As we eagerly await the arrival of spring, the Chamber is stepping up its efforts to enhance our program offerings for our members. Our diverse calendar of events, ranging from networking opportunities to professional development, is a testament to our commitment to you and your businesses. We are particularly excited about our upcoming co-branded educational forum with other community organizations, a clear demonstration of our dedication to fostering community engagement. We believe that by working together, we can create a stronger, more connected business community.
This week, one of our busiest Lunch Mobs of the year is happening at The Irishman in Williamsville on Thursday at noon. We anticipate a jovial group to start the kickoff to Saint Patrick's Day weekend, a time of year when everyone is a little Irish. This event is a great opportunity to network with fellow members and enjoy a festive atmosphere. Our Emerging Business Leaders are hosting their Symposium at Daemen University, sponsored by National Grid. This half-day professional development program, developed in collaboration with the business school at Daemen, has been a great success, with nearly 250 people completing the program. The day works to provide a greater understanding for the participants on how to cohesively work as a team, manage people, and develop strategies to increase productivity in your office. The Symposium is open to all chamber members and non-members (not just those participating in our EBL Leadership program) and while registration is closed, I would encourage you to learn more about this unique learning opportunity, please see below.
Lunch Mob Thursday, March 13th at The Irishman
EBL Symposium Friday, March 14th at Daemen University
Business After Hours Tuesday, March 18th at Cherry Laurel Lanes
Lunch & Learn Friday, March 21st at the Chamber
AI Fundamentals Tuesday, April 8th at Buffalo State Alumni Center
LIFT: Community Connections Meet & Greet Thursday, April 10th at the Plan Room
This month’s Business After Hours is taking place at Cherry Laurel Lanes on Tonawanda Creek Road in Amherst. There will be drinks, appetizers, and a few bowling lanes available for our Chamber members to show off their skills! This will be a fun evening, and I encourage you to bring your colleagues. Then, on Friday, March 21st, a Wage and HR compliance Lunch & Learn presented by Ally HR Partners is happening in our conference room. This event is designed to provide practical insights and strategies for managing wage and HR compliance issues in your business. This is our third Lunch & Learn of the year, and so far, our participants have found great value in the topics. Space is limited to 30 participants, and lunch will be provided at this member only, no-cost event. They are planned for the entire year supporting a variety of relevant and on trend business topics.
While some members use artificial intelligence (AI) in their business and personal lives, others haven't even tried to see how it works. We have heard from various members about their concerns surrounding AI, and we have partnered up with SBDC at Buffalo State University, University at Buffalo’s Institute of Artificial Intelligence & Data Science (IAD) and Tech Buffalo to provide AI Fundamentals for Small Businesses. This event has a hands-on workshop built in to help demystify AI and show how it can positively impact your business and bring a greater understanding of its potential benefits. Join us for this community event, and we encourage everyone to consider sending at least one representative from their company.
In keeping with our commitment to working with our community partners, we have also teamed up with the National Association of Women in Construction, United Way Women United, New York State Women, Inc., and the WNY Women's Foundation to present an evening tailored towards Women & Networking at the Plan Room on April 10. As the Chamber's LIFT Council, a group dedicated to empowering and supporting women in business, continues to thrive, we expect this event to become an annual staple of like-minded organizations working together to bring people together.
With the State of New York working on completing a budget by the April 1st deadline, the Chamber is closely monitoring the issues that matter to you. We will continue to advocate that the state close the funding gap with our unemployment fund to alleviate the increased costs placed on businesses. We are also working with our members to better understand how the current tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China, which could potentially lead to increased import costs and affect international trade, will impact their businesses.
The Chamber remains committed to our members, and if there is anything we can do to improve your experience, please remember that my door is always open.
