What an exciting time at the Chamber! We are basking in the success of our largest event ever, The Event – Celebrating Business Excellence 2024, which was a resounding triumph. With a sellout crowd, we celebrated several businesses that have made an incredible difference in our community. Our Business of the Year, Basil Family of Dealerships, stood alongside our other award recipients, Arc Building Partners, EnergyMark, Salvatore's Hospitality, The Arc Erie County, and our Woman of Distinction, Anne McCaffrey, each all well deserving of their recognition. This success is a testament to the strength of our membership. As we look ahead to 2025, we are already accepting applications for our EBL Leadership class. If you are interested in learning more, please click <here>, but don't delay; space is limited. Early Bird discount ends 11/30/2024.

As the holiday season approaches, we are committed to providing opportunities for you to stay connected and engaged. Our next Lunch Mob is this Thursday, November 14, at Jersey Mike's in the Village of Williamsville. To register, please click <here>. Our final Business After Hours of the year is Tuesday, November 19, at Rustic Buffalo Artisan on Main Street in the Village of Williamsville. This is a fantastic opportunity to start your holiday shopping early and connect with fellow Chamber members. To learn more, click <here>. While on the subject of holiday shopping, the Chamber hopes you will take advantage of shopping local when purchasing gifts for your loved ones. There are plenty of unique local retailers in our areas that can meet your holiday needs.

If you are still deciding what to purchase someone, you can always buy a Shop 716 eGift Card to ensure your dollars are spent and kept in our Western New York economy. The Shop 716 eGift Card is accepted at over 800 local retailers in our area and can be purchased through our website, amherst.org/shop716.

As we look ahead to 2025, our Economic Development / Public Policy Council is compiling our list of recommendations to all levels of government in our area. This council is focused on providing our elected leaders with the issues that are important to our chamber members, who, in turn, will advocate for our members. We have effectively worked with our local leaders over the years and maintain meaningful relationships on both sides of the aisle. If there is a regulation or issue that is impairing your ability to grow your business, please do not hesitate to email me your concerns. We are here to support and fight on behalf of our members!

Over the past few weeks, we have had the great fortune to participate in many discussions around the community. Most recently, we met with Congressman Kennedy when we sat down with many members of the local restaurant industry and representatives of the NYS Restaurant Association so he could learn about some of the challenges that the industry is facing. We also met with our new Mayor of Buffalo, Chris Scanlon, who provided some insight into his goals for the future of our city. As we continue to find ways to collaborate with trade associations and our local leaders, we always keep the entire region in mind.

With great excitement, we announce our new Membership and Marketing Coordinator, Lauren Harvey. Lauren has extensive marketing experience, and we are thrilled to have her join our team. As we continue to build our Chamber team, we know Lauren will be an excellent addition to enhancing the services we offer our membership. In her first week, Lauren jumped in with both feet, working with our ProNet Groups and assisting with our social media.

I hope everyone has a wonderful holiday season, and please remember my door is always open.