OBSERVER Photo by Gregory Bacon

Richard Dixon speaks at the microphone after receiving a Commendation at the Chautauqua County Legislature meeting. Dixton retired from the Chautauqua County Industrial Development Agency after serving as the Chief Financial Officer. He began working for the county IDA in 2006 and is credited with contributing to “the creation and retention of thousands of jobs and the investment of hundreds of millions of dollars in the region’s economy.” Also pictured, from left, are County Legislature Chairman Pierre Chagnon, County Executive PJ Wendel, and IDA Chief Executive Officer Mark Geise.