The Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce (CCCC) and Manufacturers Association of the Southern Tier (MAST) have partnered with the Chautuauqua County Health Network (CCHN) to develop a plan to expand insurance coverage in the small group and individual market of Chautauqua County. To fund the research and developlment of the "Small Business Access Insurance Initiative," the New York State Health Foundation (NYSHealth), a private foundation based in New York City, has awarded this partnership a grant in the amount of $99,223.

"I am thrilled that we were able to support this partnership to expand insurance coverage in the small group and individual markets of Chautauqua County," said NYSHealth President and CEO James R. Knickman. "Coalitions like this are an innovative and effective way to address the rising health insurance premiums faced by small businesses. Strengthening our health care infrastructure and improving the health of New Yorkers require important investments, and NYSHealth is committed to supporting projects like this one."

"We are taking pro-active steps to mitigate the cost of health insurance and identify a means to provide more options to our small business members," said Todd Tranum, President/CEO, CCCC and Executive Director of MAST. "The rising cost of health insurance is making insurance unattainable for many of our members. We have to do something different. We have a plan and now thanks to the New York State Health Foundation, we have resources to back our effort."

"Rising health insurance costs, along with available health care coverage, are two of the significant issues of our times," stated David Dawson, President of MAST. "As an association that has represented businesses in the area for 108 years, we find health care and insurance coverage to be recurring issues throughout all points in our history. We see this new private sector initiative as recognition that MAST has already been at the forefront of all business groups in the state addressing innovative health care issues. We look forward to working with the groups mentioned above to develop affordable solutions for the individual and small business market in our area."

"We are grateful to the New York State Health Foundation for their support of this important initiative," stated Doug Mahany, Chairman of the Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce. "The 'Small Business Access Insurance Initiative' project is a direct creation of the partnership between CCCC and MAST. This partnerhsip is a demonstration of great strides that can be achieved by working together to provide greater benefits for its members and the county. Securing this grant says a lot about the partnerhip between the Chamber and MAST and reinforces the fact that the collaboration of our organizations can and will continue to deliver added value to the business community," continued Mahany.

"We are excited to be a part of this collaboration and look forward to working with the business community on this important endeavor," sated Ann Abdella, Executive Director of the Chautauqua County Health Network.

The Chamber in partnership with Manuaracturers Association is the community's leading advocate and champion for business. The primary objective of the organizations is to create a climate of growth and success in Chautauqua County. The Chamber and the Manufacturers Association provide leadership and business-building initiatives that focus on the critical priorities of the business community. By leveraging the support, talent, and resources of its members, the Chamber in partnership with the Manufacturers Association are leading the business community to help improve the economic vitality and quality of life for everyone.

NYSHealth, whose mission is to expand health insurance coverage, increase access to high-quality health care services, and improve public and community health was established by the State of New York with charitable funds from the privatization of Empire Blue Cross/Blue Shield.