Message From the President

Message from A.J. Baynes: March 2023 A.J. Baynes, President & CEO The month of March is budget season in Albany for our New York State elected officials, and while it is vital throughout the year to let your voice be heard, now is the time as citizens to engage with your elected officials on the…

Message from A.J. Baynes: February 2023 A.J. Baynes, President & CEO To kick off the month of February, we had an incredible show of support from our business community and elected officials at our Annual Meeting. We were back in person for the first time in nearly three years for this event, and the energy…

Message from A.J. Baynes: January 2023 A.J. Baynes, President & CEO The early days of a new year are upon us, and every business owner should be excited about the possibilities ahead. January is a time to take action, set your goals, celebrate the small victories, and avoid letting any setback discourage you from moving…

Message from A.J. Baynes: November 2022 A.J. Baynes, President & CEO It is no secret to anyone reading this article that the labor market is tight; Western New York unemployment numbers are hovering around 3.3%, even lower than the statewide average of 3.9%. According to the Department of Labor September market briefing, nearly 80% of…

Message from A.J. Baynes: October 2022 A.J. Baynes, President & CEO The Event – Celebrating Business Excellence 2022 is later this month, and we are thrilled to announce our award recipients. Excelsior Orthopaedics has the proud distinction of being nominated and chosen for our Business of the Year Award. Excelsior Orthopaedics, with seven locations and growing…

Message from A.J. Baynes: September 2022 A.J. Baynes, President & CEO While September signals the end of summer and children are returning to school, now is the time to jumpstart your focus on a more regimented schedule that you may have let loose over the past few summer months and reinvigorate the goals you may…

Message from A.J. Baynes: August 2022 A.J. Baynes, President & CEO It has been a thrill to travel around our region the past two months, taking in all our area offers during the summer months. The energy in our community is incredible, and it is great to see people engaging with each other and exploring…

Message from A.J. Baynes: July 2022 President/CEO A.J. Baynes We are halfway through the year, and I hope you take time to reflect on where you have been, where you are, and where you want to be. While the summer is in full swing, it is easy to fall into the trap of a third-quarter…

Message from A.J. Baynes: June 2022 President/CEO A.J. Baynes The Amherst Chamber of Commerce celebrated its 65th year since incorporation last week, and it is with great pride to report that after 65 years, we are as strong as we have ever been. The 65th-anniversary milestone is symbolized by the “Blue Sapphire,” which signifies loyalty,…

Message from A.J. Baynes: May 2022 President/CEO A.J. Baynes This past week was National Small Business Week, and we finished the week celebrating the first anniversary at Hybrid Performance located in East Amherst. There is no question times have been challenging for all businesses over the past two years, and the struggle continues. However, last…