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Before I dive into the details about the Chamber's largest event of the year, I have one request, your participation in our Annual Survey. While this survey should not take more than 5-7 minutes of your time, your answers shape nearly everything we do. Your responses help us determine which programs to build next, which events deserve more of our time, and where our advocacy can make the biggest difference for your bottom line. The survey also gives us a clearer picture of how your businesses operate: how you hire and train, where you see growth, and what challenges stand in your way. Each response helps us show policymakers and partners the real state of business in our region and lets us share what we learn back with you. You can complete the survey here.
Just as your feedback shapes what we do all year, there is one night when we come together to celebrate what our business community has accomplished. On Monday, October 26th, nearly 500 business leaders, elected officials and community partners will attend Salvatore’s for The Event - Celebrating Business Excellence, the Chamber’s largest gathering of the year. Together, we will honor the organizations and individuals who make Western New York a better place to live, work and do business.
The size of that room says something about who we have become. Over the past several years, the Amherst Chamber has grown into a truly regional organization, with members in more than 100 zip codes across every corner of Western New York. Our roots will always be in Amherst, but our advocacy, our programming and our reach continue to serve businesses throughout the region. This year’s honorees reflect that reach, and every one of them has earned a place on that stage. [Read More]
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Canalside: The Next Wave - Survey
Community members, local business owners, and visitors are invited to share their vision for the next phase of Buffalo’s waterfront expansion. Public input gathered during this process will directly influence the future strategy. An online community survey is open now through November 2026.
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Open Enrollment is your annual opportunity to review your current benefit selections and make changes, such as choosing a new medical plan, learning more about your current medical plan, or adding dependents. Any Changes you make will take effect on 1/1/2027.
Important Key Dates:
- ACA Individual Market (Off Exchange):
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Runs from November 1, 2026, to January 15, 2027
- Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP):
- Runs from October 15 to December 7 each year, with changes taking effect on January 1.
Did you know the Amherst Chamber of Commerce can help our
well-respected over-65 population enroll in a new Medicare plan effective 1/1/27?
Keep in mind that open enrollment happens only once a year, and once it ends, you can’t change your coverage during the year unless you experience a qualifying event.
Prepare for Open Enrollment:
Businesses with Employees with a January 1, 2027, or February 1, 2027, renewal:
We’re excited to continue offering a comprehensive, valuable benefits program for you and your eligible family members. To help prepare for open enrollment, please review the attached benefit guide Small Group Chamber Rates 2027 that offers an overview of our plan offerings. We also offer additional plans upon request for businesses with 2 or more enrolled employees.
Sole Proprietors:
We continuously strive to find coverage for you and your family members no matter how your business is designed. To help you prepare for open enrollment, please use the following link to review our plan offerings, which provides an overview of the plans and pricing for 2027.
Need Dental? Vision? Or Life insurance?
No problem, the Amherst Chamber can assist you.
Do you currently have/offer benefits to your employees?
Great! Did you know your chamber membership includes access to our in-house health insurance brokerage, with three on-staff members ready to help?
As you prepare for your 2027 medical needs, remember you don't have to navigate them alone: we're happy to help.
Have questions?
Call me at (716) 250.0983 or email me at benefits@amherst.org.
Warm regards,
Matthew Castaldo
Benefits Manager
| | Early Bird Pricing Ends 11/30! | | |
The NYS Department of Labor is preparing to launch an upgraded unemployment insurance system called Unemployment Services
This will require an upgrade period beginning Monday, November 2, 2026, at 5 PM. The upgrade will take about 9-12 days.
During the upgrade, unemployment services and benefit payments will be delayed.
Read more
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Paid Time Off to Vote
Early voting starts this month, but if your employees are unable to vote early, they may be eligible for two hours of paid time off on Election Day through New York State's Voting Leave.
All New York State employees are eligible for up to two hours of paid time off to vote if they do not have "sufficient time to vote." An employee is deemed to have "sufficient time to vote" if:
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They have four consecutive hours to vote from when polls open to the start of their work shift, or;
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They have four consecutive hours to vote between the end of their shift and the closing of polls.
Election Day is November 3, and early voting is happening from October 24 through November 1. Talk to your employees to make sure they know their rights.
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New York's New Personnel File Law: 5 Things Every Employer Should Do Before November 8th | |
Information Provided by Ally HR Partners
Beginning November 8, 2026 , New York employers will be required to provide employees and former employees with access to their personnel records upon request. While many employers already provide some level of access, this new law creates specific timelines, notice requirements, record retention
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Williamsville Wall of Fame 2026
Friday, November 13, 2026
Country Club of Buffalo
| | Community Services for Every1 will be looking for volunteers for their Adopt-a-Family Program, which will take place from December 7-18. The tasks include picking up gifts, wrapping gifts, and sorting gifts. Learn more about the non-profilt and their volunteer opportunities on their website. | | Have you visited our Volunteer Opportunities page on the Chamber website? Learn about our nonprofit members and how you can give back by visiting the web page here. | |
Fall means cool temperatures, cozy sweaters and cheering on your favorite team with family and friends at a pre-game tailgate party. While game-day favorites can be delicious, they aren’t always the best choice for supporting your health and wellness goals. Instead of skipping the festivities all together, use the tips below to enjoy the fun, but stay on track.
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Smart Dip swaps. We all love a tasty dip, but all too often they are full of saturated fat, additives, salt and calories. When making your own recipe, use low fat cream cheese or swap out full fat sour cream for unsweetened Greek style yogurt. Try a new variety of salsa, like those with beans, corn or even fruit for a nice bump in fiber. Instead of queso, put out guacamole as a healthier option.
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Make it active! Bring some lawn games to the event. Activities such as tossing a football, cornhole and dancing can keep your body moving while having fun. It’s also the perfect way to get your competitive juices flowing for the upcoming game ahead.
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Step it up! Especially when the fall weather is still around, try to park a little farther away from the stadium to get your steps in. Incremental walking can also be helpful when you know gameday is ahead. Breaking up your step goal into smaller chunks throughout the day may help you reach your fitness goals without interfering with your day-of plans.
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Focus on protein, produce and fiber for your party spread. When grilling, make your skewers, kebabs, and other handheld meals with lean meats, seafood, and delicious grilled veggies.
Root vegetables thrive in cooler temperatures, and you can too! Popular seasonal options include carrots, parsnips, turnips, radishes, beets, and potatoes. Helpful hint: wash the vegetables thoroughly and keep the skin on. That will boost your intake of fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants!
Soups and stews can also be a great time-efficient and cost-effective option when preparing dishes. This time of year is perfect to highlight healthy and hearty staples, such as butternut squash soup, minestrone or vegetable beans soups, beef stew, or crockpot chicken stew with quinoa and tons of beans and veggies. Easy to re-heat and freeze when you have had your fill!
As you gear up for game day this fall, a few simple choices can help you enjoy the tailgate without sidelining your wellness goals. Focus on balance, enjoy your favorite traditions, and celebrate the season knowing that healthy habits can be part of the fun.
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