Amherst Chamber of Commerce
Headquartered in Williamsville, NY, the Amherst Chamber of Commerce was established in the mid-20th century to serve the emerging business community of the Town...
Headquartered in Williamsville, NY, the Amherst Chamber of Commerce was established in the mid-20th century to serve the emerging business community of the Town of Amherst during its period of rapid suburban growth. Over the decades, the Chamber has significantly expanded its scope, transitioning from a localized township business association to a highly influential business advocacy group that serves the entire Western New York region. Located in the Essjay business corridor, the Chamber has historically acted as a primary catalyst for commercial development, commercial infrastructure projects, and small business support.
The Chamber serves a diverse membership of over 1,500 businesses, entrepreneurs, and professional organizations across Amherst, the Northtowns, and the broader Buffalo-Niagara region. Its demographics represent a broad cross-section of the local economy, ranging from retail shops and dining establishments in suburban hamlets to high-tech startups in commercial office parks and medical practitioners in major healthcare facilities. The Chamber is highly committed to fostering a supportive, inclusive environment where minority-, women-, and veteran-owned businesses can thrive.
The primary mission of the Amherst Chamber of Commerce is to cultivate a prosperous business climate in Western New York by helping its members prosper, thus uplifting the entire community. Operating as a private, non-profit organization, the Chamber's mandate focuses on professional development, economic advocacy, business education, and regional connectivity. It advocates actively for public policies that foster small business growth, commercial investment, and workforce development.
The Amherst Chamber of Commerce operates several key initiatives, including its highly popular Emerging Business Leaders (EBL) professional group, an in-house health insurance brokerage assisting small businesses with benefit administration, and the widely recognized "Shop 716" e-gift card initiative, which encourages local spending and supports Western New York merchants. Through major networking events, grand openings, and business workshops, the Chamber has a profound impact on the local economy, acting as a vital connection point for WNY business leaders.