Testimonials
Alan Kurtzman
President
Lancaster New York Store
We’ve been a member for as long as I’ve been here, and that’s over 40 years.
The Chamber offers programs and events that allow businesses to get together and network, to keep up with what’s going on in this area. It has offered programs that brought in speakers, rewards programs and other events that benefit members and the business community.
It’s good for the community, and it’s good to be a part of it. Every business in the area should be a member.
Dale Wittlief
Owner
Junk King of Buffalo and resident of Lancaster
The Chamber of Commerce is a great networking organization.
I’ve met a lot of good business owners through the Chamber, and that has allowed me to connect with a lot of people. I do business with a good number of Chamber members. They utilize my services; they refer customers to me, and I refer out to them. It makes me more valuable to my customers because I’m a resource for things and services other than junk removal.
The Chamber has excellent leadership, and the organization offers many ways for me to network with others in the business community. We have breakfast meetings every week. There’s a cast of us who show up almost every week, who are very loyal to it. We’ve gotten to be good friends. They also have a golf tournament that I go to every year and support. And there’s other events such as a Christmas gathering, and other types of get-togethers
It’s a really great organization for a business owner, and I highly recommend it for people who want to be part of the business community.
David Bondrow
Artistic and Executive Director
Lancaster Opera House
The Chamber is very important to the Lancaster Opera House.
If you could classify the industry that we’re in, it’s cultural tourism. The Chamber has been essential in building our network and providing necessary networking opportunities.
The theater business has so many things that come up. After the pandemic, we needed a new accounting firm to do our yearly audit, and the Chamber immediately provided the contacts to make those connections. When we need sponsorships for different shows, the Chamber helps us connect. If a particular show has a certain theme, we try to find a business that connects to it. They help make those connections for sponsorships.
They have village-wide events such as the wine walk, and that brings people to the area who may not have ever been to the opera house.
I’m very optimistic about Lancaster. I’m seeing the Chamber and businesses talk and work together more productively than I’ve seen in the past. I’m seeing a synergy with the business community, facilitated by the Chamber, that is very refreshing.
Mike Patti
Regional Vice President
Tops Friendly Markets
As part of our Tops Neighbors Helping Neighbors philosophy, we have been proud to be a Lancaster Chamber of Commerce member for many years. We started as a small business in 1962 but have grown thanks to the amazing support of our associates and customers. Hence we know and appreciate the value and position of small companies and the opportunities they face.
While the staff and board do an amazing job guiding and supporting small businesses, they are also very helpful to large companies. From the variety of programs they do locally that allow our stores to participate in and learn from to hosting events that connect people in our local community, it is incredibly beneficial to all. Thanks for all you do!
Jim Everett
President
Performance Advantage Company
The Chamber is there as a support mechanism, and it’s done a great job of that, especially for young and upcoming businesses in our community. They are constantly looking for ways to expand the programs they offer.
They have been an integral part of the development of the downtown business district. We have been in a revival mode for the past four or five years, with a lot of new businesses such as a local bakery, toy store, meat market, and numerous other retailers. We’ve developed quite a diverse commercial area in a small-village business district, and the Chamber has been a large part of the foundation in helping to develop this. They provide the information and support that these companies need to grow.
I’m a big supporter of the Chamber, and our company will continue to be a member and support their efforts moving forward.
Deborah Glowny
BankonBuffalo
VP/Community Office Manager
Chamber vice president
The Chamber is here to serve the community, and to assist with the development of local businesses. Our focus is to make personal connections, for networking as well as education. We assist all individuals and businesses – from start-ups to small companies, to manufacturers.
The Chamber is indeed a vital part of the community, as our intent is to enhance the quality of local businesses. If a merchant is looking for a space, we provide them with a point of contact to assist. We maintain excellent relationships with the Village of Lancaster, Depew, Elma plus some of its surrounding towns and villages.
We strive to work hand-in-hand with local merchants to organize events that bring attention to their stores. For example, we hold a Wine Walk every fall that successfully brings customers to the stores/businesses of the Village of Lancaster. Last year’s attendance was 525 people.
We host many events throughout the year, including a women’s luncheon that is held once a month. This event is not only for women but focuses mainly on topics that are important to women in business.
Every community needs a local Chamber. The Chamber of Commerce provides opportunities for networking, marketing, learning opportunities and seminars, social responsibility, and giving back to the communities where we live and/or work.