A monthly newsletter from the
Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce December 2016
Get Your Business on Google! Google is no longer just a search engine, it’s a business strategy; or it should be. During a recent workshop, the Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce demonstrated a variety of social media platforms, with a focus on Google My Business. We are strongly encouraging all local businesses to claim their Google My Business space. If you Google search your business name and the text to the right of the page says “claim this business” that means you have not yet claimed your Google search space. It is absolutely free and in order to make sure your business information is accurate in a Google search, you must claim that space. Click the link that says “claim this business” and follow the directions. Why is this important? For about 2-trillion reasons! That’s how many Google searches are done annually. Over 100-billion Google searches occur each month, and the Google market share for US searches is 75%, depending on which study you look at. In addition, more than half of all Google searches are done on mobile devices. Google is how your business gets found online. If your business is a member of the Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce, we are already helping to boost your Google search. Google mapping is embedded in the Chamber’s online business directory listings, so anyone searching for your business on our site can already easily find your location. In addition, each Chamber membership provides an extra “hit” in online searches, since the business name is embedded in that search. That gives Chamber members a boost in search engine optimization. The Chamber’s website is also mobile friendly, so it’s easy to search for local businesses directly from your phone. Once you have claimed your Google search space (again, it’s free!) you’ll be able to note your business hours, add photos to help attract searchers to your business, and keep your information easily updated online. You don’t have to babysit your Google presence constantly, but you should check it periodically to find out if comments have been left about your business. In an area such as Chautauqua County where tourism is big business, you’ll want to be sure that your store or restaurant or other service industry is easily located. Getting on Google will ensure that you are appropriately represented and that customers can easily find you. Even if you already have other social media feeds such as Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram, we strongly recommend a Google presence. Hundreds, if not millions, of potential customers await you.
Calendar of Chamber and Chamber Member Events
NOTICE The Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting which was canceled on 12/9 has been rescheduled for Friday, January 20, at noon at Shorewood Country Club. If you were previously registered, please call us to reconfirm your attendance. Thank you.
12/13 - Fredonia Chamber Mixer, 57pm, The Brick Room 12/14 - 7:30pm, Jamestown Concert Association presents the Western New York Chamber Orchestra Poinsettia Pops, Reg Lenna Civic Center 12/15 - 4:30pm, Northern Chautauqua Young Professional and Entrepreneur Holiday Networking, Merritt Estate Winery 12/15 & 16 - 7pm, Christmas in OUr Hometown, 1891 Fredonia Opera House 12/17 - 7:30pm, Wits'n Giggles Stand-Up Comedy at Northwest Arena 1/7 - Live from the Met, Nabuco, 1891 Fredonia Opera House 1/14 - Grapes & Hops Festival, Northwest Arena 1/21 - Doors Open Jamestown, a FREE day at local attractions and museums, 10am-4:30pm For a year-round list of festivals and events, check the Chautauqua County Visitors Bureau Calendar
For a complete list of courses through JCC Continuing Ed in Jamestown and Dunkirk, check the online course catalog
JCC Social Media Certifications Offered Three non-credit marketing certificate programs are being offered in the Spring Semester by the Small Business Development Center and JCC’s Continuing Education, with the Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce co-sponsoring. Did you know that your website is 53 times more likely show up first on Google if you have a video embedded on your website? Or that 74% of users who watched an explainer video about a product subsequently bought it? It’s true! Businesses large and small are learning to use the power of photography & video to showcase their products, connect with their customers and grow revenue. The Video Marketing Certificate is a 12-hour course where students will learn to plan, create and edit videos and photographs that enhance the company’s website and social media presence. This is a hands-on class, but no special equipment is needed. The class focuses on budget-conscious tools and students will work with smart phones or a standard digital camera. Class meets 9am-11am weekly for 6 weeks, beginning January 19th in Jamestown and January 20th in Olean. Cost: $150, before Chamber discount. Email Marketing Certificate: Email is consistently ranked the most profitable and effective marketing channel in today’s digital world. Email ROI (return-oninvestment) outranks all other online marketing channels like social media and paid search as well as traditional offline channels such as print advertising and telemarketing. The Email Marketing Certificate is a 10-hour course where students will develop an email marketing strategy, gain subscribers, design effective emails, and create sequential campaigns that generate revenue. Classes are hands-on using MailChimp, but the principles and strategies will work in any platform. Class meets 9am-11am weekly for 5 weeks, beginning March 2nd in Jamestown and March 3rd in Olean. Cost is $130, before Chamber discount. The Social Media Marketing Certificate program combines classroom instruction, discussion, hands-on labs and one-on-one guidance in proven strategies to effectively market your business using social media. Begin with a look at the foundations of internet marketing, then assess your current social media presence, set goals, develop a plan and begin creating valuable content. Learn which social media platforms your business should be using and how to effectively market your products or services on each platform. The first seven hours cover Social Media Marketing Strategy (required). The remaining six hours are students’ choice of three 2-hour platform courses from these options: Facebook, Google+, LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, Pinterest, or Twitter Earn 1.3 CEUs (Platform courses can be taken individually if space allows.) Class meets 9am-11am weekly beginning March 24th in Dunkirk. Cost: $215, before Chamber discount. These courses were developed with a grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission to assist manufacturers in growing their in-house digital marketing expertise. See the Continuing Education website for full details and registration information: www.sunyjcc.edu/ce or call Kate Moody at 716.338.1338
Lakewood Announces Christmas in the Village The Village of Lakewood is excited to host Christmas in the Village on Saturday, December 10, 2016 with extended hours of 12:00 noon to 8:00 p.m. This festive community event for the entire family will include holiday shopping with craft and gift vendors, local business sidewalk sales, and restaurant food and drink specials all along Chautauqua Avenue in Lakewood. Merchant coupon books with special offers will be available to all shoppers throughout the day. These books will include a map of all vendor locations as well as a village basket raffle game. Several restaurants with plate specials, village businesses, and a variety of festive gift vendors will be open between the hours of 12 noon and 8 p.m. A list of
merchants and vendors will be announced in mid-November. A live reindeer will make an appearance from 12 noon to 3:30 p.m., and the village invites everyone to enjoy free horse drawn wagon rides from 4 to 6 p.m. The Lakewood Museum located beneath the Village Hall, will be open for exhibits and treats between 12 noon and 3 p.m. Children and families enjoy Christmas story time, and take part in a holiday activity at the Lakewood Memorial Library from 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Santa and Mrs. Claus will arrive with their elves at 5pm and will be available for children visits and photographs by parents until 8pm. During that time, Christmas carolers with also adorn the streets in song. The day will end with a double tree lighting at 7:30 p.m. in Recognition Park and 7:45 p.m. at Richard O. Hartley Park. “We wanted to bring a nostalgic, old-fashioned spirit of the holiday season to the Village of Lakewood for the area residents,” said Mayor Cara Birrittieri. “Our Events and Marketing Committee are working hard to put together an event full of family and friends, fun, and Christmas cheer.” Interested vendors/merchants, or questions about Christmas in the Village, should call the Village of Lakewood office at (716) 763-8557,or check the Facebook page at Village of Lakewood, NY. The Village of Lakewood Events and Marketing Committee is also looking for event volunteers to assist with activities throughout the day. If interested, please contact Scott Mekus at smekus@eventzbyscott.com, or Brooke Wagner at brookeraejohnson@gmail.com.
Skate Night to Benefit the Jackson Center The Robert H. Jackson Center, a non-profit dedicated to promoting liberty under law through the examination of the life and work of Supreme Court Justice Robert H. Jackson, and his legacy’s relevance to current events and issues, invites families to a public skate to benefit the Jackson Center on Saturday, December 10, 2016, from 7:30 pm – 9:30 pm, at the Northwest Savings Bank Arena, 319 West Third Street, Jamestown, NY. Jackson Center Executive Director Susan Moran Murphy made the announcement. Northwest Arena will open its doors at 6:00 pm for an ice hockey game between Southern Tier Xpress and Roc City, which begins at 7:00 pm. The public is invited to visit the Jackson Center’s table in the lobby of the arena to learn more from Jackson Center representatives about the educational programs and events in which the center is engaged. All are welcome to enter a raffle to win a basket full of goodies for the whole family. The public skate will be open from 7:30 pm until 9:30 pm. Tickets are $6.00 to skate and skate rentals are $2.00 at the arena. Northwest Arena will donate a portion of its proceeds from the public skate to the Robert H. Jackson Center. Please call (716)483-6646 or email Sherry Schutter at sschutter@roberthjackson.org if you have any questions regarding the event. The Robert H. Jackson Center is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization that envisions a global society where the universal principles of equality, fairness and justice prevail. The Center invites and engages scholars of all ages, educators, national officials and international dignitaries to analyze contemporary issues of peace and justice through the relevance of Justice Jackson’s body of work.
www.chautauquachamber.org 10785 Bennett Road, Dunkirk, NY 14048 (716) 366-6200 512 Falconer Street, Jamestown, NY 14701 (716) 484-1101
Jackson Center Ambassadors Expand National Footprint The Robert H. Jackson Center, a non-profit dedicated to promoting liberty under law through the examination of the life and work of Supreme Court Justice Robert H. Jackson, and his legacy’s relevance to current events and issues, welcomes David Tolbert, Tom Tupitza and Paul Williams as Robert H. Jackson Center Ambassadors. Robert H. Jackson Center Executive Director Susan Moran Murphy made the announcement. Jackson Center Ambassadors liaise between the center and a broad audience of constituents, prospective supporters, and potential partners in major metropolitan cities outside of the Chautauqua County region. Ambassadors broaden and deepen the audience for Justice Jackson’s life and legacy, and the range of programming and events the Jackson Center offers in Jamestown, NY and elsewhere. Each ambassador hosts an annual event in his or her locale to stimulate interest in Justice Jackson, his relevance to current issues and the importance of the center’s work in keeping that legacy alive. David Tolbert is president of the International Center for Transitional Justice in New York, NY. Tolbert worked with the United Nations for almost 15 years, acting as a senior legal advisor, deputy chief prosecutor and assistant secretary-general. In 2009, he was appointed by UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon as a registrar for the special tribunal prosecuting the assassination of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri. Tolbert worked with the Special Tribunal for Lebanon from August 2009 to March 2010. UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan appointed Tolbert Deputy Prosecutor of the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY) in 2004. Tolbert obtained his B.A. magna cum laude from Furman University, his J.D. from the University of North Carolina and his LL. M. with distinction from the University of Nottingham. He has published widely regarding international criminal justice, the ICTY and the International Criminal Court (ICC) and has represented the ICTY in the discussions leading up to the creation of the ICC. He has also taught international law and human rights at the post-graduate level in the United Kingdom and practiced law for many years in the United States. Thomas A. Tupitza is an attorney with the law firm of Knox McLaughlin Gornall & Sennett, P.C. in Erie, Pennsylvania. He advises clients in the private, public and nonprofit sectors on finance, real estate and governance matters. Tupitza was recently named (for the sixth consecutive year) to the 2017 Best Lawyers In America® List
in four practice areas. He is a past president of the Pennsylvania Association of Bond Lawyers, and is active as bond counsel in tax-exempt and tax-advantaged financing transactions and is a licensed title insurance agent in Pennsylvania and New York. He has served as President of the firm’s Board of Directors since 2007. Tupitza earned his B.A. summa cum laude from Westminster College and his J.D. from Harvard Law School. He has spoken during numerous programs on nonprofit governance, compliance and fundraising. He has had experience acting as bond counsel for a $38 million critical access hospital project and as bond counsel to a Pennsylvania school district in over $90 million of financing. Dr. Paul Williams is co-founder of the Public International Law & Policy Group (PILPG) in Washington, D.C. He formerly served as an attorney/advisor for the U.S. Department of State. Williams has advised nearly two dozen states and governments on peace negotiations and drafting post-conflict constitutions. He earned his Bachelor of Arts Degree from the University of California, his Juris Doctorate from Stanford University School of Law and his Ph.D. from the University of Cambridge. He is also the Rebecca I. Grazier Professor of Law and International Relations at the School of International Service at American University. Williams has been interviewed over 500 times on matters of international law and policy by major print and broadcast media, including: The New York Times, The Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, Chicago Tribune, Boston Globe, Newsweek, U.S. News and World Report, Time, Associated Press, Fox News, ABC News, NBC News, CBS News, MSNBC, BBC, CNN, Voice of America, National Public Radio, and BBC The World. The Jackson Center is extremely pleased that these accomplished professionals have chosen to play such a critical role as focal points for the center in the New York City; Erie, Pennsylvania; and, Washington, D.C. areas. The Robert H. Jackson Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that envisions a global society where the universal principles of equality, fairness and justice prevail. The Center invites and engages scholars of all ages, educators, national officials and international dignitaries to analyze contemporary issues of peace and justice through the relevance of Justice Jackson’s body of work.
Dr. Lillian Ney, "Addiction is a Disease, Not a Moral Failing"
A picture of Advisory Board Chair Dr. Lillian Vitanza Ney graces the front page of the first newsletter published by the Mental Health Association in Chautauqua County (MHA). “Dr. Ney is such an inspiration to us,” said MHA Executive Director Kia Briggs, “and we’re so pleased that her message can be spread this way.” In her story, Dr. Ney explains how her eyes were first opened about drug addiction when she went to a presentation by the Mental Health Association. Her message now is, “Addiction is a disease, not a moral failing.” In another story, a mother describes the trauma their entire family experienced from their daughter’s substance abuse – including their house being set on fire. With the help and guidance of MHA’s certified peer recovery coaches, eight years later the young woman received her master’s degree in social work, while working full-time as a single parent. This first newsletter, with the MHA’s motto “Recovering Lives, Saving Families,” can be read in its entirety on the MHA website, www.mhachautauqua.org. The Mental Health Association is located in the Gateway Center at 31 Water Street, Door #14, in Jamestown, New York. More than two dozen peer support groups are held there every week, where participants can talk with others across a wide range of concerns. The MHA is staffed by recovery coaches, trained individuals who are recovering from mental health diagnosis, most from substance abuse. They work in collaboration with local treatment providers, other nonprofits, and especially the Jamestown City Treatment Court to help participants be successful in attaining their goals. Hours are Monday-Wednesday and Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Thursday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.; and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. All MHA services and programs are offered free of charge. To learn more about the Mental Health Association in Chautauqua County, call (716) 661-9044 or visit www.mhachautauqua.org or www.facebook.com/MHAChautauqua. Photo caption: One of the stories in the first newsletter published by the Mental Health Association in Chautauqua County (MHA) is about a grant from the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation for an additional recovery coach. The accompanying photograph includes (from left) MHA Advisory Board Chair Dr. Lillian Ney, MHA Chief Executive Officer Rick Huber, Community Foundation Executive Director Randy Sweeney, and MHA Advisory Board ViceChair Dale Robbins.
Mental Health Association Luncheon Participants Learn About Evergreen Outreach Program At the Mental Health Association in Chautauqua County’s (MHA) November luncheon 17 participants were
recognized for reaching recovery goals and three for graduating from Jamestown Treatment court. While Hepatitis C and HIV are preventable and effective treatments are available for people who are already infected, according to the Centers for Disease Control, acute Hepatitis C infections increased by 250% between 2010 and 2014. Young people who inject drugs are at an especially high risk for these infections. Ian Eastman, whose office is at the MHA, is Syringe Exchange Program Coordinator for Evergreen Health. He talked about Evergreen’s new program to combat Hepatitis C and HIV, reaching out to people ages 29 and under who inject drugs to help them develop a strategy to reduce risks. Those who complete two sessions will receive a $50 gift card. Those who refer an eligible friend will receive an additional $25 gift card. Sessions include HIV and Hep C testing, overdose prevention training, linkage to services, and more. To make an appointment – which is necessary to participate – call (716) 541-0678 or come to the Evergreen Exchange at the MHA. The MHA’s Director of Peer Services, Steven Cobb, spoke about a new recovery program called Refuge Recovery that he and Sheridan Smith are leading. Based on Buddhist Principles, this is the first meeting of this fellowship in New York State outside of New York City. Smith is a Buddhist and each meeting includes meditation. Refuge Recovery meets every Tuesday morning at 9:30 a.m. at the Mental Health Association. Charlie Hodges, Jan Ball, and Dr. Mark Hanson, volunteers from the United Christian Advocacy Network, prepared and served the meal. The MHA is staffed by recovery coaches, trained individuals who are recovering from mental health diagnosis, most from substance abuse. They work in collaboration with local treatment providers, other non-profits, and especially the Jamestown City Treatment Court to help participants be successful in attaining their goals. Over two dozen peer support groups meet weekly at the Mental Health Association, where participants can talk with others across a wide range of concerns, from PTSD to parenting and much more. All MHA services and programs are offered free of charge. The Mental Health Association is located in the Gateway Center, 31 Water Street, Door #14, Jamestown, New York. To learn more about the MHA and its many programs, call (716) 661-9044 or visit www.mhachautauqua.org or www.facebook.com/MHAChautauqua. Photo caption: At the Mental Health Association in Chautauqua County’s November Recovery Luncheon 20 participants were recognized for their progress. Among those who received certificates were Jackie Hayse, pictured at left, and Faye Wolbert, at right. Recovery guide Luis Rosa is in the center. Luncheon participants also learned about Evergreen Health HIV & Hepatitis C outreach to young injection drug users.
Fenton Holiday Exhibit Continues to January 21 The Annual Holiday Exhibit at the Fenton History Center is a favorite local tradition. From November 25 to January 21, 2017 see holiday traditions in the grand 1863 mansion of NYS Governor Reuben E. Fenton (1865-1868). The 2016 exhibit, “Space Age Christmas” will feature a wide variety of decorated trees and other “bright” symbols of the season. Explore the reason the Christmas tree is one of the most popular symbols of Christmas, and learn about various traditions and customs celebrated around the world such as Kwanzaa, Chanukah, Los Posadas, and Christmas in Sweden and Italy. Come learn the legend of the Christmas spider, see the Living Tree, the Depression era tree, the Spider tree, flocked tree, the Juskrona (one of only two authentic Swedish trees east of the Mississippi), and many others! Candlelight tours are available. For more information call the Fenton History Center at (716) 664-6256. The Fenton History Center is closed on Sundays.
RTPI Focus on Nature Exhibit Focus on Nature XIV, an exhibition organized by the New York State Museum, will be on view from December 3, 2016 – April 9, 2017 at the Roger Tory Peterson Institute. Like Roger Tory Peterson, the artists featured in this show demonstrate the role illustration plays in natural science research and education, to stimulate curiosity about the world, and bring clearly into focus images of nature that people might not otherwise be aware of or able to visualize. The exhibit is open Tuesday through Saturday, 10am4pm and Sundays 1-5pm, Closed Mondays and Holidays. Admission fee is $12 for adults, $10 for seniors/military, $8 for students and children, or $30 for a family. RTPI donors get a $5 discount.
Celebrate the Holidays with Wits ‘n Giggles at Northwest Arena Wits ‘n Giggles Stand-Up Comedy brought to you by Bud Light and Comfort Inn returns to the Northwest Arena Saturday, December 17 at 7:30 p.m. The night features headliner, Charlie Wiener; feature, Patrick Bagdon; and host Robb Will. Feature act, Patrick Bagdon, is the best friend you never knew you had. Hailing from Chicago, Illinois, Patrick Bagdon’s comedy can be described as high energy and brutally hilarious. Since 2008, he has brought his high energy act to a variety of venues, ranging from comedy clubs to prisons. Bagdon’s conversational style appeals to a variety of audiences as he discusses everyday life, relationships, and the most obscure things you can think of. He has performed all over the Midwest, and on
December 17, Patrick Bagdon performs for Jamestown, NY. Headlining the December 17 show is Ohio’s own, Charlie Wiener. Charlie is the consummate entertainer, having been in the music and comedy industry for over forty years. He has headlined clubs across the United States and Canada for well over a quarter of a century, and has performed everywhere from Atlantic City to Las Vegas. The father of two adult daughters and three very odd dogs, Charlie has lived a full life, but isn’t ready to cash in his chips just yet. He has shared the stage with Ellen Degeneres, Bobcat Goldthwait, George Lopez, Meatloaf, Randy Newman, and has appeared on A&E, Comedy Central, CBC, NBC, ABC, and CBS. Charlie Wiener’s fast pace, extreme hilarity, and impressive resume make him one of the most requested stand-up comedians working today, and we look forward to having him at the Northwest Arena. Returning as the host of Wits ‘n Giggles is Robb Will, Jamestown, New York’s self-proclaimed 67th Funniest Comedian. Will has performed in Buffalo, Pittsburgh, and Southern Indiana where he draws from his life experiences and gives you reasons to laugh at them. Will has famously remarked, “I got into comedy because I needed to laugh, I am staying because you need to laugh.” Wits ‘n Giggles is held in the Jamestown Mattress Arena Club located on the top floor of the Northwest Arena. Tickets for the event are $10 presale, $12 day of show, and $5 for students. Must be 18 years of age and up to attend. Get your tickets today by calling 716.484.2624, visiting northwestarena.com, or at the Northwest Arena’s Landmark Chevrolet Box Office.
Doors Open Jamestown Jamestown’s Museums invite you to treat yourself, your family and your friends to the Annual Doors Open Jamestown, Saturday, January 21, 2017, from 10am-4:30pm. It’s a FREE day at your local museums and attractions! History, art, nature and comedy – all are open for you. Local restaurants and retail shops will also be offering discounts – spend the day discovering Jamestown! Participating venues are Jamestown Audubon Nature Center, Roger Toy Peterson Institute, Robert H. Jackson Center, Northwest Arena, Lucille Ball Desi Arnaz Museum & Center for Comedy, Fenton History Center, Chautauqua Sports Hall of Fame, Reg Lenna Center for the Arts, James Prendergast Public Library, Infinity Performing Arts Center, Lucille Ball Little Theatre, Busti Grist Mill, and Lucille M. Wright Air Museum.