As businesses are facing the challenges of a tight labor market, there are a multitude of ways for employers to separate themselves from their competitors when trying to recruit new talent to their team. At the Chamber, we have worked with many recruiters to help our members understand what today's employees seek. We have found that many employees want to understand better what your company stands for. While you might feel that providing a mission statement to potential candidates should speak for itself, it is incumbent on you as the employer to sell that mission statement to everyone you come in contact with, not just potential employees. If you project a passion and energy for what you do, it will undoubtedly flow through your organization and those you encounter. If potential job seekers can feel your passion for what you do during the interview process, it will excite them about the opportunities ahead. If you are in the process of hiring, please do not hesitate to contact our Member Services team for tips on best practices.

As we are always available to assist our businesses, we also seek to recognize businesses that have made an incredible difference in our community and have enjoyed tremendous success. Our Small Business Awards Luncheon and Showcase will be held Thursday, July 20, at Samuel's Grande Manor from 10am until 2pm. We anticipate another sellout crowd in attendance, with over 40 showcase tables of vendors throughout our region. We are still accepting nominations and encourage everyone to think of a business that truly deserves recognition... READ MORE.

For more information, email memberservices@amherst.org

The Discussion: Buffalo Niagara’s small businesses are essential to both the future of the economy and the strength of our communities. As we continue to navigate uncertain times, small business owners need to simultaneously create strategies for changing customer patterns, government regulations and hiring/retention challenges.

 The Small Business ILF will be joined by special guest, Ashley Ranslow, New York State Director at the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB). As a nonprofit and nonpartisan organization, the NFIB is the voice of small business, advocating on behalf of America’s small and independent business owners, both in Washington, D.C., and in all 50 state capitals.Ms. Ranslow will lead a discussion on the governmental and regulatory changes and updates that small business owners need to know.

A Small Business Resources Panel, including Erie County's WNY Be In Business - Nexusi90 Initiative, the Bonadio Group, Harris Beach PLLC and Employ Buffalo Niagara will also discuss a wide range of resources and initiatives that are available to small business owners in the Buffalo Niagara region.  Don Lorentz, Executive Director of the Orchard Park Chamber of Commerce, with provide on update on the WNY Chamber Alliance's ongoing work as well. The WNY Chamber Alliance is a strategic partner of the Small Business ILF.

The Art of Recruiting & Interviewing

Focus on the talent acquisition cycle

The #WeAreHope Campaign was a huge success! The campaign was a collaborative project aimed at addressing the needs of our community in response to the multiple traumatic events experienced in our city in the past year. Participating was Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of Western New York and Mental Health Advocates of Western New York who lead this collaboration with Horizon Health and gave the opportunity to continue the conversation with the WNY Community.  

On March 25, a Day of Hope and Healing at the Delavan Grider Community Center where provided resources were offered. On March 29, a Roundtable Discussion About Community Trauma occurred.

In 1949, May was named Mental Health Awareness Month and has become a space to openly discuss mental health struggles, the importance of having access to resources, and the lack of resources available to many people. One in five adults in the United States faces a mental illness, and everyone experiences challenges that impact their mental health.

Mental health is also challenged by the multitude of stigmas that surround it, and the need to extinguish these stigmas and focus on the real complexity and persistence of mental health is very important. Mental health should be a priority for everyone, regardless of age, race, nationality, where they live, etc. Prioritizing mental health and healthy practices to maintain and improve our mental health is something everyone should focus on. Click here to learn more about this year’s Mental Health Awareness Month.

If you or a loved one are experiencing mental health challenges, our licensed professionals are here to support you. Call today at 716-831-1800 to learn more. 

Our Community Health Awards are now Health & Wellness Awards! These awards are offered anytime throughout the year and can be used to support programs that conduct ongoing work or initiatives that are designed to improve health and ultimately health outcomes. Preference will be given to programs that address health conditions and/or factors that are linked to adverse health. 

For more information visit our community investments and partnerships website.

Univera Healthcare is now processing all award/grant payments via Electronic Funds Transfer. EFT will allow the Univera Healthcare investment process to be more streamlined, provide detailed record keeping and ultimately be a benefit to our customers. Organizations are still required to complete an online application to be considered for any awards that Univera Healthcare offers. But if funds are awarded to your organization, the EFT process provides faster turnaround that is safe, secure, and more efficient.

BUFFALO - Located on the corner of Michigan Avenue and East Ferry Street in Buffalo, the Freedom Wall pays homage to 28 civil rights leaders, past and present. Frey Electric installed 50 LED light fixtures to ensure the artwork can be viewed 24-hours a day. The high-efficient lights are programmed to turn on before sunset and off after sunrise.

The public art was commissioned by Buffalo AKG Art Museum Public Art Initiative in partnership with the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority in 2017. In June 2022, the state allocated funds for upgrades to the landmark which included lighting, sidewalks and leaning rails.

LINKS: Watch Video | Freedom Wall Info

Sign up today! It’s not too late to take part in this spring’s Health & Wellness Challenge. To register, visit www.buffalobills.com/thechallenge.