Join us Thursday, August 10th from 7:30 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. for our August Business Before Hours hosted by Elements Massage in East Amherst. Click here to register. 

The DOL's Fiduciary Rule took effect on June 9th, elevating all financial professionals who work with retirement plans or provide retirement planning advice to the level of a fiduciary. What exactly does that mean for you? Allen Dembski of Buffalo First Wealth Management, LLC is going to share during a Lunch & Learn on Tuesday, August 15th at 12pm. Registration is only $10 and includes lunch. Click here to register.

A NEW chamber pilot program, this open networking breakfast is open to all Amherst Chamber of Commerce members and their guests.  Each meeting will feature a different member of the Chamber's Board of Directors.  August's meeting will spotlight Peter Petrella, Strategy and Development Lead at 43North. The event will take place Wednesday, August 23rd, 8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. at Staybridge Suites.  Cost is $5 per participant and includes breakfast. Click here to register.

The Amherst Chamber of Commerce has worked diligently to finalize its new Strategic Plan.  The final plan is a result of the input of many stakeholders and members.  

Over the next few months we will highlight each one of our five key objectives outlined in the new Strategic Plan.  Be sure to follow us on facebook, and twitter as we provide additional information and examples of how we are working to execute this plan. 

Objective: Advancing Public Policy that Favorably Impacts the Community 

Legislative Agenda

The annual unveiling of the Chamber's legislative agenda is developed by its Public Policy Council and identifies key local, state, and federal issues that impact the region's economic climate and competitiveness.  Chamber staff and Council Chairs provide regular updates to the board and membership about the progress on these issues throughout the year. 

Bipartisan Relationships

Amherst Chamber of Commerce leadership has consistently take a strategic approach to establishing strong, bipartisan relationships through focused public policy.  While taking a position on some public policy issues can be viewed as taking political sides, the Chamber intentionally does not engage in politics, such as endorsing candidates or having a PAC.  

At the same time, it is important that the Chamber be in frequent communication with elected officials and staff in order to vet and discuss issues, particularly those that impact economic competitiveness and the region's issues. 

Community Voice

The Chamber provides the business community--both large and small members--with a voice int he public policy process.  While this is done primarily through the unveiling of the annual Legislative Agenda, there are issues that emerge that require adding the Chamber's perspective on behalf of its members. These issues are vetted by the Public Policy Council to bring to the board for approval.  There are instances when the Chamber President may need to comment on an issue to ensure that the membership's voice is heard. This role in providing the membership and businesses a voice includes: attendance at Amherst Town Board meetings and other regional governments, including Erie County; issuing statements and/or comments regarding public policy issues that impact the business climate; and advocating for members and investors on issues that impact their business operations.