It’s November and most local businesses are already preparing for the busy holiday season. Plus, Thanksgiving is coming late this year, so the season will be shorter and we know you’re already preparing. If you have a window display type business, we know you will be decorating for the holidays, and we strongly encourage you to register now to participate in the CHQ Chamber’s 2024 Holiday Window Decorating Contest.

Last year, 94 businesses were registered throughout Chautauqua County. This year we hope to make it even bigger!

There is no cost to enter this competition and you do not need to be a Chamber business member to enter.

We already know you’re creative since we had the pleasure of seeing all the fabulous ideas you came up with last year. Plus, we know you’ll do another great job this year! So you might as well attract attention and participate in our competition.

Last week we revealed our plan to use the Bandwango platform to help drive traffic to local businesses. We plan to start immediately with the Holiday Window Decorating Contest. The voting system will be a little different this year, but we can tell you that we will encourage voters to VISIT your business – not just vote from the comfort of their mobile device. Encouraging customers to visit local small businesses is at the heart of our work at the CHQ Chamber. We focus year-round on how to boost local businesses.

Additional upcoming events will also utilize our new web platform. So once your business is included, we can easily add you to additional initiatives that drive traffic to local retailers, restaurants and attractions.

Registration is now open via the Chamber’s web calendar at www.chqchamber.org.

AFTER HOURS OPENINGS AT SOUTHERN TIER BREWING NOVEMBER 13

Enjoy great networking with the CHQ Chamber at one of our most popular Business After Hours events! We will be hosting after hours at Southern Tier Brewing Company, 2072 Stoneman Drive, Lakewood, on Wednesday, November 13th.

At this Business After Hours event, you’ll enjoy free admission, a cash bar and the opportunity to mingle with a wide variety of local business people in a great setting.

Business After Hours at Southern Tier Brewing Company is sponsored by Brooks-TLC Hospital System, Chautauqua Harbor Hotel, DFT Communications, Jamestown Community College, LaBella Associates, M&T Bank, Media One Radio Group, National Grid, Observer, The Post-Journal and Union South Chautauqua Federal Credit Union.

Chamber member businesses can send two people for free to each Business After Hours. After that, the cost is just $10 per person, or $10 if you’re not a member. We always love visiting our friends at Southern Tier Brewing Company! This event fills up quickly, so registration is strongly encouraged. Visit our web calendar at www.chqchamber.org.

NOMINATIONS ARE OPEN NOW FOR THE PAM LYDIC COALITION BUILDER AWARD

Each year, the CHQ Chamber presents an award in memory of the first president of the Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce, Pam Lydic. It recognizes an organization or individual in the area who has worked hard to bring groups of people together around a common goal or objective.

This award is given to an entity or individual who has helped move the region in a positive direction through collaboration and partnership building. The award is particularly aimed at those who have accomplished their work consistently and often in the background. A typical honoree may be an “unsung hero” in the community or someone who has made a significant impact.

The award will be presented at the Chamber’s annual meeting in December and includes a $500 stipend to the recipient’s nonprofit organization of choice.

To nominate an organization or individual for consideration, please complete our online form at www.chqchamber.org/award-nomination-form. Applications must be received by November 11, 2024.

SAVE THE DATE

Reserve the date now for the CHQ Chamber’s annual meeting. Each year, the Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce holds an annual meeting to elect a new slate of board members and officers for the coming year. This year it will take place on December 13. Very soon we will announce details, including our special guest speaker who you won’t want to miss!