NIL
Essential HR Compliance Tools
Owners of small businesses generally go into business because they are passionate about a certain kind of product or service. This is very true for restauranteurs and retailers, as well as for providers of services like landscaping, marketing, website development, printers, and others that work in very specific fields. But often reality sets in and […]


Owners of small businesses generally go into business because they are passionate about a certain kind of product or service. This is very true for restauranteurs and retailers, as well as for providers of services like landscaping, marketing, website development, printers, and others that work in very specific fields. But often reality sets in and a small business owner is then faced with also being the accountant, HR Director, marketing director, and analyst. But rest assured, the CHQ Chamber can help with some HR needs and essential compliance tools.
In partnership with the Manufacturers Association of the Southern Tier, the CHQ Chamber provides a variety of tools through the Zywave Performance Suite that can help business owners with compliance and risk management, education and training, and people management. These tools can be essential for businesses that have employees, but don’t have the capacity to hire a full-time HR person.
Included in the compliance and risk management toolkit are a professionally curated content library that is frequently updated with new information as laws and regulations change at the federal and state levels, as well as an OSHA log, compliance apps such as a benefit document builder, job description builder, compliance poster builder and more.
The education and training section features a client portal and the Zywave Learning Management System. Through Zywave LMS, all members of the CHQ Chamber and MAST can easily comply with the New York State requirement to fulfill sexual harassment prevention workplace training annually, and track employee completion of the program.
Managing employees becomes easier when members use the employee handbook builder, performance review builder, sample job descriptions and more. There is an HR Hotline available as well for use when specific issues arise in your workplace.
The sexual harassment prevention compliance tool is built into the Chamber’s Main Street I base tier of membership. Additional tools are available at the Main Street II and higher membership levels. The complete Zywave Learning Management System course catalog is available to view through our website at www.chqchamber.org/human-resource-tools.
BUSINESS AFTER HOURS AT THE ATHENAEUM HOTEL
The next CHQ Chamber Business After Hours will be held Wednesday, April 30 at the grand Athenaeum Hotel at Chautauqua Institution. You can enjoy this beautiful setting along with complimentary appetizers and a cash bar from 5-6:30pm.
All local businesspeople are welcome. CHQ Chamber Business After Hours events are free for two people from each Chamber member organization. The price is just $10 for non-members or anyone above the two-person limit. Registration is appreciated for our planning purposes but is not required. Registering in advance gets you on our “Who’s Who in the Room” list. Registration is open now through our web calendar at www.chqchamber.org.
Business After Hours at the Athenaeum Hotel is sponsored by the Athenaeum Hotel, Brooks-TLC Hospital System, Chautauqua Institution, Chautauqua Marina, Kinetic Business, M&T Bank, Southern Chautauqua Federal Credit Union, Jamestown Community College, Media One Radio Group, Observer, and The Post-Journal.
PARTICIPATION MAKES A DIFFERENCE
The first quarter of 2025 has flown by, and here at the CHQ Chamber we have been focused on programs and events that make a difference for local businesspeople. Our calendar for this year is almost full as we finalize dates and venues for a handful of remaining events, including working with some partner organizations on some new ventures.
The first weekend in May we will work with the Small Business Development Center to recognize all local small businesses during National Small Business Week. We are planning a series of walk-abouts in communities all over Chautauqua County featuring some fun ways to thank small businesses and show them they are valued.
Business After Hours networking events are set for the rest of the year now and will be held all over the county including the Athenaeum Hotel at Chautauqua, kicking off the Jamestown Tarp Skunks season in Jamestown, Cabana Sam’s and Sunset Bay Beach Club in Irving, Liberty Vineyard in Sheridan, Full Strength Coffee in Westfield, and Southern Tier Brewing Company in Lakewood.
The annual Chamber Golf Tournament is set for August at Peek ‘n Peak in Clymer, our Awards Banquet will be held once again at the Williams Center at SUNY Fredonia in October, and our Annual Meeting this year will be at Wicked Warren’s in Jamestown in December.
Blend all of this with a variety of community events including CHQ Chamber at the Fairgrounds in July, First Fridays in Westfield throughout the summer, Made in Falconer in early October, Small Business Saturday in November, and much more, and it’s a pretty full year. What does all this mean for you as a local businessperson? It means you have lots of occasions to gain some recognition. Showing up makes a difference. By attending CHQ Chamber events you can meet fellow businesspeople to expand your personal and professional network, develop potential partnerships, and learn more about other businesses in Chautauqua County. The opportunities are endless, and while we do need to cover costs for some events many are free for our members to participate. Chamber members can send two people to each Business After Hours for free. That can be any employees, it does not have to be the owner or manager. Chamber Business Builder Workshops are also free and are both a chance to learn some skills and tips and also network with others.
Sign up for our weekly email newsletter and email bulletins about upcoming events at www.chqchamber.org/stay-up-to-date and check our online calendar for all the details on upcoming CHQ Chamber events, and join us when you can!
NIL
Jaxson Dart NIL
Jaxson Dart, the Ole Miss Rebels’ talented quarterback, has made headlines not only for his on-field abilities but also for his innovative Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) contracts. As a Heisman Trophy contender, Dart’s marketability has skyrocketed, resulting in multiple high-profile endorsements that characterize him in the collegiate athletic space. With College Sports Network’s NFL […]

Jaxson Dart, the Ole Miss Rebels’ talented quarterback, has made headlines not only for his on-field abilities but also for his innovative Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) contracts. As a Heisman Trophy contender, Dart’s marketability has skyrocketed, resulting in multiple high-profile endorsements that characterize him in the collegiate athletic space.

How Much Is Jaxson Dart’s NIL Worth?
Jaxson Dart’s NIL valuation is estimated at $1.8 million, according to On3, a leading platform for NIL valuations. This impressive figure places him among the top earners in college football, reflecting his marketability and performance.
Major NIL Deals and Sponsorships –
- C Spire: Dart signed a season-long partnership with Mississippi-based internet provider C Spire, valued at over $100,000. The deal includes social media promotions focusing on technology’s role in improving lives.
- Nicholas Air: In a first-of-its-kind NIL agreement, Dart partnered with private jet company Nicholas Air, granting him access to their fleet for travel, training, and philanthropic endeavors. This historic deal marks the first time a college athlete has secured a private aviation endorsement.
- Dick’s Sporting Goods: Dart was featured in a back-to-school advertising campaign alongside sports commentator Kay Adams.
- EA Sports & The Grove Collective: Dart is also involved in partnerships with EA Sports and Ole Miss’s The Grove Collective, further enhancing his NIL portfolio.
- The Dairy Alliance: Dart endorsed The Dairy Alliance on October 24, 2024, and is a member of its Milk’s Got Game campaign, which informs consumers about the benefits of dairy milk in sports nutrition.
- Beats by Dre: Dart partnered with popular audio brand Beats by Dre for their Beats Elite campaign.
Dart’s Net Worth
Jaxson Dart’s net worth is estimated to be $1.8 million, considering his NIL deals and endorsements. His partnerships with prominent brands such as C Spire, Nicholas Air, and Dick’s Sporting Goods demonstrate his marketability and the financial opportunities accessible to top-tier college athletes in the NIL era.
Also Read: Wydett Williams Transfer Portal: 5 Landing Spots for the 100-Tackle, 3-INT UL-Monroe Safety
With his sustained success on the field and savvy collaborations off it, Dart defines the modern collegiate athlete navigating an evolving context of endorsements and personal branding.
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in college football, men’s college basketball, women’s college basketball, and college baseball!
NIL
Dowagiac Union High announces Class of 2025 Top 10
Dowagiac Union High announces Class of 2025 Top 10 Published 1:56 pm Thursday, April 24, 2025 From left: Markus Ottinger (Salutatorian,3.952 GPA), Guadalupe Brito (Valedictorian), Nevaeh Hemminger (Valedictorian), Lauren Balsbaugh (No. 9, 3.950 GPA), Brenna Mott (Valedictorian), Merrill Adams (No. 10, 3.920), Emerson Kruger (Valedictorian), Rebecca Guernsey (Valedictorian), Carlee Spagnoli (Valedictorian), Emma Stanger (Valedictorian). (Submitted) […]

Dowagiac Union High announces Class of 2025 Top 10
Published 1:56 pm Thursday, April 24, 2025
- From left: Markus Ottinger (Salutatorian,3.952 GPA), Guadalupe Brito (Valedictorian), Nevaeh Hemminger (Valedictorian), Lauren Balsbaugh (No. 9, 3.950 GPA), Brenna Mott (Valedictorian), Merrill Adams (No. 10, 3.920), Emerson Kruger (Valedictorian), Rebecca Guernsey (Valedictorian), Carlee Spagnoli (Valedictorian), Emma Stanger (Valedictorian). (Submitted)
DOWAGIAC — Dowagiac Union High School has announced the Top Ten Graduates from the Class of 2025.
The following students have excelled both in and out of the classroom by maintaining a superb academic record, while also participating in numerous extracurricular activities and teams. Commencement will take place at 2 p.m. Sunday, May 18 at Chris Taylor Alumni Field. This year, seven Chieftains earned 4.0 GPAs to achieve Valedictorian status.
Graduating as a Valedictorian of the Class of 2025 is Guadalupe Brito. Guadalupe is the daughter of Andres and Natalia Brito. Her high school activities include National Honor Society, National Technical Honor Society, Humanities Club, Educational Talent Search, varsity soccer and wrestling.
Her Awards include academic Award of Excellence, Academic Achievement Award, Student of the Month, Honorable Mention for soccer from the Lakeland Conference, Honorable Mention all-conference wrestling and high honors. She plans to attend Ferris State University to pursue a degree in diagnostic medical sonography and she hopes to one day become an ultrasound technician.
Also graduating as Valedictorian is Rebecca Guernsey. Rebecca is the daughter of Richard and Jennifer Guernsey. Her high school activities include golf, softball, basketball, National Honors Society, robotics and powerlifting. Her awards include National Rural Small Town Academic Award, a six-time first-team all-conference honoree – four times in golf, two for soccer – two-time first team All-State golf, three-time state qualifier.
She is also an individual regional champion in golf and is a five-time team MVP – three in golf, two in softball. She plans to attend Bethel University to get a bachelor’s degree in sports management and her career plan is to become a golf course manager and a PGA professional.
Nevaeh Hemminger is also graduating as a Valedictorian. Nevaeh is the daughter of Regina Hemminger and Chad Velthouse. Her High School activities include National Honor Society, Chieftain Heart, Humanities and National Society of High Schools. Her awards include student of the month and she was aNational Rural and Small Town Recognition Award winner. She has received High Honor Awards, First Generation Recognition Award, CTE Health and Therapeutic Awards, the Award of Academic Excellence, National Career Readiness Certificate and has been a CTE Outstanding Award recipient.
After graduation, Nevaeh plans to attend Southwestern Michigan College for another year before entering the workforce or possibly transferring to the University of Michigan. At the University of Michigan, she plans to major in business and minor in entrepreneurship. Her goal is to become a successful entrepreneur and business owner by opening a bakery within five years of graduation.
Emerson Kruger is Dowagiac’s next Valedictorian. Emerson is the daughter of Andy and Jacqueline Krueger. Activities include being Vice President of the Rotary Interact Club, secretary of Student Senate, captain of the varsity volleyball team, member of National Honor Society and also a member of the Humanities Club and Environmental Club.
Her awards include receiving High Honors and the Academic Award of Excellence. She’s been Student of the Month and had a volleyball academic All-State award. Emerson plans to attend the University of Michigan to major in kinesiology and exercise science. Emerson hopes to become either a physical or occupational therapist or work for a sports team as an athletic trainer.
Brenna Mott is also graduating as a Valedictorian. Brenna is the daughter of Jason and Stephanie Mott. Her high school activities include Vice President of the National Honor Society, treasurer of Student Senate, chair of Rotary Interact Club and a member of Humanities Club and Environmental Club. Her awards include an Academic Award of Excellence, High Honors, individual, All-State basketball and individual All-State volleyball.
Brenna plans to attend Michigan State University. In the future, she dreams of working for the Detroit Lions as a member of their managing and marketing team, where she can promote them on social media,
Graduating as a Dowagiac Valedictorian is Carlee Spagnoli. She is the daughter of Michael Spagnoli and Mickey Spagnoli. Her high school activities include softball, golf and National Honor Society. She is a member of the Career and Technical Education showcase team that represented the Dowagiac’s automotive class in Lansing.
Carlee Earned her ASE certification in maintenance, light repair and brakes. Her Awards include High honors, the Academic Award of Excellence, Academic all-state team and individual all-state for softball and golf and all-conference for golf. Carlee plans to attend Ferris State University for either radiography or nuclear medicine. She hopes to work in a hospital as a radiography tech or a nuclear medicine tech.
Dowagiac’s final Valedictorian for the Class of 2025 is Emma Stanger. She is the daughter of Mike and Melissa Stanger. Her school activities include Rotary Interact – where she was the treasurer last year and president this year – Environmental Club Leadership Team, Student Senate, National Honor Society. Humanities and Chieftain Heart.
She also represents Dowagiac in the Michigan Gateway Foundation Youth Advisory Council. Emma is a 14-year member and team captain of the Miss Michelle and Company dance team. Her Awards include High Honors, MVP, all-state and academic all-state for competitive cheer.
Emma plans to attend Purdue University and major in marketing. After graduating college, she aims to work in the sports industry being behind the scenes working on marketing.
Representing the Class of 2025 as Salutatorian is Markus Ottinger with a GPA of 3.952. He is the son of Brandon Ottinger and Sherry Chaline. Markus’ high school activities include National Honor Society, Rotary Interact and Environmental Club. His awards include receiving an Academic Award of Excellence and being recognized for high honors. He was honorable mention at the 106 and 113-pound weight class and was first team all-conference in wrestling. He was also Academic All-State for four years, a four-year wrestling varsity starter and is ASE certified in maintenance and light repair and plans to attend Western Michigan University to study computer science, computer systems and information. He hopes to become a certified information technician.
Lauren Balsbaugh is ranked number 9 with a GPA of 3.95. She is the daughter of TJ and Kelly Balsbaugh.Her high school activities include National Honor Society, Rotary Interact, Environmental Club, Student Senate, Chieftain Heart, varsity sideline cheer along with varsity competitive cheer and varsity tennis. Her awards include Certificates of Excellence all four years of high school, High honors and Academic All-State for competitive cheer. She’s been the MVP for tennis and has made all-conference in competitive cheer as well. Lauren plans to attend Saint Mary’s College and after graduation hopes to start as a registered nurse before returning to get a master’s degree to become a nurse practitioner.
Merrill Adams is ranked number 10, graduating with a GPA of 3.92. She is the daughter of John and Erin Adams. She is enrolled at Cassopolis Ross Beatty for agriculture classes and is dual-enrolled at Southwestern Michigan College. She is the Vice President of the Cassopolis FFA chapter, Michigan’s Region One FFA Reporter, is a member of Student Senate, Vice President of the Dowagiac National Honor Society and Rotary Interact Club.
She has received high honors all four years of high school and was the recipient of Green Hand, chapter and state degrees for FFA. She also received a state chapter award for FFA and placed sixth at the Michigan FFA State Convention in the prepared public speaking competition.
Merrill is currently Miss Cassopolis and Miss Congeniality 2025. She plans to attend Southwestern Michigan College for agricultural business before getting her certificate in agricultural operations from Michigan State University. After graduating, she plans to get her bachelor’s in animal science from Kansas State University’s online program. She plans to be a MagnaWave practitioner and hopes to become an agricultural science teacher.
NIL
Houston Texans announce partnership with Coyote Promotions
The Houston Texans have unveiled a multi-year partnership with Coyote Promotions, establishing them as a Proud Partner of the franchise. The extensive collaboration will see Coyote Promotions engaging with the Texans on various fronts, which is set to commence with the 2025 season, including gameday merchandising, community support initiatives, and broader brand promotion efforts. The […]


The Houston Texans have unveiled a multi-year partnership with Coyote Promotions, establishing them as a Proud Partner of the franchise.
The extensive collaboration will see Coyote Promotions engaging with the Texans on various fronts, which is set to commence with the 2025 season, including gameday merchandising, community support initiatives, and broader brand promotion efforts.
The partnership is designed to enhance the overall experience for fans, introducing promotional item opportunities that will be available throughout the season.
This strategic alliance reflects the Texans’ commitment to enriching fan engagement while simultaneously fostering valuable community connections through Coyote Promotions’ expertise.
As the partnership develops, stakeholders will be keen to observe its impact on both the Texans’ brand visibility and community outreach initiatives.
Don’t miss out on the latest in sports business – Subscribe today to the free Ministry of Sport newsletter and stay ahead of the game. For even more exclusive insights, event tickets, professional development and networking events, become a MoS Member today!
NIL
Judge Threatens To Reject $2.8 Billion House v. NCAA Settlement
Judge Threatens to Reject $2.8 Billion House v. NCAA Settlement Loading stock data… Privacy Manager 4


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NIL
Pair of Softball Players Ready to Graduate with First
Cadance Winder and Bailee Roberts came to AU on very different paths but will be part of the historic class. Winder transferred from Valdosta State and saw the program was opening up and knew right away that’s the direction she wanted to take. “I thought sports management was a great way to get involved with something I’ve […]


Cadance Winder and Bailee Roberts came to AU on very different paths but will be part of the historic class.
Winder transferred from Valdosta State and saw the program was opening up and knew right away that’s the direction she wanted to take.
“I thought sports management was a great way to get involved with something I’ve done my whole life,” said Winder
Roberts came to AU her freshman year and was originally a finance major. Once she found out about the sports management program, she knew it would be her calling.
“Sports has always been a passion and once they introduced that, I knew that was something I wanted to pursue a career in,” said Roberts.
Both Winder and Roberts know playing on the softball team has given them an advantage before they start their post-collegiate careers. Seeing how the Jaguar program is run and what it takes has been an advantage to them.
Since their classes have been all-encompassing and exposing them to many different aspects of sports management, they’ve been able to broaden their horizons, and each have had their own favorite classes.
“I really liked sports marketing; it really piqued my interest,” said Roberts.
“My favorite right now is organizational behavior in sports because it teaches you how to persuade people and how to talk with people, especially in the athletic field as a woman,” said Winder.
Roberts would eventually like to open her own softball clinic and help young girls get to where she is. Having this degree will certainly help her in that career path.
“I mainly want to focus on kids. Kids trying to come up in the athletic program and trying to go to the collegiate level because some don’t get the opportunity and are overlooked, and I want to help guide the girls to be where I am today,” added Roberts.
For Winder, she’s looking at pro sports and her dream job would be with the Atlanta Braves.
“I want to work in professional sports in the long run. Being a woman in sports is on the uptick right now,” said Winder. “I have more of an upper hand because I’ve been in sports my whole life. So just getting that hands on experience and knowing athletes and how teams are run, helps me.”
NIL
Why Today's College Basketball Players Might Never Go Pro — And Still Get Paid Like It
For years, the path for elite college basketball players was simple: dominate the NCAA, enter the NBA or WNBA draft, and start earning big. However, the game has changed since 2021, with the introduction of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) rules. Now, top college basketball players can cash in on their fame while still in […]

For years, the path for elite college basketball players was simple: dominate the NCAA, enter the NBA or WNBA draft, and start earning big. However, the game has changed since 2021, with the introduction of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) rules.
Now, top college basketball players can cash in on their fame while still in school, with some earning amounts comparable to professional salaries
Why Today’s College Basketball Stars Can Skip the NBA and Still Get Paid
The shift in the landscape means the traditional dream of going pro is no longer the only avenue for financial success. In 2025, today’s college hoopers can stay in school and still rake in substantial earnings without ever stepping foot in the NBA.
The introduction of name, image, and likeness (NIL) rights has dramatically reshaped the landscape of college basketball.
This new opportunity enables student-athletes to profit from endorsements, social media, and more while maintaining their NCAA eligibility. This new opportunity has blurred the lines between college and professional basketball, narrowing the financial gap for elite players.
The NBA is no longer the default destination for top talent. Several factors contribute to this shift. First, the NBA draft is highly competitive, with only 60 spots available annually, drawing a global pool of prospects.
Finally, NIL’s financial benefits encourage players to stay in school longer, allowing them to focus on their education and long-term career goals. Today, college players can earn substantial amounts through NIL deals, even without a professional contract.
These opportunities include collaboration deals with brands, which enable players to earn up to millions of dollars, and social media endorsements, appearances, and merchandise sales.
One of the best instances is Duke’s Cooper Flagg whose NIL value is determined to be close to $5 million—this figure is higher than the earnings of athletes playing in foreign leagues and also G-League players who have been affected by the rise of NIL.
NIL has shifted the incentives for college athletes. With financial rewards on the table, players are less inclined to leave college early. As one Reddit user pointed out:
“Rodney Rice… just signed for USC for 3 million… Can you imagine being a Rice-tier player from before this era and seeing this?”
KEEP READING: 2025 Men’s College Basketball Transfer Portal Tracker
“How pissed are pre-NIL college basketball players when they see these players getting millions per year now?”
Before NIL, players like Rice would have had to go pro to make substantial money, but today’s college stars can secure impressive earnings while still in school.
This transformation allows athletes to gain valuable experience, build their personal brands, and amass wealth—all without needing to rush into the uncertainties of the NBA draft.
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