive has launched! The business networking tool that is designed to help you increase sales and profits is now live. In recognition of what the Chamber and its specific Focus Group members have contributed to its development any Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce/Manufacturers Association of the Southern Tier member may join SellingHive and pay no fee in the first year. This is an offer exclusive to CCCC/MAST members. You must be invited to join via an email invite from the CCCC/MAST, follow the link and register. Once registered you can set up a profile and begin developing offers. If you have not received your invitation please contact the Chamber of Commerce. 
The next group training session for SellingHive is September 22, at the JCC County Training Center, 10785 Bennett Road, Dunkirk. It will include an overview and then specific direction on how to create and manage offers: the particular goods or services you want to promote through “the Hive.” This is a significant step towards increasing sales, growing your market and gaining input regarding your product and pricing. These seminars will continue on a monthly basis with progressive topics to help you take advantage of this opportunity.
As SellingHive expands we will see other business organizations develop similar programs, including the Buffalo Niagara Partnership. As other business organizations come online we will see the SellingHive opportunity grow. 
If you have questions, or need an invitation, please do not hesitate to contact your CCCC/MAST staff member. There are several areas where Social Media is interacting with both your personal and professional lives and we are committed to keeping you informed and providing solutions
 
Opportunities in Offshore Wind
Regional businesses will have a chance to learn more about the offshore wind energy business during a breakfast meeting in Dunkirk September 13th. Business Opportunities in Offshore Wind is being hosted by Buffalo Niagara Enterprise along with the Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce and the Manufacturers Association of the Southern Tier. The breakfast session will be held from 8:30 to 10:00am, Tuesday, September 13 at the Clarion in Dunkirk.
Two companies that have completed offshore wind projects will present. They are Vestas, a turbine manufacturer, and PMSS, an offshore wind project management company. The two will provide a visual presentation of offshore wind development and construction activity in Europe, as a window to possible development in Western New York. 
The event is sponsored by Apex Wind Energy, the Chautauqua County Industrial Development Agency, and Phillips Lytle. A $10 charge will cover the cost of breakfast. To register, contact the Chamber/MAST by phone or online.
 
Save Energy and Save Money
The Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce and the Small Business Development Center are collaborating to host a free energy workshop at the SUNY Fredonia Technology Incubator. The workshop will help small businesses learn about energy efficiency and the funding that is available to help identify and install energy efficiency measures. Topics will include how to schedule a free energy assessment and comprehensive energy audit, how to apply for subsidized installation and rebates for energy efficiency measures, and other incentives and assistance available for qualified businesses. The event will feature panelists from the New York State Energy Research and Development Association, National Fuel Gas, National Gric, the Jamestown Board of Public Utilities, and Lime Energy. This workshop will be held at 8:30am, Tuesday, September 20. It is free, but pre-registration is requested. Contact the Chamber to register at 366-6200 or 484-1101, or register online at www.chautauquachamber.org.
 
Bright Choices Open Enrollment Sessions
Open Enrollment meetings for the Chamber’s award-winning Bright Choices insurance program will be held Wednesday, September 28 in Jamestown and Thursday, September 29 in Dunkirk. The meetings will be held from 7:30-9:00am and from 5:30-7:00pm each day, in order to give both current and prospective customers options for attending. 

 

Member News

Audubon Event Focuses on National Parks
Imagine being packed in a minivan with your whole family, driving nearly 6000 miles through 20 states, and calling a campground “home” on all but two nights of a 19-day trip!
You can hear the details of the Schlick family’s experience when Audubon Center and Sanctuary program director Jennifer Schlick shares “What I Did on My Summer Vacation” at Audubon’s First Friday Lunch Bunch on September 9 -- September’s second Friday.
 An avid photographer, Jennifer will show pictures of the many birds and other wildlife she photographed, as well as the scenic vistas and indoor exhibits at the national parks and monuments, nature centers and museums they visited in June of this year.
Being a blog-aholic, Jennifer wrote extensively about her travels at http://schlickfamilyvacation.wordpress.com/
Following the 11 am presentation, coffee and tea will be provided for a BYO brown bag lunch. The fee for attending is $5 for Audubon members and $7 for non-members.
 
At Audubon, Learn to Make Your Backyard a Sanctuary
A sanctuary is a place of safety and, often, peace.  At the Audubon Center and Sanctuary’s “Backyard Sanctuaries” class, you can learn how to turn your backyard into a sanctuary, both for you and for wildlife.
 On Saturday, September 10, from 1-3 pm, Audubon Naturalist Sarah Hatfield will show how, with the addition of some common items, plants, and areas that provide water and shelter, you can transform your backyard.
 Since moving into a vacant house six years ago, Hatfield has attracted dozens of birds, four kinds of salamanders, six different kinds of snakes, flying squirrels, and many other mammals, insects, and amphibians to her yard. In her class you’ll learn some of the techniques for attracting wildlife to your yard, common plants for wildlife, and easy ways to plan out a transition in your yard.
 Cost is $10 for members, $12 for nonmembers, and $5 for children under 12. Registration deadline is Thursday, September 8. To make reservations, call (716) 569-2345, email info@jamestownaudubon.org, or use the on-line form.  Because of rescheduling, this is the final of the Summer Learning Series programs made possible in part by a grant from the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation.
The Audubon Center and Sanctuary is at 1600 Riverside Road, off Route 62 between Jamestown and Warren. For more information about this and all of Audubon’s programs, call (716) 569-2345 or visit www.jamestownaudubon.org.
 
Hospice Cup Fun Ride
The Hospice Cup Fun Ride, a bicycle ride for all ages on Saturday, will be held September 3rd at Lakewood Beach, Lakewood.  Tours will include rides of 50, 34, 15 and 5 miles. The fun begins at 8:00am with the 50 mile tour of Chautauqua Lake which will include a ride on the historic Bemus Point-Stowe Ferry.  The additional tours begin every thirty minutes. The entire family can join in the fun afterwards at Lakewood Beach with live music by Harbour Knights, face painting, food, and prize giveaways. Each registered rider has a chance to win a 32 inch LCD LG television.  The donation for the ride is $20 and children under 12 are free.  You may register on line at www.hospicechautco.org or call Hospice at 338-0333.
 
JCC Workforce Development Gets High Marks
Jamestown Community College ranked third in a list of workforce development programs published in the July 22nd issue of Buffalo Business First.
The annual ranking, based on the number of programs offered by area colleges and universities and the number of participants in those programs, listed 21 western New York institutions.
A total of 5,337 individuals from 71 regional public and private organizations in western New York and northwestern Pennsylvania participated in 398 contract training programs offered by JCC’s Center for Continuing Education during the 2009-10 academic year.
The programs – a mix of workforce development and customized job skills training courses – were provided through Jamestown and Cattaraugus County campuses and North County and Warren extension centers.
The programs ranged from customized management and leadership training, social media and computer-related training programs, welding techniques, continuous improvement methods, and training needs analysis to skills assessment for credentialing needs.
 
Great Lakes Home Healthcare Services Opens New Jamestown Showroom
Great Lakes Home Healthcare Services (GLHHS), a regional home healthcare provider, announces the grand opening of their new Jamestown location. The new location opened for business on August 8th at 512 West Third Street when it relocated from its old home just down the street.
An open house celebration and ribbon cutting are planned for Wednesday, September 14. The open house will be held from 10am-5pm, with the ribbon cutting a 11:00am.
Mayor Samuel Teresi will be in attendance for the ribbon cutting as well as representatives from the Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce and Downtown Jamestown. Kathy Dubowski, President of GLHHS and Tonya Clark, Branch Manager will also assist with the ribbon cutting.
Great Lakes Home Healthcare provides a variety of health and wellness related products, ranging from wheelchairs and oxygen to therapeutic shoes, diabetes supplies and CPAP therapy for sleep apnea. “The new Jamestown location is much more spacious and accessible for our customers,” said Tonya Clark, Branch Manager. “We carry the same product lines, but in a bright and friendly atmosphere for our clients. We have education rooms for CPAP training and a wonderful fitting room for shoes, compression stockings and post-breast surgery products.”
Other special features at Great Lakes Home Healthcare Services include clinicians such as respiratory therapists, pedorthists and orthotic fittings, along with experienced customer staff, delivery technicians and reimbursement specialists to assist patients with required referrals and authorizations for billing insurance.
This year, GLHHS is celebrating 25 years of service in the region, to include their locations in Erie, Bradford, and Meadville (PA), as well as Jamestown and Fredonia (NY).
 
First Tyler C. Swanson Scholarship Award Winner Named at JBC
Scholarship Named for Past College President
Jamestown Business College Bachelor degree student, Audra Nutt, was recently honored with the first scholarship specifically designed for Bachelor degree students – the Tyler C. Swanson Scholarship.
The scholarship is named for and in honor of past JBC President, Tyler Swanson, who served the college for more than 40 years. The award is designed to honor students with strong academic performance, solid attendance, and who are entering the Bachelor degree program immediately after completion of the Associate degree program. Students must also submit an essay.
Nutt, who is enrolled in the Bachelor degree program at JBC, said that she feels very fortunate to have received the scholarship. “I was very excited when I heard the news. This award will help relieve some financial pressures that I have faced as I work to complete my degree…” 
Swanson, who was on hand to honor Nutt, was pleased to present the first scholarship. “In my time at JBC, and in the present, the focus remains centered on student success,” he said. “So, I’m quite pleased to present this award that will undoubtedly assist one of our students in their educational goals.” 
JBC President, David Conklin, was also on hand for the award presentation and said that he was pleased to extend the scholarship to Ms. Nutt. “While we chose from a strong pool of candidates, Audra stood out as a top choice for this honor.”
The award will be presented each term and will allow winners to receive their last two terms of study tuition-free.
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 www.JamestownBusinessCollege.edu.
 
YMCA Offers September Promotion
The Jamestown and Lakewood YMCAs are offering a no joining fee promotion for the month of September to community members. Individuals can save up to $75 on the cost of a membership until September 30.
All memberships include access to both the Jamestown and Lakewood branches with free fitness orientations, group exercise classes including Cycle Hollyloft and water exercise, and the use of nautilus/cardiovascular/free weight centers, walking/running tracks, gyms, swimming pools, locker rooms with showers, steam rooms, saunas, active older adult programs, and the teen center. Childcare services are also available while working out.
Members can attend family nights the first and third Friday of each month from 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. free of charge at the Jamestown YMCA. YMCA members also receive discounted rates for programs. 
Some insurance companies, such as Independent Health, Univera, BlueCross/BlueShield, and places of employment also offer free or discounted wellness membership plans that are accepted at the YMCA. 
For more information, call the Jamestown YMCA at 664-2802 or the Lakewood YMCA at 763-0303. Program registration is also available online at www.jamestownymca.org. 
 
WCA Hospital Offers Farmers' Market
To encourage area consumers to make fresh and healthy food choices, WCA Hospital is offering a Farmers’ Market every Wednesday, as a way to provide additional options for employees and the community wanting to eat healthy foods. WCA Hospital will host the “WCA Farmers’ Market—Wellness Wednesdays” in the main lobby of the hospital, located at 207 Foote Avenue from 11 am to 2pm. 
The Market is open to the public and will offer locally grown fruits and vegetables including, oranges, Granny Smith apples, watermelon, cantaloupe, pears, pineapple, strawberries, fresh fruit cups, yogurt parfaits, radishes, scallions, asparagus, snap peas, snow peas, orange peppers, green peppers, yams, red potatoes, carrots, squash, fresh herbs and breads, lettuce, hummus and additional fruit and vegetables choices.