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One of the primary objectives of the Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce and Manufacturers Association of the Southern Tier is to be an advocate for business. The overriding goal is to create a climate of growth and success for all businesses in Chautauqua County. Chamber members help to create a unified voice around public policy issues that are meaningful to a variety of businesses in our region. There are numerous issues the business community faces throughout the year. As a result, the Chamber/MAST Public Policy Committee prioritizes policy initiatives to work on. Top priority issues recently have been to advance high quality education that is aligned with regional workforce needs; improving water quality and the health of our lakes to support local economies; maintaining a focus on the upstate economy; strengthening our cities; and achieving mandate reform and regulatory changes that support business growth. To do these things we work to build coalitions and relationships that can help to drive change, including creating opportunities with the Business Council of New York state, Unshackle Upstate, the US Chamber of Commerce, National Association of Manufacturers, Manufacturers Alliance of New York State, and more. Our partnerships with these organizations put our members in networks that help to channel information to and from governments at the local, state, and federal levels. The Chamber also creates avenues for direct conversation with our elected officials. By providing opportunities access and discussion with our County Executive, State Senate and Assembly, and Congressional representatives, the Chamber facilitates strong connections between the business community and elected representatives. This year, the Chamber’s State Legislative Breakfast is scheduled for April 24 at the Lakewood Rod & Gun Club. Mark your calendar now and prepare your questions for State Senator George Borrello and Assemblyman Andrew Goodell. More information will be forthcoming about this import annual event.