WRFA’s Jason Sample talks with Amy Rohler, executive director of the United Way for Southern Chautauqua County, to learn more details about the 2020 Campaign, the effort to assist various organizations during COVID-19, and also the continued effort to make sure every person is counted during the 2020 Census.

Senator Catharine Young; Nick Scott Sr., President and Owner, Scott Enterprises; Chautauqua County Executive Vince Horrigan; Kevin Sanvidge, Chief Executive Officer, Chautauqua County IDA; and Pierre Bellicini, Director of Communications and Marketing, LECOM Health announce $150,000 in New York State support to promote the upcoming LECOM Health Challenge. (Image courtesy of Sen. Young’s office)

CLYMER, NY – Both local and state officials are saying that the return of professional golf to Chautauqua County via the LECOM Health Challenge will be an economic boon for the region.

The LECOM Health Challenge, a PGA/Web.com Tour event, will be hosted at Peek’n Peak Resort’s Upper Course from July 4-10, 2016. The tournament includes a Pro-Am on Wednesday, July 6, followed by four official rounds of tournament competition on July 7-10. It is expected to draw 156 professional golfers and 20,000 to 30,000 spectators.

On Tuesday New York Senator Cathy Young (R,C,I – Olean) joined Chautauqua County Executive Vince Horrigan, Chautauqua County IDA Chief Executive Officer Kevin Sanvidge, and Nick Scott, Sr., President and Owner of Scott Enterprises, which owns Peek’n Peak Resort, to announce $150,000 in New York State support to promote the upcoming tournament.

“The LECOM Health Challenge is a magnificent economic driver and it is exciting to have the tournament back at Peek’n Peak’s beautiful facility. Golfers across our region know how great the courses are in Chautauqua County, and now we have the chance to market our region to a worldwide audience,” Senator Young said.

“I was pleased to be able to secure this funding, because the tournament will highlight Chautauqua County’s assets, including our world class wineries and craft breweries, incredible dining, pristine lakes and waterways, and, of course, our recreational activities. Tourism is the state’s fourth largest employer and it is important that we build on that success. The boost local businesses will see during the tournament, and as a result of the worldwide audience, will help create even more good paying jobs,” said Senator Young.

According to Senator Young’s office, in 2014 tourism in the Chautauqua-Allegheny region was a $548 million industry, sustaining 5,600 jobs in Chautauqua County. The county represents 48 percent of the region’s tourism sales with $263 million in traveler spending. Direct and indirect income from area residents involved in the tourism industry totaled over $238,000.

Proceeds from the tournament will benefit the LECOM Student Scholarship Fund, as well as several other local charities including the United Way of Chautauqua County, Mikey’s Way Foundation, the Jamestown Community College Scholarship Funds and the First Tee of Western New York. In 2013-14, LECOM scholarships totaled more than $3.7 million for students.

Tickets to see the tournament are still available by visiting: www.LECOMHealthChallenge.com.