On behalf of the County of Chautauqua Industrial Development Agency (CCIDA), I would like to express our excitement regarding our successes in 2019, and our vision for the future of Chautauqua County.

In last year’s Vision article, I discussed the good momentum underway with the realization of projects such as the Chautauqua Harbor Hotel, National Comedy Center, 320 Roberts Road Freezer LLC (Fieldbrook/Wells Freezer Warehouse), Athenex, and other great projects completed or currently in process of being constructed. Following CCIDA transactions in 2019, we can now add well over a dozen new projects to the list as a result of the CCIDA and County Economic Development’s activities, including (but not limited to): $5.3 million Rural Broadband Project; $3.5 Million in Equipment Upgrades to Growers Cooperative Grape Juice Company in Westfield; the construction of a new $2.7 million building by The Stannard Group in Mason Industrial Park; $89 million project at Wells (formerly Fieldbrook Farms) for plant upgrades in Dunkirk; $765,000 project with S. St. George Enterprises for a facility addition in Fredonia; $2.7 million purchase of a facility by Dahlstrom Rollform, and funding for Grahams Food Market in Sherman (to name a few). All said, the CCIDA’s activities in 2019 resulted in approximately $155 million of investment in the county, the creation of 190 full-time jobs, and the retention of 650 full-time jobs. This was a very good year for the CCIDA!

The CCIDA is an economic development organization, aligned with the county but a separate entity, which is authorized and empowered by the State of New York to make Chautauqua County a better place to work, live, and visit. We facilitate development by attracting new businesses, while promoting the retention and expansion of existing businesses. The CCIDA may provide financial incentives in the form of tax abatements, low interest loans, and bond financing. These programs enhance the opportunities for job creation and retention for our businesses.

Our economic development team at the CCIDA is busy servicing the economic development and business needs of the community. We accomplish this by working collaboratively with the County’s Division of Economic Development, as well as the economic and business development service providers, businesses, and other organizations throughout the region. The CCIDA staff welcomes any and all opportunities or questions, no matter how big or small they may be. Please reach out and someone from our team will be happy to assist you. The main office telephone number is (716) 661-8900.