In Episode 13, Vincent and Warren welcome Jamestown Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Emily Bivens back to the Ope’n Forum to tackle a word that can sound a lot more political than it really is: advocacy.

Emily explains why advocacy is at the heart of what a Chamber of Commerce does and why it can look very different depending on what a business or community needs. Sometimes it means looking into legislation that could affect a member. Other times it means making a referral, connecting two businesses, supporting community beautification or simply helping a member find the right person or resource.

The conversation gets into a real example involving Bison 6 Cinema, why the Chamber gives member businesses referrals first, how events like Buffalo Days can advocate for the image of a community, and why the relationships the Cham ...