The first quarter has come to a close, and we are moving quickly into the second quarter. Take advantage of this week to evaluate the goals you set for yourself, both professionally and personally, and have an honest conversation with yourself as to where you are and where you want to be. While a quarter of the year is wrapped up, there is plenty of time to accomplish what you set out to do. Undoubtedly, I am confident you can find a goal that has been achieved already but focus your energies on what needs to be reprioritized and what tasks are falling short. After you establish your priorities, make sure they are attainable and measurable. Then, set a clear plan to achieve those goals while working with your team on who will own those goals. The Chamber is no different from your business as we are constantly planning, reevaluating, and making changes as we move throughout the year. We strive every day to represent you and your organization in the best possible light to assist in growing your business.

With just about seventy-five percent of the year remaining, the location of our next Business After Hours event could not be more relevant in helping you knock off those goals! On Tuesday, April 19, from 5-7pm, Entrepreneurial Operating System & Stas Balanevsky will open their doors to the Chamber and its membership. It has been several years since we have been at this location, and we are thrilled that EOS owner Stas Balanevsky agreed to host. I am confident it will be a delightful evening of networking and idea-sharing for our members. Stas has been an industry leader in helping organizations reach their goals. I encourage you to join us and bring a work colleague or a friend to show them the benefits of chamber membership. You can register by visiting here.

Our Emerging Business Leaders provided an exceptional opportunity for our members to think about who they are as individuals and how effective they are as leaders at our EBL Symposium hosted by Daemen University in sponsorship alongside National Grid. This symposium which attracted nearly 100 people, focused on increasing your personal brand, behavioral sciences in the workplace, and developing more inclusive leadership traits to further your company's culture. The response from those who attended was overwhelmingly positive, and we have already begun planning for a follow-up symposium. It was encouraging to see a robust response from our membership and it strongly reiterated to our team the need and desire for programming throughout the year. If you would like to learn more about the day or have a programming idea you want the Chamber to explore, please reach out to Maureen Girven, our Member Services Manager, at memberservices@amherst.org.

The Chamber has repeatedly heard from our membership the struggles and challenges in finding quality talent to build your teams. Through our DE&I Council, we continue to work with Buffalo Prep... Continue reading here.

Stas Balanevsky of EOS invites you to his office for a networking event and Business After Hours on Tuesday, April 19th.

Recent studies show that poor gut health has been linked with other areas of health like immunity, emotional health such as anxiety and depression, heart health, and even cancer. If you are experiencing upset stomach, extreme food cravings, skin conditions like eczema, fatigue, or even mood swings you may have an imbalance of good and bad bacteria in your gut. Making small changes in your daily lifestyle can help. Here are a few things you might consider trying: eat a balanced diet, cut back on artificial sweeteners and sugar, manage stress, exercise regularly, stay hydrated, get sleep, quit smoking, try probiotic/prebiotic supplements 

Last week, the New York State Education Department Board of Regents approved an amendment to Daemen’s charter to make the institution a university under the state’s recently revised definition. “Clearly a formal designation of university is appropriate,” added Olson. “In every sense except in name, Daemen has been a university for many years.” The name change took effect immediately. Read more here.

As a way to help encourage Americans to make plans in advance of any health crises that may occur in the future, National Healthcare Decisions Day is held every April 16. According to a national survey conducted by “The Conversation Project,” 92 percent of Americans say talking with their loved ones about end-of-life care is important, but only 32 percent have had such a conversation.

Therefore, now is a perfect time to complete a health care proxy, which allows you to appoint someone to be your health care agent and speak on your behalf if you are unable to due to illness or injury. A health care proxy isn’t just for older people or those facing serious illnesses and surgeries. Everyone over the age of 18 should appoint a health care agent.

You can also use your health care proxy to cite what types of treatments you would or would not want. For example, you could say, “If I am in a coma with no hope of recovery, I do not want to receive artificial nutrition provided by feeding tubes.”

When designating your health care agent, select someone you trust, such as a family member or close friend. Talk with them to make sure they are willing to take on this responsibility. If they agree to act as your agent, share with them your thoughts, beliefs and preferences about how you would want to be treated for the remainder of your life.

If you don’t have a health care agent, family members may disagree about the types of medical care you would want and should receive. Completing a health care proxy form can prevent confusion and help your family and friends make health care decisions for you during an already stressful time.

Health care proxy forms are available at most doctors’ offices and hospitals. In addition, you can download one by clicking here.