(WNY News Now) – Dunkirk, 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.
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