Progress of the Southern Tier 2025

MARCH 28, 2025 • OLEAN TIMES HERALD

New Construction Is Underway

BUFFALO BILLS STADIUM STEEL WORK JUST THE START FOR OLEAN’S CIMOLAI-HY

By BOB CLARK

bridge manufacturing.

OLEAN — With sparks flying, steel is moving through North Olean as Cimolai-HY shipped off the last of its first major project on Jan. 15.

That project — part of the roof supports for the new Buffalo Bills stadium in Orchard Park — caps off years of work to get the facility converted from a compressor manufacturer to a structural steel fabricator, said general manager Carolyn Carbonneau. The company employs around 95, with around 50 directly involved in manufacturing on the floor of the facilities previously used by Clark Brothers, Dresser-Rand and Siemens Energy.

“In March we’re going to be ramping up,” she said, and more workers will be needed. “On the shop floor we’re at 50 people — we need to be 120 people. That’s with the current backlog — (and) we’re still bidding on other projects.”

The firm will look to hire more workers in February.

“Welders, fitters, people with robotics to run the machines and programmers. We’re going to have to support all the people on the shop floor,” she said.

To date, she said, 400 tons of steel fabricated into 86 parts for the roof structure have been shipped. “If people look up there, they will see these. It’s at the very top.”

“We’re very proud. Everyone was proud to work on this,” Carbonneau said as employees milled around the loaded truck.

Not all of the steel for the roof supports came from Olean, Carbonneau said, with many other manufacturers working on the job due to the sheer scale of the stadium.

“I heard there were 11 shops working on these,” she said.

WITH THE STADIUM project pieces rolling out the door, Cimolai-HY officials said the project is just the beginning.

“We’re starting a lot of projects right now,” Carbonneau said, including several bridge projects in the Bronx.

In mid-February, the company will ship off the parts for a new bridge spanning the Genesee River — the first bridge project to be completed by Cimolai-HY’s Olean workers.

Officials noted that the winter is a slow time for

Paying fabrication work began this last summer, she noted, including the startup work on the Bills project and several bridge projects in New York City. More steel rolled out for the Hudson Yards con-

continued on page A-3

Bob Clark/Olean Times Herald

Workers at Cimolai-HY gather Wednesday to say goodbye to the last shipment of steel fabricated in Olean for the new Buffalo Bills stadium in Orchard Park.

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OLEAN RECEIVES $25M FOR WEST STATE STREET WORK

By BOB CLARK

OLEAN — Olean city officials were surprised by an announcement Jan. 6 by Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer, D-N.Y., that the city will receive $25 million from the federal Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity program to overhaul West State Street.

The funding is the largest single grant ever received by the city.

“A transportation transformation is coming to Olean,” Schumer said in a statement.

“Twenty-five million dollars from the Bipartisan Infrastructure & Jobs Law I led to passage in the Senate is going to support major improvements along West State Street, including new bike lanes, bump-outs, pedestrian paths, and roundabouts that better connect Olean and St. Bonaventure and will further energize growth and economic activity for scores of small businesses in Olean.

“This project is not just about safety. It is about connecting critical assets — from downtown to St. Bonaventure — in this region by building out the neces-

sary infrastructure to create a hub of economic activity and growth,” Schumer said. “I fought to secure a historic boost in funding for the RAISE grant program in the Bipartisan Infrastructure & Jobs Law because I know how important street safety is to our communities, and I’m thrilled that it’s putting us on the road to a safer future for Olean and Cattaraugus County.” The project aims to build out infrastructure along the 2.5 miles of West State Street between Union Street and the main entrance to St. Bonaventure University at Constitution Avenue

in the town of Allegany.

The project will include replacement of water and sewer infrastructure. Some sections of the route have infrastructure dating back to 1917 or even 1896, and water main failures have led to outages for residents and businesses — such as a major water main break in 2019 that left the West End without water for several days.

Schumer’s office noted the corridor is home to more than 180 businesses employing around 1,600 people.

City officials noted the application was the fourth submitted for

the funding, with the application being refined annually based on feedback received from program officials.

“It was very unexpected,” Mayor Bill Aiello told the Times Herald. “I’m still a little shell shocked.

“Over the past four years, our Community Development office under the direction of Keri Kerper has worked with Jeff Belt, Molly Vendura, landscape architect, and Clark Patterson Lee in the creation, preparation and annual submittal of applications,” Aiello said, as he also thanked the Common Council, Schumer, Sen. Kirsten

Gillibrand, D-N.Y., Rep. Nick Langworthy, R-Pendleton, and Gov. Kathy Hochul for their advocacy work.

Common Council President John Crawford, D-Ward 5, echoed the sentiments of other city leaders in shock at the award and appreciation for the team that worked on the application.

“This doesn’t happen frequently, but I was totally speechless,” Crawford said. “It was definitely something I knew was in the realm of possibility, but it wasn’t on my bingo card.”

Crawford said there were a number of lessons learned from the Walkable Olean and DRI projects that will apply to West State Street, including efforts to keep the public informed and involved, leveraging the RAISE funds to land other grants and help with the project, and to keep a tight rein on finances .

“Now that I’ve come back down a bit (from the announcement), now we’ve got a job to do,” he said. “You’re going to be writing about this for a long time.”

Officials noted that the plans are not set

— such as the number of roundabouts to be installed along the corridor — and design work will be the subject of public meetings seeking input and suggestions, as well as reviews from the Common Council, state and federal officials before any construction begins.

“I don’t believe anything will start before the end of ‘25 or (into) ‘26,” Aiello said. “We were originally set to get going into it in ‘26.”

The total project cost is estimated at $27.8 million. No other funding is currently allocated to work on the corridor, as funds allocated under the Downtown Revitalization Initiative were moved to another project due to rising costs.

The funding comes through the U.S. Department of Transportation. To date, RAISE has awarded more than $15 billion over 16 rounds to various government entities, according to USDOT. The program received $7.5 billion over five years from the Bipartisan Infrastructure & Jobs Law of 2021, Schumer’s office noted.

While the award is the first for Olean from RAISE, a predecessor

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struction projects — an area a few blocks from Madison Square Garden in Manhattan that is being redeveloped by firm co-owner Related Companies.

The “HY” in Cimolai-HY refers to the Hudson Yards. Italian steel company Cimolai S.P.A. partnered with Related to purchase and overhaul the facility in North Olean.

In an odd coincidence, the company making some of the steel for the new Bills stadium shares an owner with one of the team’s fiercest rivals. Related’s founder and chairman, Stephen Ross, is the principal owner of the Miami Dolphins, who will play at the new stadium annually.

AUTOMATION HAS been the name of the game at Cimolai-HY, Carbonneau said. In the old Plant 1, a large machine can handle a hundredfoot-long piece of I-beam, adding supports and making holes for installation hardware with just three workers.

In another building, a computer-controlled laser cutting table as long as a football field can cut out steel in minutes that would have taken a worker with a hand torch hours. In the former testing facility, a custom 125-foot-long

I-beam can be built out of flat stock, she said, with continuous welds the entire length of the beam. When asked how long it would take to do such jobs by hand, “It would take days,” Carbonneau said, and when done by computer-controlled robots, “it’s only a few hours for the largest pieces.”

This work is possible right out of the gate, unlike how most steel fabricators start small and build up over a period of years or decades, Carbonneau explained, purchasing equipment and expanding their scope of work slowly. By comparison, Cimolai-HY jumped

straight into the largest equipment to handle the largest jobs with large amounts of automation.

As the equipment was installed, the first equipment could be used to fabricate the steel used to support the later machines.

But the process did have a major downside — a lack of certifications from previous work done by the facility.

In order to land the types of jobs the plant was designed to fabricate, the facility needed to receive the American Institute of Steel Construction’s Certified Bridge Fabricator-Advanced certification, Carbonneau said. The rating is the highest of

three tiers for bridge fabricators, according to the AISC, which, according to the trade group’s website, is for projects “requiring an additional standard of care in fabrication and erection, particularly with regard to geometric tolerances.”

Typically, firms fabricate materials for bridges that are going to be installed, Carbonneau said, and inspectors review that work in order to issue certifications. But with no paying jobs due to a lack of certifications, Cimolai-HY asked to be able to build a sample work piece. As a pilot program, the AISC board agreed. A sample piece was built last spring to show the techniques and tolerances the company could bring to future bridge projects, and the certification was received in June.

“That allows us to go after contracts,” Carbonneau said, as well as picking up subcontracting jobs that now allow the facility to bring in the paying work that pays the bills.

Carbonneau said she would like to have the sample piece moved to the front entrance and painted as the facility’s sign for visitors and passers-by, a monument

of sorts to the work done in Olean.

THAT SIGN WOULD go hand-in-hand with other signs at the site which point toward its past. While the majority of manufacturing equipment at the site was removed when Siemens Energy closed down production in 2022, some pieces remain and are used as needed — such as a large Ingersoll milling machine dating back to the Clark Bros. days. The overhead cranes capable of lifting a house now sport electromagnets used to move large stock from station to station. Even Dresser-Randmarked wood pallets and truck trailers are used to move materials around the production floor. There are also some familiar faces. Carbonneau estimated that about 35% of the workers on site previously worked for Dresser-Rand or Siemens in Olean. Others are new to manufacturing, with Carbonneau crediting efforts by SUNY Jamestown Community College to push workforce investment and getting new workers the training they need to get on the floor. For some jobs, Eu-

ropean engineers and workers were brought in temporarily. Teams from the Netherlands came to Olean to install machinery, and several Italian employees are helping with setup and guiding the new workers, Carbonnaeu said. For more than 100 years, the site was the center of heavy industry in the city. In 1916, Clark Bros. relocated from Belmont to the site — adjacent to the Socony-Vacuum oil refinery, as the company focused production for the oil and gas industry. Through various mergers it became part of Dresser-Rand. German conglomerate Siemens bought Dresser-Rand in 2015, but in 2020 spun off Siemens Energy, which included several areas of the business tied to oil and gas industries as the firm aimed to focus more on renewable energy operations. Siemens Energy announced in February 2021 that it would close manufacturing in Olean by mid-2022, laying off more than 500 workers.

The company continues to employ around 300 on the campus, focused mainly on engineering and support for company operations.

Cattaraugus County lawmakers loaned Cimolai $2 million to get started in Olean, which will be forgiven if Cimolai meets hiring targets. Officials reported the company is well on its way to hitting hiring targets for the aid, which provides $500,000 a year for four years.

Cimolai pledged 219 jobs in its application for IDA tax breaks. By the start of 2024, the company had employed around 45 in Olean, rising to around 80 this past summer. IDA officials reported it is likely the company will have double the promised jobs in order to bring the plant up to full capacity.

Bob Clark/Olean Times Herald Vehicles travel along West State Street on Monday. Federal officials announced $25 million for the

An automated machine makes a continuous weld at the Cimolai-HY facility in North Olean.

Photos by Bob Clark/Olean Times Herald

A worker operates a welding machine at the Cimolai-HY facility in North Olean.

A YEAR OF TRANSITION, BUT MISSION REMAINS THE SAME FOR GREATER OLEAN AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

OLEAN — It’s been a year of transition for the Greater Olean Area Chamber of Commerce as Christine Pecherzewski, former director of events and operations, took over this past fall as executive director.

Adam Jester, who served as interim executive director, continued to handle marketing, advertising and business development during the transition.

“We felt (Pecherzewski’s) skills and dedication to the mission, and the members, made for a great opportunity to promote from within to secure a full-time director to lead the organization forward,” Jester said, while also highlighting the elevation of Belle Martinelli to membership services specialist.

“Belle also came in as a part-timer originally, but as we revamped the roles and aligned folks with their strengths and interests, it became clear that her skills were a perfect fit for this role.”

In addition, the Chamber welcomed receptionist Meg Pavone to the team to provide “some much-needed bandwidth” as the calendar turns toward the busy holiday event and shopping season.

Jester, former Chamber board vice president and CEO of local business consulting firm Bamboo Strategy Group, stepped in as interim executive director following the departure of chief operating officer Meme Yanetsko in late January 2024, bringing to a close her career with the Chamber that spanned three decades.

Meanwhile, numerous community events across the greater Olean area are planned in 2025 — with a few changes.

Southern Tier Restaurant Week — a replacement for the Taste of Olean event held in 2024 — was set for two weeks, with one in March and the other in August leading up to the StrOlean event.

Several other events have been opened to the public. The annual clambake has been

opened to the public to purchase tickets and renamed the Picnic in the Park, reflecting the wide variety of food options to be available on June 12 at Lincoln Park. In addition, the Chamber Golf Classic has been opened to the public and moved to the golf course at Holiday Valley in Ellicottville.

Member and nonmember pricing will be announced closer to the events.

The annual Jingle Bell Jubilee will be moved to a Saturday, rather than a Friday night as previously held, and the annual Chamber dinner will

be moved to the month of October, rather than November.

Two events were removed from the schedule — the Float the Allegany summer river trip from Portville to Olean as was the Tailgate Thursday held during football season.

“The Greater Olean Area Chamber of Commerce has undergone quite a transitory period, as reflected in some changes made to our events lineup this year,” Martinelli said in February. “However, we want to reassure you that now more than ever we are committed to our members and our community. We are

confident that we can achieve great things and make a positive impact on our area.”

Monthly Business

After Hours events also continue, as the Chamber has featured Raymour & Flanigan on West State Street in January, Bartlett Country Club in February and Fairway View Pavilion at the St. Bonaventure Golf Course in March.

April’s BAH at Metro Mattress, 3061 W. State St., on April 16.

THE CHAMBER’S 2025 COMMUNITY EVENTS

SCHEDULE INCLUDES:

May 10 — Community-Wide Garage Sales

June 12 — Chamber Picnic in the Park, Lincoln Park, Olean

June 26 — Southern Tier Corporate Challenge, JCC Olean campus

July 23 — Chamber Golf Classic, Holiday Valley, Ellicottville

Aug. 9-16 — Southern Tier Restaurant Week Part 2

Aug. 16 — StrOlean, downtown Olean Oct. 16 — Chamber annual dinner

Nov. 28 — Santa Claus Lane Parade, North Union Street, Olean

Dec. 13 — Jingle Bell Jubilee, Lincoln Park, Olean

OLEAN YMCA MARKED MAJOR MILESTONES THIS PAST YEAR

By JIM ECKSTROM

OLEAN — The Olean YMCA marked 20 years of swimming lessons, exercise classes, college athletics and a growing sense of community on Wayne Street in 2024.

Members, friends, neighbors and families gathered at the Y’s facility at 1101 Wayne St. to celebrate the location’s 20th anniversary in September. Many in attendance played a part in the capital campaign to construct the current building, which opened in the fall of 2004.

“The Olean YMCA at our Wayne Street location has allowed the Y to grow, serve and adapt to the needs of our people and our community,” Curtis Pierce, executive director of the Olean YMCA, said at the time.

“As we look back on the past two decades, I am filled with gratitude for everyone who has played a role in our journey and continued success,” said Jeff Townsend, CEO of the YMCA of the Twin Tiers.

“From our dedicated

volunteers who bring their passion and expertise to our YMCA to the staff who get the work done each day to the community members who have supported us, your contributions to our YMCA have been invaluable.”

Although 20 years is significant, the YMCA has a much longer history in Olean. The city’s first Y location opened in 1886 on North Barry Street and included a gym, swimming pool and a bowling alley. Then in 1960, a South Union Street building where Lincoln Park Suites now stands became home to the Y.

The first floor included a gym, swimming pool and racquetball court while the second floor was a residence for lowor no-income community members. According to Times Herald archives, YMCA officials in March 2002 announced plans to build the $9 million Wayne Street facility on ground that was once the location of the former Pennsylvania Railroad field. A

groundbreaking ceremony was held in July 2003 and construction work was underway by September.

When completed, the 62,000-square-foot facility boasted an aquatic center with an Olympic-size pool, a family fun pool and a therapy pool; a wellness center with weight training and cardiovascular equipment; an aerobic studio; three gymnasiums and an indoor track; and locker rooms — all amenities still enjoyed by YMCA members.

The YMCA opened at its new home in the fall of 2004. The project was paid for by a mix of funding sources, including $3 million in donations; a bond, or long-term loan; and a contribution from partner organization Jamestown Community College.

In 2006, the YMCAs in Olean and Bradford, Pa., joined together and formed the Olean-Bradford YMCA. Seven years later, the YMCA expanded again and formed the YMCA of the Twin Tiers,

adding in the Wellsville branch.

Last June, the YMCA celebrated another milestone as it opened the Cutco splash pad in the Erick Laine Outdoor Center. It was all the culmination of work to complete Phase 2 of the $5 million Laine Outdoor Center, thus finishing the four-season facility built on land behind the YMCA on Wayne Street.

The outdoor facilities include an ice-skating rink for winter fun and outdoor gas fireplaces. YMCA officials describe the center as a safe, healthy space for people of all ages to play and enjoy the outdoors

and allows for ample activities that will keep people moving and engaged. The project solved a long-standing challenge for the Olean Y — not having a dedicated outdoor space on its campus for members and the community to enjoy.

The original fundraising goal was $4.5 million. Due to cost escalations, the goal was increased to $5 million and volunteer fundraisers worked to reach — and surpass — that goal.

Work on the center, headed by Kinley Construction, began in April 2023, with a significant amount of prep work needed before build-

ing the new structures, including backfilling former building foundations and leveling the entire new site. Work then commenced on all of the underground utilities for the ice rink/ splash pad along with foundational work for the bathroom facilities and the airnasium. Townsend recognized the YMCA’s board of directors, foundation board and branch board volunteers “who had the foresight coming out of the pandemic to ask the right questions about what the future holds for YMCAs and how we can serve our community in new and different ways.”

program brought about a major reconstruction project. The RAISE program was previously known as the Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development grant program, and later as the Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery discretionary grant program. The city received $6.5 million in 2013 from the TIGER program to fund the Walkable Olean Phase 1 project along North Union Street.

Along with replacing underground water and sewer pipes, the project also reconfigured the wide street into two lanes with a median, as well as taking out seven stop lights and installing five roundabouts.

“Olean has become a role model for safety-oriented

complete street makeovers, helped by the enormous resources of the USDOT,” said Jeff Belt, president of Olean-based SolEpoxy and who funded the concept work for the city. “North Union Street was transformed for an 80% reduction of injury accidents. Now West State Street will be reconstructed with improved safety for drivers and pedestrians — many of whom are children, walking to school.”

Along West State Street, the corridor averages 100 accidents a year, according to the application report. Between 2018 and 2023, accident rates were almost twice as high as the state average for similar roads, and 600 accidents with more than 70 injuries were reported.

“There is no more deserving community than the city of Olean,” Vendura said. “The city and the project team have been working on the design of this transformative project for the past five years, and we are so happy to be able to bring changes to the West State Street corridor that will improve safety, walkability, connectivity and transportation efficiency.”

She added the project will also bring many environmental benefits to the city’s residents, businesses and the nearly 500 school children that have to cross that very busy and dangerous street each day.

“I am so proud to be part of the design team and extend my hearty congratulations to the city,” she said.

File photo

Members, friends, neighbors and families gathered in September at the

File photo

The Greater Olean Area Chamber of Commerce’s StrOlean event is set for Aug. 16 in 2025.

Christine Pecherzewski

UNITED WAY COMPLETES FIRST YEAR OF MERGER OF CATTARAUGUS, ALLEGANY COUNTIES

After the merger of the United Way organizations serving Cattaraugus and Allegany counties in 2024, the executive director believed by the end of last year the UW found its footing in making positive differences in the two counties.

“We are really seeing the positive impact of the merger in this later part of the first year,”

Susan McAuley said.

“It’s been really wonderful to see the cooperation take shape in the two counties, especially in Allegany County,”

Susan McAuley said as 2024 was winding down.

She said a key element of the success of the merger has been incorporating Allegany County board members into the board that oversees what is now the United Way of Cattaraugus & Allegany Counties. Board members from both counties have learned about the shared needs in the region as well as the specific needs of benefit-

ting organizations that serve either county.

The presidency of the board is being rotated between the counties on an annual basis and McAuley believes that also is an important factor in binding the two counties together through the United Way.

McAuley said twin annual fundraising campaigns in the two counties also went well, even as the needs in both counties for services have risen, particularly since the coronavirus pandemic. She said UW avoids stamping specifically stated goals on the annual fundraising campaigns, as was done in the past, but she acknowledged that $200,000 is the benchmark both counties strive for.

“(A stated goal) really does put a lot of pressure on the campaign,” McAuley said, particularly when there are so many non-profit and charitable organizations in the region that are raising funds. “We said let’s just focus on raising as much as we can ... and I think that has been a good way to approach it.”

And the needs remain great in both counties, she said, indicating that their respective ALICE thresholds — Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed households that earn more than the federal poverty level but less than the basic cost of living for the county — are significant.

Households below the ALICE threshold —

ALICE households plus those in poverty — can’t afford the essentials.

Households move below or above the ALICE threshold as economic factors and circumstances change. This was especially true amid the economic upheaval of the COVID-19 pandemic, with higher wages, inflation and additional pandemic assistance. By 2022 — the most recent numbers available — 15,634 households (49%) were below the ALICE threshold in Cattaraugus County, while in Allegany County 8,483 households (50%) were below the threshold.

In Cattaraugus County, with a population of 76,439 in 2022 and 32,016 total households, the median household income was $50,508, while the state average was $79,557. The county’s labor force participation rate was 56.3% while the state’s

CDS CUTS RIBBON ON OLEAN’S STATE STREET APARTMENTS

By BOB CLARK

OLEAN — The first major affordable housing project in the city in decades finally saw its ribbon cut in January.

Officials with CDS Monarch and area elected officials cut the ribbon Jan. 9 on the $16 million State Street Apartments, which includes 46 units in the former Market Basket warehouse on East State Street. The ceremony capped off five years of effort by the nonprofit to revitalize the structure. The project provides housing for residents earning up to 50% of the Area Median Income, and 14 units were set aside for supportive housing — seven one-bedroom and seven two-bedroom units.

“This is about people finding affordable

housing in communities they love,” said David Greenman, executive director of the CDS Wolf Foundation.

“It’s no secret that the housing affordability crisis is being felt in Western New York,” said Lenny Skrill, Upstate director of Development West of the state Office of Homes and Community Renewal.

To date, HCR has assisted in over 15,000 housing units in Western New York being built or renovated, Skrill said. “There’s been a sort of bipartisan support to the work we do expanding housing.”

Noting that “politics” is often a dirty word, “if you look at what we’re able to accomplish when we work together, politics means victory,” said CDS Life Transition CEO Andrew Sewnauth

said, crediting officials on both sides of the aisle with funding the programs that allowed the project to break ground in September 2022.

To make the venture possible, the entity received $9.2 million in Federal Low Income Housing Tax Credits, a $2.9 million subsidy from the state Office of Homes and Community Renewal, $3.5 million from the Homeless Housing and Assistance Program through the state Office of Temporary Disability Assistance, and $46,000 from the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority New Construction-Housing Program.

The first tenants moved into the building May 31. As of Thursday, only one two-bedroom

were $26,784, while for a family of four with two small children household costs were $83,436. In Allegany County household costs were $27,264 (single adult) and $86,772 (family) respectively.

For 2024, the UW of the two counties distributed $240,000 to 34 community agencies as follows:

CATTARAUGUS COUNTY

• Allegheny Highlands Council, BSA

average was 62.8%.

ALICE households were 29% (state average: 31%) and households in poverty were at 19% (state average: 15%).

Allegany County’s population was 47,222 in 2022, with the number of households at 16,813. Median household income was $58,725 (state average: $79,557) and the labor force participation rate was 54.2% (state average: 62.8%). ALICE households were at 35% (state average: 31%) and households in poverty were 15% (state average: 15%).

Meanwhile, in both Cattaraugus and Aldlegany counties in 2022, household costs were well above the federal poverty level of $13,590 for a single adult and $27,750 for a family of four. In Cattaraugus County, householdd costs for a single adult

• American Red Cross WNY Chapter, BeA-Friend Program, Inc., Big Brothers Big Sisters of Erie, Niagara and the Southern Tier

• Catholic Charities of Buffalo

• CBA Vision Rehabilitation Services

• Directions In Independent Living, inc.

• Genesis House of Olean, Inc.

• Girl Scouts of Western NY

• HomeCare & Hospice

• Interfaith Caregivers

• Legal Assistance of Western NY

• Olean Food Pantry

• Special Olympics New York, Inc.

• St. Bonaventure University’s Bona Buddies

• St. Bonaventure University’s Warming House

ALLEGANY COUNTY

• Allegany County Assoc. for the Blind and Visually Handicapped

• Allegany County Community Opportunities and Rural Development, Inc. (ACCORD)

• Allegany County Mental Health Association

• Allegany Senior Foundation

• Allegheny Highlands Council, BSA

• American Red Cross Western New York Chapter

• Ardent Solutions

• Belfast Public Library

• Catholic Charities

Joyce Family Food Pantry & Outreach

• Catholic Charities of Buffalo

• Cuba Circulating Library Association

• Family Service Society, Inc.

• Fillmore Powerhouse Youth Center Inc.

• HomeCare & Hospice

• Houghton Royal Family Kids Camp

• Literacy West NY, Inc.

• Southern Tier Traveling Teacher, Inc.

McAuley also noted that UW also began administering the Leadership Cattaraugus program, so 2025 will be the first cohort it works with from beginning to end.

Bob Clark/Olean Times Herald Officials cut the ribbon of the State Street Apartments project Thursday in Olean.

File photo

The Warming House in Olean, United Way organization, is operated by St. Bonaventure University student volunteers.

File photo Genesis House in Olean can help families when they have nowhere else to turn.

BUSY YEAR FOR CATTARAUGUS COUNTY INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT AGENCY

By BOB CLARK

ELLICOTTVILLE

— It’s been a busy 12 months for the Cattaraugus County Industrial Development Agency.

The board of the agency has supported almost $107 million in projects in the past year, noted IDA Executive Director Corey Wiktor.

“It’s definitely busier than last year,” Wiktor said at the February board meeting, with a number of projects moving through the application process and others moving through development after securing inducements.

Projects supported by the IDA board or now being considered include:

• Holiday Valley sought assistance for almost $2.5 million in upgrades in 2024, with work aimed at improving resilience to warmer temperatures and four-season attractions. Win-Sum LLC, which owns and operates the ski resort, sought a sales tax abatement for work including snowmaking equipment, underground water line replacements, LED slope lighting, lidar equipment for snow movers to help level out the man-made snow to improve skiing, adventure park equipment, pickleball courts, updates and mattress replacements at The Inn, and information technology upgrades.

• A project to build $32.5 million for cattle barns and other upgrades at Edelweiss Dairy in Free-

dom is also ready to kick off this spring after the IDA board offered support in 2024.

• MJ Painting Contractor Corp. moved ahead with a $1.73 million project to build a new structure at 350 Franklin St. A revised application to the IDA updated the benefits to reflect the changes in the project since it was originally approved in 2021.

• North Park Innovation Group, on Route 242 in Ellicottville, received property, sales and mortgage tax exemptions for between 3,000 and 10,000 square feet of new space for manufacturing at the current site. The company manufactures training equipment for hands-on teaching of refrigeration, HVAC and other trades students in the U.S. and overseas. The majority of customers include

technical schools, colleges and prisons, as well as union-operated training centers. The business uses a 12,000-squarefoot structure built in 1991. The total investment is estimated at $770,000.

• Olean Town Center LLC received support for a $40.23 million redevelopment effort at the Olean Center Mall. The project includes construction of a new mall entrance, improvements to the existing structure, roof replacement, interior infrastructure renovation, and the partial demolition of the former Bon-Ton anchor for redevelopment.

• Sports Locker in Olean received assistance for benefits on a $200,000 project to renovate a portion of its West State Street building and uniform production equipment.

• Olean Manor Inc. operating as Field of Dreams received benefits for a $9.81 million construction phase to build an additional 40 cottages for residents.

• Jamestown Macadam Inc. officials indicated they were preparing to begin work on an IDA-backed concrete plant on Olean’s Homer Street. The company closed on a property there in January, after receiving IDA inducements for the $2.5 million project.

• Creeley Construction and Hidden Gems Family Resorts LLC received property, sales and mortgage tax breaks to build a 30-unit short-term luxury rental complex off Route 242 in the town of Mansfield. The project includes $8 million in construction costs on an 18-acre site for 30 standalone structures serving as private

units and a main building, said owner Jake Creeley at the IDA board meeting in January.

• Olean Union Sales Corp. received support for a 6,000-square-foot structure at 426 S. Union St., expanding services at the company’s main site. Wiktor noted the company leases space in the area, and the project would cost about $750,000. Sales tax incentives are estimated at $60,000, while mortgage tax incentives are estimated at $8,750. Company officials are seeking a PILOT from the IDA, which would increase payments until bringing the project to full property taxes after 10 years.

• TL Schwab plans to build a new 36,000-square-foot shop and office space for the company.

STATE STREET APARTMENTS

from Page A-5

unit was unoccupied, CDS officials said, with 45 units occupied. Visitors were given a tour of the apartment.

“The average rent is less than $600 a month for these people,” Sewnauth said, with one-bedroom apartments going for less and two-bedroom apartments running under $700 a month.

Officials noted that the building includes free Wi-Fi internet access for all residents with 24/7 IT management, as well as a community room with kitchen, a computer lab, fitness center, laundry rooms, lobbies with communal seating areas, as well as offices for property management and supportive

service staff, and maintenance storage. A new parking lot with four EV charging stations, site lighting, landscaping, benches, and playground equipment were installed, and a courtyard area was added to the building.

Noting the building had previously been an old warehouse, “The transition is incredible … I’m blown away by this,” said Assemblyman Joe Sempolinski, R-Canisteo, also offering his appreciation for efforts to provide supportive housing to those with special challenges in their lives.

“I remember the trains pulling in here and the trucks coming in and the trucks coming out,” Aiello

Wiktor noted the company acquired another firm recently to expand trucking services, and the new site would consolidate operations. The company sought sales tax, mortgage tax and real property tax abatements for the $4 million project.

• Kinley Contractors plans to build a new 12,000-square-foot shop adjacent to its new corporate headquarters off Interstate 86 Exit 24 in the town of Allegany. Officials are seeking sales tax, mortgage tax and real property tax abatements on the $2.5 million project.

• Mazza Mechanical Services seeks to move the company’s pipe fabrication division from Orchard Park in Erie County to Olean, the home of the company’s headquarters. The site, the 6,000-square-foot former Pierce Steel location, is adjacent to the Mazza site on North Seventh Street. Officials are seeking sales tax and real property tax abatements for the $1.2 million project.

• Rusty Rooster Farm & Vintage plans to renovate a recently-acquired building to include a 6,000-square-foot wood production and manufacturing space with a kiln, as well as a 3,000-square-foot reception hall at 476 Highland Terrace in Portville. Officials are seeking sales, mortgage and real property tax benefits on the $200,000 project.

said, pleased the site has been brought into a more active use after the warehouse closed.

“CDS Housing took on the challenge of converting the former Market Basket warehouse into 46 affordable apartments and I offer my congratulations on the completion of the East State Street Apartments.”

Aiello noted the city’s Department of Community Development and code enforcement office worked with the developer, as well as the city’s planning board.

For more information on the site, visit https://cdslifetransitions.org/housing/ contact.

Bob Clark/Olean Times Herald

NEW CINDY’S CRAFT CO-OP OFFERS UNIQUE HANDMADE GIFTS

OLEAN — The New Cindy’s Craft Co-Op of 2330 W. State St., located in the former AJ’s space, is closing in on its 30th year of offering unique handmade gifts.

Owned and operated by Linda Minnemeyer, Cindy’s Craft Co-Op first opened in October 1997 in the Olean Center Mall. After three years of just seasonal display, Minnemeyer’s late sister, Cindy Fox, moved the co-op into the former CVS location in the mall to operate year-round.

Fourteen years ago, Cindy’s moved across the mall concourse to a larger location next to Kay Jewelers. In 2024, the co-op, which has 33 members, moved to the former AJ’s location across West State Street from Tops.

“We are celebrating our first year in our beautifully decorated and warm location,” Minnemeyer said.

An independent co-op, Cindy’s is a unique gift store offering handmade crafts and items made by local vendors offering “upscale products without high prices.” Members can customize gifts and the co-op delivers to area nursing homes and Olean General Hospital for free.

Minnemeyer also said that more consumers are ordering online and plans are in the works to get that aspect of the business going in 2025.

“When my late sister ran Cindy’s, things were easier,” she said. “We have had to deal with (the COVID pandemic) and a sagging economy.”

But she added that the co-op can be a source for one-of-a-kind, wholly unique gifts that might not be found anywhere else.

Cindy’s hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday-Saturday. Call (716) 379-8530.

OLEAN FOOD BARN OWNERS KEEP AN IMPORTANT LOCAL BUSINESS GOING

By BOB CLARK

OLEAN — With a ribbon of cash donated to a local food pantry, Olean Food Barn hosted its grand opening Feb. 10 — and keeping grocery shopping more accessible to South Olean residents.

The store, at 111 E. Greene St., came under new ownership in October. Scott McCann of Bradford, Pa., owner of Emporium Food Market in Emporium, Pa.; and Jim Stoddard of Limestone, who previously owned the Western Steer store in Limestone, hosted the event with local dignitaries and many of the company’s employees.

“I’m just honored to carry on the tradition here,” said co-owner Scott McCann shortly before cutting the ribbon. That ribbon — adorned with $500 in cash — was donated to the Olean Food Pantry after the event.

McCann and Stoddard credited their staff in making the transition — the store employs more than 100 workers.

“It’s been a lot of work,” Stoddard said in February, with a new grab-and-go deli station, a wet rack for vegeta-

bles, painting, stock resets and other work to “freshen things up.”

“Many hands have gone into making this grand opening a success,” Stoddard said. The first Ried’s Food Barn opened in 1973 in Allegany, with a second location opening in the current site in June 1977. The Allegany site closed in 1988.

Longtime Ried’s Food Barn owner David Ried announced the sale to Stoddard and McCann in October, with the store opening under the new Olean

Food Barn name Oct. 28. The transition also included new licenses and approvals for certain services, including alcohol, tobacco and lottery sales, as well as acceptance of certain government payment programs.

“I’ve been in the Food Barn business for over 50 years,” Ried told the Times Herald, adding he will retire and hopes to be a regular customer at the store. “I’m looking forward to seeing it from the other side of the counter.

“It’s been fun. I love them all — the custom-

ers have been so great to me and my family. I know a lot of them by name, but even more by their face,” he added, saying his employees feel the same way. “We never forget that our paychecks come from them. I’ll miss them.

“This team we have here now and their predecessors mean the world to me,” Ried said, adding he has been proud to help many young workers begin their careers. “It’s been amazing — we’ve had kids who became doctors, lawyers, mayors, even go into this

business. That’s what I’m most proud of, hiring young people and watching them grow.”

He noted that the employees deserved transparency, and said they were informed last week of the deal.

Ried said the process of selling took several years, finding the right buyer out of several potential buyers.

“I’ve been trying to market it for about five years,” Ried said. McCann and Ried knew each other while McCann worked for Olean Wholesale and when he previously managed

the Parkview stores in Bradford and Salamanca. “They’ll do a good job.”

Looking back on his time, first assisting his father and then leading the business himself, Ried said that newer technologies played an increasing role with the Food Barn.

“It was the first store within 50 miles to have electronic scanning,” Ried said, which was a problem in the 1970s when maybe half of products had Universal Product Code barcodes on packages. As time went on, newer technologies improved service, distribution of advertising to customers, and helped streamline inventory and ordering in a business known for its small profit margins.

The biggest challenges, he said, came from finding a niche to ensure competitiveness, as well as competing for the best workers to staff the store.

“We’ve competed against some of the best retailers in the world. That’s something we should be proud of,” he said, ranging from regional chains like Tops to national powerhouses such as Walmart and even international competition from Aldi.

Bob Clark/Olean Times Herald

Local officials and employees join Scott McCann (center, holding scissors) and Jim Stoddard (to right) in cutting the ribbon at the grand reopening of Olean Food Barn on Feb. 10.

HELPING NEIGHBORS LIVE LIFE TO FULLEST

The impact of HomeCare & Hospice and Total Senior Care

At HomeCare & Hospice and Total Senior Care, the mission is simple yet profound: helping individuals live life to its fullest. Whether supporting a senior striving to maintain independence, or caring for someone facing a serious illness, their approach is anything but one-size-fits-all.

PERSONALIZED CARE PUT FIRST

Every person’s story is unique, and so are their health needs and personal goals. At Total Senior Care, seniors are provided with more than just standard care — they receive personalized support tailored to fit their lives. Through the nationally recognized PACE (Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly) model, Total Senior Care offers a comprehensive range of services, including medical care, rehabilitation therapies, personal care, social activities, meals, and transportation. These services are all coordinated through their PACE Center in

Olean and Day Centers in Wellsville and Gowanda.

The goal is to empower seniors to remain independent, engaged, and at home in their community.

“At Total Senior Care, we know that every senior has a special story and deserves care that respects their individuality. Our team is committed to providing personalized support that helps each participant live independently, with dignity, and connected to the community they love,” said Roxanne Padlo, executive program director, Total Senior Care.

HOSPICE CARE: IT’S ABOUT HOW YOU LIVE

For individuals facing serious illness, HomeCare & Hospice offers compassionate support focused on quality of life. Hospice care is not about giving up; it’s about embracing life with dignity, comfort, and love. Their experienced team surrounds both patients and their families with

expert medical, emotional, and spiritual care, helping them make the most of each moment. Hospice care isn’t about giving up — it’s about embracing life with dignity, comfort, and compassion. They focus on providing expert medical, emotional, and spiritual care, ensuring that patients and their families are surrounded by support at every step. Their team cares for individuals in the place they feel safest and most comfortable — their own homes.

HomeCare & Hospice serves Allegany, Cattaraugus, Genesee and Wyoming counties, providing care in the place patients feel most comfortable — their own homes.

A GREATFUL HEART: ONE FAMILY’S STORY

The dedication and compassion of the HomeCare & Hospice team are reflected in the words of those they serve. One recent caregiver shared: “Thank you to hospice for the wonderful care my husband received in his final days. Your team made sure we had everything needed to keep him comfortable. Our nurse was kind, attentive, and always there to answer questions or ease concerns — even making the long drive to our home after he passed.

You made an extremely difficult time so much easier to handle.”

Stories like these highlight the meaningful difference that individualized, compassionate care makes during life’s most challenging moments.

SUPPORTING OUR COMMUNITY — ONE PERSON AT A TIME

While HomeCare & Hospice and Total Senior Care may not be announcing major building projects or expansions this year, their impact is felt daily in the lives of their neighbors. Their focus remains steadfast: meeting people where they are in life, understanding their goals, and providing

personalized care every step of the way.

“At HomeCare & Hospice and Total Senior Care, our focus has always been on people — meeting them where they are in life, understanding their goals, and providing care that supports them every step of the way. Whether it’s helping a senior maintain their independence or guiding a family through the challenges of serious illness, we are honored to walk alongside our neighbors, ensuring they live life to its fullest,” said Melissa Sullivan, chief executive officer, HomeCare & Hospice & Total Senior Care.

Both organizations continue to innovate and strengthen their

programs, ensuring that every individual has access to high-quality, personalized care — allowing them to stay in the homes and communities they love.

For seniors looking to maintain their independence, or families navigating serious illness, HomeCare & Hospice and Total Senior Care stand ready to help. To learn more about how HomeCare & Hospice or Total Senior Care can support you or a loved one, contact: HomeCare & Hospice — visit www.homecare-hospice.org or call (800) 719-7129.

Total Senior Care — visit www.totalseniorcare.org or call (866) 939-8613.

INSPIRE CRAFTS & HOBBIES: COMMUNITY-CENTERED DESTINATION FOR CREATIVITY AND FUN

WELLSVILLE — For over a decade, Inspire Crafts & Hobbies has been a beacon for creative minds and hobby enthusiasts in Wellsville. Opened in December 2014, the store was born from a simple yet powerful vision: to meet a community need for a local craft and hobby shop. In an era where independent stores are becoming increasingly rare, Inspire Crafts & Hobbies remains a vital resource for those who prefer a hands-on shopping experience and a personal connection with their local retailer.

ONE-OF-AKIND SHOPPING EXPERIENCE

Inspire Crafts & Hobbies is not your typical hobby store. Specializing in both crafting supplies and radio-controlled (RC) vehicles, the store caters to a diverse

customer base. Whether you’re an artist looking for quality supplies, a knitter searching for the perfect yarn, or an RC enthusiast eager to explore the latest models, this shop has something for everyone. The best-selling products reflect the community’s interests: yarn and art supplies dominate the crafting side, while RC trucks lead sales in the hobby section. What sets the store apart is its unique ability to offer products that are often only available online, giving customers the convenience of purchasing specialty items locally without the uncertainty of online shopping.

A COMMUNITY HUB

Beyond retail, Inspire Crafts & Hobbies is deeply rooted in community engagement. Owner involvement in local schools, including advising the technology

club, and supplying craft materials to the local library, demonstrates a commitment to fostering creativity in young minds. The store’s welcoming atmosphere attracts people of all ages and experience levels, from beginners to seasoned hobbyists. Social media, radio and print advertising help spread the word about new arrivals and promotions, ensuring that customers stay connected. Additionally, the store takes pride in its personalized customer service — something that big-box retailers and online giants simply can’t replicate.

MEETING CHALLENGES

HEAD-ON

Like many brick-andmortar stores, Inspire Crafts & Hobbies faces the challenge of drawing customers away from online shopping. However, the store combats this by empha-

sizing personal relationships. When customers walk through the door, they aren’t just another transaction — they’re part of a community. That level of service and familiarity is something that an impersonal online shopping cart can never offer.

While the store has expanded its online sales, the owner still prefers face-to-face interactions, where they can provide expert advice and personalized recommendations. Supply chain issues, once a concern during the COVID years, have now largely stabilized, ensuring that customers can find what they need when they visit.

EXCITING FUTURE PLANS

One of the most anticipated developments for Inspire Crafts & Hobbies is the opening of its Radio Control racing track this year.

This new addition will transform the store from a simple retail space into a true hobby destination. The track will not only offer a place for enthusiasts to test their skills but will also increase demand for RC products, prompting an expansion of the store’s inventory. Additionally, as the retail landscape shifts, Inspire Crafts & Hobbies sees an opportunity to fill the void left by the closing of Joann Fabric and Crafts. By expanding its selection and reinforcing its reputation as a go-to crafting hub, the store aims to attract new customers and strengthen its position in the market. In the next five years, Inspire Crafts & Hobbies envisions itself not just as a store but as a destination. A place where customers can come not only to shop but to engage, learn, and have fun. Whether

it’s through RC events, crafting workshops, or simply providing a friendly space for hobbyists to connect, the goal is to create an experience that keeps people coming back. For those looking for something special, custom orders are always welcome. The store prides itself on listening to customers and bringing in new products based on their needs and interests. For anyone passionate about crafting or hobbies, Inspire Crafts & Hobbies is a must-visit destination. Stop by to explore a carefully curated selection of products, chat with knowledgeable staff, and be part of a growing community of hobbyists. Located at 2495 Andover Road, the store is open Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to

ECONOMIC IMPACT STUDY: JCC A CATALYST FOR GROWTH, SOCIETAL WELL-BEING

By VINNY PEZZIMENTI

Special to Olean Times Herald

A study on the economic impact of SUNY Jamestown Community College reveals substantial contributions to the regional economy, student success and societal well-being.

The independent study highlights how JCC enhanced the college’s service area in New York and Pennsylvania during the 2022–23 fiscal year by supporting local industries, students, taxpayers and society overall. Information for the study was compiled by Lightcast, a trusted global provider of labor market data and analytics, using data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and U.S. Census Bureau.

Key findings showed JCC’s influence on:

ECONOMIC GROWTH: JCC generated $163.1 million in total income for the regional economy, supporting 2,136 jobs — approximately one in every 55 jobs in the college’s service areas.

JCC’s $26.4 million operations spending supported 405 jobs.

Alumni contributions added $134 million to the economy, representing 1,692 jobs. Additional income came from student and construction spending, totaling $2.6 million.

STUDENT RETURN ON INVESTMENT: JCC’s 4,591 credit students and 1,006 non-credit students received signif-

icant long-term benefits. The college’s associate degree graduates earn $6,800 more annually than those with a high school diploma. Over a lifetime, graduates gain $306,000 in additional earnings, with a 4.8-to-1 benefit-cost ratio for their education.

Compared to the U.S. stock market’s 30-year average rate of return of 10.1%, a student’s investment in JCC reaps an average annual internal rate of return of 16.5%.

TAXPAYER REVENUE: For every dollar of public funding for JCC, taxpayers received $1.10 in benefits, totaling $24.7 million in added tax revenue and public sector savings.

SOCIETAL

WELL-BEING: JCC’s presence contributed $238.9 million in social benefits statewide through enhanced earnings, business productivity and savings in healthcare, justice system costs

and income assistance programs.

“These findings affirm Jamestown Community College’s vital role in strengthening our local economy and empowering students to achieve their potential,” said Daniel DeMarte, JCC president. “JCC remains committed to providing high-quality education and fostering economic and social progress in our community.”

NEW HATCH CAFE ON JCC CAMPUS IN OLEAN

The new Hatch Cafe opened opened this month in the College Center along North Union Street with flavorful coffees, desserts, soups and charcuteries of the former La Dolce Vita that once operated down the street.

“We had some downtime today, which is expected, but yesterday was crazy,” said Tuesday afternoon. “We had a morning rush and then two afternoon rushes, and a line out

the door. There’s a lot of nursing students that have been coming over, so that was cool. And then the faculty of the nursing students came over and had lunch.

“And then a lot of the public has finally started to figure out where we’re at, so that’s a good thing, too.”

Brianna Shay, JCC’s coordinator of innovation and entrepreneurship, and Kathleen Martel, the campus workforce development director, did much of the leg work — with big assists from the college business office and buildings and grounds — to get the cafe up and running in three months. As baristas and other employees were still being hired to run the cafe, which is open 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, Shay and Martel have been busy managing day-today operations since it opened to the college community on March 4.

The cafe, named after JCC’s Hatch Incubator that supports small

regional businesses, is inspired by the La Dolce Vita, which closed in January after nearly six years. Laura Green, the owner of La Dolce Vita, is consulting at the new cafe on a temporary contract basis, while La Dolce Vita baker Liz Brenton, who Martel and Shay said is the “heart and soul of the bakery,” was hired to continue crafting signature cakes, pies, pastries and other freshly baked treats that pair well with the cafe’s vast selection of coffees and teas.

Green, a former longtime teacher and Cattaraugus Wyoming Head Start administrator, opted to close La Dolce Vita in December.

“We had several meetings with her on how we could help,” Martel said. “Like, is there anything that we could do to convince her to stay open. And she thought about it, and we threw around a lot of ideas, but she eventually decided that she wanted to close.”

That’s when Martel

and Shay approached Holger Ekanger, JCC’s vice president of Workforce Development, about opening a similar coffee shop with new staff in the spacious campus cafeteria and kitchen area.

Work began to freshen up the space in January, including new carpeting, paint, window coverings, decor and furniture. In February, espresso machines, stoves, refrigerators and other equipment were installed, and the first employees were hired.

Don Black of Don’s Barnwood Tables in Allegany donated handmade tables that enhance the cozy atmosphere of the space.

All expenses, including staff pay, have been covered by grant funding, with the hope that the cafe will sustain itself in future years.

“It has been a journey to say the least,” Shay said. “But we are here and we’re doing it, and it’s an adventure every day.”

“I think what’s really good is we’ve been trying to support small businesses, but neither one of us has ever owned a business,” Martel added. “And now, with all of us that have gone through it and are still going through it, we’re going to be a lot more resourceful in helping small businesses, because now we understand a whole lot more about what they go through, what the challenges are, and some of the ways that we can navigate them.”

KINLEY CONTRACTORS SETTLED IN AT NEW ALLEGANY HEADQUARTERS

ALLEGANY — Kinley Contractors moving into its new headquarters at 2383 W. Five Mile Road — the former Carter Events Center — was an economic development highlight of the past year. Kinley’s own crews led renovations of the 10,000-square-foot structure in a $2.3 million project. Meanwhile, Kinley has plans to build a new 12,000-square-foot shop adjacent to the headquarters building off Interstate 86 Exit 24 in the town of Allegany. The company is seeking sales tax, mortgage tax and real property tax abatements on the planned $2.5 million project.

“It’s been an hon-

or and a pleasure,” said Don Wilcox, vice president of operations and Kinley employee of 52 years said during an event at the headquarters in October. “I’ve enjoyed every minute of it.”

For nearly 130 years, Kinley has created not just a business legacy, but a tight-knit family.

CEO Jimmy Kinley, the sixth-generation Kinley to lead, expressed his gratitude to the crowd of more than 80 business and community members as well as Kinley officials and employees.

“Sometimes, I take it for granted,” Jimmy Kinley said, touching on how special he feels it is working for the business. “The world sucks

you up and spits you out into so many different things. ... We have to make sure we don’t lose that.”

Along with Jimmy,

his father, JL Kinley, chairman of the board, addressed attendees at the GOACC’s Business After Hours event, and even gave a special shoutout to business partner Scott Bell. “We didn’t get along at first!” he joked about his partner and longtime friend.

Mike Giardini, chief operating officer, and employees ranging from administrative to construction crew members, from New York all the way to Arlington, Texas, stood and spoke on the culture, positivity and connection that Kinley represents.

“It was like growing up with another sib-

ling,” joked Katherine Kinley, chief of staff.

Over the decades Kinley transformed from residential construction to a focus on commercial projects. The family-owned company is one of the top local contractors.

Kinley and Sons was formed in 1895 by Adam Kinley. The family owned and operated a leather tannery and a timber harvesting business

In 1911, Kinley Oil Co. was formed to capitalize on the region’s oil and gas resources. Kinley Corp. was formed in 1964 to focus on commercial construction. In

the 1980s the company expanded to Nebraska by acquiring and managing fuel terminals. In 1988, the growth of the construction business led to the formal establishment of Kinley Construction.

In the 2000s, the now Texas-based Kinley Construction Group became known nationally as a general contractor serving the industrial and mechanical fueling industries in the aviation, railroad, energy, and government industries. Kinley in Western New York continued to build and grow its commercial construction business.

Two years ago, Kinley Construction formed Kinley Advanced Technical Services (KATS), and located in the former Dresser-Rand plant in Wellsville to offer turbine and compressor services.

While Kinley crews took the lead in the renovations, several area contractors worked at the site including Mazza Mechanical, Kel-Kur Electric, Paint Medics, Billings Sheet Metal and Acme Business.

A feature of the new headquarters is conference tables made from trees from the company’s land in Allegany.

File photo

Students from Olean High School visit Jamestown Community College to see its welding course and get some hands-on experience in that field of study.

Photo provided by SUNY JCC

Members of the Hatch Cafe staff are (from left) Kathleen Martel, Kaylee Taylor, Liz Brenton, Brianna Shay and Laura Green.

Kinley Contractors hosted the Greater Olean Area Chamber of Commerce’s Business After Hours at its new headquarters in Allegany back in October. From left are Katherine Kinley, Ben Heckathorn, Mike Giardini, JL Kinley and Jimmy Kinley.

BOLDER BONAVENTURE CAMPAIGN NEARS

FUNDRAISING END, BUT THE WORK IS JUST BEGINNING

By KELLEN M. QUIGLEY

ST. BONAVENTURE

St. Bonaventure

—

University is quickly approaching the end of its $125 million Bolder Bonaventure fundraising campaign, with less than $1 million needed to reach that goal.

J. Michael Pressimone, vice president for Advancement, said there has been excitement brewing throughout the year as the university inches closer to the $125 million mark that’s been seven years in the making.

“The passion of our alumni, faculty, staff and friends has been evident from the beginning of the campaign,” he said. “We have people in the queue, ready to push us over the top.”

One of the five pillars of the campaign has centered on the Jandoli School of Communication, Pressimone said. Deb Henretta, ’83, and her family announced

the transformative gift to the school last fall. This spring, Matt Davis, ’87, made a major leadership commitment to our Athletic Performance Center and our endowment, another one of the pillars.

“The Dennis R. DePerro School of Health Professions was an early success of the Bolder Bonaventure Campaign,” Pressimone continued. “The renovation of Francis Hall, which houses the school, was completed several years ago and has transformed our campus in meaningful ways and has cemented our place as a prominent part of the healthcare infrastructure of Western New York and the Southern Tier.”

Construction and renovation to support the Jandoli School of Communications will get underway this spring, Pressimone said. Further transformations, including the addition

of an Athletic Performance Center and a track and field facility, will begin at a later date.

“What few people realize is that more than 40 percent of the

money raised for this campaign has gone to support the Academic Mission and Student Experience pillar, which has raised nearly $52 million to date,” he explained. “This includes endowments, program investments, support for faculty work, expanded facilities for students and many others.”

Also worth noting is the more than $3 million raised to support Franciscan mission and ministries, which Pressimone said includes opportunities for student service and spiritual growth and support for the Warming House.

For nearly 170 years, St. Bonaventure has been a rock for this community, the Southern Tier, and Western New York, said Dr. Jeff Gingerich, university president. He said philanthropic investment is necessary to fuel growth, quality and faithful commitment to their Franciscan founders.

“A stronger St. Bonaventure means a stronger Olean and Allegany,” he said. “We are committed to the economic vitality of this region.”

Although the official fundraising period wraps up soon, Gin-

gerich said the Bolder Bonaventure campaign provides a platform from which the university can build, rather than an end. Targeted campaigns like Bolder Bonaventure have fixed timelines, he said, but fundraising never ends.

“It’s critical for our annual Bonaventure Fund efforts to succeed every year,” Gingerich added. “We continue to look for opportunities to strengthen the institution through investments in endowment to support our students and our people. Success breeds success, and we look forward to an even brighter future.”

MATTRESS XTREME LOCALLY OWNED AND OPERATED

OLEAN — Mattress Xtreme at 1657 Olean-Portville Road is a mattress store locally owned and operated by Troy Morris, who has 20 years of experience in the bedding industry and decided to branch out and open his own store.

With “extremely low overhead,” Morris said he is able to sell name-brand bedding for lower prices. “As with everything, the cost of goods has gone up quite substantially,” he said.

“With a low overhead, this has allowed Mattress Xtreme to keep prices low.” He added, “I try to focus on educating customers on the many aspects of why sleep is so vital to our everyday lives, physically and mentally.”

With a background in military service and law enforcement, Morris said he applies the values he developed in his experiences to run his business and interact with his customers with

“honesty and integrity.”

The business is open Monday-Friday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays by appointment. Special financing is available along with delivery, setup and disposal of old mattresses. Call (716) 379-8207.

Ten percent discounts are available to all first-responders, law enforcement officers, veterans and active-duty military personnel.

HIGH POINT FEDERAL CREDIT UNION

OPENED BRADFORD BRANCH

BRADFORD, Pa.

— High Point Federal Credit Union celebrated the grand opening of its Bradford branch on March 17, marking a significant milestone in serving the community and residents of McKean County.

The new full-service branch, located at 1035 E. Main St., features an innovative flex space concept, personal and technology conveniences, three drive-thru lanes and two drive-up Interactive Teller Machines (ITMs.) The new modern atmosphere was designed to serve the needs of the credit union’s growing membership. Rich Yeager, presi-

dent and CEO for High Point, was joined by members of the Credit Union Board of Directors, staff, community members and building partners, which include CPL (Clark Patterson Lee) and Kinley Contractors, LLC.

“We could not be more excited to open our branch in Bradford,” Yeager said. “We have a passionate team who strive to continually build trust and bring value to current and future members. We want to make an impact and be the most valued financial resource in the area. “We could not have done this without the support of our members

and the community,” he added.

To celebrate the grand opening, the credit union will host a range of promotions during March, April and May. These promotions will feature specials for new members, as well as offers on auto, personal and home loans, along with a certificate special.

The Bradford branch marks High Point’s fifth branch location and first in Pennsylvania. Additional locations include 1201 Wayne St. and 206 N. Clark St. in Olean, N.Y.; 180 W. Main St. in Allegany, N.Y.; and 160 S. Main St. in Portville, N.Y.

Photos provided by St. Bonaventure University

The planned Athletics Performance Center (APC) will impact all of St. Bonaventure’s 400 student-athletes. It features a 10,000-square-foot

Photo provided Mattress Xtreme at 1657 Olean-Portville Road is open Monday through Saturday as well as by appointment on Sunday.

OLEAN BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CORP. PROMOTES AREA’S STRENGTHS

By JOHN BARTIMOLE Special to Olean Times Herald

OLEAN — In real estate, the time-tested adage for success is location, location, location.

And in where one chooses to live, that adage is just as accurate — perhaps even more so.

“Our emphasis at Olean Business Development Corporation is to help make people aware of the the richness of the fabric of life we have here in the Olean area,” Bob Forness, president and executive director of OBDC, said.

“That goes to not only people already living here, but also for those who are considering relocating here or moving back home.”

Indeed, consider the strength of the Olean area in the key attributes most-often mentioned in terms of a community’s quality of life:

• Affordability. Olean’s overall cost of living is just 73.5% of the national average, whereas New York State’s overall living cost is 121.5% of the national average.

• Housing costs are 22.3% of the national average, as compared to New York State’s overall cost at 127.9% of the national average.

• Most tellingly, Olean’s median home cost is $118,900,

which is 118.9% lower than the national average.

• Safety. Olean’s rate of violent crime is pegged at an overall rating of 19.7, as compared to the national average of 22.7. (Source for above statistics: bestplaces.net).

• Health care resources. Olean has a full-service hospital in Olean General Hospital that is affiliated with Kaleida Health in Buffalo and boasts a litany of services not often found in small city hospitals. Additionally, the Olean Medical Group has a wide variety of primary care and specialty practitioners to complement a strong independent physician presence.

• Education. Not only does the city feature a comprehensive, highly rated K-12 educational system, but the surrounding communities of Allegany, Portville and Hinsdale offer similar systems. Additionally, the presence of St. Bonaventure University, the Cattaraugus County Campus of Jamestown Community College, Alfred University, Alfred State College, University of Pittsburgh-Bradford and Houghton University, allows

area residents to continue their educational journey after high school within an hour of the city of Olean.

JCC also offers a wide variety of certificate-level courses in areas such as welding, machining and other high-demand hands-on occupations, and Cattaraugus-Allegany BOCES has a litany of career-prepping courses in well-paying technical skills.

• Job opportunities. The Olean area is experiencing a job resurgence, with more than 1,000 jobs expected to be created over the next few years.

The sprawling new Great Lakes Cheese factory, teaching and other opportunities in education, the

continuing growth of manufacturers such as Cutco, the emergence of Cimolai-HY in the former Siemens’ facility and the start-ups of several new businesses herald an economic renaissance for the Olean region. Additionally, the trend of remote jobs and flexibility in where one works makes Olean an attractive landing place for those who wish to combine the convenience of working remotely with the quality-of-life Olean offers.

• Natural beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities. Olean is surrounded by the rolling Enchanted Mountains, enclosing the area in a cocoon of natural beauty. Allegheny State Park is a short drive away, offering hiking,

snowmobiling and cross-country skiing opportunities. Also located close by is the ski mecca of Ellicottville, which boasts a variety of well-groomed and challenging slopes. Additionally, the area is rife with hunting and fishing opportunities.

• Food. What kind of food are you craving? For a city of its size, Olean offers an impressive cornucopia of ethnic restaurants, including Italian, Mexican, Middle Eastern and other cuisine, as well as a complement of national chains and local American-style restaurants.

“Add it all up, and we really do have something for almost everyone here in the Olean area,” Forness added. “We believe that Olean is experiencing a renaissance, and we look forward to watching it prosper and to welcoming newcomers and expatriates to the area.”

SMALL BUSINESSES AGAIN FEATURED IN LAINE BUSINESS ACCELERATOR PROGRAM

The 2024 cohort of the Laine Business Accelerator were celebrated in December in the LBA Showcase in the Cutco Theater on the

Jamestown Community College Cattaraugus County Campus.

The five businesses were Gardner Chiropractic owned by Emily and Sam Gardner, Alexander’s Quality Transport owned by Arnim Alexander, Janae Kosciol’s Olean’s Wellness Store, Dylan Spencer’s Solemates Sneakers & Vintage and Jean Smith’s Rusty Rooster Farm & Vintage.

Each business owner shared their individual stories with the audience, and they then received $5,000 checks presented by James E. Stitt, chairman of Cutco, and Marianne Laine, widow of Erick Laine, namesake of the Business Accelerator program who was the former CEO and chairman of Cutco.

Mr. Laine, who passed away in December 2020 at the age of 87, is remembered for his business leadership and philanthropy in the Greater Olean area.

The LBA is a collaboration between St. Bonaventure University and JCC and it’s the signature program of the Olean Business Development Corp. It has guided 30 small businesses in four years — businesses that as of the end of 2024 created approximately 150 jobs, occupied seven previously empty storefronts and increased revenues since they took part in the accelerator.

SENECA ALLEGANY CONTINUES BRINGING TOP-TIER ENTERTAINMENT, SUPPORTING LOCAL COMMUNITIES

By KELLEN M. QUIGLEY

SALAMANCA —

From providing world class entertainment, relaxation amenities and dining experiences to supporting the communities it calls home, Seneca Gaming Corporation takes its mission seriously.

Across all three of its properties — Seneca Niagara in Niagara Falls, Seneca Buffalo Creek in Buffalo and Seneca Allegany in Salamanca — officials say millions of visitors from throughout New York, across the United States and even around the world continue to choose Seneca Resorts & Casinos as their destination, whether for a night out or a weekend away.

“That’s an honor and a responsibility that we embrace, which is why we work hard to continually elevate the overall experience for our guests across each area of our operation,” said Kevin Nephew, President and CEO of Seneca Gaming.

For visitors to the Southern Tier, Nephew said Seneca Allegany Resort & Casino is a one-of-a-kind combination of relaxation and excitement, where guests can enjoy the best of all worlds.

“In one visit, you can experience the non-stop, high-energy action of the gaming floor, a quiet rejuvenating visit to our

spa, an exquisite meal, great live entertainment and world-class resort accommodations,” he said.

And through it all, visitors are surrounded by the year-round tranquility and outdoor beauty of the mountains and surrounding area, Nephew said.

“If you visit, I think it’s easy to understand why, after 20 years, millions of people continue to choose Seneca Allegany as their place to escape, unwind and have fun,” he added.

Seneca Allegany celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2024 with an entertainment lineup that was unlike anything the Event Center had before, Nephew said, from a great mix of country stars, rock shows and special events, like professional MMA and the annual Snocross weekend.

“A real highlight was our anniversary weekend of outdoor concerts in May,” he said. “The Taylor Shines laser show was a great way to kick it off, and then the next night Big & Rich, Gretchen Wilson and

Cowboy Troy put on a show that people are still talking about. We’re looking to take things even higher this time.”

Seneca Allegany recently announced two sensational outdoor concerts coming later this summer — Lonestar and Montgomery Gentry on Aug. 29 and Steve Miller Band on Aug. 30 — and the return of comedian Ron White in November. Nephew said there are plenty more exciting announcements to come this year.

Also in 2024, Western New York had the oncein-a-lifetime opportunity to be in the path of totality for the solar eclipse in April, and Seneca Allegany wanted to do something special. Nephew said there was a great, family-friendly event with live music, food trucks, games and other attractions.

“It was great to have people from throughout our community come together to enjoy that experience and create some lifelong memories with us,” he said.

Seneca Gaming officials were happy that the winter weather

cooperated enough to bring back the AMSOIL Snocross races in 2024, which Nephew said is always a major attraction for Seneca Allegany. The 2025 races this past February were also a huge hit, he added.

Seneca Allegany was also honored to host two important Seneca Nation cultural events last year — the inaugural Ohi:yo’ Art Market in May and the Marvin “Joe” Curry Veterans PowWow in July.

“Crowds from across the United States and Canada came to Seneca Allegany for each event,” Nephew said. “We are looking forward to hosting both events again this year.”

Meanwhile, in the background, Seneca Gaming is always reinvesting in its properties and the people. Nephew said 2024 was their first full year since completing $19 million in hotel upgrades at Seneca Allegany, and the results and guest response have been exceptional.

“We continue to reinvest in our gaming floor to keep bringing our patrons not only the most popular games and themes, but the latest technology and newest offerings,” he said. “Change happens so quickly in our industry, and we like to stay at the leading edge of that innovation.”

Nephew said Seneca Gaming is also looking

at how they want all three of their properties to continue to evolve and lean into the aspects that give each property its own unique personality. He hinted that they have some exciting ideas in the works.

“The Seneca name and our brand continue to stand out in our market and across our industry,” Nephew said. “We are proud of the many accolades we receive, mostly because they accentuate the outstanding job our team members do every day. They are the best, hands down.”

Nephew credits Seneca Gaming’s teams as the reason they’ve earned the Four Diamond Award from AAA every year since the hotel first opened and why the properties have won 38 total Best of Gaming Awards and 13 First Place honors in the annual Best of Dining & Nightlife Awards.

“The service our team provides our guests every day makes the difference between a Seneca property and somewhere else,” he added.

What continues to make Seneca Gaming a great partner for the communities in Western New York, first and foremost, is its a local company. Nephew said they’re not some national or international corporation with owners and directors who don’t

know the region.

“We have invested more than $2 billion in our properties to date, but our investment in Western New York goes beyond dollars,” he continued. “This is our home – we’re from here, we live here and we are committed to helping our region continue to grow and succeed.”

From an employment standpoint, Nephew said they’re extremely proud of Seneca Gaming’s standing as one of the largest employers in Western New York, with more than 3,000 hard-working, dedicated team members. And he said their wages, which were more than $160 million in 2024, stay in the area.

Nephew said they have also built outstanding partnerships with several local companies and vendors from every corner of the region, which is another $100 million in annual spending that stays in Western New York and supports more local jobs.

“They support us and we support them — local businesses working together, which creates an enormous ripple effect,” he added. “We also attract millions of visitors to our properties every year, and we want to keep bringing them back to Western New York time and time again to experience all that the region has to offer.”

File photo

Emily and Sam Gardner of Gardner Chiropractic in Olean speak during the 2024 Laine Business Accelerator Showcase in the Cutco Theater at Jamestown Community College in December. The Showcase is the signature program of the Olean Business Development Corp.

TOURISM CONTINUES TO RISE IN CATTARAUGUS COUNTY

By DEB EVERTS

LITTLE VALLEY —

The Cattaraugus County Department of Economic Development, Planning & Tourism has seen a rise in tourism within the county this past year.

Tourism Specialist Samantha Hayes said tourism annual spending has increased year after year, and the hope is for the upward trend to continue.

Hayes said Allegany State Park is one of the most visited sites in the county due to the vast number of year-round activities. In addition to the park, she said Seneca Allegany Resort & Casino, Holiday Valley, Griffis Sculpture Park, Rock City Park and Amish Country are the top-most-visited places in the county.

Onoville Marina Park has been a huge draw over the years.

Hayes said the park has approximately 70 campsites and 400 dock slips, both seasonal and transient. She said seasonal sites for camping and docking book up within minutes of reservations opening.

“There are still some transient camping and dock spaces available for the 2025 season, so book soon if you’re interested,” she said. “Visitors are also welcome to visit for the day, gas up their boat and enjoy the water.”

Hayes said mountain biking is big in the county, with over 140 miles of mountain bike trails.

“Thanks to the work of Allegany State Park, Western New York Mountain Bike Asso

ment was able to secure a $7 million Design and Alignment Grant through the RAISE program – Federal Highway Transportation Department.

“We are currently working on nailing down the final alignment of 52 miles of trail that will connect the Erie/Catt. Rail Trail in Ashford to the Genesee Valley Greenway in Hinsdale,” she said.

“Once the alignment is finalized, detailed design will be completed for the full 52 miles. This project will take about three years.”

According to O’Stricker, the public has many trails to enjoy in Cattaraugus County, including major trails located in Allegany State Park, Bear Creek State Forest and Elkdale State Forest. There is also the Finger Lakes Trail, Pennsy Trail, the Pat McGee Trail and the Allegheny River Trail. To find the full list, visit the interactive map at maps2. cattco.org/trails/trails.

O’Stricker said most of the trails in Cattaraugus County are now marked with information kiosks and signage. She said the county completed a GIS and Signage System project that offered signage to all of the trail organizations.

“We urge folks to check out the miles of trails on this website that also includes local amenities where they can stop and eat or shop during their trip,” she said.

Hayes said the county tourism department

for The Enchanted Mountains is “Naturally Yours to Enjoy!”

“Our promotions highlight the abundance of outdoor activities available, offering something for everyone,” she said. “We’re fortunate to have such a wide range of natural recreational opportunities, from skiing and snowshoeing to cycling, golfing, hiking and mountain biking. The list is endless, and we encourage everyone to get outside and experience it all.”

In addition to recreational opportunities, the county has several museums where people can visit to learn about local culture, as well as the history of the county and various towns.

Hayes said the historical society museums, the American Museum of Cutlery in Cattaraugus and the county museum in Machias are examples of where they can learn.

Hayes said the Onöhsagwë: de’ Cultural Center is an incredible facility. They have a dedicated and knowledgeable team there that works to present the Seneca Nation’s history throughout the museum, but they also work to preserve their culture through lessons and classes.

“We need to keep our history alive through our young people. Our museums are doing a wonderful job of sharing their wealth of knowledge with visitors of all ages that would like to learn,” she said. “Many of our museums offer events and weekly speaker series through the summer months.”

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