I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday season, and the start of the year is a great one for you. While the weather can sometimes put a negative feeling in the air, the reality is there is no better time to celebrate the start of fresh beginnings than when we reset the clock for the year. Take advantage of the time to implement the goals you have set for yourself and your business while recognizing your accomplishments in the past year. We can't stress enough the need to stay positive and focus on the things you can control as you work towards building a better business and a better you.
The Chamber is always here to help you and your business, and this year is no exception. We want to ensure you are taking full advantage of your membership, which means you'll be hearing more from us. Our membership team will be reaching out to you to ensure the accuracy of your membership profiles and representatives. We want to engage you and your business to the fullest, providing you with the tools and resources you need to grow. We have a full calendar of Lunch & Learn events, with Greg Hennessey from Marketing Tech facilitating our first discussion on finding the right marketing tools for you. Our Lunch & Learns are limited to thirty participants and will take place in our recently renovated conference room. There is no cost to attend, and the Chamber will provide lunch. I strongly encourage you to send a representative from your company who you feel will benefit the most from the topic.
We have plenty of networking opportunities in January, and we hope you take advantage of them. Our first lunch mob of the year will take place at the Creekview restaurant in Williamsville. Creekview, which has been a longtime Chamber member and is owned by our good friend David Schutte, is an excellent way for us to start the year, and I hope you will join us on Thursday, January 16, at noon. On Tuesday, January 21, our first Business After Hours will take place at our offices for a neighborhood "Block Party" from 4-7pm. We will have Wegmans Catering showcasing some of their options and a special hot cocoa bar This will be a great way to see our new offices and meet many of the businesses located on Essjay in the Ciminelli development.
Business After Hours Winter Block Party 1/21/2025
The Chamber remains focused on assisting you develop your young talent. Our Emerging Business Leader's program is currently accepting applications for the 2025 cohort of young professionals seeking to enhance their professional skills and expand their networks. This program has enjoyed tremendous success over the past few years. I encourage everyone to look within their organizations and make a meaningful investment in one of your team members.
On the last day of the month, Friday, January 31st, the Chamber will host its Annual Meeting, where we will unveil our 2025 Economic Development and Public Policy Agenda, seat the 2025 Board of Directors, and hear from Amherst Town Supervisor Brian Kulpa as he will give the last of his State of the Town Address. This event sells out quickly, and with 200+ people already registered, be sure to reserve your spot today!
I wish every one of you a prosperous and fulfilling year ahead. The Chamber remains steadfast in our commitment to supporting our members and working towards a more successful tomorrow. Please remember, my door is always open.
