Last Chance for 2025 Small Business Award Tickets!

As we reach the year's halfway point, the Amherst Chamber of Commerce encourages our members to reflect on their achievements over the past six months while reassessing their goals for the remainder of the year. This mid-year evaluation should be a key component of your annual strategy.

The first half of the year has presented both challenges and opportunities. Many businesses have adapted to market uncertainties, embraced new technologies, and found innovative ways to connect with customers. Recognizing these successes is essential, as they boost team morale and enhance community commitment.

In addition to celebrating these achievements, evaluate the goals you initially set. Are they still relevant, or do they require adjustment due to shifting market conditions or consumer behavior? It's common for businesses to create new goals during this reflection process. Proactive leadership and team involvement can lead to innovative ideas and increased commitment.

Community engagement is also vital during this mid-year review. The Chamber continues to facilitate plenty of networking opportunities, lunch and learns, and discussions, allowing our members to share insights with each other. As an extension of your brand, we aim to create a stronger economic environment together. We have enhanced our website with a Volunteer webpage and will be highlighting these opportunities. Visit Amherst.org/volunteer.

While you're working on your midyear evaluations, the Chamber is preparing for one of its mainstay events of the year. Join us for our Small Business Awards Luncheon & Showcase on Wednesday, June 25, to celebrate local businesses making a meaningful impact. The day will start and finish with nearly fifty business owners on hand to promote their products and services. We encourage attendees to arrive prior to our luncheon to engage with these business owners.

Showcase Attendees on Wednesday, June 25, 2025:

Anyone who arrives before 11:15am will be entered to win a $200 Wegmans gift card!

While the showcase portion is an open community event, we encourage... READ MORE.

Final Call for Tickets!

*Join us Wednesday, June 25*

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Thank you to our Sponsors!

BankonBuffalo

OneBridge Benefits

NOCO

Batavia Downs

Spectrum Reach

NYS Worker's Compensation

Board Resources

NYS Department of Labor

On-Site Consultation Program

The New York State Department of Labor’s On-Site Consultation Program is a free and confidential safety and health consultative service that is available to small- and medium-sized businesses operating in high-hazard industries or performing high-hazard activities. The program is funded by the U.S. Department of Labor and N.Y.S. Department of Labor*. The program’s mission is to help businesses prevent workplace injuries and illnesses and to assist them with OSHA regulatory compliance.

The cost associated with a workplace injury can be staggering. There are direct costs to the employer, such as medical and insurance bills, legal fees, and OSHA fines, but there are also hidden, indirect costs. Those costs are related to the loss of productivity, staff turnover, worker training, clean up, and repairs. Yet, employers can prevent this from happening. Each year the On-Site Consultation Program staff help hundreds of businesses across the state by providing cost-effective solutions to safety and health issues.

Contact Christina Pearl for More Information

UB CEL recently launched a brand new podcast called INcorporate: A podcast for business owners. In this series, Susan Steffan, Executive Director of UB CEL, sits down with experts to discuss a wide variety of topics all designed with business owners in mind. Every episode is informative AND entertaining, even if you don’t own a business.

INcorporate can be found wherever you get your podcasts, including the links below:

Want your podcast highlighted in a future newsletter?

Email: marketing@amherst.org

Small Business Awards Luncheon June 25 at 10am

Ribbon Cutting at Storybook Academy of Amherst July 1 at 3pm

Lunch Mob at Fat Bob's Smokehouse July 17 at 12pm

Lunch & Learn Virtual Assistants Demystified July 18 at 12pm

EBL Summer ProMix July 23 at 5:30pm

Live Nation: Season Kick Off & Open House June 18 at 5:30pm

WBA: Music on Main Thursdays at 6pm

Buffalo State SBDC: KidBiz Market June 21 at 8am

United Business Systems: Open House June 26 at 11am

InfoSecurity Blueprint: Cybersecurity Plan Building June 27 at 8am

Wendel Tops WNY Engineering Firms with Most Licensed Engineers

Longtime M&T Bank Executive Announces Retirement

Chamber Members Named Excellence in Health Care Award Winners

Harter Secrest Attorney to Lead WNY Chapter of Women's Bar Association

Does a new career await you or someone you know?

Agency Occupational Therapist (Full Time) at The Arc Erie County
Customer Care Advocate IA (Full Time) at Univera Healthcare
Marketing Specialist (Full Time) at CannonDesign
Development Coordinator (Part Time) at Buffalo Niagara Heritage Village

See more at our Job Openings resource

Hiring? Members can post jobs in the Member Information Center

Kevin Guest House is seeking volunteers to help spruce up their outdoor space.

Assist with planting and maintaining their beautiful flower beds, along with mowing and weed whacking their lawns and shrubs to ensure their gardens continue to be a healing space for their guests.

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.

Get Active and Have Fun with

Fitness in the Parks

Independent Health has teamed up with the YMCA to once again offer Fitness in the Parks, now through August 31. Currently in its 14^th season, Fitness in the Parks is the largest and longest-running outdoor fitness program in Western New York.

More than 500 FREE fitness classes will be offered at 24 parks and other unique locations across Western New York, from Lewiston all the way down to Jamestown. Locations include Delaware Park, Chestnut Ridge Park, Garrison Park, Larkin Square and Outer Harbor’s Wilkeson Pointe.

Classes scheduled every day of the week!

People of all ages and skill levels are encouraged to attend the classes, which are led by YMCA-certified instructors. There are 11 different class styles offered this summer, including:

Circuit Training – A combination of low impact and/or high impact aerobics training, bodyweight strength training, and core work makes this class a total body workout. Exercises can be tailored to a variety of levels for all to join.

Pilates (mat required) – Strengthen the body’s core muscles, including the abdominals and lower back, with this method of body conditioning. You’ll tone your body and increase flexibility.

Tai Chi – Gentle movements of the body through poses, as well as static postures with mental images and a focus on breathing.

Yoga (mat required) – Enjoy gentle, effective postures that promote stretching, strengthening and relaxation. Benefits include increased blood circulation, improved mental awareness, strengthened muscles and reduced stress.

Zumba® – This class features exotic rhythms set to high-energy Latin and international beats.

All classes are free with no advanced sign-up required. Participants can simply show up to the location of their choice at the day and time listed on the class schedule. Instructors at all park locations will distribute free giveaways, courtesy of Independent Health, while supplies last.

To view the full schedule, park locations and class descriptions, visit our website. Day-of cancellations, due to rain, poor weather or excessively warm temperatures, will be listed on the YMCA Buffalo Niagara and YMCA of Jamestown Facebook pages.

Get Active and Have Fun with

﻿Fitness in the Parks

Fitness in the Parks