The month of March is budget season in Albany for our New York State elected officials, and while it is vital throughout the year to let your voice be heard, now is the time as citizens to engage with your elected officials on the issues that matter most to you. The Chamber has been actively involved with our elected officials at every level of government, advocating on behalf of our business community. Early last month, we welcomed elected leaders at our annual meeting, where we rolled out our Public Policy & Economic Development Agenda. With over three hundred people in a standing-room-only crowd, we echoed a number of essential issues and valuable investments that the state should be focused on. On behalf of our business community, we advocated for updating the role the Amherst IDA who can play a key role in incentivizing growth in our town (especially when it comes to outdated large scale retail parcels), using the budget to make investments in our unemployment fund, alleviating the financial burden on our businesses, continuing to invest in the film industry, and making new investments in the growing digital gaming sector (which is on pace to be an over 325 billion dollar industry by 2026). However, the most critical issue facing our state is the current draft scoping plan proposed by the Climate Action Council.
Since enacted in 2019, the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act has enacted the Climate Action Council (CAC) with the caveat of making New York a leader in reducing our current greenhouse gas emissions by 85% by 2050. The Chamber has hosted many forums and meetings regarding this issue over the past three years; however, now, with the proposed timelines by the CAC being considered for adoption by the New York State Legislature, we have heard an overwhelming concern from our business community and the public on reliability, safety, and cost. In addition, the draft plan proposed in December of 2022 is even more aggressive and includes a ban on natural gas and 100% zero-emission electricity by 2040 for all New Yorkers.
This accelerated timeline proposal by the CAC on an electrical grid infrastructure that will need substantial upgrades in order to handle the increased load poses a significant risk to our area. Nearly 90% of the homes in our community are heated by natural gas, and in the event the power goes out, Western New Yorkers still have the ability to heat their homes during a winter storm. A draft plan that does not address reliability and potential costs to consumers at a time when our economy is dealing with record inflation numbers and is extremely fragile should give everyone pause.
There is a world where both natural gas and electricity can exist in concert with each other to provide a cost-effective, reliable, and eco-friendly product for all New Yorkers. We encourage everyone to contact their state elected official to have their voice heard on these critical issues or contact us at info@amherst.org, and we will assist in connecting you with the appropriate representative.
This month the Chamber is hosting our second annual Emerging Business Leader professional development symposium in conjunction with Daemen University and sponsored by National Grid on Friday, March 24, at 10am. The EBL Symposium is a half-day event open to all Chamber and non-Chamber members looking to sharpen their professional skills, modify their personal brand, and better understand their leadership style. There is an MBA discount for Amherst Chamber members as well! Last year nearly one hundred people participated in our Symposium, and we anticipate... Read More
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Your Feedback is Important |
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Would you prefer the Annual Meeting to take place in the morning, lunchtime, or early evening?
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Was the program for the Annual Meeting well organized and professional?
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Were you overall satisfied or dissatisfied with the Annual Meeting?
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If you have suggested enhancements to the Annual Meeting & State of the Town of Amherst, we want to know!
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LIFT & Buffalo Beauts Family Day March 5, 2023 |
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LIFT hosted this Chamber-wide family event in partnership with the professional women's hockey team, the Buffalo Beauts |
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Nominations Open until 3/31/2023 |
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The mission of the Buffalo Niagara Business Ethics Association, Inc. is to foster, promote and recognize ethical business practices in the Buffalo Niagara region, which includes the eight counties of Western New York.
Vision:
- Be the primary resource and influence for ethical business practices in Buffalo Niagara
- Raise community awareness of business ethics
- Provide practical knowledge and tools for creating ethical business culture
- Raise standards for business ethics in the region
- Honor those companies that exhibit the highest standards of business ethics
- Support educational programs, scholarships and events focused on ethics in business
- In fulfilling its mission, the Association:
- Expands community awareness of business ethics through support of and participation in various programs, seminars and educational opportunities for students and businesses
- Oversees and manages the annual Business Ethics Awards recognizing and rewarding ethical business practices.
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In support of our Members |
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SBA Winter Storm Elliott EIDL Loan Info |
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Cybersecurity Challenges When Buying or Selling a Business |
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How does a company’s cyber security policies and practices play into the buying or selling decision? Hear from our expert panel on what things to consider when it comes to cyber security during the evaluation process. Kevin, Mark, Mike, and Reggie will discuss key things to look for when evaluating a company or presenting your company to a potential buyer. There will be time at the end for Q&A.
Expert Panel: Kevin Szczepanski with Barclay Damon LLP, Mark Ferm with Tronconi Segarra & Associates, Michael McCartney a cyber security expert and consultant, and Reggie Dejean with Lawley Insurance.
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Restaurant Week Registration is Open |
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FREE!
Reimagine Entrepreneurship Boot Camp or Master Class
Sign up for a and receive free training to help you explore, define and launch your dream of becoming a small-business owner.
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40% full individual or corporate full pay registrations for groups of 4 or more for our Creative Problem Solving Institute (CPSI), a five day training conference held at NU, that makes for an amazing one-of-a-kind corporate retreat, by contacting mcarvin@creativeeducationfoundation.org, or 30% of single full individual or corporate full pay registration by using the code Amherst30.
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MHA of WNY Annual Dinner
Inspiring Change
Thursday, May 4, 2023
5:30pm - 9pm
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Strength training can help you stay fit and healthy |
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According to the World Health Organization, musculoskeletal conditions affect more than 1.7 billion people worldwide. These range from acute events such as fractures, sprains and strains, to chronic conditions like arthritis, osteoporosis, gout and low back pain, which is one of the leading causes of disability. These conditions are not only associated with pain, but also can limit dexterity, mobility and overall daily function.
The good news is that you can help prevent or alleviate these conditions through strength training. In order to combat the effects of muscle loss as we age, the National Institute on Aging recommends at least two 30-minute strength training sessions per week as part of your regular exercise program.
Perks of pumping up
The health benefits of strength training are so powerful that they can improve your chances of living a longer, more independent life. It offsets the natural decline in muscle mass that starts after age 30 and speeds up after age 60, while also helping to increase bone density, which can prevent osteoporosis. In addition to your muscles and bones, this type of training can also positively impact your:
· Mind. Strength training lifts your mood, studies show. Anxiety, anger and confusion may fade. Your brain may change in ways that improve problem-solving, decision-making and critical thinking.
· Body Mechanics. Strength training will improve your mobility, balance, coordination and posture, while also lowering your risk of falling.
· Heart. Your “good” cholesterol levels may increase, while inflammation and “bad” cholesterol levels may decrease. This protects your cardiovascular system and lowers your risk for heart disease.
No expensive equipment needed
Strength training doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated. No weights at home? No problem – you can use weighted household items like soup cans, peanut butter jars, milk jugs and laundry detergent bottles. Resistance bands are also affordable and don’t require much space. There are also plenty of strength activities where you can just use your body weight, such as squats, bicep curls, planks and push-ups.
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Amherst Chamber of Commerce
716.632.6905 | info@amherst.org | Amherst.org
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