July 2019 Newsletter

Message from the Director: Dear Members, Happy Summer! Hope you are enjoying the beautiful weather we have been having. The Chamber has been very busy with getting ready for our big fundraiser in August, “Rockin on the River”. The event this year is in partnership with Unyts and will take place on Wednesday, August 21 from 4:30 pm – 9:00 pm. We are selling tickets for $40.00 and this will include live music from “The Knight Crew”, buffet dinner, open bar, basket raffles, live auction, and much more. Please sign up for the “Create Your Own Band” contest, where you can win a prize. It’s going to be a great evening, so come down to the Chamber as soon as possible to get your tickets.  We also have some great guest speakers coming up during our Business Connections group meeting. Check out our website for a list of our upcoming speakers.  Our G.L.O.W. group had a wonderful networking social at Lumberjack’s Patio in June. It was a wonderful time to exchange business information, make new contacts, and connect with a mentor. Stay tuned for the next networking event. Our text messaging VIP service is up and running. This will help us keep you informed on events, chamber news, announcements, and contests. To become a VIP member, just text CCTONA to 57838.  And finally, we have key tags now for members to receive member-to-member discounts. Stop by our office to pick one up for your key chain. You just need to show it to the members offering discounts to receive your member discount. Check our website for members offering discounts. If you would like to offer a member discount, please contact Sarah at the Chamber. Thank you again for all your support and dedication.  Our Chamber appreciates you as a member, and please let us know how we can help your business. Sincerely, Cathy A. Oddo, Executive Director

Chamber Member Discount Keytags have arrived!!! Drop by the office today and pick one up, then shop with other members to get the most out of your membership! If you'd like to offer a discount, please contact our office!

Gratefully accepting donations large and small for our live and silent auctions! For more information please click HERE .

Business Connections meets every other Tuesday at 8:30am This month: July 9 - Ikram Massabini, Owner and CEO of MVP Network Consulting - Cyber Security Best Practices Every Business Should Have in Place Now   July 23 – Al-Ross – Screen, Printing and Embroidery.   Aug. 6 - Breakfast Meeting - Steven R. Ingraham, Senior Stakeholder Liaison, New York Area Field Office Internal Revenue Service - highlighting the basics of the qualified business income deduction, updated to incorporate guidance issued in January 2019. Discussion includes: definition of terms, calculating a deduction, application limitations with plenty of real-life examples.  CLICK HERE to register or call the Chamber of Commerce of the Tonawandas to reserve your spot by July 26. Cost is $20/member, $30/non-member, and includes breakfast. If you are interested in joining this group or presenting, please contact Board Member Robert Pecoraro at  [email protected]

Don't forget Canalfest 2019! July 14-21 Along the banks of the Historic Erie Barge Canal An event for the whole family Schedules now available at TOPS Friendly Markets and the Chamber of Commerce!

Congratulations to Signature Real Estate Services on their Grand Opening celebration on Thursday, June 20! The official ribbon cutting was held by John E. Rummel, Broker/Owner, Cheryl Shaffer, Licensed Associate Real Estate Broker, along with Cathy Oddo, President of the Chamber of Commerce of the Tonawandas along with several Chamber Directors as well as staff and sales associates with Signature Real Estate Services and invited friends. Rummel and his team have extensive real estate experience covering all aspects in a transaction, from marketing, social media, negotiating skills and work in conjunction with home inspectors and closing attorneys to get the highest price in the shortest time frame for their clients. Signature Real Estate Services is independently owned and covers all of Erie and Niagara Counties, as well as surrounding counties. They are located at 2468 Niagara Falls Blvd, Tonawanda. Check them out today!

Don't forget our Upcoming Events! G.L.O.W. Networking Event : July 17 - Remington Tavern, 5:30-7:30pm Rockin' on the River: August 21 - The Shores Waterfront Restaurant Annual Dinner: November 7 - location TBA

Required NYS Sexual Harrassment Training - Available Online! The NYS deadline is fast approaching! Do you know why October 9, 2019 is an important date for you?    It is the last day for you to be compliant with New York legislation requiring you to provide sexual harassment training to all your employees. ( For more information on the NYS Policy, please  click here . )   The Chamber has worked with member New Haven Consulting Group to provide an online workshop that meets the New York State requirements, is easy to use, and extremely cost effective. It’s as simple as going to the link below, putting in your credit card information, and taking the course.   If you want to buy a “group of seats" - please contact NHCG directly at 203-926-1526 for a customized link and pricing.   Don't wait and be out of compliance. Act now! Individual course links are $20.  CLICK HERE  to visit the check-out page and take the course at your convenience.

On-location sexual harassment seminar training dates will soon to be announced!

Welcome to the Newest Members of the Chamber Family! AAA Kenton Buffalo Networks DHU Productions LLC MIllenium Microsystems Signature Real Estate Services Stefan Mychajlaw, Erie County Comptroller West Herr Auto Group Western New York Remodel Independent Health