Message From the President

Message from A.J. Baynes: September 2021 President/CEO A.J. Baynes As summer comes to an “official close,” we can already see our incredible community swing into their fourth quarter preparation and execution. While many of the shutdown regulations have been rolled back throughout the year, businesses still face numerous challenges regarding employee hiring, in-office scheduling, and…

Message from A.J. Baynes: August 2021 President/CEO A.J. Baynes Maureen Girven What a whirlwind this last month has been, from events at the Chamber to changes in our state leadership. I want to congratulate Kathy Hochul, who will move on from her post as our Lieutenant Governor and will be sworn in as our 57th…

Message from A.J. Baynes: July 2021 Lunch Mob July 2021 What an exciting time in Western New York and at the Chamber. As summer is in full swing, we feel the energy and excitement throughout the community, from full restaurants in the Village of Williamsville to a crowded boardwalk at Canalside, to engaged ProNet’s and…

Message from A.J. Baynes: June 2021 As we move towards the halfway point in the year, now is the time every business owner and every employee should be looking at the goals that they set for the year to ensure you are still on the right track. The pandemic taught us that our best-laid strategies…

Message from A.J. Baynes: May 2021 President/CEO A.J. Baynes Hansa Event May 2021 Hansa Event May 2021 We have provided a hybrid of virtual and in-person events that prove the Chamber is back in full swing the past thirty days! While we have been fully operational throughout the pandemic, our goal was always to bring…

Message from A.J. Baynes: April 2021 President/CEO A.J. Baynes Each Spring, as the snow begins to melt, the restaurant patios start to open, and sidewalks along Main street begin buzzing with activity. The energy and optimism in the air are palpable. And this year, perhaps more than ever, we are starting to see our community…

Message from A.J. Baynes: March 2021 President/CEO A.J. Baynes Lunch & Learn Tronconi Mind Your Business Book Club Lunch Mob @ Irishman Nearly one year ago to the day, I was in Albany advocating on behalf of small businesses alongside Chambers and business advocacy organizations throughout the state of New York for the annual NFIB…

Message from A.J. Baynes: February 2021 President/CEO A.J. Baynes The days are getting slightly longer and a little bit brighter as we move through 2021. There is plenty to be hopeful and optimistic about with a vaccination underway, a reexamination of government restrictions on businesses, and a Chamber in full swing for its members. Last…

Message from A.J. Baynes: January 2021 President/CEO A.J. Baynes Shop 716 eGift Card logo Happy New Year! I trust everyone made the best of last year’s unconventional holiday season. I hope you were able to connect with loved ones in some way, and that your families are safe and healthy. I am sure I speak…