Jan 2, 2022
DANIEL J. HEITZENRATER President and CEO of the Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce
With the turn of a new year, we look ahead with optimism and opportunity. While the past nearly two years have been extremely challenging, we have persevered and hope the bulk of what is likely the most challenging time of our lives is behind us.
With renewed optimism and wonder for what 2022 will bring, it is also a great time to set goals and challenges for the coming year. Many people set “New Year’s Resolutions” for areas of their life they wish to improve going forward. Businesses and organizations should consider doing the same.
2021 was a year of flexibility and transition for the Chamber of Commerce. We restructured our operations and organizational composition and continued to adapt our programming and parameters as the ongoing pandemic necessitated through the year. We began a process to further evaluate our work and ensure the activities we organize and promote are meeting our mission to serve the business community. We took the opportunities 2021 presented us to adapt longtime programs and events to show a more direct benefit and tie to our community’s businesses. I look forward to launching 2022 with a deeper analysis of these items to see what changes worked well and identify other approaches that may benefit our local businesses.
Feedback is critically important for any business or organization in this process, and I am also excited to increase communication efforts directly with our membership and business community to see where we can adjust and best serve your needs. With some planning and strategic goals, I am excited for great things to come in the new year for the Chamber of Commerce and our invested member businesses! Please note that even if we haven’t reached out to you directly, you can always contact us by phone or email to let us know how the Chamber can better serve your business.
Depending on your industry, now may be a great time to evaluate your own operations and direction going forward. Take time to look at the past year or few years and analyze what works well and what areas need improvement. Be sure you include feedback from customers, partners, and especially your team who are working on the front lines daily. By including them in the process you empower them to think critically and have ownership in any changes or improvements you try. Formulate a plan to address the issues, continue building what you’re doing well, and make those your business resolutions for 2022. All the best in the coming year from the Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce!
DOORS OPEN JAMESTOWN IS JANUARY 22
Get ready to be a tourist in your own hometown! The always popular Doors Open Jamestown is back in person this year! This fun day offers local residents a chance to visit numerous local attractions and be a tourist in your hometown at no charge. And while you’re out and about for Doors Open, we strongly encourage you to stop for lunch at a local restaurant or visit a locally owned retailer.
The full list of Doors Open attractions will be announced soon along with details for this year’s scavenger hunt, but for now save the date as Doors Open will be back from 10am-4pm, Saturday, January 22.
For local businesses this is a great opportunity to showcase some special sales or products. If your Jamestown business will be open special hours for Doors Open, or will be highlighting any specials, please send an email to Jamestown Community Chamber Coordinator Carrie Swanson at cswanson@chautauquachamber.org.
Doors Open Jamestown is being organized by the Jamestown Community Chamber of Commerce in conjunction with local attractions.
MAYVILLE WINTER FESTIVAL SEEKS VOLUNTEERS
The Mayville-Chautauqua Community Chamber of Commerce is busily working on the 2022 Mayville Winter Festival, scheduled for President’s Day Weekend, February 18-20 at Lakeside Park. There are still spots available for potential sponsors, vendors, and volunteers.
If you would like to assist in any way with this outstanding local event, please contact Mayville-Chautauqua Community Chamber Coordinator Shannon Biekarck at sbiekarck@chautauquachamber.org.
To stay up to date on the Mayville Winter Festival, watch their page on Facebook or keep an eye on the Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce calendar online at www.chautauquachamber.org.