Whizz-n-Smash

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.