While the summer has been hot, so was the Chamber's Small Business Awards Luncheon and Showcase, which was a record-breaking success. We were at max capacity with our showcase vendors, and attendees we congratulated were Business of The Year Award winner, Rolly Pollies, our Family-Owned Business Award winner Metro Roberts Realty, The Tool Library as our Community Stewardship Award recipient, Fat Bob's Smokehouse was the proud recipient of our At Your Service Award, WNY Medical PC was our KeyBank Sponsor's Awardee, and Eric Conrad owner of The Junkluggers of Buffalo as our Friend of the Chamber. These organizations and individuals are making an incredible difference in our community, and the Chamber is proud to recognize their success.

While we have enjoyed record success with our major events, we have also seen tremendous engagement from our membership with our week-to-week networking opportunities. Our ProNets consistently see a steady flow of people, and the demand for additional ProNets led to the creation of our Open ProNet, which is off to a quick start of engaged Chamber members, including many of our newest members. We are committed to creating these opportunities for you to make meaningful connections for your business. Open ProNet scheduled for Thurs Aug 22 8:30-9:45 AM If you want to learn more, please email memberservices@amherst.org.

As August tends to be a slower time, the Chamber has an active calendar for those interested in making the most of this time of year. We will host our Lunch Mob in Amherst this Thursday at the award-winning WingNutz. With over 50 registered people, it will be a great afternoon of casual conversation and networking. Please register to secure your spot. Harter Secrest and Emery host our Business After Hours on Tuesday, August 13, at one of downtown Buffalo's newest restaurants, Prova in Fountain Plaza. For additional information, please click to learn more!

This past week, Business First announced its Power200 Women's List, and the Chamber couldn't be more excited to celebrate the achievements of these women and the tremendous representation of Chamber members named on the list. The Chamber has long been a representative place for women in leadership, and the contributions made by these women are truly remarkable. Many of these women are involved in the Chambers LIFT (Leadership & Inspiration for Trailblazers) Professional Women's Group. Some of you might remember that LIFT hosted its inaugural event this past spring at Golf Dojo, which was an overwhelming success. Their official launch event, Women Elevating Women. is happening at 5:30pm on Tuesday, September 24, at Park Country Club. A panel discussion will be hosted by Jody Briandi, managing partner of Hurwitz Fine and the Chamber's 2023 Woman of Distinction. We hope you can join us by registering on the link above.

The Chamber recently announced our newest Member Services Manager, Tiffany Dillon. We welcomed Tiffany at our Small Business Awards Luncheon, and she is already making a tremendously positive impact on our membership. Previously serving as the Assistant Director of Career Services at Daemen University, we know Tiffany's attention to detail and positive and outgoing personality will help enhance our member experience at the Chamber.

We will host our Open House & New Member Orientation on Thursday, August 8, at 8am. If you are a newer member of the Chamber or would like to learn more about all the Chamber has to offer, please do not hesitate to join us that morning. Please register at the link above.

As most people are aware, our country has a mental health crisis that could potentially have an impact on your business. With our partner and member, Horizon Health, this coming Fall, we are offering a 1 hour CERTIFIED Suicide Prevention Training (QPR) and an 8 hour CERTIFIED Mental Health First Aid Adult Training. It is FREE and will be available to both Member and Non-Members. Learn more by clicking on the preceding hyperlinks or call Christine Langenfeld and she can assist you (716) 250.4206.

As we work towards the end of summer, READ MORE.

Miss the Small Business Awards Celebration?

Check out the pictures here

**Register Today August Events

by clicking on the image!**

Open House & New Member Orientation, (+Open ProNet & Speed Networking events)

are open to the entire membership!

Limited Seats available!

Did we mention RAFFLES for this Business After Hours?

Join us to check out this new hot spot restaurant and to learn more about Harter Secrest & Emery!

The Kathy Walker Books Ribbon Cutting will occur right after the Open ProNet on 8/22

Announcing LIFT's

Women Elevating Women Event 9/24/2024 at Park Country Club

Join Us & Learn More: Upcoming programming will be shared.

Women Elevating Women Panel Discussion

Moderated by the 2023 Amherst Chamber Woman of Distinction:

Jody Briandi from Hurwitz Fine

Panelists:

~Dr Adiam Tsegai, President, SUNY Erie 

~Laura Dolan, Bank of America

~Anne Constantino, Telos Consulting

~AmyRae Nessa, Construction Exchange

Networking, Apps & Drinks Included

RAFFLES Include:

~[2] tickets the Buffalo Bills & San Francisco 49'ers game on 12/1/2024 donated by Bank of America

~[1] overnight stay at the Mosey Hotel ($200 value)

~[1] overnight stay at the ALOFT Downtown + $50 gift card that can be used at Patrick's Rooftop, WXYZ Bar or the Bowling Alley ($300 value)

~[1] $250 Gift Certificate for the European Wax Center

First 125 guests to arrive will receive a Swag Bag supplied by our friends at European Wax Center and our many woman-owned businesses!

Sponsored by:

Bank of America, Hurwitz Fine, Impressia Bank, European Wax Center

Chamber Member Family Day with the UB Bulls

Thursday, August 29th = $12 discount tickets!

(tickets normally $30)

FREE | CERTIFICATIONS

SUICIDE PREVENTION & MENTAL HEALTH

ADULT FIRST AID TRAINING

FOR MEMBERS & NON-MEMBERS

*OPEN TO THE PUBLIC*

LeChase:

ENR New York, a key publication covering the state’s engineering and construction industry, has named LeChase Construction Services its 2024 New York Contractor of the Year!

Each year, the publication selects one firm to spotlight based on criteria that include business success, key projects and community engagement across the state.

LeChase, which eclipsed $1 billion in revenue in 2023, is celebrating its 80^th anniversary this year. The firm consistently ranks as upstate New York’s largest contractor and has seven offices across the state, including its Western NY office in Buffalo. Key projects LeChase is currently working on in the region include the new Ellicott Welcome Center at UB, a renovation of UB’s Foster Hall, the new Veterinary Sciences Department for Trocaire College, and a residential conversion of the John Kam Malt and Kiln House at 356 Hertel Avenue.

As Contractor of the Year, LeChase will be profiled in ENR New York’s July issue, and will also be honored at the publication’s Regional Best Projects Awards ceremony this fall. 

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Hundreds of health and wellness discounts

available to Independent Health members

Everyone is looking for ways to stretch their dollar these days. At Independent Health, we have a Wellness Discounts program that provides our members with a variety of ways to save money while staying healthy and having fun — every season and every day of the year.

Approximately 600 community partners and local businesses currently offer exclusive discounts for our members, from “Freebies” and “Buy One, Get One Free” offers to savings of up to 30% off health and wellness-related items, services and experiences. Here is a sample of what our members can save on:

·       Fitness-related activities at Buffalo RiverWorks, including water sports, zipline, ropes course and climbing wall.

·       Reddy Bikeshare rentals at more than 90 stations throughout Buffalo and Niagara Falls.

·       An annual membership to the Buffalo Museum of Science, which you can use to check out Explore YOU, a health science studio presented by Independent Health.

·       Instructional and recreational sports programs and lessons for children and adults.

·       Fitness equipment, bike tune-ups and outdoor recreational activities.

·       Weight loss programs, healthy prepared meals, vitamins and herbs.

·       Fitness center memberships, acupuncture and massage therapy.

·       Dental care and hearing aids.

To take advantage of these valuable discounts, all you need to do is show your Independent Health member ID card. Visit our website  to view the latest selections of wellness discounts and participating locations.