Monica Simpson

Event will take place Saturday, Oct. 19 in Dunkirk, NY  DUNKIRK, NY – The CHQ Professionals Group is set to host its inaugural Halloween Party on Saturday, Oct. 19, from 6 to 10 p.m. at the Clarion Hotel in Dunkirk. The event is designed to bring together professionals from across Chautauqua County for a night of networking and entertainment in a festive atmosphere. The event is open to all professionals aged 21 and older. Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 at the door. Attendees can enjoy face painting by local artist Patti, tarot card readings, and a chance to meet Medium Ivy River. Steelbound Brewery will cater the event, featuring authentic Indian cuisine, and a cash bar will be available. The evening will also include a costume contest, with prizes awarded for the best individual, best couple, and best group (three or more people). A photographer will be on hand to capture the night’s highlights. “This is a great opportunity for local professionals to connect and celebrate together,” said Monica Simpson, co-chair of the CHQ Professionals Group. “We’re excited to partner with the Clarion Hotel and Steelbound Brewery for our first Halloween Party and look forward to welcoming both new and returning members.” The CHQ Professionals Group is supported by its sponsors: Silver Sponsors: DFT Communications, Larson-Timko Funeral Home, Botox Barn, and Clarion Hotel Bronze Sponsor: Cattaraugus County Bank In addition to hosting events, the CHQ Professionals Group distributes a monthly newsletter, shares local job postings, and is actively seeking more volunteer opportunities related to workforce and career development. For more information or to purchase tickets, email CHQprofessionals@gmail.com or call 716-363-3770. More details can be found at ChooseCHQ.com/CHQProfessionals. About the CHQ Professionals Group - The CHQ Professionals Group, housed under CCPEG, aims to provide social, civic, educational, and networking opportunities for professionals at every stage of their careers. For more information, visit ChooseCHQ.com/CHQProfessionals. About CCPEG - The Chautauqua County Partnership for Economic Growth (CCPEG) serves as the main convener of economic development partners and resources in Chautauqua County. As an initiative of the Chautauqua Region Economic Development Corporation (CREDC), CCPEG acts as the catalyst for advancing economic prosperity, focusing on job creation, retention, and quality of life enhancements. For more information, visit CHQPartnership.org.

Group will work to build networking opportunities for all professionals working in Chautauqua CountyDunkirk, NY -- The Chautauqua County Partnership for Economic Growth (CCPEG) is excited to announce it will be serving as the parent organization of the recently rebranded CHQ Professionals Group. The CHQ Professionals Group was originally founded in 2016 as the Northern Chautauqua Young Professionals group to provide professionals living and working in the north county an opportunity to network with one another, while also helping to grow and strengthen the community. Last month, the group announced it was rebranding itself as the CHQ Professionals Group and celebrated with a kick-off event at When Pigs Fly, in collaboration with CHQ Chamber. “The recent rebranding effort reflects a commitment to create a more inclusive group that serves professionals of all ages from across Chautauqua County,” said Monica Simpson, Partner Engagement Coordinator at CCPEG and co-chair of the CHQ Professionals Group. "Our goal is to facilitate connections that foster both personal and professional growth.” To help expand its reach, the CHQ Professionals Group will be housed under CCPEG. This will help provide the group with the resources needed to carry out its mission, while also assisting CCPEG with one of its key initiatives over the next couple years. “By making the group an initiative of CCPEG, it will receive support for its various networking events and community projects. CCPEG will also benefit by having a group that can promote and leverage our recently launched Live CHQ talent attraction and retention initiative. It’s a win-win for both,” said Nate Aldrich, Chautauqua County Economic Development Coordinator and CCPEG Manager. According to Simpson, the CHQ Professionals Group is already working to expand its membership to include any professional living and/or working in Chautauqua County. Members can be from any occupation and there is no cost to participate. All that is needed is a willingness to meet with other professionals in the area and help strengthen ties between communities and across the county. The group will continue to work with other networking organizations from throughout the county. The Chautauqua Professionals Group will also continue to host signature events, including: Networking Opportunities, including a joint mixer with JYP on Friday, September 20, at Johnson Estate Winery, and a new Halloween Party on Saturday, October 19, at the Clarion Hotel in Dunkirk. The group will also be present at all CHQ Chamber events. Educational Opportunities focused on leadership and professional skill development, scheduled for spring 2025. Volunteer Initiatives, including the ongoing partnership with the United Ways of Chautauqua County for Literacy Day, also in spring 2025. Fundraising for Kids with events like Jingle at the Rocks, in partnership with Dunkirk-Fredonia Rotary, to support the Toys for Tots project. This year’s event will be held on Thursday, December 5, at 64 on the Rocks in Fredonia. In addition to these events, CHQ Professionals Group distributes a monthly newsletter and shares local job postings. The group is also actively seeking more volunteer opportunities related to workforce and career development. “We live in a wonderful county, and inclusivity is key. We will continue to collaborate with other similar organizations such as the Jamestown Young Professionals (JYP), CHQ Chamber, and Chautauqua Leadership Network (CLN) while also expanding our reach,” Simpson said. Anyone interested in connecting with the CHQ Professionals Group, please reach out to Monica Simpson at CHQprofessionals@gmail.com or call 716-363-3770. More information about the group can also be found at ChooseCHQ.com/CHQProfessionals. About the CHQ Professionals Group - The CHQ Professionals Group, housed under CCPEG, aims to provide social, civic, educational, and networking opportunities for professionals at every stage of their careers. For more information, visit ChooseCHQ.com/CHQProfessionals. About CCPEG - The Chautauqua County Partnership for Economic Growth (CCPEG) serves as the main convener of economic development partners and resources in Chautauqua County. As an initiative of the Chautauqua Region Economic Development Corporation (CREDC), CCPEG acts as the catalyst for advancing economic prosperity, focusing on job creation, retention, and quality of life enhancements. For more information, visit CHQPartnership.org.

Local businesses invited to participate by giving baskets to new employees moving to Chautauqua CountyLive CHQ Welcome Baskets with (L-R) Daniel Hietzenrater, President & CEO Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce; Monica Simpson, Partner Engagement Coordinator at Chautauqua County Partnership for Economic Growth; Nate Aldrich, Economic Development Coordinator for the County of Chautauqua Industrial Development Agency; Mark Geise, Deputy County Executive for Economic Development. (Media Release Provided by Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce) JAMESTOWN, NY: -- As part of a talent attraction plan to bring new, skilled workers to local businesses and organizations, the Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce and the Chautauqua County Partnership for Economic Growth (CCPEG) have teamed up on a new Welcome Basket promotion. Welcome baskets have been specifically designed in two sizes to meet a variety of needs, and each contains a myriad of local products curated by Chamber of Commerce staff from local businesses and producers. Products are tucked into branded Live CHQ buckets that coordinate with the county’s new Live CHQ campaign that highlights the excellent quality of life and affordable living options here in Chautauqua County. Thanks to a subsidy provided by CCPEG, the first two baskets purchased by any company or organization will be half-price. The subsidized purchases are for talent attraction or new hires ONLY and are not designed for general gift-giving. After the first two, you must purchase the baskets at full price. The Chamber has selected the local items and is selling the Welcome Baskets through its website. Proceeds from the sales will go towards perpetuating the program. Chamber President and CEO Daniel Heitzenrater noted, “We are proud to be part of this new program and look forward to making it work into the future. Our team has been involved from the outset, assisting with choosing locally made items to include.” “I especially want to thank our Coordinator Denise Szalkowski for serving on the committee that helped to get this project off the ground, and for collecting items for the first baskets,” he added. "We are delighted to introduce this program, which underscores our commitment to fostering a welcoming and supportive environment for recruits and new residents," said Monica Simpson, Partner Engagement Coordinator at CCPEG. "Each participant will receive a Live CHQ collapsible basket, thoughtfully packed with the flavors of Chautauqua County and our soon-to-be-released updated relocation guide. This initiative is designed to provide the resources and community connections that will help individuals thrive both personally and professionally in our county. We believe that by investing in our new members, we are not only enhancing their future but also enriching the fabric of our entire community." Items included in the initial Welcome Baskets are from a variety of local producers including 21 Brix Winery, Portland; Big Tree Maple, Lakewood; Borsari Foods, Jamestown; Chai's Chocolates, Fredonia; Chautauqua Soap Co., Jamestown; CK Natural Fruit Juice, Westfield; Crown Street Roasting Company, Jamestown; Franklins Honey & Apples, Dewittville; Jamestown Community College, Jamestown; Jo Jo's Cake Cottage, Dunkirk; Peterson Farms, Jamestown; Southern Tier Brewing Company, Lakewood; SUNY FSA Bookstore, Fredonia; Sweeterson Farms, Clymer; and Whizz-n-Smash, Dewittville. Additional items will be rotated into the baskets over time. Live CHQ Welcome Baskets can be purchased through the ecommerce page at ChautauquaChamber.org. Small baskets are $54 including sales tax, while large baskets are $108 including sales tax. To purchase Welcome Baskets with a purchase order or invoice please contact the Chamber at (716) 484-1101.