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 will receive $10.5 million in federal funding to set up a low-interest revolving loan fund to support local small businesses and non profits impacted by COVID-19.

The announcement was made this afternoon at the Chautauqua Harbor Hotel by Anthony Foti, Director of Intergovernmental Affairs at the U.S. Department of Commerce.  Foti said the funding being allocated by the Federal Economic Development Administration and comes from nearly $20 million in federal aid for the entire western New York region. He added that while other communities and counties across the region will also receive funding, the largest sum was given to Chautauqua County.

Also in attendance was U.S. Congressman Tom Reed, along with State Senator George Borrello, Assemblyman Andy Goodell, County Executive PJ Wendel, Dunkirk Mayor Willie Rosas, and Jamestown Development Director Crystal Surdyk, who was representing Jamestown Mayor Eddie Sundquist.

Reed explained the money will help to keep businesses open during a challenging and uncertain time.

“We were proud to support this grant because we care about all the businesses, non-profits, and entrepreneurs who have been severely impacted by the economic and public health effects of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Reed. “By deploying the federal capital employers need to weather this crisis, we can ensure our local economy will rebound stronger than ever. Congratulations to CCIDA and the Chautauqua County team on their work to help the community and preserve local jobs.”

As for the details of the loan program, IDA Chief Financial Officer Richard Dixon said any small business in the county, including non profits, will be eligible to apply for funding, which will then have to be paid back at 2.4% interest.

“As part of the application process, CCIDA Staff created a detailed plan for deploying the funds in a way that provides flexibility for recipients as well as timeliness in deploying the funding in order to accelerate economic recovery within the County.  The newly-established RLF Program will be available to a wide-range of industry sectors, including professional services, non-profits, and other sectors that have previously been excluded from receiving CCIDA loan funds. As currently established, the RLF will provide 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%,” Dixon noted.

IDA officials say the application and program details are currently available by contacting their office at 661-8900.

As we are all well aware, the world is responding to public health concerns revolving around coronavirus (COVID-19), and the CCIDA is no exception. In response to the public health directives to avoid large meetings and close contact with others, we have decided to postpone the Business-to-Business Networking Matchmaking event originally scheduled for Wednesday, March 18 at the Chautauqua Harbor Hotel. 

The partnership of the CCIDA, SUNY JCC, Chautauqua Works, and MAST-NY, have agreed to follow the procedures and guidelines recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to help eliminate the spread of COVID-19. 

“While we stand by the importance of this event, we need to do our part in trying to control the spread of the coronavirus. At the same time, we understand that our local businesses are better served with their decision-makers being present at their organizations to help guide their teams through this challenging time,” explained Mark Geise, Chief Executive Officer. 

At this point, the postponement date is yet To Be Determined. The CCIDA and its partners are most interested in ensuring the health and safety of our communities first, and then we will determine the optimal time to hold this event. 

JAMESTOWN – Local residents are being invited to participate in Doors Open Jamestown on Saturday, Jan. 18.

The annual event invitees area residents to visit over a dozen different places right here in our own backyard. Designed to invite area residents to visit and learn about the local museums, galleries, and assets we have right here in our community, Doors Open Jamestown features something for everyone, whether you’re interested in history, comedy, nature, or art.

Most attractions will be open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with free admission.  Hours may vary at some locations.  In addition, dozens of local restaurants and retail shops will be open for your shopping and dining pleasure on that day.

The list of participating attractions so far includes:

• Audubon Community Nature Center
• Busti Grist Mill
• Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce
• Chautauqua Harbor Hotel
• Chautauqua Sports Hall of Fame
• Children’s Activity Corner
• DAR House, Fenton History Center
• James Prendergast Library
• Lucille Ball Desi Arnaz Museum
• Martz-Kohl Observatory
• Marvin Community House
• National Comedy Center (preregistration required)
• Reg Lenna Center for the Arts
• Robert H. Jackson Center
• Roger Tory Peterson Institute

Doors Open Jamestown is organized by the Jamestown Renaissance Corporation and Jamestown Up Close, with support from the Jamestown Community Chamber of Commerce.  More info at JamestownUpClose.com.

George Borrello (left) and Austin Morgan

FREEDOM, NY – The democrat running for the local New York State Senate seat that was vacated by Sen. Cathy Young earlier this year is again criticizing his Republican counterpart.

Cattaruagus County Democrat Austin Morgan criticized Republican opponent George Borrello on Friday for what he calls an ethical lapse and possible campaign finance violation.

The charges are in regards to a fundraiser held at the Chautauqua Harbor Hotel on Sept. 12.

Morgan contends that when Borrello accepted and attended a campaign fundraiser organized and hosted by David Hart and Peter Krog, the developers who received state funds and county tax-breaks to build the hotel, he breached Chautauqua County ethics rules and potentially election law.

“This fundraiser is unethical at best and a severe campaign finance violation at worst. I will be filing a complaint with Risa Sugarman, chief enforcement counsel for campaign finance at the New York State Board of Elections. I will also be requesting that the Chautauqua County Board of Ethics investigate Mr. Borrello’s misdeeds and take appropriate action in accordance with the law and their authority,” Morgan said.

Borrello is currently the Chautauqua County executive and also sat on the county’s Industrial Development Agency board of directors prior to becoming county executive at the start of 2018. The County IDA board unanimously approved a tax abatement deal with the hotel in 2016.  Last year the abatement plan resulted in the hotel being exempt from paying $970,000 in state and local sales taxes.

According to a release sent out by Morgan’s campaign, Chautauqua County’s code of ethics states that no county employee may, “…solicit any gift, or accept or receive any gift having a value of seventy-five dollars ($75.00) or more per year from any Person, other than a Family member, whether in the form of money, service, loan, travel, entertainment, hospitality, thing or promise, or in any other form, who the County officer or employee knows is considering or has had any transactions with the county that involves any discretionary act by the County officer or employee.”

Morgan said the fundraiser is unethical at best and a severe campaign finance violation at worst. He said he plans to file a complaint with the New York State Board of Elections and will also request the County Board of Ethics investigate Borrello and take any appropriate action in accordance with the law and their authority.

“David Hart and Peter Krog, the developers of Chautauqua Harbor Hotel, are returning the favor of county money used to finance the Chautauqua Lake destination by providing a multi-thousand-dollar party for my opponent in return for taxpayer dollars,” Morgan said. “It’s obvious that the County Executive would not change the culture of corrupt, unethical behavior that has morally bankrupted Albany for years.”

On Friday WRFA reached out to Borrello to respond to the charges made by Morgan.

“This is simply ridiculous. This is a baseless attack that doesn’t warrant a response. I will continue to focus on the issues that are important to the people of the 57th senate district. I will stand up for the people of the district like I have for the people of Chautauqua County. I will continue to push back against radical policies coming out of Albany,” Borrello said.

Borrello and Morgan are the only two candidates who will appear on the ballot for the special election to fill Young’s vacated Senate seat. The special election will be held on Election Day, Nov. 5.

Jamestown Mayor Sam Teresi, left, and Paul O. Stage, U.S. Steam Lines Ltd. president pictured Tuesday at McCrea Point Park with the Chautauqua Belle. Standing in back, from left, are Bill Stevenson, Jamestown Riverfront Management Council chairman; Julia Ciesla-Hanley, city recreation coordinator; and John Williams, city parks manager. (image from Jamestown Mayor Sam Teresi’s Facebook Page)

JAMESTOWN – The Chautauqua Belle will begin operating out of Jamestown this weekend, taking riders along the Chadakoin River to Celoron.

The announcement was made on Tuesday after Jamestown Mayor Sam Teresi and and Chautauqua Belle officials signed off on a lease allowing the vessel to dock and launch from McCrea Point Park during late spring and early fall.

The Belle will make regular trips to the Chautauqua Harbor Hotel at 1 p.m. Saturday and Sunday while the steamboat is at McCrea Point Park. During the Chautauqua Institution season the boat will return to dock in Mayville, except for a few days during the Lucille Ball Comedy Festival when the steamboat will return to Jamestown. The Chautauqua Bell will return to McCrea Point Park in September.

“This adds another port of call for the Belle in addition to its home in Mayville and some runs out of the Harbor Hotel in Celoron,” Teresi said on his Facebook page. “this project is five years in the making as the operators of the Belle had to make sure the Chadakoin was safe to paddle up and down, and the city had to make accommodations at the dock. Another great team effort by the Jamestown City Council and our Jamestown Parks, Recreation & Conservation Department.”

For more information on the Chautauqua Belle, you can visit 269belle.com.

This year awards will be presented as follows:

• New Business of the Year, Chautauqua Harbor Hotel;
• Manufacturer of the Year, Cummins Inc.;
• Retailer of the Year, Wegmans;
• Restaurant of the Year, Lena’s Pizza;
• Young Business Persons of the Year, Joe and Alyvia Town the new owners of Pace’s Pizzeria;
• Service to Humanity Award, UCAN Ministry;
• the Pride of Jamestown Award, Reg Lenna Center for the Arts;
• Business of the Year, Lake Shore Paving.

Salute to the Finest is sponsored by Ahlstrom Schaeffer Electric, Elegant Edibles Catering, and Shawbucks.

A cocktail hour with cash bar begins at 5 p.m., with dinner and the program to start at 6 p.m. The cost is $32 for Chamber members and $35 for non-members, or $240 for a table of eight.  Several meal options are available.  Reservations are requested by February 22.  Seating is limited so please register soon on our website at www.chautauquachamber.org or by calling the Chamber at 484-1101.

• MOBILE APP USERS: LISTEN HERE

JAMESTOWN – The very popular Doors Open Jamestown will be back again on Saturday, January 19.

Doors Open offers free admission for the day to our local attractions, demonstrating the extraordinary tourism opportunities that are right here in our own backyard.  Sponsored by the Jamestown Community Chamber of Commerce and the Jamestown Renaissance Corporation, Doors Open has grown substantially since it first began.

Participating venues are:

• Jamestown Audubon Nature Center
• Busti Grist Mill
• Chautauqua Harbor Hotel
• Chautauqua Sports Hall of Fame
• Daughters of the American Revolution
• Fenton History Center
• Infinity Visual and Performing Arts
• James Prendergast Public Library
• Lucille Ball Desi Arnaz Museum
• Lucille Ball Little Theatre
• Martz Kohl Observatory
• Marvin Community House
• National Comedy Center (preregistration required due to limited capacity)
• Northwest Arena
• Reg Lenna Center for the Arts
• Robert H. Jackson Center
• Roger Tory Peterson Institute of Natural History
• Spire Theater
• Tot Spot
• Venue 31

The hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. for this FREE day at many of our local museums and attractions.

The Chautauqua Harbor Hotel (image from Facebook)

CELORON, NY – The brand new Chautauqua Harbor Hotel is now open for business.

On Thursday afternoon dozens of local officials and community members joined the developers of the project in Lucille Ball’s hometown of Celoron, NY for an official ribbon-cutting to open the $38 million, 130,000 sq-ft facility – which features 135 rooms and large banquet room, and other amenities.

Among those on hand was Chautauqua County Executive George Borrello.

“Today we celebrate this grand opening of this grand hotel,” Borrello said. “This is the single largest investment in hospitality ever in Chautauqua County at nearly $40 million. This is a huge step forward for us. It really is a quantum leap for Chautauqua County and Chautauqua Lake when it comes to the hospitality industry.”

Joining Borrello was Krog Group CEO Peter Krog, who’s company developed the project, along with David Hart, president of Hart Hotels, which will own and operate the facility.

“We know from experience that the hotel will be a big economic generator,” Hart said. “It will significantly increase the transnational tax activities – sales tax and bed tax. It will add significantly to the employment ranks here. And if you don’t know, this will be a 365-day facility, meaning we will be open every day of the year.”

Hart also said that now that the hotel is part of Chautauqua Lake, he wants to be part of the ongoing discussion focusing on the health of natural resource.

“Peter and I are committed to using our platform with this new development to help coalesce all the various parties and the things that they think will help treat the water properly to get it to the quality that we all want and want to enjoy – whether it be fishing, or boating, or sunset watching… I think everybody’s got an idea worth listening to and we think this hotel will shine a light on those issues,” Hart said.

Celoron Mayor Scott Schrecengost was also on hand and said the opening was the culmination of years of planning by the village.

The project was supported with several local and state development incentives, including state grants totaling more than $1.9 million and a Community Development Block Award from New York State Homes and Community Renewal for $750,000. The Chautauqua County IDA also offered incentives, including waivers on mortgage tax and sales tax and a 15-year payment in lieu of taxes agreement.

Approximately 110 full-time jobs will be supported at Chautauqua Harbor.

The Chautauqua Harbor Hotel (image from Facebook)

CELORON – After months of construction, the Chautauqua Harbor Hotel in Celoron is ready to open its doors.

A special ribbon cutting ceremony for the new $38 million, 130,000 sq-ft facility will take place Thursday afternoon and will feature both local and regional officials as well as representatives from Hart Hotels, which is the developer for the project.

Chautauqua Harbor includes 135 rooms and large banquet facility, along with other amenities.

The project was supported with several local and state development incentives, including state grants totaling more than $1.9 million and a Community Development Block Award from New York State Homes and Community Renewal for $750,000. The Chautauqua County IDA also offered incentives, including waivers on mortgage tax and sales tax and a 15-year payment in lieu of taxes agreement.

Approximately 110 full-time jobs will be supported at Chautauqua Harbor.

The hotel project will receive a tourism payment in lieu of taxes (PILOT), mortgage recording tax, and sales tax benefits from the IDA. In addition, the IDA board also approved the project’s state environmental quality review, which is required for it to move forward.

The project still needs to clear a few more hurdles before construction can start. On Monday the Celoron Planning Board will review the plans for a hotel at the village Community Center. That meeting will begin at 7 p.m.

The Celoron Zoning Board will also consider a variance for the project on Oct. 24, since the hotel is being constructed less than 100 feet from the Chautauqua Lake shoreline.

If the project is able to break ground in November, the anticipated opening date would be in spring 2018.

The hotel, which is being built by Hart Hotels out of Buffalo, will have 132 rooms, a banquet facility, pools, a bar and cocktail lounge, and  other amenities.

In other action, the IDA approved an Al Tech loan for a brew pub in downtown Jamestown.

According to the Post-Journal, the IDA board approved a $100,000 Al Tech loan for Jamestown Brewery. Buffalo resident John McClellan Sr. is serving as the sole principal of Jamestown Brewery – which is planned to be a full-service manufacturing craft and farm brewery in the Lillian Ney Renaissance Center building on West Third Street, at the intersection with Washington Street. The total cost of the project is $5.2 million. The money from the loan will be used for renovations at the Renaissance Center.

The facility also received a $500,000 Main Street Anchor Grant, secured by Jamestown Renaissance Corporation, which was secured during the 2015 New York State Consolidated Funding Application process.

If the project goes forward as scheduled, it could open by summer or early fall of 2017.