CCIDA 2021 Annual Report

2021 YEAR-END REPORT & 2022 WORK PLAN County of Chautauqua Industrial Development Agency

& Chautauqua Region Economic Development Corporation January 1, 2021 through December 31, 2021 Mark Geise Deputy County Executive for Economic Development & CCIDA CEO

Introduction The following year-end report summarizes the transactions of the County of Chautauqua Industrial Development Agency (CCIDA) and the Chautauqua Region Economic Development Corporation (CREDC) for the period covering January 1, 2021 through December 31, 2021.

Section I summarizes all transactions approved by CCIDA and CREDC, including those for loans, incentives (federal, state, and local), and grants secured, and concludes with a tally of the total investment ($164 Million), number of permanent jobs created (314), and number of jobs retained (1,752) that will result from these development activities.

Section II summarizes what I perceive to be the top 10 economic development-related accomplishments from our activities in 2021, which extend beyond the activities of the CCIDA and CREDC to include activities of the Department of Planning & Economic Development in my role as Deputy County Executive for Economic Development.

Section III summarizes what I perceive to be our top 10 economic development-related goals for 2022 which, again, includes the activities of County Planning.

____________________________________________________________________________ Annual Report and Work Plan of CCIDA & CREDC Mark Geise, Deputy County Executive for Economic Development & CCIDA CEO January 2022

I.

CCIDA OFFICIAL TRANSACTIONS/RESOLUTIONS APPROVED BY CCIDA BOARD

January 26, 2021 Resolution 01-26-21-02 Approval of EDA Cares Act Loan Fund Disbursements – Round 2 EDA RLF CARES - Round 2 Approvals Company Name

Location

Sector

Total Amount Approved

Jobs Retained

Jobs Created

The Service Manufacturing Group, Inc.

Silver Creek

Manu/WH

$ 57,500

4

3

Monofrax, LLC

Falconer

Manu/WH

$ 125,000

130

0

Dahlstrom Roll Form

Jamestown

Manu/WH

$ 55,368

34

3

National Comedy Center

Jamestown

N-P

$ 125,000

30

0

Southern Tier Environments for Living, Inc. (STEL)

Dunkirk

N-P

$ 125,000

115

0

Kosciuszko Polish Home Association, Inc.

Dunkirk

N-P

$ 25,000

2

0

Reg Lenna

Jamestown

N-P

$ 125,000

7

0

Cleaners of Chautauqua, Inc.

Jamestown

R/C/Agri

$ 100,000

24

0

Falconer Power Sports, Inc. dba Harley Davidson of Jamestown

Jamestown

R/C/Agri

$ 125,000

23

2

Lynn Development, Inc.

Jamestown

SB

$ 125,000

6

0

Ready About Sailing, Inc.

Celoron

SB

$ 250,000

30

0

Rocky's Karate

Jamestown

SB

$ 25,000

1

2

MKJM, LLC dba The Landmark

Jamestown

Tour/Hosp

$ 250,000

12

5

Scott's Peek n' Peak, LLC

Clymer

Tour/Hosp

$ 875,000

650

3

Maple Springs Inn

Maple Springs

Tour/Hosp

$ 200,000

5

3

Lidos Cresent Inn, Inc.

Jamestown

Tour/Hosp

$ 25,000

4

0

Totals

$2,612,868

1077

21

____________________________________________________________________________ Annual Report and Work Plan of CCIDA & CREDC Mark Geise, Deputy County Executive for Economic Development & CCIDA CEO January 2022

February 23, 2021 A. Resolution 02-23-21-02 Love’s Final resolution a. Project Costs: $13,325,000 b. Number of Permanent Jobs to be created: 43 FTE (100 during construction) c. Jobs Retained: N.A. d. Project Summary: Love’s Travel Stops and Country Stores to develop a 22,000 SF travel stop in the town of Ripley at the previous 16 acre site Colonial Squire Motel location on Shortman Road that had been non-operational for many years. The facility will consist of a convenience store and fast food type restaurant, as well as a tire repair building. There will be separate areas for truck and auto fueling as well as separate truck and auto parking areas. e. Incentives: PILOT and Sales Tax Exemption

B. Resolution 02-23-21-03 Chautauqua Region Economic Development Corporation Shall Enter Into An Agreement With Chautauqua County And Agreements With Webb Hospitality Group LLC a. Project Costs: $18,331,000 b. Number of Permanent Jobs to be Created: 53 c. Jobs Retained: 5 d. Project Summary: OCR Funds to be used for furniture, fixtures and equipment to support the development of the new Webb’s Chautauqua Resort (Lodge at Chautauqua Lake). The new structure consists of 27 units (fractional ownership). Included in the build out will be a restaurant and boutique area. e. Incentives: OCR Grant Agreement in the amount of $450,000 (Term and Deferred Loan).

____________________________________________________________________________ Annual Report and Work Plan of CCIDA & CREDC Mark Geise, Deputy County Executive for Economic Development & CCIDA CEO January 2022

C. 02-23-21-04 Resolution Of The Members Of The Chautauqua Region Economic Development Corporation Approving Entry Into Agreement With The Chadwick Bay Commission a. Project Costs: N/A b. Number of Permanent Jobs to be Created: N/A c. Jobs Retained: N/A d. Project Summary: Through this agreement, CREDC provides administrative support to the Chadwick Bay Regional Commission. Governed by the chief elected officials of the nine member communities, the Commission meets regularly to take actions that accomplish projects throughout the region of northern Chautauqua County. The actions of the CBRDC will promote and enhance a comprehensive and integrated regional planning process that identifies priorities and focuses resources on those priorities. e. Incentives: N/A

April 27, 2021 A. Resolution 04-27-21-03 Taking Official Action Toward And Approving The Straight Lease Documents For A Certain Project for SL Ashville, LLC And/Or Its Affiliates a. Project Costs: $12,429,038 b. Number of Permanent Jobs to be created: 1 FTE (50 during construction) c. Jobs Retained: N.A. d. Project Summary: Construction of two solar arrays, a 5 megawatt and a 3.75 megawatt, on 33 acres of leased land located at 1606 Blockville-Watts Flats Road, Ashville. This project will provide lease income to the property owner with a more advantageous use over a previous hayfield, provide green energy to the town of Harmony residents and surrounding communities, and increase the tax base. e. Incentives: PILOT and Sales Tax Exemption ____________________________________________________________________________ Annual Report and Work Plan of CCIDA & CREDC Mark Geise, Deputy County Executive for Economic Development & CCIDA CEO January 2022

B. Resolution 04-27-21-06 Approval of EDA Cares Act Loan Fund Disbursements – Round 3 EDA RLF CARES - Round 3 Approvals Company Name

Location

Sector

Total Amount Approved

Jobs Retained

Jobs Created

Blackstone Advanced Technologies

Jamestown

Manu/WH

$473,000

79

2

Lancaster Foods, LLC

Silver Creek

Manu/WH

$85,000

6

1

Bailey Manufacturing Co., LLC

Forestville

Manu/WH

$646,609

44

8

Chautauqua County Chapter of NYSARC, Inc. dba The Resource Center Jim Turner Sales

Jamestown

N-P

$123,737

244

0

Clymer

R/C/Agri

$100,000

2

Jamestown Rental Properties, LLC (JRP)

Jamestown

SB

$100,000

3

Majestic Woods, LLC

Clymer

Tour/Hosp

$125,713

2

Meeder's Restaurant

Ripley

Tour/Hosp

$225,000

34

4

Chautauqua Lake Storage, LLC/ The Boat Works, LLC

Celoron

Tour/Hosp

$450,000

4

2

Totals

$2,369,059

424

8

May 25, 2021 A. Resolution 05-25-21-01 Americold – Final Resolution a. Project Costs: $41,373,000 b. Number of Permanent Jobs to be Created: 60 c. Jobs Retained: 0 d. Project Summary: New construction of a 175,000 square foot sophisticated cold storage (freezer) facility in the Town of Dunkirk to support Wells Blue Bunny. e. Incentives: PILOT and Sales Tax Exemption

____________________________________________________________________________ Annual Report and Work Plan of CCIDA & CREDC Mark Geise, Deputy County Executive for Economic Development & CCIDA CEO January 2022

June 22, 2021 A. Resolution 06-22-21-03 Sheridan CSG 1 – Final Resolution a. Project Costs: $7,225,000 b. Number of Permanent Jobs to be Created: 0 c. Jobs Retained: 0 d. Project Summary: 4.125 MW AC Solar Project, located in Sheridan. e. Incentives: Sales Tax Exemption

B. Resolution 06-22-21-05 Sheridan CSG 2 – Final Resolution a. Project Costs: $7,225,000 b. Number of Permanent Jobs to be Created: 0 c. Jobs Retained: 0 d. Project Summary: 4.125 MW AC Solar Project, located in Sheridan. e. Incentives: Sales Tax Exemption

C. Resolution 06-22-21-01 EDA Loan for International Ordnance Technologies, Inc. a. Project Costs: $391,775.00 b. Number of Permanent Jobs to be Created: 7 c. Jobs Retained: 28 d. Project Summary: $250,000.00 Working Capital to be used for general business expenses (COVID related issues), and $127,598.00 Equipment Loan to purchase an Endo Generator for their heat-treat line, reducing expenses and enhancing production. e. Incentives: EDA Loan $391,775 ____________________________________________________________________________ Annual Report and Work Plan of CCIDA & CREDC Mark Geise, Deputy County Executive for Economic Development & CCIDA CEO January 2022

July 27, 2021 A. Resolution 07-27-21-02 Hideaway Bay Resort, LLC Final Resolution a. Project Costs: $1,429,450 b. Number of Permanent Jobs to be Created: 40 c. Jobs Retained: 0 d. Project Summary: High-end glamping and recreation resort on the shore of Lake Erie in the Village of Silver Creek featuring 10 waterfront cabins, a café-bar/event space, and four seasons of diverse world-class active and passive recreation opportunities. e. Incentives: PILOT, Sales Tax and Mortgage Recording Tax Exemptions, AL Tech RLF Loan B. Resolution 7-27-21-06 Rak 2 Solar, LLC Approving Resolution a. Project Costs: $5,460,000 b. Number of Permanent Jobs to be Created: 1 c. Jobs Retained: 0 d. Project Summary: New construction of a 3.50 MW AC Solar Farm in the Town of Pomfret e. Incentives: PILOT, and Sales & Mortgage Recording Tax Exemptions

A. Resolution 07-27-21-07 Of The Members Of The Chautauqua Region Economic Development Corporation Approving Entry Into An Agreement With The Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Foundation For Grant Funding For The Chautauqua County Partnership For Economic Growth a. Project Costs: $1,200,000 b. Number of Permanent Jobs to be Created: N/A c. Jobs Retained: N/A ____________________________________________________________________________ Annual Report and Work Plan of CCIDA & CREDC Mark Geise, Deputy County Executive for Economic Development & CCIDA CEO January 2022

d. Project Summary: The grant award, CCPEG’s largest financial commitment to date, will extend and enhance CCPEG’s administrative and project development capacity while dedicating the majority of the funding to implementing priority projects in alignment with the county’s recently completed economic development strategic plan. This flexible funding pool is designed to provide critical local-matching dollars for catalytic economic and community development projects seeking funding from a multitude of local, state, federal, and philanthropic sources. e. Incentives: N/A

October 1, 2021 A. Resolution 10-01-21-02 42 Lake Erie, LLC Authorizing AL Tech RLF a. Project Costs: $1,459,450 b. Number of Permanent Jobs to be Created: 40 c. Jobs Retained: 0 d. Project Summary: High-end waterfront glamping and recreation resort in the Town of Hanover on 3.6 acres featuring 10 waterfront cabins, a cafébar/event space, and four seasons of diverse world-class active and passive recreation opportunities. e. Incentives: CCIDA Tax Lease/PILOT with STE and MTE, OCR loan and deferred loan B. Resolution 10-01-21-05 Rak 1 Solar, Final Resolution a. Project Costs: $7,800,000 b. Number of Permanent Jobs to be Created: 1 c. Jobs Retained: 0 d. Project Summary: New construction of a 5.00 MW AC Solar Farm in the Town of Sheridan. e. Incentives: PILOT, and Sales & Mortgage Recording Tax Exemptions ____________________________________________________________________________ Annual Report and Work Plan of CCIDA & CREDC Mark Geise, Deputy County Executive for Economic Development & CCIDA CEO January 2022

C. Resolution 10-01-21-08 Pomfret PV, Final Resolution a. Project Costs: $5,460,000 b. Number of Permanent Jobs to be Created: 1 c. Jobs Retained: 0 d. Project Summary: New construction of a 3.50 MW AC Solar Farm in the Town of Pomfret e. Incentives: PILOT, and Sales & Mortgage Recording Tax Exemptions D. 10-01-21-09 Enter into an agreement with the Village of Falconer and agreement with Jamestown Container Corporation (OCR Grant) a. Project Cost: $1.6 million b. Number of Permanent Jobs to be Created: 10 c. Jobs retained: 100 d. Project Summary: Grant funding for proceeds to be used as a $400,000 Deferred Loan, and $100,000 Term Loan administered through CREDC ($16,000 Administrative fees). e. Incentive: $516,000 through the Community Development Block Grant for partially funding new machinery and equipment in connection with the project.

E. Resolution 10-01-21-10 CREDC to Enter into an Agreement with Town of Ellicott and Agreements with Jamestown Advanced Products Corporation. (OCR Grant) a. Project Cost: $3,005,000 b. Number of Permanent Jobs to be Created: 55 c. Jobs retained: 101 d. Project Summary: Grant funding for proceeds to be used as a $367,000 Deferred Loan, and $367,000 Term Loan administered through CREDC ($16,000 Administrative fees).

____________________________________________________________________________ Annual Report and Work Plan of CCIDA & CREDC Mark Geise, Deputy County Executive for Economic Development & CCIDA CEO January 2022

e. Incentive: $750,000 through the Community Development Block Grant for funding machinery and equipment, and working capital in connection with the project. The funding will also expand its production line to include a line of implements specifically engineered for tractor dealers.

October 26, 2021 F. Resolution 10-26-21-03 YMCA Authorizing Resolution a. Project Costs: $26 Million b. Number of Permanent Jobs to be Created: N/A c. Jobs Retained: N/A d. Project Summary: Sell, at Fair Market Value, CCIDA-owned land on Harrison Street to construct new YMCA, in Jamestown, NY. e. Incentives: N/A G. Resolution 10-26-21-05 Refresco/Krog Authorizing Resolution a. Project Costs: $275,000 b. Number of Permanent Jobs to be Created: N/A c. Jobs Retained: N/A d. Project Summary: Sell land to Roberts Road Freezer, LLC for access and future development of adjacent parcels. e. Incentives: N/A December 21, 2021 H. Resolution 12-21-21-03 Final Resolution, 2 Portage, LLC a. Project Costs: $11,595,256 b. Number of Permanent Jobs to be Created: 3 ____________________________________________________________________________ Annual Report and Work Plan of CCIDA & CREDC Mark Geise, Deputy County Executive for Economic Development & CCIDA CEO January 2022

c. Jobs Retained: 0 d. Project Summary: The acquisition and adaptive re-use of the historic Welch’s Building in the Village and Town of Westfield in apartments and commercial tenant space. e. Incentives: PILOT, and Sales & Mortgage Recording Tax Exemptions I.

12-21-21-04 AL Tech Loan Request for Falcon Acquisitions, LLC a. Project Cost: $472,500 b. Number of Permanent Jobs to be Created: 4 c. Jobs retained: 17 d. Project Summary: Building purchase at 111 Cheney St., Jamestown, NY for commercial, warehouse, and office leasing. Partnered with Jamestown Local Development Corporation and Greater Jamestown Empire Zone for funding purposes. Future home of Falcon Conveyor, LLC, which will build and install conveyors for the collection of scrap metal, to be sold nationwide. Douglas Scott Clark is the applicant and owner. e. Incentive: AL Tech RLF in the amount of $154,000

J. Resolution 12-21-21-07 CREDC enter into an agreement with The Village of Silver Creek and Agreements with Adventure Sports Development, LLC (OCR Grant) a. Project cost: $1,429,450 b. Number of Permanent Jobs to be Created: 40 c. Jobs retained: 0 d. Project Summary: 10 Waterfront cabins, café’/bar/event space, and four season recreation opportunities. High-end glamping and recreation resort on Lake Erie in the Village of Silver Creek. e. Incentive: $434,000 through the Community Development Block Grant for funding furniture, fixtures and equipment, and working capital in connection

____________________________________________________________________________ Annual Report and Work Plan of CCIDA & CREDC Mark Geise, Deputy County Executive for Economic Development & CCIDA CEO January 2022

with the project. Grant funding in the form of a $217,000 deferred loan, and $217,000 term loan.

K. Resolution 12-21-21-08 CREDC enter into an agreement with The Town of Westfield and Agreements with Ghostfish Brewing Company East, LLC (OCR Grant) a. Project Cost: $265,000 b. Number of Permanent Jobs to be Created: 7 c. Jobs retained: 0 d. Project Summary: The purchase of furnishings, fixtures, and equipment to establish a brewery that will produce gluten-free beer for sale and distribution to markets in the eastern United States. It will be located in the Lake Erie Grape Discovery Center, Route 20 in the Town of Westfield. e. Incentive: Grant funding for proceeds to be used as an $89,000 Deferred Loan administered through CREDC. The Community Development Block Grant will be used for funding furniture, fixtures and equipment in connection with the project.

____________________________________________________________________________

2021 Totals (1/1/21 through 12/31/21) Total Investment Approved/Committed in 2021: $164,383,946 Total Full-time Equivalent Permanent Jobs to be created over 3 Years: 314 Total Full-time Equivalent Jobs Retained: 1,752

____________________________________________________________________________ Annual Report and Work Plan of CCIDA & CREDC Mark Geise, Deputy County Executive for Economic Development & CCIDA CEO January 2022

II.

Top 10 Economic Development – Related Accomplishments in 2021

•

Hideaway Bay Site Redevelopment – The former Hideaway Bay site was purchased by 42 Lake Erie, LLC for redevelopment as a “glamping” resort. CCIDA assisted with PILOT and Loan for this $1.2 Million project, as well as a $434,000 HUD CDBG OCR grant. Property was pulled from foreclosure 6+ years ago, and was actively marketed by the Land Bank and CCIDA for many years.

•

Welch Building Redevelopment – This Town-owned property languished for many years. CCIDA worked with Town/Village to market the site and to find a suitable developer. The Town recently signed a contract with a Savarino/Raant, Buffalo Developers, to invest more than $11 Million to restore/convert the building for a mixed-use project with commercial and housing components.

•

Americold Freezer Warehouse Facility - The CCIDA worked with Americold Real Estate to provide financial incentives for an 181,000 square foot facility costing a little over $41 Million located in the Town of Dunkirk. The facility will store Wells’ Blue Bunny Ice Cream inventory, and will create 68-70 full time jobs. This project complements the $87 Million in upgrades Wells made to the former Fieldbrook Farms facility in Dunkirk.

•

Chautauqua County Partnership for Economic Growth – CCPEG was formed in 2019 as a public-private partnership under the umbrella of CREDC (CCIDA), and represents the active participation of over 100 economic development partners from throughout the County. CCPEG is supported by the Northern Chautauqua Community Foundation, Gebbie, the CCIDA, and the County. After completing an economic development strategy for the County, CCPEG was awarded a $1.05 Million Grant from the Ralph Wilson Foundation. CCPEG worked with Business, Community, Workforce, Housing, and Tourism Development partners to identify and submit 9 state grant applications for funding, and provided technical assistance to a multitude of other applications that were submitted throughout the County. Three awards were funded.

•

ARPA Funding Award - The County was awarded $24.6 Million in American Rescue Plan funding, of which a substantial amount ($4.3 Million) has been allocated for economic development-related projects (and more than $10 Million for other infrastructure-related projects). These include: o Site acquisition for shovel-ready sites - $1.4 Million o Water/sewer infrastructure for shovel-ready sites - $1.4 Million o CCPEG for a multitude of Economic Development-related projects - $500,000 o Workforce Development Initiative with WIB, JCC, CCVB, CCIDA - $352,000 o Cornell Cooperative Extension Ag. Improvement Program - $232,540 o Marketing Assistance to Businesses and NFPs - $400,000

____________________________________________________________________________ Annual Report and Work Plan of CCIDA & CREDC Mark Geise, Deputy County Executive for Economic Development & CCIDA CEO January 2022

•

Webb’s Hospitality Resort – The CCIDA has been working with Webb’s on a new resort “hotel” in Mayville for many years. Webb’s broke ground in the summer of 2021, with the assistance of a range of incentives provided by the CCIDA.

•

Collaboration with Dunkirk and Jamestown o Dunkirk DRI Application – CCPEG/CCIDA provided technical assistance and financial contributions toward a consultant to the tune of $20,000 for the development of a Downtown Revitalization Initiative application seeking $10 Million to enhance Dunkirk’s waterfront and downtown core. Their application was not approved by ESD. o Chadakoin River Strategic Business Plan – CCIDA, CCPEG, Gebbie, BPU, RTPI, and other partners worked collaboratively on a strategic action plan for enhancing the navigability of the Chadakoin River by small motorized watercraft, from McCrea Point Boat Launch to the basin. The business plan identifies projects, both economic and environmental-related, as well as marketing recommendations, and resulted in conceptual drawings, costing, a proposed timeline, suggested partnerships, and the identification of funding sources. This project was awarded more than $1.2 Million via the CFA to implement several recommended projects, including signature gardens, channel markers, kayak launch, boat docks, tiered seating, visitor kiosk, removal of debris, etc.

•

COVID-Related Business Assistance o EDA Loan Program – The CCIDA was awarded a $10.5 Million Grant from the Economic Development Administration (EDA) to create a high-risk, lowinterest rate loan fund to assist businesses throughout the County. The funding was awarded in less than 9 months to more than 50 companies for working capital, equipment purchases, and other uses. o PPE Business Assistance Program – The CCIDA worked collaboratively with local philanthropic institutions to create a grant fund that was allocated to several dozen businesses and not-for-profits to provide technical assistance through JCC, and to purchase PPE to protect employees and customers from COVID-19 risks. o CCIDA Working Capital Loan Program – The CCIDA created a specialized working capital loan program to assist businesses to survive the COVID-19 pandemic. Twenty-four businesses were each awarded $10,000 low-interest loans over the course of several months.

•

Comprehensive Analysis for Shovel-Ready Site(s) – Worked with consultant to identify, vet, and prioritize sites throughout Chautauqua County suitable for industrial/business development. This is in response to the need for an improved inventory for market/shovel ready sites based on the current low inventory of such sites. We are currently negotiating with the owners of three priority sites.

•

Agricultural Development & Enhancement Strategy - The Chautauqua County Agricultural Development & Enhancement Strategy (CCADES) is an update to the County’s Farmland Protection Plan. The objective of the update is to provide an ____________________________________________________________________________ Annual Report and Work Plan of CCIDA & CREDC Mark Geise, Deputy County Executive for Economic Development & CCIDA CEO January 2022

accurate reflection of the current agricultural conditions in Chautauqua County and devise strategies to increase the economic viability of the agricultural industry, encourage farmland protection, and to increase public interest and awareness of local agriculture. The team of County, CCIDA, CCPEG and other partners are collaborating on this strategy.

____________________________________________________________________________ Annual Report and Work Plan of CCIDA & CREDC Mark Geise, Deputy County Executive for Economic Development & CCIDA CEO January 2022

III.

Top 10 County Economic Development Goals for 2022 •

Acquire Shovel-Ready Site(s) – Acquire a site or sites (a minimum of 80 acres) and determine what level of infrastructure and due diligence is required to make the site(s) suitable for industrial/business development. This is in response to the documented need for an increased and improved inventory of market/shovel ready sites.

•

Re-activate Properties of Community Importance o White Inn Redevelopment – Work with the owner (JG Funding), community stakeholders, and the State to get the facility sold to a responsible developer who will restore it to its once-prominent status. o Furniture Mart Redevelopment – Continue to work with the Gebbie Foundation and other key stakeholders in Jamestown to que up the Furniture Mart building for future development. This has been an ongoing process that we will continue to put time and effort toward until it is accomplished. o Talcott Street Sale and Redevelopment – Continue to work with Refresco, Empire State Brands, Hanna Realty, and other potential developers, to market it to outside developers so that we can get it back into use while creating jobs and commerce in Dunkirk. o Silver Creek School – Continue to work with the developer (Region Nine) to convert the dilapidated Silver Creek School into senior housing by providing incentives and technical expertise. o Welch Building Redevelopment – Continue to work with the selected developer (Raant/Savarino) to provide the appropriate incentives from the CCIDA, ESD, and other sources to redevelop the Welch building for a mixeduse project with commercial and housing components.

•

NRG Re-Use Initiative – The County is working with the City of Dunkirk to undertake Phase II of this initiative, which is being funded by a grant of $160,000 through NYSERDA’s Just Transition Site Reuse Planning grant program, to advance several predevelopment activities. These may include a detailed infrastructure assessment, Phase 2 Environmental Site Assessment, development of marketing materials, site planning, workforce development strategies, non-site-specific community revitalization strategies, public engagement, and others as determined through the initial baseline planning process, and is follow-up to Phase I work already completed.

•

Chautauqua County Partnership for Economic Growth (CCPEG) – Continue to collaborate with community partners and the five work groups to identify and que up projects for the 2022 CFA process, while implementing projects awarded through the 2021 round of funding. CCPEG is placing a special emphasis on reversing population decline and workforce retention & attraction projects/activities.

•

County/Economic Development Marketing & Branding to Reverse Population Decline – In an attempt to “sing our praises” about what a great place Chautauqua County is to conduct business, raise a family, and visit, the CCIDA and CCPEG hired

____________________________________________________________________________ Annual Report and Work Plan of CCIDA & CREDC Mark Geise, Deputy County Executive for Economic Development & CCIDA CEO January 2022

a marketing/communications director (Jason Toczydlowski) to develop and implement a marketing strategy in conjunction with a myriad of other county stakeholders, which will result in more people staying or relocating here to fill available job positions, retiring here, and/or visiting, ultimately resulting in a reversal of population decline.

•

Aggressive Proactive Business Retention & Expansion Initiative – Continue to work with current businesses throughout Chautauqua County to ensure they continue to prosper and grow by providing technical assistance and incentives through the County of Chautauqua Industrial Development Agency (CCIDA), Empire State Development (ESD), and other sources.

•

ARPA Funding Award – Work diligently to get all of the Economic Developmentrelated ARPA projects underway and implemented, which includes the following: o Site acquisition for shovel-ready sites - $1.4 Million o Water/sewer infrastructure for shovel-ready sites - $1.4 Million o CCPEG for a multitude of Economic Development-related projects - $500,000 o Workforce Development Initiative with WIB, JCC, CCVB, CCIDA - $352,000 o Cornell Cooperative Extension Ag. Improvement Program - $232,540 o Marketing Assistance to Businesses and NFPs - $400,000

•

Collaboration with Dunkirk and Jamestown o Dunkirk Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) – Assuming Dunkirk is awarded a $10 - $20 Million DRI grant award through the 2021 CFA process, continue to work with the stakeholders to ensure that projects enhance Dunkirk’s waterfront and downtown core while aligning with the County’s Economic Development Strategy. o Chadakoin River Strategic Business Plan – Assuming the City of Jamestown is awarded a CFA grant submitted in July 2021 through the CFA process, the CCIDA, CCPEG, Gebbie, BPU, RTPI, and other partners will work collaboratively with the City to implement the projects from the 2021 Plan, which includes economic, environmental, and marketing-related projects that is intended to activate Jamestown’s waterfront.

•

Agricultural Development & Enhancement Strategy – Implement recommendations resulting from the County’s Agricultural Development & Enhancement Strategy (CCADES), which is an update to the County’s Farmland Protection Plan. The objective of the update was to provide an accurate reflection of the current agricultural conditions in Chautauqua County and devise strategies to increase the economic viability of the agricultural industry, encourage farmland protection, and increase public interest and awareness of local agriculture.

• Workforce Development/Childcare – Continue to work with our community workforce development partners, as well as the childcare advocates, to put in place the appropriate programs that will help to prepare our workforce for today’s jobs, as well as help facilitate and advocate for resources for the provision of childcare. ____________________________________________________________________________ Annual Report and Work Plan of CCIDA & CREDC Mark Geise, Deputy County Executive for Economic Development & CCIDA CEO January 2022