Message from the 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 vaccine requirements, among other challenges. The Chamber took numerous steps this year to assist our membership with their needs; we worked with the Department of Labor and our members in identifying potential new employees, we hosted several educational forums this summer regarding the HEROS Act, Employee Retention Credit, and kept our members connected through our ProNetworking groups.  While we shift into our fall programming, we remain committed to keeping you informed on how your business may be affected by additional regulations from our government. In addition, last Thursday, the President announced vaccine mandates for employers with more than one hundred employees. While there hasn't been official language issued as of this writing, be assured The Chamber is discussing best practices with HR directors and larger scale employers in addressing this new mandate. 

While we continue to be responsible in our COVID guidelines and ensuring our members stay safe, I am encouraged by the continued positive momentum we have seen with new members, ribbon cuttings, and the desire to stay connected. The schedule at the Chamber has something for everyone. With so many events being limited last year, the theme for September seems to be everything in a set of "two." We have TWO New Member Orientations happening for the first time at the Chamber, Wednesday and Friday this week. In addition, Lunch Mob this Thursday at the Amherst Ale House, along with a Ribbon Cutting and Business After Hours Mixer with the Southtowns Regional Chamber of Commerce at Wesolowski Law Group and a second Ribbon Cutting at the Bridal Chateau later that evening.

In addition, our West Herr Driven to Success Series featuring District Attorney John Flynn will occur at Chef's restaurant downtown for lunch later in the month. A second Business After Hours set for September 21 at The Buffalo News, where we will hear from Publisher Tom Wiley and Editor Mike Connelly about the recent changes at the Buffalo News, the future of news, and the future direction of Buffalo from the vantage point where Tom and Mike sit. We work hard at the Chamber to ensure our members feel connected to what is happening in our community and this Business After Hours is precisely the type of event that does just that.  
Supporting 2021
National Drive Electric Week
Saturday, September 25th
11am-3pm
589 Ellicott St, Buffalo
DON'T MISS this event to tour The Buffalo News
A second Business After Hours is set for September 21 at The Buffalo News, where we will hear from Publisher Tom Wiley and Editor Mike Connelly about the recent changes at the Buffalo News, the future of news, and the future direction of Buffalo from the vantage point where Tom and Mike sit. We work hard at the Chamber to ensure our members feel connected to what is happening in our community and this Business After Hours is precisely the type of event that does just that.  
Mental Health Advocates of WNY hosting Fundraising Dinner
Parents of recovering youth are hosting "but first, Dessert," a fundraising dinner at Frankie Primo’s in North Tonawanda, New pm)York, on Sunday, September 19th (5pm-7pm) in support of adolescent mental health and youth advocacy. Proceeds from the event will benefit Mental Health Advocates of WNY and SavingTeens Together, two organizations that provide support programs to families with a child dealing with a mental health challenge. By attending this event, you will directly impact the lives of youth and their families who are in desperate need of these services.
The past year has been challenging for everyone as the COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the mental health of all Americans. This crisis has been particularly hard on youth, with data from Mental Health America showing that young people are struggling the most with their mental health: 14% of youth ages 12-17 report suffering from at least one major depressive episode in the past year, and 60% of those youth have not received any mental health treatment.
With your help, Mental Health Advocates of WNY (MHA) can place more youth peer advocates (YPAs) in local schools and the community, matching at-risk youth with credentialed YPAs who understand first-hand what they are going through. SavingTeens Together can help more families afford the treatment their child needs.

Please join us for dinner, "but first, Dessert," September 19th or you can make a one-time donation to show your support.

About HELIXintel: 
HELIXintel makes it simpler than ever to organize and care for your equipment. Their free, easy-to-use platform is designed to help your business: 
  • save cash  
  • reduce energy usage  
  • lower energy rates  
  • prevent unexpected breakdowns  
  • unlock more time to focus on their most important work  

With HELIXintel, you can track all your equipment in one place, get guidance on equipment care and rebates, and seamlessly connect with experts for service or parts.  
 
To learn more about HELIXintel: 
 
Special added benefit for Amherst Chamber of Commerce members:  
Want help loading your equipment into HELIXintel? The HELIXintel team has offered free onsite onboarding assistance to the first 10 members that sign up here. 
Question: What does taking your car to an auto service center for an oil change, and hiring TripleTrack HR Partners to handle the human resources functions for your business have in common?

Let’s face it. You could change the oil in your car. But like most people, you . . . 
1.    Don’t have the time.
2.    Don’t know how to do it; don’t have the tools. And don’t want to risk breaking something so the cost of repair down the road is so much higher!
3.    Just don’t want to do it.

Think about it. Same goes for HR! So why call TripleTrack HR Partners? Because we . . .
1.    DO have the time. It’s our livelihood and we “do” HR day in and day out, with smiles on our faces!
2.    DO have the expertise, tools and resources to help you achieve the HR goals of your business. Let our certified HR consultants handle things because you don’t want to risk making matters worse!
3.    LOVE working with WNY companies and organizations doing all things HR. It’s our passion!


Using nutrition labels for better health

Reading a Nutrition Facts label is an important part of making healthy choices. When you know what’s in a food, you can decide if it’s OK to eat and how much is right for you. 
Here’s a closer look at what the information on food labels means:

·       Serving size. Start with the serving size and number of servings per container. Ask yourself how many servings you’re eating. Then multiply the figures for calories and nutrients by this number. For example, if you eat two servings, multiply the calories and nutrient figures by two.

·       Calories. Take note of how many calories you consume. To keep from gaining weight, you’ll need to use at least as many calories as you take in every day. Avoid foods that are high in calories but low in nutrients.

·       Nutrients to limit. Look for information about total fat, saturated fat, trans fat, cholesterol and sodium. Aim to keep your intake of saturated fat, trans fat, and cholesterol low and try to eat less than 2,300 milligrams of sodium per day.

·       Carbohydrates. Total carbohydrates, dietary fibers and sugars are also listed. Cut back on foods with added sugars. But increase high-fiber foods, which aid digestion and may lower blood cholesterol. Just be sure to keep track of all the carbohydrates you eat.
 
When grocery shopping, be sure to look at the labels of different brands of the same foods because nutrition information can differ a lot. For example, one brand of tomato sauce may have more calories and sugar than another brand for the same serving size.

For more helpful tips when it comes to understanding Nutrition Facts labels, visit the American Heart Association website
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The Amherst Chamber of Commerce
716.632.6905 | info@amherst.org | Amherst.org