The CCIDA board and staff recognized retiring Business Development Manager Carol Rasmussen during the January CCIDA board meeting. Rasmussen will be retiring from her position on February 1 after 24 years with the Agency. Pictured from left to right are Chautauqua County Executive Paul “PJ” Wendel, Rasmussen, CCIDA CEO Mark Geise, and CCIDA Board Chair Gary Henry.

The County of Chautauqua Industrial Development Agency (CCIDA) is saying goodbye to one of its longest-serving employees.

Mark Geise, Deputy County Executive for Economic Development and CCIDA CEO, announced that Carol Rasmussen would be retiring from her position as Business Development Manager, effective Feb. 1.

Rasmussen first joined the CCIDA in 2001. Since then, she’s assisted countless businesses in Chautauqua County with retention strategies while also recruiting new business development to the county. Some of the businesses she’s assisted with include Artone, Bush Industries / E-Solutions, Cummins, Dahlstrom’s, New Flyer of America, Phoenix Metal, Rand Machine, SKF, Southern Tier Brewing Co. and Weber Knapp.

“Carol has played a crucial role in building strong relationships between our agency and the business community in Chautauqua County,” Geise said. “Through her work, she’s helped to position our agency as a leader in economic development in Western New York by building strong and lasting relationships with so many of our local businesses. She’s also been a valuable team member and mentor to many of her colleagues here at the CCIDA, as well as those who work in other areas of economic development across Chautauqua County.”

Rasmussen is a native of Jamestown and a graduate of Ohio Northern University, acquiring Financial Certifications from Jamestown Community College. Prior to joining the CCIDA, she worked for Key Bank as a financial consultant and commercial business loan assistant. She is a member of the Chautauqua Leadership Network, and formally served on the board of the Jamestown Boys & Girls Club.

“I’ve greatly enjoyed my time working for the CCIDA and alongside our local business community,” Rasmussen said. “I’ve created many lasting friendships over the years thanks to my work with the agency and those friendships will continue. It’s been a pleasure to work with the expertise of the CCIDA Board of Directors, Loan Review consultants, and my colleagues. I am especially grateful to Mark Geise and Rich Dixon, along with the past CEOs of the CCIDA who helped to make this a very rewarding and gratifying career. A heartfelt thanks to you all.”

Geise said the CCIDA will consider its options on how to fill the position in the coming weeks, with an update expected by the March board meeting.