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| Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce |
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Chamber Corner for August 15th  |
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WE CAN CHANGE WHAT IS IN OUR CONTROL
Written by Todd Tranum, President/CEO Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce and Executive Director of the Manufacturers Association of the Southern Tier
The Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce and the Manufacturers Association of the Southern Tier have been involved in many controversial public policy issues over the years. People have stated from time to time, ‘that is really not any of your business, why are you involved,’ I can tell you that point was made several times during the Brocton and Fredonia School centralization effort. I have also heard, ‘your organization should be focused on the state and federal government issues because that is where the real problem exists,’ I have heard this point regarding our support of various local initiatives to reduce layers of government and reduce the size of the Chautauqua County legislature. As for the former, anything involving the provision of a quality education to children is our business, these young minds are our future workforce and any effort that involves getting control of costs and lowering taxes is definitely ‘our business.’ As for the later we do put a lot of effort into working with the State and Federal government. Much of this is done through our relationship and communications with Statewide and National organizations as well as direct communication with our elected officials. There is no doubt there is room for reform and cost cutting at the Federal and the State level. And yes there are onerous mandates, regulations, taxes and fees placed on businesses by the State and Federal governments. We must continue the effort to take on those barriers that hold back private sector growth. Unfortunately this is a change process that is not happening overnight. Where our organization can have a more immediate impact is locally. To that end we have supported the efforts of community groups and in some cases initiated our own where we felt the outcomes met our objective of creating a more prosperous economy.
As community residents, property owners and businesses, we can be effective and take action immediately within our own community. The consistent complaint among businesses and property owners when we speak about government are property taxes. If we are to start to get control of costs and reduce property taxes we must begin to peel away the multiple levels of government. Regions in the US that have done it have prospered. Look at Louisville, KY and Nashville, TN. Consolidation has lowered costs, created efficiencies, stimulated economic development and improved services. These communities had to overcome many hurdles. Probably the most significant hurdle is the fear of change, the fear of the unknown and a fear of what we don’t understand. Fear is almost always used by those that want to stop progressive change or preserve the status quo. Our Nation, our State our County and our communities were formed by people who very clearly were able to overcome fear and do what needed to be done to build a strong foundation for their families and future generations. It is fear that we must all overcome if we are to change what is in our control and create a strong economic future for our communities and opportunity for our children.
LOOKING FOR SOMETHING TO DO?
Here’s what is going on this week. There will be concerts in Mayville and Dunkirk and there will be a farmer’s market in Jamestown, Fredonia and Westfield. Also, there will be Downtown Cruisin’ and Thunder in The Streets in Jamestown. For more details on these events, please visit chautauquachamber.org.
FEDERAL CONGRESSIONAL LUNCH – AUGUST 25TH
The Chautauqua County Chamber’s Federal Congressional Lunch will be held at Roberto’s At the Ironstone. The event begins at 12 p.m. Cost to attend is $15 for members and $20 for non-members. To register, visit chautauquachamber.org or call 716-366-6200 or 716-484-1101. This event is sponsored by Advanced Manufacturing Technology, Chautauqua Institution, Clever Method, Dunkirk Metal Products/Alternative Fuel Boilers, Lake Erie Regional Health System, NRG Dunkirk Power, OBSERVER, Star Media Group, The Post Journal, Time Warner Cable, UBS Financial Services and WCA Hospital.
CHAUTAUQUA LIGHT THE LAKES – SEPTEMBER 5TH
See one of the largest fireworks displays in North America on September 5th at the 3rd Annual Chautauqua Light the Lakes. Between the seven communities involved, in previous years, there were approximately 250,000 spectators total. Lodging income and room occupancy doubled at some hotels and attendance to local community events had an increase of a minimum of 60% and even reached to 100% in some areas. Fireworks begin at 9:31 p.m. Locations include, Bemus Point, Findley Lake, Lakewood, Mayville, Westfield/Barcelona and Jamestown Savings Bank Ice Arena. Additional fireworks will be at Bemus Point, Stow Ferry, Overlook and Long Point. For more information on this event, please visit www.ilovenylakes.com. This event is sponsored by Bemus Bay Pops, Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce, Chautauqua County Visitors Bureau, County Of Chautauqua Industrial Development Agency, Chautauqua County Planning & Development Funding, Cummins, Findley Lake Chamber of Commerce, Italian Fisherman, Media One Group, WICU 12 Erie PA, WGRZ - 2 On Your Side and WSEE.
ANNUAL GOLF TOURNAMENT – SEPTEMBER 10TH
The Chamber’s Annual Golf Tournament will be held at Chautauqua Golf Club, Hill Course. Registration begins at 9:30 a.m. with a shotgun start and four person scramble at 11:00 a.m. Cocktail hour starts at 5:00 p.m. with dinner and banquet following at 6:00 p.m. Cost to participate is $150 for Chamber Members and $175 for Non-Members. To register, visit chautauquachamber.org or call 716-366-6200 or 716-484-1101. This event is sponsored by CCIDA, Cliffstar, DFT/Netsync, Fredonia Place, Jamestown Mattress, Lakeshore Savings Bank, Lawley Tradition Agency, NRG Dunkirk Power, LLC, Petri Baking Products, Inc., Star Media Group, Strearns & Wheler GHD, The OBSERVER, The Post Journal, and Time Warner Cable.
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