In this January Issue...
- Messages from Colleen DiPirro
- Upcoming Events
- Annual Luncheon
- EBL Leadership Program
- New Members
- Independent Health's Ask the Expert
Message from the CEO
Colleen shares her thoughts on what 36 years at the Chamber has meant to her and provides a look back at all of those who helped build the Chamber into what it stands for today!

To read Colleen's full article,  click here.
Message from the Chair
Our Chair takes a moment to reflect back on Colleen's leadership and gives a heartfelt thank you.

To read Earl's article,  click here.
Upcoming Events
Lunch Mob
Join us for one of our newest initiatives -- LUNCH MOB on  Tuesday, January 9  from 12:00pm - 1:00pm. Here is your opportunity to meet new people and expand your network while enjoying a dutch treat lunch at Glen Park Tavern , located at 5507 Main Street in Williamsville. Let us know if you'll be joining us, register here.
Business After Hours with the Clarence Chamber
The new Deep South Taco in Williamsville is the location for our special January Business After Hours, partnering with our neighbors at the Clarence Chamber of Commerce for a joint networking event!

Come make new connections, Tuesday, January 16 from 5pm-7pm at Deep South Taco at 6727 Transit Road, Williamsville. Click here to register .
Member Education Series - Using LinkedIn to Benefit Your Business
Discover how to leverage LinkedIn for your business and your career from an expert in social media, John Jiloty of The Martin Group. John's experience includes relationships with small businesses and young startups as well as top national and international companies.

Whether you are new to all of social media or an experienced user, you will come away with action steps to help you and your business prosper. Join John on Thursday, February 1 from 8:15am - 9:30am at the Homewood Suites located at 1138 Millersport Highway. Click here to register .
Annual Luncheon
At our signature luncheon, we will present our 2018 Public Policy Agenda, host US Congressman Brian Higgins for the installation of our 2018 Board of Directors, and hear from Amherst Town Supervisor, Brian Kulpa.

Join 300 of your fellow Chamber members Friday, January 26 from at 12pm at Classics V at 2425 Niagara Falls Blvd, in Amherst. Click here to register.
Annual Luncheon
Annual Luncheon
EBL Leadership Program
Be a part of an eight course program that focuses on the key personal development skills you need to grow into a strong business leader!

The Emerging Business Leaders, an Amherst Chamber of Commerce council for young professionals (40 and under), has a couple spots left for its 2018 session! The second annual EBL Leadership Program will kick-off this Friday, January 12th.

We still have a couple spots left. Submit your application today! Learn more here.
Newest Members
Frank LoTempio

Rebecca Newberry

Shannon Panaro

Corey Brown

Dr. Doris Schwartz
Dr. Doris Schwartz

Joseph Mascaro
Jason Schofield

Kimberly Will

Michael Jamison

Ann Cardena

Matthew Freeman

Robert A. Shepherd, Esq.
Robert Shepherd
Ask the Expert -- with Thomas J. Foels, M.D., MMM, Executive Vice President & Chief Medical Officer, Independent Health
Q. What is the difference between fee for service reimbursement and value-based care?

A. Traditionally, health insurance plans have reimbursed health care providers based on a volume-based, fee-for-service model, which pays providers for services delivered based on billed charges or a fee schedule established by the health plan. Under this model, providers essentially earn more by delivering greater volumes of tests, treatments and procedures, some of which may be unneeded, duplicative or of little clinical value. Most importantly, fee-for-service reimbursement does not differentiate providers based upon their quality or outcomes.
 
In response, the health care industry has begun to move away from fee-for-service models in favor of value-based reimbursement methodologies, which tie payments to the quality and clinical outcomes of care provided by providers. Through value-based care, providers are rewarded for practicing evidence-based medicine, while advancing safe, appropriate and effective care.
   
If you would like to compare the costs of these services, click here.
University at Buffalo News
Fifteen Ways UB Researchers Changed the World And Made Headlines in 2017

BUFFALO, N.Y. — We studied the roots of schizophrenia. We explored the origins of the Yeti myth. We designed a
solar-powered water purifier, a vaccine for pneumonia, and a cybersecurity system that scans the dimensions of a user’s heart.

In 2017, University at Buffalo students and faculty broke new scientific ground and pushed creative boundaries in ways that will benefit human societies for years to come. News outlets worldwide took note, with coverage of UB projects in the New York Times, NPR, The Atlantic and more.

Thank You to Our Investors
 Amherst Chamber of Commerce | (P) 716.632.6905 | (F) 716.632.0548 | www.amherst.org