What an exciting time at the Chamber! We are basking in the success of our largest event ever, The Event – Celebrating Business Excellence 2024, which was a resounding triumph. With a sellout crowd, we celebrated several businesses that have made an incredible difference in our community.

Our Business of the Year, Basil Family of Dealerships, stood alongside our other award recipients, Arc Building Partners, EnergyMark, Salvatore's Hospitality, The Arc Erie County, and our Woman of Distinction, Anne McCaffrey, each all well deserving of their recognition. This success is a testament to the strength of our membership. As we look ahead to 2025, we are already accepting applications for our EBL Leadership class. If you are interested in learning more, please click , but don't delay; space is limited. Early Bird discount ends 11/30/2024.

As the holiday season approaches, we are committed to providing opportunities for you to stay connected and engaged. Our next Lunch Mob is this Thursday, November 14, at Jersey Mike's in the Village of Williamsville. To register, please click . Our final Business After Hours of the year is Tuesday, November 19, at Rustic Buffalo Artisan on Main Street in the Village of Williamsville. This is a fantastic opportunity to start your holiday shopping early and connect with fellow Chamber members. To learn more, click .

While on the subject of holiday shopping, the Chamber hopes you will take advantage of shopping local when purchasing gifts for your loved ones. There are plenty of unique local retailers in our areas that can meet your holiday needs. If you are still deciding what to purchase someone, you can always buy a Shop 716 eGift Card to ensure your dollars are spent and kept in our Western New York economy. The Shop 716 eGift Card is accepted at over 800 local retailers in our area and can be purchased through our website, amherst.org/shop716.

As we look ahead to 2025, our Economic Development/Public Policy Council is compiling our list of recommendations to all levels of government in our area. This council is focused on providing our elected leaders with the issues that are important to our chamber members, who, in turn, will advocate for our members. We have effectively worked with our local leaders over the years and maintain meaningful relationships on both sides of the aisle. If there is a regulation or issue that is impairing your ability to grow your business, please do not hesitate to email me your concerns. We are here to support and fight on behalf of our members!

Over the past few weeks, we have had the great fortune to participate in many discussions around the community. Most recently, we met with Congressman Kennedy when we sat down with many members of the local restaurant industry and representatives of the NYS Restaurant Association so he could learn about some of the challenges that the industry is facing. We also met with our new Mayor of Buffalo, Chris Scanlon, who provided some insight into his goals for the future of our city. As we continue to find ways to collaborate with trade associations and our local leaders, we always keep the entire region in mind.



With great excitement, we announce our new Membership and Marketing Coordinator, Lauren Harvey. Lauren has extensive marketing experience, and we are thrilled to have her join our team. As we continue...READ MORE.

Photography: Ashley Bringenberg

Venue: Salvatore's

Step & Repeat: Apogee, FB Displays

Program Books & Invitations: Marketing Tech

Trophies: Tony Martin Awards

Sponsored by: M&T Bank

Miss our events recently?

Check out the pictures for:

• The Event here
• Canal Bank's Ribbon Cutting here
• New Member Orientation here

Did you know that there is a

WNY Chamber Alliance?

The 2025 LIFT Book Club information

is coming soon!

Watch your email!

EBL Leadership Program 2025

Now Accepting Applications

Early Bird Discount through 11/30

Wellness on Wehrle Open House!

Amherst Chamber of Commerce member Stretch Pilates, celebrating 27 years as a woman-owned business, invites you to the Wellness on Wehrle Open House on Saturday, December 7, 2024, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., located at 1127 Wehrle Drive, Williamsville, NY. Join Stretch Pilates and their wellness partners—Mind & Body Family Health Center, BeautyFX, and Melissa Esthetics—for an immersive experience in health and wellness.

Upon arrival, you’ll receive an Open House passport to guide you through the event. Explore each wellness station, featuring exclusive demonstrations, product samples, and meet-and-greets with experts. Complete your passport by visiting all the stations, and you’ll be entered into our Grand Prize drawing, along with several other exciting giveaways!

Enjoy holiday cocktails, snacks, and additional product samples as you connect with each wellness provider. This is the perfect opportunity for a holiday season refresh and to explore the benefits of self-care. Don’t miss out!

For more details and registration, visit wellnessonwehrle.com.

Upscale Italian Eatery Siena's Secret To 30 Years Of Success

Western New York's Companies of the Year: Introducing 2024's honorees - Buffalo Business First

Congratulations to the Chamber Members Named to Power 100 Business Leaders of Color: Day 2

Merger Adds 13 Attorneys to Buffalo's Third-Largest Firm



Horizon Corp. Embarks on $8M Facility Renovation

Congratulations to the Chamber Members Named to Power 100 Business Leaders of Color: Nos. 100-51

Access Care Vascular and Wound Health is now a fully comprehensive center, combining advanced vascular care with our recently launched wound health services and hyperbaric oxygen therapy, all in one state-of-the-art facility. With the recent addition of Dr. Ryan Bird, a highly skilled vascular surgeon committed to patient-centered care, our team provides expert treatment for complex vascular and wound needs. Referring providers and patients can expect a seamless experience that prioritizes effective healing and collaborative communication at every stage of care.

To learn more or schedule an appt, call 716-859-3301 for Vascular and 716-740-2700 for Wound Health.

Prepare for the 2025 Garden Season!

Call the English Gardner at (716) 833-8000

They design and install gardens and hardscape, including paver patios, driveways, walkways, dry stone walls, water features, landscape lighting and more. They also offer garden maintenance services through the season. 

NARDIN ACADEMY inspires its students to reach their true potential by engaging students with the world, and enriching the Nardin community through faith, character, academic excellence, and service. Apply now for CO-ED Montessori & Kindergarten through 8th grade and for All Girls High School, 9th - 12th grade.  

The High School Entrance Exam will be held Saturday, November 23, 2024.  For more information, contact Laura Gang Gill '94, Director of High School Admissions at admissions@nardin.org or register at www.nardin.org 

It’s not too late to get your flu shot

Influenza (flu) is a contagious respiratory illness caused by viruses that infect the nose, throat, and sometimes the lungs. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. While flu viruses spread year-round, most of the time flu activity peaks between November and February.

The best way to protect yourself from the flu is by getting an annual flu shot. The flu vaccine can help reduce the intensity and duration of flu, as well as decrease flu-related illnesses, doctor visits, hospitalizations and sick days from work and school. Plus the flu shot is one of more than 60 preventive services Independent Health covers at a $0 copayment. As always, talk with your doctor if you have any questions or concerns about getting vaccinated.

Here are some other steps you can take that may help you stay health and keep the germs away:

·       Wash your hands often. Remember to wash your hands with soap and warm water throughout the day. If no sink is available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer instead or try rubbing your hands together very hard for about a minute to help break up the virus.

·       Keep your hands away from your face. The virus enters your body through your nose, mouth and eyes. Avoid touching your face, especially in public places.

·       Sneeze into your elbow. It takes practice and patience to teach young children to do this, but it’s worth the effort. Remind them to keep their hands away from their face.

·       Eat a healthy diet. Boost your intake of fruits and vegetables. Dark green, red, blue, and yellow vegetables and fruits are packed with natural infection fighters.

·       Stay physically active. Moderate to high intensity aerobic exercise, such as brisk walking, dancing and ice skating, can help increase your body’s natural defense against viruses.

·       Get adequate sleep. Lack of sleep can negatively affect your immune system. Most adults need about 7 to 9 hours of sleep for good health. It’s recommended that school-aged children get anywhere from 9 to 11 hours of sleep a night.

Prevention is your best defense against the flu and other viruses. Make sure you always practice good health habits!

https://www.independenthealth.com/IndividualsFamilies/MyHealth/$0PreventiveCareServices