Have questions about medicare? What qualifies you? How is it changing in 2018? What are the next steps? We are partnering with Univera Healthcare to provide members two free, interactive workshops, giving you a "Medicare 101." To register for July 14th at 8:00 a.m. click here, to register for July 19th at 4:00 p.m. click here.

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.  July's meeting will spotlight Amherst Chamber of Commerce Chairman of the Board, Earl V. Wells, III, President of e3communications. The event will take place Wednesday, July 19th, 8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. at Staybridge Suites.  Cost is $5 per participant and includes breakfast. Click here to register.

Join us Tuesday, July 25th from 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. for our July Business After Hours hosted by Wyndham Garden Hotel in Williamsville. Click here to register.

New York's Paid Family Leave Program, the nation's strongest and most comprehensive PFL policy will take effect on January 1, 2018.  What does this mean? How does it impact you? Join us Thursday, July 27th at 12:00 p.m., as two of ESC's HR Compliance officers, Cindy Lawrence and Sharyn Weinfurtner help you to understand the new policy. Tickets are $10 and include lunch. Click here to register.

After receiving many requests for its return, Speed Networking is back!  Join us Tuesday, August 1st from 8:00 a.m. -10:00 a.m. at Bonefish Grill for a morning built to accelerate the expansion of your business contacts.  Registration is $10 and includes refreshments.  Space is limited so be sure to reserve your spot early! 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 the Region

Economic Development

The prosperity of our region and, specifically the members of the Amherst Chamber of Commerce (ACC) serves as a strategic priority.  An Economic Development Council has been created, consisting of current ACC Board of Director members to focus on strategies to enhance the economic stability of our region and the communities we serve. 

Small Business Growth

Many ACC members are small businesses.  It is important to create a positive economic climate for small businesses to grow and prosper.  A Member Services Council will annually review the various programs and services that are made available to the small business segment of the membership.  The Committee will assess the return on investment of these programs and work with chamber staff to continuously offer a number of programs an services dedicated to the sustained growth and development of the small business sector.  

Workforce Development

There are many workforce development initiatives across the region along with significant funding sources.  A Workforce Development Task Force has been created and will identify the workforce needs of ACC members, provide access to workforce development programs and resources and develop a process of betting aligning such programs and services to meet the needs of ACC members. 

Business Resource Council

The Business Resource Council (BRC) is a group of business professionals who volunteer their time to serve as an "advice giving" council to the ACC on issues affecting both members and the greater business community.  The BRC will annually assess the needs of ACC small business members and communicate those to the ACC Board of Directors, recommend and lead specific initiatives such as the upcoming Speed Networking event, and work in conjunction with the Membership Task Force to coordinate activities, 

To view the full Strategic Plan click here.

More than one hundred members of the region's young professionals (21-40ish) gathered together with members of the Chamber's Board of Directors on the evening of June 22, 2017 on the Fantail of the USS Little Rock located near Canalside.  

The sounds of the Canalside Live Concert Series could be heard in the background while guests enjoyed a beautiful Buffalo summer night creating new relationships and expanding their professional networks.  Drink samplings were provided by Ellicottville Brewing Co., Hamburg Brewing Company, Labatt Brewing Company, Savoy Buffalo and Ringside Beer and catering was done by chamber member, Santora's Pizza, Pub and Grill. 

EBL Co-Chairman, Joe Spano, shared EBL updates, including progress being made toward the creation of a new Strategic Plan specifically for EBL, and presented a $1,000 gift from EBL's Leadership Program to to the Ovarian Cancer Project.

The 2016-2017 EBL Leadership Program made a $1,000 gift to a charity of EBL's choice as an honorarium to the instructors that led the eight class program.  To help determine the deserving recipient, EBL circulated a survey for members to complete, asking for nominations of deserving area not-for-profits.  The organization with the most nominations was selected.

Details of the 2017-2018 EBL Leadership Program will be announced soon.  Last year's program sold out quickly so be sure to keep an eye out for the details when they emerge.