Businesses come in all sizes in Chautauqua County, from the smallest sole proprietorship to some of the largest manufacturing facilities. So, when we set out to take a look at the State of Business, we invited a panel of leaders from across a wide range of entities that support local business in order to represent the depth of our economic sectors.

It was our pleasure to host Mark Geise from the County of Chautauqua Industrial Development Agency, Todd Tranum of the Manufacturers Association of the Southern Tier, Courtney Curatolo from the Jamestown Small Business Development Center, Andrew Nixon with the Chautauqua County Visitors Bureau, and Katie Geise with Chautauqua Works. Each of these individuals brings a unique perspective on the state of business, as they work in a variety of ways to strengthen our economy in Chautauqua County.

Mark Geise provided an overview of the types of projects his organization guides from shovel ready sites to incentives and more. He noted the IDA tries to “level the playing field” for businesses that want to grow here, especially since New York State is viewed as having a climate where it may be harder to do business. He praised the true innovation of an offshoot organization, the Chautauqua County Partnership for Economic Growth, which is a public-private partnership that has successfully garnered grant funding to focus on resource development.

Todd Tranum noted the region’s manufacturers are facing some challenges including a proposed New York Power Authority increase on electric rates charged to customers in utilities that receive hydropower from the Niagara Power Project. That includes the Jamestown Board of Public Utilities as well as municipal electric systems in Brocton, Westfield, and Mayville. As high-capacity users of power, manufacturers would be among the hardest hit by the proposed increase, which would raise the rates from $12.88 per megawatt hour to $33.05 per megawatt hour. On the positive side, he noted the continued growth of the Dream It Do It Advanced Manufacturing program now has 400 middle and high school students enrolled all with an eye on future careers in technology and manufacturing.

Courtney Curatolo recounted how the Small Business Development Center has taken on more and more clients, especially since the onset of the pandemic, as people have worked to turn side hustles into small businesses. SBDC provides free, confidential assistance to anyone looking to begin or improve a small business, with everything from creating business plans to assistance with permit processes. She noted collaboration is also key and praised partner organizations in Chautauqua County that work together to continually develop a positive business climate.

For tourism-related businesses, Andrew Nixon of the Chautauqua County Visitors Bureau noted that the region rebounded in 2022 and ’23 after the pandemic largely because we are fortunate to have numerous outdoor recreational activities here. He also said Chautauqua Institution had a banner season in 2024, partly due to celebrating its 150th year. Hospitality businesses, he added, have historically struggled with labor shortages and still have that hurdle.

On the workforce front, Katie Geise of Chautauqua Works pointed out the county’s unemployment rate is currently at a fairly low 4.2-percent. Her organization has 330 active businesses seeking employees, and 2,400 active job seekers on its rolls. They continually run job fairs and are also putting on a “full court press” to identify needed skill sets, find the training gaps, and direct potential employees to training programs as well as transportation and childcare that can make a meaningful difference to getting and keeping a job.

The CHQ Chamber State of Business breakfast was sponsored by the County of Chautauqua Industrial Development Agency, UPMC Chautauqua, Jamestown Community College, Media One Radio Group, Observer, the Post-Journal, and DoubleTree by Hilton. While it was the first event of its kind in Chautauqua County it will not be the last. With a great deal of positive feedback in the room, the Chamber will be working on a similar event for next year as we look to provide meaningful information, resources, and connections for local businesspeople.

Business Builder Workshop: Boost Your Foot Traffic

The CHQ Chamber will present its first Business Builder Workshop of the year on the crucial topic of boosting foot traffic for local businesses. Whether you have a retail shop, restaurant, or service industry, you’ll gain some tips on how to drive more customers through your door.

This Business Builder Workshop will be held Wednesday, February 26 from 9:30 – 11:30 am at the SUNY Fredonia Center for Innovation and Economic Development (formerly the Technology Incubator), 214 Central Avenue, Dunkirk. This event is designed to be both a learning experience tied with a bit of networking. It is free for all to attend. Pre-registration is requested for planning purposes and is open now through the Chamber’s web calendar at www.chqchamber.org.