The Amherst Chamber of Commerce celebrated its 65th year since incorporation last week, and it is with great pride to report that after 65 years, we are as strong as we have ever been. The 65th-anniversary milestone is symbolized by the "Blue Sapphire," which signifies loyalty, prosperity, and dreams fulfilled. Incorporated as the Williamsville Chamber of Commerce on June 6, 1957, the Chamber was formally recognized as the Amherst Chamber of Commerce in 1964. Still, in our roots, we celebrate how we have flourished from our humble beginnings in 1957 to where we stand today. For any business or organization to survive 65 years, it is not by chance, it is by staying true to your core mission and values, and ours remained the same, creating an environment where businesses can prosper. While we have evolved over 65 years in the delivery of our programming, utilizing the latest technology, we have also recognized the importance of serving as an extension of every member's brand. The Chamber worked tirelessly to keep our members informed and educated on the latest regulations from government officials while also providing numerous opportunities to assist in the professional development of their talent on staff. The Chamber remains committed to serving our membership for another 65 years and will continue to serve as a voice for the small business community. Thank you for being a part of our organization and helping us reach this incredible milestone. 

Next month we will be hosting our Small Business Awards Luncheon & Showcase. Each year we attract over 400 people from our Western New York community, where we acknowledge the hard work of our award winners while featuring 50 businesses through our showcase before and after our luncheon. We have an incredible group of vendors and award winners this year. We have six award winners this year: our Family-owned Business winner, Moriarty Meats and Cafe Bar, and Mike Neal from Quality Contacts will receive our Friend of the Chamber award. In addition, Dr. Susan McCartney from SBDC at Buffalo State College is our Community Steward awardee, and Circuit Clinical as the Start-up of the Year along with KeyBank, who serves as our event sponsor, will recognize The Law Offices of Kenneth Hiller. Finally, as we celebrate our 65th year, it is only fitting we recognize a small business that traces its roots further back than our own; a business that was constructed in 1887 in an effort to attract people to our community as they passed on through while riding along in their stagecoach, our Small Business of the Year award winner is, The Glen Park Tavern. We couldn't be prouder of our award recipients, and we look forward to celebrating with them on Thursday, July 14, at Samuel’s Grande Manor. We hope you... READ MORE HERE.

On December 20, 2021, the Climate Action Council voted to release the draft scoping plan for public comment. January 1, 2022 marked the beginning of a 120-day public comment period. The public comment period has been extended through July 1, 2022.

Tip: Power Up- The Benefits of Building Muscle to Support Back Health

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Thank you to Deputy County Executive Maria Whyte for speaking to our membership in May in the West Herr Driven to Success Series!

In August, we look forward to hearing from NFTA's Kim Minkel.

The Pike Companies:

BankOnBuffalo officially opens branch on Buffalo's East Side - Buffalo Business First (bizjournals.com)

Highmark Health credits New York operations for Q1 operating gains - Buffalo Business First (bizjournals.com)

It’s time to get fit while enjoying the beautiful summer weather! Independent Health, in partnership with YMCA Buffalo Niagara and the Jamestown YMCA, recently kicked off the 11^th season of Fitness in the Parks, the largest and longest running outdoor fitness program in Western New York.

More than 560 free fitness classes will be offered at 25 different parks and other unique locations across Western New York, including Buffalo Bills AdPro Training Center, Wilkeson Pointe at Outer Harbor, Larkin Square, Delaware Park and Chestnut Ridge Park. Classes will also be held at three Amherst locations: Bassett Park, Garrison Park, and the South Lake Village Apartments on the University at Buffalo’s North Campus.

People all ages and skill levels are encouraged to attend the classes, which are led by YMCA certified instructors. Here are just some of the classes that are being held this summer:

·       Boot Camp – Join us for this challenging yet enjoyable workout that focuses on speed, endurance, agility, strength, power moves and cardiovascular training.

·       Cardio Dance – Simple yet challenging choreography set to music. Cardio dance will enhance cardiovascular endurance, muscle tone, flexibility and coordination.

·       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. Please bring your own mat!

·       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! Please bring your own mat!

·       Zumba® – Are you ready to party yourself into shape? Forget the workout – just lose yourself in the music and feel yourself getting physically fit with the original dance-fitness party! Zumba® classes feature exotic rhythms set to high-energy Latin and international beats.

Again, all classes are free. No advanced sign up is required to participate in any of the classes. You can simply show up to the location of your choice at the day and time listed on the class schedule.

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