Dan Heitzenrater introduced this week’s special guest speaker, Carrie Swanson, Chautauqua Chamber of Commerce Downtown Business and Events Coordinator linking the local business community with other community organizations. (Handouts distributed to attending members will also be made available online).
Carrie explained that she now distributes to businesses and civic organizations announcements of upcoming community events on a monthly basis, at least one week before each month. She invited members to inform her of upcoming events in which they are involved. Businesses are encouraged to extend hours to increase commercial opportunities during downtown events and to coordinate with other community scheduling such as school attendance and downtown visitors.
Carrie also announced a new service of promoting “shopping specials,” extended business hours to help spur downtown commerce, and themed events such as the Scandinavian Festival and Babe Ruth World Series.
A new Pearl City Hospitality Program is also now in place with a QR code posted in many places downtown for more information and a map for guidance to select businesses, features, and events.
As always, a lively Q&A session followed the presentation. Club members are again invited to view the Zoom recording on the club website to engage more fully with this always fascinating part of the meeting.
