While the summer has been hot, so was the Chamber's Small Business Awards Luncheon and Showcase, which was a record-breaking success. We were at max capacity with our showcase vendors, and attendees as we congratulated our Business of The Year Award winner, Rolly Pollies, our Family-Owned Business Award winner Metro Roberts Realty, The Tool Library as our Community Stewardship Award recipient, Fat Bob's Smokehouse was the proud recipient of our At Your Service Award, WNY Medical PC was our KeyBank Sponsor's Awardee, and Eric Conrad owner of The Junkluggers of Buffalo as our Friend of the Chamber. These organizations and individuals are making an incredible difference in our community, and the Chamber is proud to recognize their success.

While we have enjoyed record success with our major events, we have also seen tremendous engagement from our membership with our week-to-week networking opportunities. Our ProNets consistently see a steady flow of people, and the demand for additional ProNets led to the creation of our Open ProNet, which is off to a quick start of engaged Chamber members, including many of our newest members. We are committed to creating these opportunities for you to make meaningful connections for your business.  Open ProNet scheduled for Thurs Aug 22 8:30-9:45 AM  If you want to learn more, please email memberservices@amherst.org.

As August tends to be a slower time, the Chamber has an active calendar for those interested in making the most of this time of year. We will host our Lunch Mob in Amherst this Thursday at the award-winning WingNutz. With over 50 registered people, it will be a great afternoon of casual conversation and networking. Please register <here> to secure your spot. Harter Secrest and Emery host our Business After Hours on Tuesday, August 13, at one of downtown Buffalo's newest restaurants, Prova in Fountain Plaza. For additional information, please click <here> to learn more!

This past week, Business First announced its Power200 Women's List, and the Chamber couldn't be more excited to celebrate the achievements of these women and the tremendous representation of Chamber members named on the list. The Chamber has long been a representative place for women in leadership, and the contributions made by these women are truly remarkable. Many of these women are involved in the Chambers LIFT (Leadership & Inspiration for Trailblazers) Professional Women's Group. Some of you might remember that LIFT hosted its inaugural event this past spring at Golf Dojo, which was an overwhelming success. Their official launch event, Women Elevating Women. is happening at 5:30pm on Tuesday, September 24, at Park Country Club. A panel discussion will be hosted by Jody Briandi, managing partner of Hurwitz Fine and the Chamber's 2023 Woman of Distinction. We hope you can join us by registering on the link above.

The Chamber recently announced our newest Member Services Manager, Tiffany Dillon. We welcomed Tiffany at our Small Business Awards Luncheon, and she is already making a tremendously positive impact on our membership. Previously serving as the Assistant Director of Career Services at Daemen University, we know Tiffany's attention to detail and positive and outgoing personality will help enhance our member experience at the Chamber.

We will host our Open House & New Member Orientation on Thursday, August 8, at 8am. If you are a newer member of the Chamber or would like to learn more about all the Chamber has to offer, please do not hesitate to join us that morning. Please register at the link above.

As most people are aware, our country has a mental health crisis that could potentially have an impact on your business. With our partner and member, Horizon Health, this coming Fall, we are offering a 1 hour CERTIFIED Suicide Prevention Training (QPR) and an 8 hour CERTIFIED Mental Health First Aid Adult Training. It is FREE and will be available to both Member and Non-Members.  Learn more by clicking on the preceding hyperlinks or call Christine Langenfeld and she can assist you (716) 250.4206.

As we work towards the end of summer, please know the Chamber is here for all your needs. If there is programming that you would like to see, please do not hesitate to reach out, and please remember my door is always open.