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The Amherst Chamber of Commerce is gearing up for its highly anticipated Annual Meeting and State of the Town Address on January 30, 2026. This event promises to be a pivotal gathering for local business, governmental, and civic leaders in our Western New York region. Held at Jazzboline located at the Reikart House, the meeting will include the Installation of our Board of Directors led by Board Chair Peter Petrella, the unveiling of the Chamber’s Public Policy Agenda, and feature newly inaugurated Town Supervisor Shawn Lavin as the Keynote Speaker. He will deliver his inaugural State of the Town Address. This marks a significant moment as Supervisor Lavin steps into this role, offering insights into the town’s economic direction, priorities for the year ahead, and the overall impact on our Western New York region. For more information, and to register, please click here.


This annual meeting aligns perfectly with the broader theme of businesses starting 2026 on the right foot. As companies reset after the holidays, experts recommend a structured approach to ensure sustained success. While many of us chart out our goals at the end of the prior year, it’s never too late. Begin with a comprehensive business audit, review financial statements, assess operational efficiencies, and identify areas for cost savings or revenue growth. For instance, revamping digital marketing strategies, such as optimizing search engine optimization, leveraging social media analytics, and integrating AI tools, can drive customer engagement without a costly investment.


Setting clear, achievable goals is another cornerstone. Business coaches advise reflecting on 2025’s performance to inform 2026 objectives, using frameworks like SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) goals. This might include expanding into emerging markets, such as AI-driven services or sustainable practices, which are projected to boom. Gratitude practices also play a role... [Read More]


Grants & Financing Opportunities:


Please note that for information, you need to reach out to the providing

 organization directly.


Monthly Amber Grant:

WomensNet

  • Application Deadline: 01/31/2026


Santander X Cultivate Small Business Grant:

Santander

  • Application Deadline: 02/02/2026


Neurodiverse Entrepreneur Program:

Innovation DuPage & Autism Angels Group

  • Application Deadline: 04/15/2026


Intuit QuickBooks & Mailchimp Small Business Hero Program:

QuickBooks & Mailchimp

  • Application Deadline: 05/15/2026


Buffalo Small Business Grant Program:

Accepting Interest Form

  • The City of Buffalo in partnership with the Buffalo Urban Renewal Agency is preparing to launch a new Small Business Grant Program. This initiative will be designed to strengthen commercial activity along key corridors, support business retention and expansion, and foster inclusive economic growth across the city.

Communicated from Impact HQ fueled by NSG: Advocacy Notice

Let New York State Know Your Contracting Delays

Dear NY State Nonprofits: As you know, the Governor has vetoed S7001 (Mayer)/A7616 (Paulin), legislation that would have strengthened New York State's accoun...

Thank you to everyone who donated to our Giving Trees for FeedMore WNY and the Child Care Resource Network!

Our Final Giving Tree Donations for Haven House are Due by Friday, February 13th!

Donations are being accepted in our reception:



Amherst Chamber of Commerce

400 Essjay Rd., Suite 150

Williamsville, NY 14221


Need a list of items? Call Lauren at (716) 250-0981 or click here

Worker Protection Open Hours Webinar Series


The NYSDOL invites you to their Worker Protection Open Hours webinar series starting January 22, 2026. Each webinar in this series will focus on a specific topic and will address compliance with new labor laws. Webinars will feature a topic overview followed by a Q&A session with audience-submitted questions.


The upcoming topic in the series will be the Wage Theft Hub.


Webinar Details:


Registration: Register for the virtual Worker Protection Open Hours clicking here. Please make sure to register by Wednesday, January 21st, 2026, to receive the webinar access link.


Interpretation Information: Language support is available upon request at time of registration. Please make all such requests before January 1, 2026. 


Upcoming Webinar Topics:

  • April 2026 – Child Labor Laws: Summer Employment
  • July 2026 – Farm Worker Labor Laws
  • October 2026 – Safety and Health - Best Practices


All webinars will be recorded and uploaded to the NYSDOL Worker Protection Open Hourswebsite, along with any additional FAQs.

LIFT Pickleball Clinic January 22nd at 6pm


New Member Orientation & Open House January 23rd at 8am


Sexual Harassment Prevention Training January 29th at 8:30am


Annual Meeting & State of the Town of Amherst January 30th at 8am


ProLIFT Networking: "Women, Tech & Travel" February 5th at 8:30am


LIFT Lunch Mob at Eagle House February 13th 12pm


Open ProNet with Queen City DMC February 19th at 8:30am

Visit Amherst.org/events for more info

Speaking of Strategy: CEO Seminar January 27th at 8am


Construction Exchange: Build Buffalo January 27th at 9am


Insyte Consulting: CMMC Ask/Answer Session February 10th at 10:30am


House of Colour: Seasonal Clothing Swap January 31st at 2pm


Batavia Downs: Roswell Meat Raffle February 6th at 7pm


CISA: Active Shooter Preparedness Webinar February 11th at 1pm


AAUW: Scholarship Deadline February 13th


UB: "Krapp's Last Tape" & "In the End of Times" February 13th-14th

A.J. Baynes featured on Buffalo Brief for 7 Brew Ribbon Cutting

Breathe Buffalo on WGRZ Daybreak


CannonDesign's Tom Garigen Recognized in Business First


Child & Family Services Appears on Daytime Buffalo


Colligan Law on News 4


Reimer Home Services on WNY Living


People Inc. CEO Listed on Upstate Power 100

Does a new career await you or someone you know?



See more at our Job Openings resource


Hiring? Members can post jobs in the Member Information Center

We have a new Volunteer Opportunities page on the Chamber website! Learn about our nonprofit members and how you can give back by visiting the web page here.

Did You Know?

Amherst Chamber of Commerce

active members in good standing

are entitled to 4 hours of conference room at no charge* per calendar year

*subject to room availability


Proud Member Badges for 2026 are now available for members in good standing.

"Train Your Brain – The Psychology Behind Healthy Habits"

January 30: 12:30 p.m.-1:15 p.m. ET


The beginning of a new year is a natural time to pause, reflect and reset. It’s the perfect opportunity to establish new goals, build healthier habits and take stock of your overall wellbeing.


Join Univera Healthcare for an engaging webinar on the science behind habit formation and practical strategies to help you create lasting change.

Embracing New Beginnings:

A Year of Joy and Positivity

Focusing on happiness in the new year is essential because it sets a positive tone for the months ahead. Embracing joy can enhance your overall well-being, improve relationships, and boost productivity. By prioritizing happiness, you create a mindset that attracts opportunities and fosters resilience against challenges.

 

Embrace Change

Embrace change with an open heart and welcome the new opportunities that life presents to you. By adopting a positive mindset and viewing change as an opportunity for growth, you can navigate transitions more smoothly. Try to welcome new experiences with open arms, recognizing they can lead to personal development and new perspectives. This shift in attitude enhances your resilience, and can open doors to new possibilities, leading to a more fulfilling and joyful existence.

 

Try New Hobbies

Exploring new hobbies is one of the easiest ways to boost your happiness in the new year. Set a resolution to discover a new pastime which can keep you engaged and provide fresh challenges and experiences. When life feels overwhelming, your hobbies can serve as a great outlet for relaxation and stress relief. Whether it’s learning a new language, painting, dancing, cooking, or playing an instrument, any interest can ignite a fulfilling hobby.

 

Invest in your relationships

Building strong, healthy relationships is crucial for a fulfilling life. Understanding your own love language, as well as those of your family and friends, can enhance your connections and help ensure that your loved ones feel valued and cherished. It's important to celebrate each other's successes and provide support during tough times.

 

Pay it forward

Helping others can significantly boost your happiness by providing a sense of fulfillment and enhancing your connection with your community. Think about dedicating some of your time to charitable organizations. Spread kindness through small acts: hold the door for someone, bake cookies for your neighbor, or even cover a stranger’s coffee bill.

 

Express Gratitude

Recognizing and valuing what you have, along with expressing gratitude, can be fundamental for a happier life. Simple acts like offering genuine compliments or writing thank-you notes can significantly enhance your appreciation for those around you. Consider keeping a gratitude journal to document what you are thankful for. The act of writing these thoughts down helps your mind engage more deeply with the sentiments, fostering a stronger connection to your feelings of gratitude.

 

Set Healthy Boundaries

Setting boundaries is essential for achieving balance in your life, and having healthy boundaries in your relationships can reduce conflict and foster better communication.

 

Ultimately, embracing happiness can lead to a more vibrant and meaningful year ahead, encouraging us to face challenges with resilience and optimism.

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