The first quarter has come to a close, and we are moving quickly into the second quarter. Take advantage of this week to evaluate the goals you set for yourself, both professionally and personally, and have an honest conversation with yourself as to where you are and where you want to be. While a quarter of the year is wrapped up, there is plenty of time to accomplish what you set out to do. Undoubtedly, I am confident you can find a goal that has been achieved already but focus your energies on what needs to be reprioritized and what tasks are falling short. After you establish your priorities, make sure they are attainable and measurable. Then, set a clear plan to achieve those goals while working with your team on who will own those goals. The Chamber is no different from your business as we are constantly planning, reevaluating, and making changes as we move throughout the year. We strive every day to represent you and your organization in the best possible light to assist in growing your business.

With just about seventy-five percent of the year remaining, the location of our next Business After Hours event could not be more relevant in helping you knock off those goals! On Tuesday, April 19, from 5-7pm, Entrepreneurial Operating System & Stas Balanevsky will open their doors to the Chamber and its membership. It has been several years since we have been at this location, and we are thrilled that EOS owner Stas Balanevsky agreed to host. I am confident it will be a delightful evening of networking and idea-sharing for our members. Stas has been an industry leader in helping organizations reach their goals. I encourage you to join us and bring a work colleague or a friend to show them the benefits of chamber membership. You can register by visiting here.

Our Emerging Business Leaders provided an exceptional opportunity for our members to think about who they are as individuals and how effective they are as leaders at our EBL Symposium hosted by Daemen University in sponsorship alongside National Grid. This symposium which attracted nearly 100 people, focused on increasing your personal brand, behavioral sciences in the workplace, and developing more inclusive leadership traits to further your company's culture. The response from those who attended was overwhelmingly positive, and we have already begun planning for a follow-up symposium. It was encouraging to see a robust response from our membership and it strongly reiterated to our team the need and desire for programming throughout the year. If you would like to learn more about the day or have a programming idea you want the Chamber to explore, please reach out to Maureen Girven, our Member Services Manager, at memberservices@amherst.org.

The Chamber has repeatedly heard from our membership the struggles and challenges in finding quality talent to build your teams. Through our DE&I Council, we continue to work with Buffalo Prep to connect local talent with employers who will serve as a tremendous asset to your organization. If you have a job opening at your organization, please let us know. The Chamber is also interested in hearing from you if you need summer interns. Take advantage of your member page to alert us to the opportunities that exist in your organization, and we will be sure to post it on our jobs page found here: Job Postings | Amherst Chamber of Commerce