It is October, and the Chamber is busy planning our biggest night of the year with The Event – Celebrating Business Excellence at Salvatore's Italian Gardens on Monday, October 23, 2023. With over 425 people already registered, we will once again shatter attendance records, and we know it is in large part due to our incredible list of honorees. This year, we proudly present the following recipients with their respective awards:

Each of these honorees has made a significant impact in our community and displayed an unwavering commitment to excellence, innovation, and community service. We admire and acknowledge their achievements and contributions to society. If you are interested in attending, we highly encourage you to get your tickets ahead of time; you can register here.

While our member services team is busy preparing for The Event, our member benefits team works around the clock to ensure you and your business are covered! With open enrollment upon us, you will be hearing from our benefits team regarding the updated health insurance rates for 2024, who can assist in selecting benefits for your team. We remain the only Chamber in Western New York to have its own in-house benefits team, and just like our mission of being an extension of your brand, we work tirelessly to ensure the people you care most about have the proper insurance. If your business is not currently receiving benefits from the Chamber, please feel free to reach out. Our team of professionals is here with answers to all your questions about changes in benefits, deductibles, and so much more. Please email benefits@amherst.org to set up an appointment today.

On Thursday October 12th, we will host our fourth and final New Member Orientation of this year. New Member Orientation is a great way for new Chamber members to meet other chamber members in a relaxed setting while learning about all the benefits of Chamber membership. We provide a thorough overview of membership and ways we can be an extension of your brand. While the bulk of attendees are members who have joined in the last quarter, we encourage any member to join us that day, or if you have new representatives, it is a great way to assist them in becoming more acquainted with all our offerings. If you are interested in attending, please register here... READ MORE.

Learn more at the New Member Orientation on 10/12/2023 or email for more information, benefits@amherst.org

You can observe this from just about anywhere (with clear skies) using the SAFE methods described here.

Your mood and your mental health affect every aspect of your life, including your own physical health. Unfortunately, it's not easy being upbeat all the time. Everything from work deadlines to rainy days can easily send your mood sinking and stress levels soaring.

Do you need to reboot your mood? Here are some simple ways to make yourself feel happier, less stressed and more energized:

1.     Get a move on. Physical activity stimulates various brain chemicals and releases feel-good endorphins that may leave you feeling happier and more relaxed. Exercise may also make you feel better about your appearance and yourself, which can boost your confidence and improve your self-esteem. Stretch your arms and legs or take a brisk 20-minute walk. You will feel better in no time.

2.     Tap into your spiritual side. Whether it’s prayer, meditation, mindfulness or restorative yoga, research shows that spiritual practices can change brain structure in a way that promotes a sense of well-being. As a part of your day, set aside some time for spiritual healing. It will lift your spirit and reduce stress.

3.     Pump up the music. Studies show listening to music is a healthy way to make your day more enjoyable. The right music can help lower blood pressure, reduce stress, boost your mood and change your attitude. Therefore, load up your smartphone or media device and create a playlist that will make you smile -- whether you're at work or working out.

4.     Lighten up. Bright-light therapy can create a better mood and sounder sleep. An hour of bright indoor light a day was as effective as antidepressants – and had no side effects. You can also light up your life by being outside in the sun and getting some natural Vitamin D.

5.     Give a hug. Physical affection alleviates stress reactions. We release the hormone oxytocin when touched, which elevates feelings of attachment, connection, trust and intimacy. Hugging can also improve our physical health, as it can lower our heart rate, blood pressure, and levels of the stress hormone cortisol.

Remember, boosting your mood and helping yourself feel more positive is a great thing to do, both for your mind and your body.