Prepare your business for the summer tourist season.

 Prepare your business for the summer tourist season.

It looks like we've moved fast into the late spring and into summer mode in Chotaqua County, which means our tourist season is just around the corner. Is your business ready?

Indicators can be important to drive traffic to your business. Even if you have a scary sign in front of your building, will pedestrians see it from under the road? Do you need an open flag, or a sandwich board for sidewalk advertising? This can be a great time to add something that will help keep your business focused. Be sure to check the local ordinance before investing in the indicator to make sure you are complying.

We are well aware that many local businesses are in hiring mode, such as hotels, restaurants, retailers, campuses, and more, working to prepare for what is expected to come next summer. I will have a busy tourist season. When hiring new employees, it's always a good idea to remind them of the basics of being a strong ambassador to your area.

 It's no secret that frontline workers are usually first - and often single - a visitor may have a conversation with a local resident. This store is perfect for clerks, restaurant waiting staff, and front desk or housekeeping staff. Fortunately, resources are available to help prepare your staff for the best steps in our county when they encounter guests. If your staff is excited about what to see, do and experience in Chautauqua County, your guests and customers are more likely to enjoy their stay.

Chautauqua County has a lot to offer both residents and visitors alike. In addition to attractions and year-round recreational opportunities, dozens of community and special events are coming up in the next few months. So, when a guest or guest asks, "What else to do here", the answer is "A lot! 

If your business has a brochure rack, consider offering brochures from some of the major local attractions, or the extremely helpful and popular Chautauqua County Visitors Guide created and distributed by the Chautauqua County Visitors Bureau. The CCVB Online Calendar at tourchautauqua.com is a great resource for anyone looking for upcoming events or programs. We ask you to plan for the coming summer now!

Register for Tuesday's Negotiation: Marketing Your Business Managemet

The Chamber is pleased to provide another in our ongoing series of Tuesday Talk Panel Discussions on Business. This next event focuses on marketing your business, with Laurie Mee from Spectrum Reach to discuss video marketing and marketing fun, and SnowCrest Digital & Marketing, owner of Business Development, and Internet / E for Resources. Commerce Manager Chris Anderson Center to discuss the importance of online marketing and website development.

This Tuesday talk event will be held on Tuesday, May 17 at 8:30 AM via Zoom. The events are designed to give local businesses the opportunity to learn about important topics from their own desks or mobile devices. Registration is free, but to get the zoom link you must register through the Chamber's web calendar of events.

Tuesday's talks are sponsored by Forecon, LaBella Associates, OBSERVER and The Post-Journal.

Business after hours in the group on May 24

Enjoy a small space in Lakewood as the Chamber brings hours after business to Ther Happy, 103 Chotaqua Avenue Group in downtown. Join your fellow Chamber of Commerce members for this networking event as you enjoy the appetite and cash bar while getting to know other local business people.

Chamber members can send two people to each Business of Hours event at no cost. The cost is only $ 10 for non-members or for additional members above the first two. Be sure to bring business cards and be ready for a quick overview of your business so others can get to know you.

After-hours business is sponsored by Ther-Happy Group through Ther-Happy Group, Media One Radio Group, OBSERVER, and The Post-Journal. Register online now through the Chamber's Events Calendar.