On Sept. 9 local, state and federal officials announced $10.5 million in federal funding to assist businesses in Chautauqua County during the COVID-19 pandemic. From left to right – Assemblyman Andrew Goodell; Joel Frushone, EDA Director – Office of External Affairs; Anthony Foti, Intergovernmental Affairs Director – U.S. Department of Commerce; Richard Dixon, CFO – County of Chautauqua Industrial Development Agency; Congressman Tom Reed; Senator George Borrello; County Executive Paul Wendel; Mayor Wilfred Rosas; Crystal Surdyk, Interim Director of Development for the City of Jamestown; Michael Metzger, Chairman of the Board for the CCIDA and VP for Finance and Administration at SUNY Fredonia.

JAMESTOWN – The Chautauqua County Industrial Development Agency has allocated more than half of the federal CARES Act money it recently received to assist businesses throughout the county during the COVID-19 pandemic.

In September, The U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) announced the county IDA was selected to receive a $10.5 million grant to establish a new, low-interest Revolving Loan Fund (RLF). Both businesses and non-profit organizations are allowed to apply for the funding as a means to respond to economic injury resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic.

As currently established, the new RLF provides loans of no less than $25,000 and not to exceed $1 Million, and working capital loans of up to $250,000, with an interest rate of 2.44% (the lowest allowed).

The first round of funding – totaling more than $5.7 million, was awarded during the Tuesday IDA board meeting – going to 28 businesses and non-profit entities.

Of the 28 loan approvals, six of them covered more than half the total amount being borrowed:

• $700,000 to SKB Auto Sales (Fredonia)
• $646,650 to Big Inlet Brewing (Mayville)
• $500,000 to Cockaigne Resort (Cherry Creek)
• $494,460 to Artone (Jamestown)
• $375,000 to Heritage Ministries (Gerry)
• $375,000 to Advanced Production Group (Dunkirk)

The remaining loans were as follows:

• $322,000 to Luscombe Aircraft Corporation (Jamestown)
• $250,000 to La Quinta/ Holiday Inn Express/ Hampton Inn (Jamestown)
• $227,000 to Pace’s Pizzeria (Jamestown)
• $200,000 to Webb’s Candies, Inc./ Webb’s Motel Inc. (Mayville)
• $182,183 to Kimbert Manufacturing dba Barton Tool Inc. (Falconer)
• $125,000 to Ark Wholesale, LLC (Fredonia)
• $125,000 to Brigiottas Farmland Produce & Garden Center Inc. (Jamestown)
• $125,000 to Corvus Bus & Charter, Inc. (Falconer)
• $125,000 to Excelco/Newbrook, Inc. (Silver Creek)
• $125,000 to Falconer Hotel, LLC (Falconer)
• $125,000 to International Ordnance Technologies (Jamestown)
• $125,000 to Pucci Carpet One Furniture & Bedding, Inc. (Fredonia)
• $115,000 to Shawbucks, Inc. (Jamestown)
• $125,000 to Webb’s Harbor Restaurant and Bowling Lanes, Inc. (Mayville)
• $87,500 to Bilicki Law Firm, PC (Jamestown)
• $85,000 to Skate Shop (Jamestown)
• $75,000 to The Original Crunch Roll Factory, LLC (Westfield)
• $41,000 to Merritt Estate Winery, Inc. (Forestville)
• $35,000 to Ivory Acres Weddings LLC (Frewsburg)
• $25,000 to Uhl Ventures LLC dba Servpro of Jamestown/Olean (Jamestown)

IDA Director Mark Geise reminds businesses that the application and program details are still currently available, and urges anyone interested in applying to contact the CCIDA office at 661-8900.

Big Inlet Brewing and Chautauqua Marina, both in Mayville, were both recognized during the Chautauqua County Legislature’s meeting Wednesday night for their proactive efforts to adhere to social distancing, face covering and cleaning requirements to keep their customers safe.

Both businesses received certificates of recognition from Chautauqua County Executive PJ Wendel and Legislature Chairman Pierre Chagnon.

“Big Inlet Brewing was selected for its creative and proactive ways to sell its products curbside and even once it was able to fully reopen it further ensured the safety of its patrons by going above and beyond to implement safety measures,” said Andrew Nixon, President and CEO of the Chautauqua County Visitors Bureau. “This business has spaced its tables, provided extensive signage of regulations and precautions to take to prevent the spread of the virus, created traffic patterns to maximize social distancing, and enforced the rules of wearing face coverings.”

“Given the ever-evolving challenges this pandemic has presented, these businesses have led the way with regard to customer and employee safety,” said Bill Ward, Legislator, R-Mayville. “Chautauqua Marina was recognized for its tireless efforts to frequently sanitize its gas pumps, rental boats, and interior and exterior areas and to ensure its staff and customers are wearing face coverings. The marina has been required to pay close attention to ensure out of state boat rental customers are aware of the quarantine requirements. They have provided these extra safety precautions while still demonstrating the highest standards of customer service.”

The businesses were recognized through the Chautauqua County Hospitality Business Recognition Program, which allows the public to nominate tourism or hospitality businesses in Chautauqua County who they believe have done a great job of balancing their customer service and product delivery with customer and employee safety. The program is made possible through the collaboration of Chautauqua County, County of Chautauqua Industrial Development Agency, Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce, and Chautauqua County Visitors Bureau.

“I congratulate Big Inlet Brewing, Chautauqua Marina, and their dedicated staff for their hard work and exemplary service,” said Wendel. “They have delivered their products in a way that keeps everyone safe while still creating a friendly and welcoming atmosphere for their customers.”

The Chautauqua County Hospitality Business Recognition Program will also honor other businesses during the months of September and October. To nominate a tourism or hospitality business in Chautauqua County, please visit www.tourchautauqua.com/about/tourism-resources.

• MOBILE APP USERS: LISTEN VIA SOUNDCLOUD

Originally airing Friday, May 10, 2019

WRFA’s Jason Sample talks with Connecticut-based musician and US Navy Veteran Bill Thibeault to learn the story behind his song and album “Recognition” as well as his cross-country tour, including a stop at Big Inlet Brewing Co. in Mayville on May 16, 2019.

Bill Thibeault