CHAMBER LAUNCHES NEW WEBSITE
Featuring a series of improvements for members, the Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce has a new website up and running.
The new site provides enhanced search capabilities for chamber members, including a mobile application available to smart-phone users and embedded links to Google Maps. The new online business directory also allows users to search by business name, keyword, or listing category. In addition, the new website allows members to make online payments for events at the time of registration and for membership dues - something the chamber was not able to provide in the past. The website, which is directly linked to the chamber's membership database, allows for more efficient tracking of referrals to businesses.
Very soon, each chamber member will receive an email which will include a log-in and password so that they can access and make changes to their own member information online.
Chamber President and CEO Todd Tranum said, "This new website will provide a great deal of value add for all of our members. We are very excited to roll this out, not just for the new online capacity we can offer, but also because the site provides a great deal of ease in navigation and a new, cleaner look that we feel reflects a positive image for our entire county."
Key navigation sections in the new site are: Live, Work & Play; Member Benefits, the Business Directory; About the Chamber; News & Events; and Community Chambers.
The Live, Work& Play section provides easy access to local housing and health care information as well as attractions, tourism information and economic development information. Member Benefits speaks directly to members and potential members who are interested in all the chamber has to offer including marketing opportunities, health insurance and employee benefits, networking, public policy and advocacy, and the Shoptauqua Gift Check program. The About the Chamber section includes important contact information, a board of directors list, and the chamber mission and initiatives. Events and News offers a complete events calendar as well as the monthly online VOICE newsletter page. The Community Chambers section provides a landing page for each of the six community chambers in Chautauqua County.
"The potential in the new website is enormous," Tranum said. "As we continue to develop each of these sections, this site will provide vital information and updates for chamber members, area visitors, and others who are simply seeking businesses or information in and about Chautauqua County."
BUILD YOUR OWN WEBSITE
As part of its ongoing Social Media Training for Businesses, the Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce and the JCC Continuing Education office will host a hands-on series of courses allowing local businesses to design and build their own websites. Working with a professional trainer, participants can bring their own business information and ideas, and the instructor will walk you through the process to set up your own site.
Classes will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays in July as follows: July 10, 12, 17, and 19. In just eight hours over the course of two weeks, your business can be online in a website you create yourself. Instructor Jean McGowan will work hands-on with attendees and Dreamweaver software is included.
This course is being offered to both chamber members and nonmembers for free as part of a social media training series provided through Amazing County funding from the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation, the Northern Chautauqua Community Foundation and the Knight Foundation.
To register call JCC's Office for Continuing Education at 338-1005. Register soon since class size is limited.
DOES YOUR BUSINESS NEED
HEALTH INSURANCE?
The Community Chamber Development Corporation, a subsidiary of the Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce, is providing outreach and assistance to small businesses on health care and health insurance. As part of the statewide Small Business Assistance Program network established through the Community Service Society of New York, CCDC is working to meet the needs of employers and employees.
CCDC, a subsidiary of the Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce, can help small businesses navigate the complexities of health care coverage and health insurance enrollment. Staff is available to work with small groups or in individual meetings. For more information or to set up an appointment call 366-6200 or 484-1101.