View as a webpage

For the past several years, the Amherst Chamber of Commerce has worked to ensure that we are truly representative of our expansive membership, which reaches over 75 zip codes. We have had the great fortune to represent large companies that employ thousands of employees across the East Coast, mid-size, family-owned companies that have proudly called Western New York home for multiple generations, small businesses, and many solopreneurs. Each of the companies we represent faces a different challenge in its day-to-day operations, but they remain committed to creating a more robust Western New York economy, and it is our job at the Chamber to ensure that their voices are not only heard but also amplified.


Earlier this month, we hosted a candid roundtable with executives and owners from varied industries to address the ongoing uncertainties stemming from fluctuating tariff policies and related court decisions. What made this roundtable unique was that we welcomed Governor Kathy Hochul to our office to hear firsthand from these businesses. Every business shared their personal challenges with uncertainty, and unfortunately, one even disclosed a 10% reduction in staffing. The Governor was attentive and engaging during the discussion and shared her thoughts on how she would fight to address the expressed needs of these businesses. The Governor has always been available to hear the needs of our members, and her history with our organization dates back to her time as Erie County Clerk.


That same week our office hosted Governor Hochul, we also hosted a roundtable discussion with newly elected Buffalo Mayor Sean Ryan. Mayor Ryan, who previously served in the State Senate and represented the Town of Amherst, met with 25 Chamber business executives to discuss the city of Buffalo's current financial challenges. Mayor Ryan addressed budget shortfalls, the lack of quality services, and the need to improve city assets and infrastructure. While the information was at times eye-opening, the conversation centered on how to ensure the city is on the right track for future growth.


In support of Women’s History Month, earlier this month, Dr Adiam Tsegai and her team at SUNY Erie hosted our March ProLIFT in their restaurant, the Erie Room at ECC North Campus. [Read More]

We are grateful to everyone who joined us for our Leadership Symposium at Daemen University, and to BankonBuffalo for their generous sponsorship.


The program focused on problem resolution, strengthening team dynamics, and identifying ways to support the weakest link within an organization while fostering meaningful professional connections.


It was a powerful day of learning, collaboration, and leadership growth.

Tomorrow: Free Code Enforcement Webinar

The Board continues its Code Enforcement webinar series tomorrow for anyone involved in the issuing of local and state government permits, licenses, contracts, and/or grants and there is still time to register!


This webinar will provide helpful information on a range of important topics, including: 

  • Workers' compensation basics and who needs coverage 
  • The Construction Industry Fair Play Act 
  • Ensuring compliance 


Building officials, permit issuers, compliance specialists, contract and grant managers, and anyone else interested are encouraged and welcome to attend. 


This session is free and there will be time at the end for questions.  


Code Enforcement webinar 

  • Wednesday, March 18, 2026
  • 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Who Must Comply?


Your business must register for Secure Choice if:

  • You’ve been in business at least 2 years, and
  • You had 10 or more New York employees in the previous calendar year, and
  • You do not currently offer a qualified employer-sponsored retirement plan (such as a 401(k), SIMPLE IRA, SEP IRA, or 403(b)).


If you do offer a qualified plan, you are exempt, BUT you still need to register AND certify that exemption by your assigned deadline.


Your registration deadline depends on the number of New York employees you had last year:

  • 30+ employees: March 18, 2026
  • 15–29 employees: May 15, 2026
  • 10–14 employees: July 15, 2026

Join us, the Amherst Chamber of Commerce, as we support this incredible platform! You can learn more about the On-the-Job Training Grant and our women's networking group, LIFT.


Thursday, March 26th

1-5pm

Seneca One Tower


FREE EVENT - Don't miss out!

Reserve your Seat Today for

Master Speed Networking Event on 5/12!

The Best Cities for Work-Life Balance in 2026 | Elevate Leadership

We updated the top 100 best cities for work life balance in America. Find out how your city ranks in 2026!

Navigating the QuickBooks Desktop Phase-Out: What You Need to Know Now - CTBK

Intuit has officially begun phasing out QuickBooks Pro and Premier Desktop, with a rolling three-year discontinuation policy that will gradually eliminate critical features like bank feeds, payroll services, and security updates. If your business is still relying on these desktop versions, the clock is ticking-and waiting until support ends could leave you scrambling to maintain basic accounting functions while facing serious security risks.

Verizon is Offering $5,000 Grant Opportunity for For-Profit Businesses

To complement the hundreds of free resources available through Verizon Small Business Digital Ready, Verizon, in partnership with LISC, is awarding $5,000 grants to 25 small businesses based in New York to help them sustain and grow their businesses. The grant will be awarded directly to selected business owners and does not need to be repaid.


To be eligible to apply for the New York $5,000 Grant, you must meet the following criteria:

  • Be a for-profit business. Nonprofits are not eligible to apply. 
  • Be U.S.-based with a primary business address located in the state of New York. Business address will be required during the application process and verified for applicants who are selected as finalists. 
  • Be 18 years of age or older.
  • Can share and provide proper business and financial verification documentation (W-9s, ACH) if selected as a finalist.


Applications are due on March 31, 2026!

Help New York Work Better for You with EXPRESS NY

Governor Hochul wants to know: how can we cut red tape and make it faster, easier, and more affordable for you to work in New York State?


In February, Governor Kathy Hochul announced the launch of EXPRESS NY, a new portal for New Yorkers to identify unnecessary or out of date regulations, policies, and practices as part of a statewide effort to make government work better. Nearly 100 potential regulations and practices have already been flagged for potential reform, modernization, or elimination. This initial list includes:

  • Removing unnecessary fees for small businesses
  • Expediting occupational licensing renewals for workers
  • Digitizing paper-based processes
  • Rescinding unenforced and out of date regulations
  • Reducing burdensome reporting requirements


New Yorkers should submit ideas in the portal below. Tell us how New York can make state government work better for you!

Toastmasters March 20th at 7:45am


Ribbon Cutting at Just Salad April 15th at 11am


Lunch Mob at Wingnutz Buffalo April 23rd at 12pm


New Member Orientation April 24th at 8am


Speed Networking April 29th at 8am

Visit Amherst.org/events for more info

Women in Tech: Half-Day Conference March 26th at 1pm


Salvatore's Hospitality: Spiel the Wine Paired Dinner March 26th at 6pm


UB: ChoreoLab March 26th-29th


Bornhava: Casino Night March 28th at 6pm


ESC: Driving Excellence & Capacity March 31st at 8am


Buffalo Marriott Niagara: Easter Brunch April 5th at 10:30am or 1:30pm


Trocaire College: ChatGPT 101 Begins April 13th at 6pm


People Inc: Night of Celebration April 30th at 5:30pm

Gov. Hochul Hosts Roundtable at Chamber


Leaders, Businesses Should Work to Complement Region’s Strengths

People Inc. Featured on WNY Tonight


Colvin Cleaners Opens 'Gowns for Prom' Headquarters in Kenmore


West Herr Plans for Leadership Succession Amid Growth


Wingnutz Expands to Florida, with Franchising to Follow


Roswell Park Plans to Buy Four Cheektowaga Properties


Business First Spotlights Catholic Health CEO


Amherst Senior Center Gears Up for National Nutrition Month


Erie County Medical Center Names Andy Davis as New CEO


OJT Grants Now Accepting Applications for WNY Businesses


People on the Move: Danielle Bickel

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

Volunteer at the new Gowns for Prom Headquarters, and help students select a gown and accessories, and take it home at NO COST!


Volunteer opportunities are available every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday through April 11th.


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.


Go Green for the Month of March

This month as many Western New Yorkers celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, everything suddenly turns green. But let’s be honest, a lot of that “green” comes straight from a bottle of food coloring. This year, try going green the tasty way with a fresh, vibrant smoothie. Green smoothies are surprisingly delicious and super easy to make. They’ll even stay good in your fridge for a couple of days. Plus, they come with all kinds of awesome health perks – so you can enjoy green smoothies well past this month.

 

Why Green Smoothies Are Basically a Superpower

Natural Weight Loss

If you’re looking for a simple way to support healthy weight loss, green smoothies are your new best friend. They’re packed with vitamins, minerals, fiber, and all the good carbs your body actually wants. Once you start sipping these, your cravings for junk food start to fade. Suddenly that bag of chips doesn’t look quite as tempting.

 

Sneaky Fruit & Veggie Intake

Green smoothies make it easy to load up on leafy greens and other veggies without actually tasting them. The fruit does all the flavor work while spinach, kale, carrots, and friends quietly deliver the nutrients.

 

Easy on Digestion

Your blender does the heavy lifting by breaking down all those plant fibers for you. That means your body absorbs nutrients more easily, and you can take your smoothie on the go without the hassle of prepping a full meal. Busy schedule? No problem.

 

Natural Energy Lift

Need a pick‑me‑up? Smoothies give you a clean energy boost without weighing you down. Try swapping your morning coffee for a green smoothie—you might be surprised by how energized and focused you feel.

 

All the Fiber

Unlike juice, smoothies use the whole fruit or veggie — skin, pulp, all of it. That means more fiber, which your digestive system LOVES. Your colon will thank you.

 

Glowier Skin

Many people report clearer, brighter skin after adding green smoothies to their routine. When your body eliminates toxins the right way, your skin gets to chill out and breathe.

 

Fewer Cravings

Green smoothies can help curb cravings for salty, sugary, or greasy foods. And after a couple weeks, you might even notice you’re reaching for healthier options without even trying.

 

Chlorophyll for the Win

Green smoothies are naturally rich in chlorophyll, which some holistic health experts say can help support immunity, purify the blood, and give your body a little rejuvenating boost.

 

Try This Simple Starter Smoothie

  • ½ cup vanilla almond or coconut milk
  • 1 cup frozen pineapple
  • 1 cup frozen mango
  • 1 big handful of fresh baby spinach
  • Ice if you like it extra cold
Facebook  Instagram  LinkedIn  X  YouTube