The Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce will present an online Tuesday Talks panel discussion at 8:30 a.m., Tuesday, March 21.

Guest panelists are County Economic Development Coordinator Nate Aldrich, Chautauqua Works’ Katie Geise, Jamestown Community College Workforce Development’s Brian Lebarron, and JCC’s Career Services’ Julie Page. Panelists will touch on the overall job market and workforce status including broad efforts to recruit and retain employees across Chautauqua County.

Tuesday Talks is a one-hour, online-only forum to provide tips and guidance for local business people. All attendees must register through the Chamber’s web calendar at www.chautauquachamber.org/events to get the Zoom link. Tuesday Talks is free and open to all local businesses, whether they are Chamber members or not.

The Chautauqua County Visitors Bureau will hold a free Spring Tourism Workshop from 8:30 a.m. to noon, Thursday, March 23 in the Carnahan Center at Jamestown Community College. The topic will be “Ramping Up for Seasonal Hiring.”

Speakers for this morning-long in person event will be Cabana Sam’s/Sunset Bay Beach Club owner Kelly Borrello, Chautauqua Harbor Hotel Sales Manager William Hart Frantz, and a panel from Chautauqua Works led by Executive Director Katie Geise and including representatives from the New York State Department of Labor.

To register for the CCVB workshop visit them online at www.tourchautauqua.com/spring-2023-tourism-workshop.

Both the Chamber and CCVB events are being held in conjunction with the Small Business Development Center at JCC.

Chamber Director of Marketing Communications and Governmental Affairs Sheila Webster said the Chamber is working with the Chautauqua County Visitor’s Bureau and the Gebbie Foundation on the project. She said it’s something they had planned to do when the Chamber first moved into the building in Fall of 2019, “Because we’re right across the street from the Lucy-Desi Museum, we already are in a highly visible location, so we feel like we are primed here to be an information center. We’re not going to make people walk all over town to look for information, or look for a street map, or look for any kind of assistance they might need. We’ll be right here in a very visible way.”

Webster said they have brochure racks already at the Chamber and they also have personnel, which is key, “We have staff that can help to direct people and answer questions and so if someone is coming from out of town, if they really don’t know which way they should be going, or what else they can be seeing, or visiting while they’re here we want to be sure they understand what’s available.”

Gebbie Foundation Executive Director Greg Edwards said having a Visitor’s Center downtown was part of original and current Urban Design Plan. He said the Gebbie, which owns the building, will be assisting with facade work and interior work, “I’ve met with Bemus Bay Architects on a number of occasions and we have a draft plan for the new facade on the outside of the building. And I’ve been working closely with the Chamber and the Visitor’s Bureau on how to make some modifications to the interior of the building to make it more welcoming.”

Part of the interior work will be to renovate a bathroom to create a public restroom for the Center. Edwards said this work will happen this year with the facade work likely to be completed late this year or by early 2022.

According to a media release from the BPU,  the program is designed to facilitate innovation focusing on climate technology company formation, enhance regional workforce development, create jobs in the growing clean energy sector, and strengthen connections among manufacturers across the Western Southern Tier counties of Chautauqua, Cattaraugus and Allegany.

The funding was awarded under NYSERDA’s “Accelerate the Southern Tier” program opportunity, which seeks to boost the formation and growth of early-stage innovation in the Southern Tier to help New York State advance its climate and clean energy goals and continues development of the region to help foster growth of climate technology businesses.

“We are very pleased that New York State leadership recognizes that significant investment in climate technology manufacturing will benefit existing Jamestown-area companies as well as to help attract new companies to the region,” says BPU General Manager David Leathers. “This BPU-led program supports our western New York legacy as a manufacturing powerhouse in the State and speaks to our potential as a climate technology manufacturing resource for decades to come.”

The Manufacturing Clean Energy in the Southern Tier project will encompass four initiatives:

• Climate Technology Studies designed to evaluate the regional and individual manufacturer’s potential to enter the climate technology manufacturing market in the Western Southern Tier.
• Climate Technology Workforce Development which will augment training and educational programming at Jamestown Community College.
• Climate Technology Manufacturing Conference and Tradeshow held in Jamestown and designed to attract manufacturing interests from across the country.
• Climate Technology Marketing Campaign promoting the Western Southern Tier’s status as a climate technology manufacturing hub for the expanding domestic supply chain.

“Climate technology businesses provide a bright future for innovative manufacturers and, in the Western Southern Tier, we’re poised to capitalize on that future,” adds Jamestown Mayor Eddie Sundquist. “The Jamestown Board of Public Utilities stands as one of the most important economic development assets in our region. With our partners, this award will help us identify our shared potential to augment climate technology manufacturing, promote the region as a climate technology ‘hub’ and contribute locally to a 21st Century workforce.”

“Jamestown and Chautauqua County businesses can only benefit from a program designed to augment our successful local companies and attract new partners, new ideas and new investment,” states Todd Tranum, Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce president and chief executive officer. “Doing so now, at a time of critical need for our region, exemplifies our relentless determination to build a better future.”

“The Gebbie Foundation looks forward to being a part of bringing a Climate Technology Conference and Tradeshow to the Jamestown area as soon as it is safe and prudent to do so,” says Greg Edwards, Chief Executive Officer at the Gebbie Foundation. “In keeping with the Foundation’s strategic focus of revitalizing downtown Jamestown, we invest in community and economic development projects such as this, that draw further investment from public and private partners. By becoming known as an ideal conference and convention location, we can attract people to our region to experience all the area has to offer.”

This effort complements New York State’s national-leading climate and clean energy goals as outlined in the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act to lower greenhouse gas emissions 85 percent by 2050. The Accelerate Southern Tier Awards complements other State innovation and economic development initiatives such as the 76West Clean Energy Business Competition and Southern Tier Soaring.

76West recently awarded $2.5 million to four companies, to expand operations in the region, and previous competition finalists and semifinalists have successfully integrated themselves, raising $51 million in private capital, making multimillion-dollar investments in property and equipment in the region while spending more than $1.7 million on key suppliers.

Workforce training through Jamestown Community College (JCC) will increase the number of available skilled workers with knowledge of clean energy-specific technologies.

“Jamestown Community College is pleased to be part of the Manufacturing the Climate Technology Future in the Southern Tier consortium in partnership with the Jamestown Board of Public Utilities, which calls for a four-pronged initiative designed to facilitate climate technology company formation, growth, recruitment, and job creation across the Western Southern Tier counties,” says JCC President Daniel DeMarte.

“JCC’s specific role in this initiative,” continues DeMarte, “is to develop a Climate Technology program comprised of fundamental courses in residential and commercial electricity as well as more advanced offerings in Building Automation Systems focusing on the installation, repair, and maintenance of computer-based systems designed to control a building’s mechanical and electrical equipment including heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) and energy management systems. Courses will be available beginning fall 2021.”

Students in JCC’s program can also benefit from scholarship support from the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation (CRCF).

“The CRCF is proud of its heritage administering over 300 scholarship funds to local students,” explains the Foundation’s Executive Director, Tory Irgang. “This partnership will offer our local students access to unique training and education for good paying jobs in this growing sector of our economy.”

The intended impact from the program will extend beyond Jamestown’s borders across Chautauqua, Cattaraugus, and Allegany counties.
“With more Americans working in climate technology-related industries than ever before, job growth in this sector continues to exceed expectations,” notes Mark Geise, Deputy County Executive for Economic Development and CEO of the County of Chautauqua Industrial Development Agency (CCIDA). “The CCIDA and our counterparts in the Western Southern Tier—a region with more than 330 manufacturers responsible for more than $7.5 billion dollars of commerce—see tremendous value in making smart investments in climate technology manufacturing.”

Boosting manufacturers across the three counties is a significant goal of the program. Through individual manufacturing studies evaluating value-added investments in climate technology to a conference and tradeshow event meant to connect local firms with national investors and potential partners, new ideas and new jobs are on the agenda.

“Emerging climate technologies and the long-term trend toward sustainable climate technology solutions presents myriad opportunities for manufacturers across the Western Southern Tier,” says Tim Piazza, talent pipeline and apprenticeship coordinator at the Manufacturing Association of the Southern Tier (MAST). “From individual studies analyzing a manufacturer’s potential to efficiently enter the climate technology supply chain, to conferences and shared marketing designed to draw attention to the region, the program’s benefits are substantial.”

“I’m so proud of the JBPU and City of Jamestown team members who led the successful application process, along with a long list of local and regional community partners,” says Leathers. “This grant award outcome is recognition of a tremendous example of preparedness, teamwork and collaboration.”

Supporters of the proposal include: the Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce, the Chautauqua County Industrial Development Agency, the Chautauqua County Partnership for Economic Growth, Chautauqua County Visitors’ Bureau, Chautauqua County Education Coalition, Chautauqua Region Community Foundation, the City of Jamestown Department of Development, the Gebbie Foundation, Jamestown Community College, Jamestown Renaissance Corporation, the Manufacturer’s Association of the Southern Tier, and the Small Business Development Center.

The Chautauqua County Visitors Bureau, the Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce, the Chautauqua County Industrial Development Agency, and the Jamestown Renaissance Corporation, together announce the launch of CHQbuylocal.com, a website geared towards promoting local restaurants and retail businesses who are still providing services.

The website will initially contain a full list of restaurants that are offering takeout or delivery food services as well as links to their websites and/or social media pages. Restaurant owners can also utilize a fillable form on the site to ensure their business is included.

“As long as you remain in good health, maintain social distancing, good hygiene, and common sense, there’s still a lot of things to do and essential services available in Chautauqua County,” said County Executive PJ Wendel Jr. “Please support our local restaurants and small businesses and order some take out or buy a gift card.”

For consumers, we urge caution in all of your transactions. Some businesses are taking orders and payments by phone with credit card payment. We urge you to always call ahead to place takeout orders and tip generously. This situation is changing daily and some food service providers may have to make rapid changes in their plans.

“We encourage the public to continue to support local businesses by safely patronizing their establishments,” stated Todd Tranum, CEO of the Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce. “In addition to directly buying services and products the public should make an effort to buy gift cards. Every purchase makes a difference for these small businesses. Please keep promoting our local establishments on your social media pages. Shop safe! Shop small! Shop local!”

Any comments or questions regarding this announcement should be addressed to Deputy County Executive for Economic Development/CCIDA Chief Executive Officer, Mark Geise, at geisem@co.chautauqua.ny.us.

(source: uber.com)

JAMESTOWN – Ride sharing services are now available in Chautauqua County, along with the rest of Upstate New York.

The long-awaited service was approved earlier this year by the state legislature and wend into effect on Thursday. It’s designed to provide service for anyone without their own vehicle, or who would rather not drive at certain times.

“Ride sharing is a welcoming addition to Chautauqua County and it is just in time for our busy visitor season,” said Chautauqua County Executive Vince Horrigan.

According to the County Executive’s Office, at least one service is already available through Uber. To utilize the service, individuals simply go to the Google Play Store or Apple Store using a smartphone and search for the Uber App. People who don’t have a smartphone can access your account and request a ride on Uber’s website at uber.com.

Chautauqua County Visitors’ Bureau executive director Andrew Nixon said that ride hailing and sharing will help visitors get to a variety of destinations in and around the region.

“This is a fantastic service for area attractions, restaurants, wineries, breweries, and lodging properties to let their customers know about,” said Nixon. “It provides a convenient and affordable alternative to driving when necessary.”

There is also the opportunity for area residents and business people to become Uber drivers. Since this service is just beginning in Chautauqua County, there is plenty of need for drivers. The app provides instructions on how to become a driver, or interested persons can go to Uber.com.

CHAUTAUQUA COUNTY – The Chautauqua County Visitors Bureau will once again host the Colors of Chautauqua promotion – which features a season of foliage, festivals and learning.

The fall event is promoted in the tradition of lifelong learning popularized by Chautauqua Institution more than 141 years ago.

Visitors as well as residents can register for entertaining classes and learn kitchen, gardening, and foraging techniques, take lessons in creating artwork and crafts, join guided walking tours, discover history through storytelling, and expand their knowledge of local foods, wine, and beer.

The promotion runs from Labor Day Weekend through Veteran’s Day.

For a complete listing of all classes, call 1-866-908-4569 or visit the Visitors Bureau website at www.tourchautauqua.com.

The promotion features experiences in creative, cultural, and culinary arts; outdoor recreation; and history & heritage. Workshops are held across Chautauqua County.

For more information, call 1-866-908-4569 or visit the Chautauqua County Visitors Bureau website at www.tourchautauqua.com.

From left to right: Vince Horrigan, Chautauqua County Executive; Tracie DeMotte, contest winner; Roslin Smith, contest winner; Kevin Kearns, Vice President of Engagement and Economic Development at the State University of New York at Fredonia; and David Saxton, contest winner.

MAVYILLE – Chautauqua County officials have announced the three winners for the first contest period of the I Love CHQ Challenge video contest, which concluded on March 31, 2015.

Winners were Tracie DeMotte, Roslin Smith, and David Saxton; who are all from Chautauqua County.

Each winner received a $250 prize and DeMotte’s video entitled, “Outdoor Chautauqua Living,” received the highest overall rank, followed closely by Saxton’s “Hometown Winter,” and Smith’s “View’s From Within.”

A press conference and award ceremony announcing the winners took place Wednesday afternoon at Chautauqua Institution, with Chautauqua County Executive Vince Horrigan, Chautauqua County Visitors Bureau Director Andrew Nixon and several other local officials on hand.

The I Love CHQ Challenge is a social media promotion that utilizes video images of the area in conjunction with Facebook. Videos are shared in order to generate “likes” and also evaluated by a local review group. The premise behind the campaign is to foster positive images about the Chautauqua County area.

The promotion’s second contest period is now underway and continues until June 30.

For additional information about the contest and to enter, visit www.facebook.com/Tour.Chautauqua and select the I Love CHQ Challenge tab.

Winners will be presented with prizes for their videos that promote Chautauqua County as a place to live and play.

Horrigan will be joined by Andrew Nixon, Director of the Chautauqua County Visitors Bureau (CCVB); Kevin Kearns, Vice President of Engagement and Economic Development at the State University of New York at Fredonia; Sheila Webster, Director of Marketing Communications and Governmental Affairs at Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce; Michelle Turner, Vice President of Marketing at County of Chautauqua Industrial Development Agency; and other local contest partners.

Part II of the I Love CHQ challenge is now underway. More details can be found at the visitor’s bureau Facebook page.

Chautauqua County Executive Vince Horrigan.

MAYVILLE – Chautauqua County Executive Vince Horrigan has released his 2015 executive budget, which includes an overall reduction in spending but also contains a slight increase in property taxes.

On Wednesday night Horrigan presented his budget to members of the Chautauqua County Legislature and the public. The tentative $228.7 million spending plan is $449,000 lower than the current year’s budget. But despite the decrease in spending, the county was still faced with significant budget gap.

Horrigan is suggesting the county use $4.5 million from the county’s fund balance to close the gap. In addition, he said the county will also need to increase the tax levy in order to balance overall spending.

“My budget proposes a 1 percent increase in property taxes to narrow the gap,” Horrigan said. “The bottom line is that we are asking, in this tentative budget, for a nine cents per thousand increase over assessed value… for the owner of a home valued at $100,000, the increase in property tax will be just over nine dollars per year.”

Horrigan also said that he and his staff were able to find more than $2 million in efficiencies in the 2015 budget. That was largely due to the sale earlier this year of the Chautauqua County Home, along with readjusting staffing in several county departments.

In all, the new budget sees a net reduction of 163 positions. A total of 197 positions will be cut once the sale of the home is finalized, which is expected to take place next month. However, Horrigan is also introducing 34 new positions, with 25 of those being supported entirely through state or federal grants or through collaboration agreements with neighboring counties.

• 2015 EXECUTIVE BUDGET
• HORRIGAN’S 2015 BUDGET PRESENTATION

PLANNING FOR FUTURE YEARS

In addition to presenting next year’s budget, Horrigan also explained to lawmakers that they need to also prepare for future years’ budgets. That includes a plan that helps to rebuild the remaining fund balance by increasing other revenue streams. Horrigan said the county can bolster both its sales tax and bed tax revenues through a stepped up tourism campaign, done in partnership with the Chautauqua County Visitors Bureau and Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce.

“Tonight I am announcing an “I Love Chautauqua” digital media advertising campaign,” Horrigan said. “This will be a citizen-based contest with business sponsorship to collect the best Youtube video and photos to promote Chautauqua County through the eyes of our citizens. We talking “I Love Chautauqua” going viral!”

Horrigan said the county will also work to continue its economic development marketing campaign, in an effort to develop new business.

With the presentation of the budget, the spending plan is now in the county legislature’s hands. It has until Dec. 1 to amend and approve a final spending plan, which would then return to Horrigan’s desk for his signature.

WRFA will have more on the county budget, including Horrigans entire budget presentation along with his Q&A with the media, during this week’s Community Matters program, which begins at 6 p.m. Thursday.  We will also hear from Jamestown Legislator Chuck Nazaro to get his reaction to the spending plan.