It’s no secret that the COVID-19 pandemic has been a challenge for businesses of all shape and size in Warren County and across the nation.

Next week’s Warren County Chamber of Business & Industry recruitment week events are aimed at making further connections in the local business community.

“The top benefits of being a chamber member are networking opportunities between other businesses of the community, access to valuable sources of information and resources, and supporting local,” Savannah Casey, the chamber’s administrative assistant said. “Networking allows for a greater reach of potential customers and clients.”

She outlined some additional benefits to membership: “The Chamber provides resources from grants to small business startups and can answer pretty much any question someone could come up with. We can be the liaisons between one company and another and help support redevelopment within our community.

“Supporting local and keeping our economy thriving is the backbone of every small town community. Without one another our community will not grow, thrive and survive.”

Recruitment week kicks off on Monday and Tuesday, Nov. 16-17, with “Meet and Greet Days” where non-members can come meet with WCCBI staff. Any business entity — member or not — will have a crack at some free advertising and a free membership.

On Thursday, Nov. 19, the chamber is holding an “Open Forum Night.”

“Every business of Warren County is welcome to attend,” Casey said “We want to hear from you! Your issues, the concerns you see in our community, how COVID has directly affected your company and how WCCBI can better serve your organization….” Anyone interested in attending is encouraged to RSVP and virtual participation is a possibility.

Next Friday, the chamber will be holding another edition of their “Eggs & Issues” breakfasts at the Conewango Club. That requires an RSVP as well.

Casey said the chamber will provide an annual update and also discuss upcoming initiatives set for 2021.

The chamber is also working on a new “Chamber Chatter” that will highlight member businesses live on Facebook. The first episode in the series — which will be held on Tuesdays and Thursdays — is set for Nov. 17 at 9 a.m.