Chautauqua County Relocation Guide

Yourself

CHAUTAUQUA COUNTY

Dear Prospective Residents, Developers, and Employers,

Thank you for your interest in learning about Chautauqua County, New York. The following pages will give you an idea of our affordable quality of life where you can choose from a variety of lifestyles. Whether owning a home on or near one of our five magnificent lakes, in the quiet countryside, or in a city or village setting, Chautauqua County has housing options to fit any budget. There is something here to suit everyone’s needs from our resurgent cities of Dunkirk and Jamestown, to our quaint villages like Fredonia, Lakewood, Westfield, and many others. We also have many lakeside communities and scenic countryside towns.

Chautauqua County has a wide range of recreational activities and special events throughout the year to satisfy the many interests of our residents and visitors. As a four-season destination, we have ski resorts, scenic hiking trails, snowmobile trails, equestrian trails, and cycling routes throughout our communities, along with swimming, boating and fishing opportunities on our numerous lakes and waterways. Our county is also home to the National Comedy Center in Jamestown, the renowned Chautauqua Institution, and agriculture and agri-tourism industries including craft breweries like Southern Tier Brewing Company, and 11 award-winning wineries of Lake Erie Wine Country.

Our county is conveniently located between Buffalo, New York and Erie, Pennsylvania, and is within a short driving distance to other major cities including Cleveland, Pittsburgh, and Toronto, Canada. Here, you can have an appealing small-town lifestyle with a low cost of living, access to excellent schools and quality healthcare services, and still be within a short drive of major cities and the additional attractions they offer.

I hope this guide helps introduce you to our great county, and I look forward to welcoming you to our well-balanced way of life.

Sincerely,

Paul M. Wendel Jr. Chautauqua County Executive

On behalf of Chautauqua County, I would like to welcome you to our amazing corner of Western New York. As community stakeholders, we felt it was necessary to develop a package to be handed out to contractors, potential employees, developers, visitors, and any other individuals that are not familiar with all that our community has to offer. As you will see, this compendium provides information about the character and location of community amenities, events, places to recreate and spend leisure time, the industries located here, as well as information about schools, cost of living, and housing.

Whether you are interested in starting a business, locating here for the multitude of available jobs with family-sustaining wages, purchasing a home, or just visiting, Chautauqua County has the resources to deliver an amazing experience. As you spend time here, I am certain you will appreciate our residents, natural and cultural attractions, and welcoming business climate.

I invite you to imagine living, working, playing, and doing business in our unique community. When you are ready to take action, please contact the County of Chautauqua Industrial Development Agency for assistance in planning your next steps. Please let me know if there is anything I can do for you personally.

Best Regards, Mark Geise Deputy County Executive for Economic Development/ Chief Executive Officer of the County of Chautauqua Industrial Development Agency 716.661.8900

Table of Contents

LIFE WELL LOCATED 4

Connected to the Northeast, Midwest, and Southern Ontario

LIFE WELL LIVED 6 Attractions and seasons

LIFE WELL EARNED 14 Manufacturing, agriculture, and tourism

LIFE WELL PLANNED 22 Housing, healthcare, and education

RESOURCES 26 Contacts and information

LIFE WELL

Balanced

Welcome to Chautauqua County — an affordable, accessible, naturally beautiful place to live, work, play, laugh, and learn all year long.

Take a closer look at New York’s far western region. As a predominantly rural community, Chautauqua County offers a unique blend of cultural, historical, educational, and recreational attractions coupled with an environment primely suited to start, build, or expand a business or find employment. The cost of living here is 25 percent less than the national average, and well-paying jobs with advanced manufacturers are readily available. The unemployment rate is low, while resources for training and workforce development are exceptional. This combination creates the opportunity for residents, business owners, and employees of all skill levels to live a well-rounded and fulfilling lifestyle.

If you like what you see, please contact the County of Chautauqua Industrial Development Agency (CCIDA), an economic development organization autho rized and empowered by the State of New York to make Chautauqua County a better place to live, work, visit, and conduct business. Call 716.661.8900 or visit www.CHQpartnership.org for assistance in making your next move.

LIFE WELL

Connected to the Northeast, Midwest, and Southern Ontario

It has often been stated that Chautauqua County is a great place to gather. While typically used in reference to travel and recreation, it also denotes its strategic position for business and industry, which is centrally located between several major metropolitan areas and at the juncture of commerce routes.

As the western-most county in New York State, Chautauqua is bordered by Lake Erie to the north, Pennsylvania to the west and south, and the Seneca Nation of Indians, the greater Buffalo metropolitan area, and the Southern Tier region to the east. The county is situated within a day’s drive of most of the major population centers of the northeastern United States and the southern Canadian province of Ontario, and is well served by the transportation corridors that connect the Northeast with the Midwest. In addition to being crossed by two major interstates (I-90 and I-86), a network of state and federal highways and rail, the county has two commercial airports and a network of well-maintained county roads.

A Year-Round Destination

World-class attractions and

distinct seasons offer work-life balance

With lakes, rivers, foothills, forests and four distinct seasons, residents of Chautauqua County have ample occasion to play outdoors and indoors. Opportunities abound for hardy sports enthusiasts to hit the lakes, slopes, and trails, and for art, history, and culture fans to visit theaters, museums, and resorts. With a thriving agricultural industry that supports farmers markets, a wine trail, breweries, and distilleries, residents and visitors alike enjoy the local food and craft beverage scene.

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The county’s rolling hills, lakes, forests, and rivers support resorts and golf courses, exceptional fishing, water sports, parks, and hundreds of miles of hiking, biking, and equestrian trails. In the winter, lake effect snow and the Allegheny foothills provide excellent conditions for downhill and cross-country skiing, snowboarding, and snowmobiling.

Naturally Diverse

The county’s landscape is one of its greatest assets with an elevation that ranges from 570 feet along Lake Erie to 2,180 feet along the Chautauqua Ridge. Here you will find diverse microclimates, bird migration routes, myriad trails through forests and meadows, and lots of water including tributary streams, Western New York’s largest inland lake, and access to the Great Lakes along Lake Erie.

Historically Significant

Since the early days of its organization in 1808, Chautauqua County has been at the crossroads of history in the arts, education, industry, and innova tion. It is the birthplace of Lucille Ball, Roger Tory Peterson, Robert H. Jackson, and innovations such as the Chautauqua Movement, Welch’s first grape juice plant, and the iconic Crescent wrench.

A Year-Round Destination

Chautauqua County is renowned for several attractions — Chautauqua Institution, the Lucille Ball-Desi Arnaz Museum, the National Comedy Center, Chautauqua Lake, fly-fishing in Lake Erie’s tributary streams, and lake effect snow country to name a few. Residents and second homeowners understand that while summer is high season for tourists, every month offers new events, festivals, and places to explore.

Four Seasons of Play

• Three state parks (Midway, Long Point, and Lake Erie), and five county parks.

• Hundreds of miles of overland trails, water trails, and Rails-to-Trails for walkers, hikers, cyclists, canoeists, horseback riders, and snowmobilers.

• 17,000+ acres of state forest land, and 900 acres of county forest land.

• Hundreds of miles of designated on-road bike routes.

• Excellent fishing and hunting opportunities.

100,000+

VISITORS PER SUMMER come to Chautauqua Institution

Chautauqua Institution

A unique and charming, Victorian campus-like village founded in 1874, Chautauqua Institution is a designated National Historic Landmark and a National Historic District located along the shores of Chautauqua Lake. Each week during the nine-week summer program season, approximately 7,500 people are in residence on any given day to attend popular evening entertainment, daily lectures, and workshops that explore important religious, social, and popular political issues of our time.

National Comedy Center

The story of comedy lives in Jamestown with the opening of the new National Comedy Center. Condé Nast Traveler called it “one of the best museums in the country.” As a nonprofit cultural institution, the museum celebrates comedy’s great minds and unique voices with exclusive collections and more than 50 immersive exhibits presented with cutting-edge technology.

Lake Erie

Naturally Diverse

From a low lying plain along Lake Erie climbing an escarpment to the Allegheny Plateau, Chautauqua County’s change in elevation and landscape provide myriad agricultural and recreational opportunities. Part of the Eastern Continental Divide, it is connected by watersheds to both the St. Lawrence Seaway and the Gulf of Mexico. Several areas of the county are also significant stopover points for migratory birds.

Chautauqua County follows the eastern Lake Erie shoreline for approximately 50 miles, offering access to beautiful sandy beaches, fishing, boating, and swimming as well as the perfect vantage for amazing sunsets. Tributary streams that feed Lake Erie are renowned for trout fishing.

PANAMA ROCKS SCENIC PARK

SUNSET BAY, LAKE ERIE

Chautauqua Lake

Western New York’s largest inland lake and the county’s namesake, Chautauqua Lake stretches 18 miles from Mayville to Jamestown. It is well-known for bass and musky fishing, and for sailing and boating. Historically, summer cottage enclaves dotted much of the shoreline. Today, many fortunate residents live along the lakeshore year-round.

Trails & Parks

A Unique and adventurous place to live. Chautauqua County boasts a diversity of trails and scenic parks for hiking, mountain biking, equestrian riding, and birding. Groomed trails are maintained for cross country skiing, snowmobiling, and winter fat biking. Chautauqua County has the most miles of groomed singletrack fat bike trails in all of New York State. Two overland trails offer visitors scenic views and paths through reforestation areas. A connecting Rails-to-Trails system provides an additional 24.3 miles of abandoned rail corridors winding through scenic woodlands, wetlands, flowering meadows, and villages. In addition to numerous navigable lakes and streams, there are two maintained 25 mile plus flatwater trails to explore in Chautauqua County! Follow #LiveCHQ.

Historically Significant

Chautauqua County’s unique character owes much to its Victorian heritage, to artisan immigrants who built furniture and founded tool and die shops, and to the sons and daughters who bring international recognition to its little towns. The historic McClurg Museum, the D.R. Barker Museum, and the Governor Fenton History Center, as well as historic lighthouses offer exhibits, libraries, and information that tell the stories of Chautauqua’s past.

Roger Tory Peterson

Prompted by a seventh-grade teacher, a young boy from Jamestown joined a Junior Audubon Club, fell in love with birds, and grew up to become one of the world’s preeminent naturalists. As an artist and photographer, Roger Tory Peterson authored more than 50 field guides to plants and animals from North America and around the world. In 1984, the Roger Tory Peterson Institute of Natural History was founded in his hometown to preserve his lifetime body of work and to educate new generations of naturalists.

The first lighthouse ever to be lighted by natural gas (1829) still stands at Barcelona Harbor on Lake Erie.

Robert H. Jackson Center

The mission of the Robert H. Jackson Center is to serve as a forum for education on and discussion of law and justice issues, as guided by the life and work of Robert H. Jackson, US Supreme Court Justice and Chief US Prosecutor at Nuremberg.

The Jackson Center uses its beautiful historic mansion in Jamestown to host educational programs, exhibits, and seminars to advance its mission.

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One of the things I really enjoy about living here are the people; there is a helpfulness, pride, and a can-do attitude here that contributes to this community’s ability to thrive. When I moved here, someone told me that if I’m ever bored, it’s my own fault, because I’m not paying attention to the many things to do. The variety of activities and opportunities are astounding.

Kristan McMahon

Marion Beckerink

President since 2019, she relocated to Chautauqua County from northern Virginia to take on this role. She is a former principle with Vetted Solutions, an executive search firm and practicing attorney in Washington D.C.

Lucille Ball

Born in Jamestown on August 6, 1911, Lucille Desiree Ball became one of the most recognized faces in the world. An actress and co median, she was the first woman to head a major Hollywood studio, Desilu, which produced — among its many shows — “I Love Lucy”, Star Trek, Our Miss Brooks, Mission Impossible, The Untouchables, The Andy Griffith Show, My Favorite Martian, and The Dick Van Dyke Show. Her life story and that of her first husband, Desi Arnaz, can be found at the Lucille Ball Desi Arnaz Museum in Jamestown. set a Guinness World Record on October 11, 2014 for the most people stomping grapes — 60 tons of them.

FANS

PRESIDENT, ROBERT H. JACKSON CENTER

Manufacturing, agriculture, and tourism dominate the business landscape

For new as well as established businesses, Chautauqua County offers a strategic geographic location, ground breaking economic development incentives such as START-UP NY, inexpensive hydro-power, a low-cost of living, and an incredible quality of life. For people seeking employment opportunities, the county boasts a low unemployment rate with living wage jobs available for every skill level. While tourism, agriculture, and manufacturing are the county’s primary industries, a growing number of people are moving to the area and working remotely or starting their own enterprise.

In order to bolster the economic growth and stability of the county, the County of Chautauqua Industrial Development Agency collaborates with a significant number of partners and businesses to offer financial incentives, technical assistance, and business planning.

Agribusiness

From grapes and fruit to corn and dairy, the county’s small, local farms grow products and deliver services that support the national food supply.

Advanced Manufacturing

Manufacturing has a strong history in Chautauqua County, from early craftsmen who built furniture and tools to today’s businesses that utilize state-of-the-art technology to provide materials used in transportation, medical supplies, packaging, and industrial tools.

Earned

Tourism and Hospitality

Myriad accommodations, resorts, and restaurants provide comfort and convenience for accessing the county’s four-season recreational and cultural attractions.

Advanced Manufacturing

Historically, furniture and tool and die shops dominated Chautauqua County’s manufacturing businesses. Today, products and services utilizing advanced technology lead the sector, while 20 percent of the county’s workforce is employed in manufacturing.

Rand Machine

In October 2018, Premier Precision Machining reopened Rand Machine Products, a custom/build-to-print manufacturing facility in Falconer which has been a fixture in the community for nearly three quarters of a century. Through strong leadership and significant investments in technology, equipment, people, and facilities, Rand is now positioned to take advantage of both existing and new opportunities in the defense, aerospace, industrial, and commercial arenas. Like many other manufacturers, Rand employs machinists, CNC lathe and mill operators, engineers, quality control CMM operators, and programmers.

SKF USA Inc.

A leading world supplier of high-performance and precision bearings to the aerospace industry, SKF USA maintains a modern 96,000 square foot heat-treating and R&D facility in Falconer.

PLANT

Anna

Dibble

MANAGER, CUMMINS ENGINE

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Cummins has a long history of providing challenging careers and growth opportunities. We are committed to partnering with our communities to make this a prosperous area where our employees and their families can thrive. We welcome you to our region and would encourage you to explore its many opportunities.

Jamestown Plastics

Located in a 100,000 square foot plant in Brocton, Jamestown Plastics provides custom thermoforming and packaging solutions for a wide range of industries including medical devices, aerospace defense, electronics, consumer goods, and automotive. They are ISO certified and known for their rapid turnaround and creative solutions. Their Click-it-Clam design has revolutionized traditional clamshell packaging.

Immunitybio, Inc.

In early 2022, this clinical-stage immunotherapy company moved into a new state-of-theart biotech production facility that includes clean rooms for upstream and downstream manufacturing activities, as well as fill and finish and large-scale lyophilization capabilities. The full-scale facility enables ImmunityBio to substantially expand and diversify its existing manufacturing capacity in the U.S. and through its strategic collaborators in Africa. They plan to add over 450 new jobs within five years.

Weber Knapp

Founded at the turn of the 20th century as a manufacturer of hardware for the furniture industry, by the 1960s, Weber Knapp engineers had devised a revolutionary counterbalance hinge technology that quickly found its way into a wide array of products, from furniture to food processing equipment, medical equipment, and office products. Today, Weber Knapp leads the motion control industry with state-of-theart spring assisted products, all manufactured domestically by 100+ skilled workers in two plant locations in Jamestown.

Agribusiness

Chautauqua County has two distinct microclimates that support agriculture and food processing businesses, an important segment of the county’s economy. The microclimate along Lake Erie and the Allegheny escarpment supports grape and fruit farming. Atop the Allegheny Plateau, the uplands are utilized for field crops and grasslands.

1,850

FARMS IN CHAUTAUQUA COUNTY

grow a variety of crops including vegetables, fruit trees, grapes, and grains. The county ranks first in New York State for the number of farms it hosts.

20,055

ACRES OF GRAPES

makes Chautauqua County the largest grape growing region in the country outside of California.

Refresco

Refresco is the world’s largest independent bottler for retailers and branded beverage companies in Europe and North America, employing more than 400 people in Dunkirk. With a fruit processing facility and six lines of production running three shifts, Refresco in Dunkirk produces multiple types of beverages in a variety of packaging formats and sizes. Their vision is “Our Drinks on Every Table” and they take pride in providing quality bottling and packaging solutions.

Farmer’s Markets

Chautauqua County residents enjoy a strong farm to table movement. There are five farmers’ markets where one can buy local and support local farmers. Discover Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) programs, farm stores/markets, and insti tutions committed to buying locally with the following resources: Cornell Coop erative Extension of Chautauqua County, Edible WNY, and the Food Policy Council of Chautauqua County.

Nestle Purina

Purina is a global pet care leader dedicated to helping pets live longer, healthier lives through science-based nutrition and care. Dunkirk is home to one of Purina’s 20 manufacturing sites across the U.S. where they produce high-quality and trusted Purina pet food brands including Purina ONE, Purina Pro Plan, Busy, and Dog Chow. Purina’s 370 associates in Dunkirk are committed to the well-being and welfare of pets and people beyond the food bowl, with focused efforts to support their local community and reduce their environmental impact.

Wells Enterprises, Inc.

Wells is the largest privately held, family-owned ice cream and frozen treat manufacturer in the United States. Formerly owned by Fieldbrook Foods, the Dunkirk facility recently expanded to include new machinery and equipment, which enabled the addition of new production lines, and created more jobs. They are most known as the makers of Blue Bunny Ice Cream. Other brands include Halo Top, the iconic Bomb Pop, and Blue Ribbon Classics.

Tourism and Hospitality

Tourism in New York State has an annual impact of over $100 billion, reaching a record $108 billion in 2017. This growth trend is no different in Chautauqua County, where tourism creates a $260 million economic impact and revenue from accommodations experienced double digit growth in the past year. July and August are consistently peak months for visitor revenues while significantly increased occupancy rates point to growing “shoulder seasons” in spring and fall. The snow season, typically lasting from December to early March, draws primarily hardy outdoor enthusiasts for downhill and cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling.

EVENTS

Chautauqua Harbor Hotel

Opened in 2018, the Chautauqua Harbor Hotel on Chautauqua Lake provides 135 upscale hotel rooms overlooking Chautauqua Lake. Occupying a nine-acre site that features 1,100 feet of lakefront,

the hotel is expected to expand the county’s tourism industry significantly by attracting lakeside vacationers, wedding and celebration groups, and corporate and conference guests.

Held in Jamestown in early August, the annual Lucille Ball Comedy Festival features more than 50 events and 30 artists, and attracts more than 13,000 visitors from across the United States. Jerry Seinfeld, Jay Leno, Trevor Noah, Brian Regan, Amy Schumer, Joan Rivers, Lewis Black, Ellen DeGeneres, Dan Aykroyd, Paula Poundstone, Nick Offerman, and Ray Romano have all taken the stage during past festivals.

Cockaigne Resort

Cockaigne Resort is a family-friendly affordable ski resort in operation since 1964. Located in a prime spot to receive the infamous Lake Erie lake effect snow, local and visiting skiers and snowboarders continue the tradition of taking advantage of this quality hometown resort. After a closure due to a fire, in 2020, Cockaigne has come back strong and built a new lodge that has four-times the footprint. The Snowmobile Adventure Park has dedicated parking for snowmobile trailers. Riders can access the County’s 400-mile trail system that connects with the nearby Boutwell Hill State Forest.

‘‘Chautauqua County’s strength in the arts and education comes from a rich diversity of resources and a tireless spirit of collaboration that bring opera to a brew house, world-class musicians to countless high school classrooms, and Shakespeare to our parks. And we’ve only scratched the surface of what’s possible.

Michael E. Hill PRESIDENT, CHAUTAUQUA INSTITUTION

Peek’n Peak Resort

Founded as a ski destination in 1964 with six trails and two lifts, Peek’n Peak has grown into a resort with a world-class golf course that hosted the PGA Tour’s Web.Com Tour from 2016–2018. Peek’n Peak also offers an aerial course and ziplines, miniature golf, biking, and Segway tours. During the winter, the resort is transformed to a winter wonderland with Alpine and Nordic skiing, terrain parks, and snow tubing. The Inn at the Peak, a charming oldworld chalet, boasts 108 guest rooms, confer ence and meeting rooms, restaurant, day spa, fitness center, indoor/outdoor hot tub, indoor and outdoor pools, and 115’ water slide. The Peek is well-known for its annual Fall Fest held during two weekends in October, which often attracts 10,000+ visitors daily.

Low cost housing, quality healthcare, and noteworthy education

The county’s centers of commerce and industry — including Jamestown, Fredonia, and Dunkirk — provide centralized professional services, shopping, and year-round cultural attractions. Education is highly valued here, offering strong elementary and secondary public school systems and two State University of New York campuses. It is also in close proximity to several urban cultural, shopping, and business hubs, including Buffalo, Pittsburgh, Cleveland, Rochester, and Toronto.

We are proud to be a part of downtown Jamestown! We feel fortunate to have the opportunity to be a part of Chautauqua County’s growth both as residents and as business owners. It’s a great place to follow your dreams.

Michael & Sarah Bigney

OWNERS, CROWN STREET ROASTING CO.

LIFE WELL

Healthcare

Chautauqua County is serviced by four area hospitals located in Jamestown, Westfield, and Dunkirk/Fredonia. The county’s central location also lends convenience to additional healthcare resources as four major medical centers — UPMC, Cleveland Clinic, Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus, and the University of Rochester — are within a two to three-hour drive. Major insurers include BlueCross/ BlueShield of Western New York, Independent Health, Univera Health Care, and Fidelis Care New York.

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Planned Housing

In addition to the urban areas of Jamestown and Dunkirk, the county is blessed with many small, walkable, lakeside, and agricultural-based towns that possess unique character and charm. Much of the Victorian-inspired, American Craftsman, and Foursquare architecture built in the early twentieth century remains, and there are six districts in the county listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Education and Learning

Parents often state that the quality of Chautauqua County’s educational system is one of the primary reasons for living here. Participation and achievement in arts, music, and sports programs are all noteworthy, as is an average student to teacher ratio of less than 13.

Youth art, music, and outdoor education and recreation opportunities in Chautauqua County include: Infinity Performing Arts, Audubon Community Nature Center, Chautauqua Institution In-School Programs, and the Boys and Girls Club.

K-12

STUDENTS IN AREA SCHOOLS

participate in Chautauqua Institution’s arts education programs including the “I Can Drum” school residency, a collaboration between the Chautauqua Symphony Orchestra and Chautauqua Lake Elementary School.

Higher Education

Four institutions of higher education are located in Chautauqua County — three within the State University of New York (SUNY) system. SUNY Fredonia is one of the premier schools in the state system and offers one of the most notable and popular performing arts programs. With locations in Jamestown and Dunkirk, Jamestown Community College was one of the state’s first community colleges, and offers education and training opportunities for students of all backgrounds and ages. Empire State College is a SUNY adult education institution offering associate’s, bachelor’s and master’s programs. The county’s only private school, Jamestown Business College, offers certificates, associate’s and four-year bachelor’s degrees in business-related fields.

Workforce Development

The Workforce Development Board works collaboratively with area training providers including Jamestown Community College and its Manufacturing Technology Institute (MTI). Several workforce development programs and customized job skills training courses are offered at multiple locations. Programs include customized management and leadership train ing, social media and computer-related training, welding techniques, continuous improvement methods, training needs analysis, and skills assessment for credentialing needs.

Technical Training

In partnership with local school districts, Board of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES) provides extended opportunities for special education, as well as career and technical education classes. These include diverse subjects from automotive technology and computer assisted design to culinary arts and exercise science.

The Manufacturing Technology Institute at Jamestown Community College provides students with highly-skilled training on industry-standard equipment to prepare for manufacturing careers. MTI facilities are on the Jamestown and Cattaraugus County campuses.

SUNY Fredonia was ranked #12 among public universities in the northeastern United States by US News

Business Resources

County of Chautauqua Industrial Development Agency

The County of Chautauqua Industrial Development Agency (CCIDA) is an economic development organization authorized and empowered by the State of New York to make Chautauqua County a better place to live, work, visit, and conduct business. The CCIDA facilitates development by attracting new companies while promoting the retention and expansion of existing businesses. Assistance in the form of incentives — tax abatements, low interest loans, and bond financing — enhances the opportunity for business retention and expansion.

Manufacturers Association of the Southern Tier

Manufacturers Association of the Southern Tier (MAST) is a privately funded organization that has represented the interests of manufacturers in the region since 1900. MAST provides services and programming that address workforce development, economic and infrastructure development, and cost drivers such as workers’ compensation and health insurance.

START-UP NY

START-UP NY offers new and expanding businesses the opportunity to operate tax-free for 10 years on or near eligible university or college campuses in New York State. Partnering with these schools gives businesses direct access to advanced research laboratories, development resources, and experts in key industries.

SUNY Fredonia Technology Incubator

Located in Dunkirk, the SUNY Fredonia Technology Incubator supports entrepreneurship and the development of new, innovative companies into successful business ventures. The SUNY Fredonia Technology Incubator is a NYS Certified Business Incubator, a member of the Western New York Incubator Network, and a START-UP NY Designated Space.

Chautauqua County Visitors Bureau

The Chautauqua County Visitors Bureau (CCVB) is the official tourism promotion agency for Chautauqua County, NY. The Visitors Bureau markets the area’s attractions, visitor experiences, and related amenities to vacationers, touring and getaway travelers, group travelers, and event attendees. CCVB also provides area tourism-related businesses with several marketing programs designed to bring businesses and tourist guests together. These include a travel guide, TourChautauqua.com website, information center locations, and a year-round calendar of events.

Small Business Development Center

Administered by the U.S. Small Business Administration, the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Jamestown Community College works with regional businesses to help them succeed. Since their start in 1986, advisors have worked with over 11,500 businesses, helping them to invest more than $132,600,000 into the area’s economy and create or save more than 6,000 jobs. Services are confidential and free of charge. The SBDC can assist in business plan development, packaging loan applications, financial planning including cost analysis and revenue projections, marketing and social media assistance, export and procurement guidance, complying with permit, licensing, and other regulations, productivity enhancement, and supporting the start-up and/or expansion process for small businesses.

Chautauqua Works American Job Centers

Administered by the Workforce Development Board (WIB), the Chautauqua Works American Job Centers in Dunkirk and Jamestown provide a network of comprehensive services and labor market information for businesses, workers, and job seekers. They offer skills assessment, career guidance, central posting of open jobs, work readiness workshops, access to qualified service and training providers, training funding, and referrals to jobs, education, training, and community services.

Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce

The Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce (CCCC) provides a diverse set of services designed to meet the needs of businesses. The CCCC provides services and programming to drive sales to local businesses, connect with peers in the region, provide cost savings solutions for employee benefits and human resources compliance, and support economic, tourism, and workforce development initiatives.

Chautauqua Institution

The summer program of lectures, performances, art, and recreation entertains multiple generations.

Marinas & Beaches

Chadwick

Peek’n Peak and Chautauqua Harbor Hotel

Resorts provide comfort and convenience to recreational and cultural attractions.

Hiking Trails Hiking, biking, and equestrian trails traverse the county’s rural foot hills and forests.

Cockaigne Resort provides even more options for outdoor winter fun.

Charming Historic Towns offer high-ranking schools and low-cost housing with architectural diversity.

Mason Industrial Park

Three parcels with 3.3, 6, and 60 acres located in an Opportunity Zone.

WHAT’S IN A NAME?

Chautauqua is a Seneca word, most commonly translated as “bag tied in the middle” or “two moccasins tied together” and used to describe the shape of its namesake lake. Historically, it refers to an adult education movement in the United States during the late 19th and early 20th centuries and the Chautauqua Institution, where the movement began. Chautauqua is also Western New York’s largest inland lake and western-most county. Former U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt was quoted as saying that Chautauqua is “the most American thing in America.” In 1974, author Robert M. Persig used the term as a philosophical journey in Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance. Today, Chautauqua is renowned as a place for nurturing the mind, body, and spirit—a well-rounded, balanced lifestyle.

For more detailed information, please visit www.CHQpartnership.org or call 716.661.8900