Community Profile
2019
www.chautauquachamber.org
The Chamber of Commerce produces this directory to help you maximize the return on investment for your membership. I encourage you to take a look at the Chamber Membership Handbook section of the directory, page 8, where you will find a checklist of services available to your business. Get out your pen, take an moment, go through the checklist and make sure you are taking full advantage of your membership. This directory is a tool to help you connect with your fellow Chamber members. The next time you need a service or are looking for a product, take a look in the directory section of this booklet and make sure you are taking your business to a Chamber member. The Chamber is a privately funded business association composed of over 900 businesses. The Chamber is driving initiatives and providing services that deliver value to businesses in the region. The Chamber is driven by a five point focus developed around the needs of you, our member. The Five Point Focus: 1. Driving foot traffic and internet traffic into local businesses. 2. Increasing business to business connections for our members through services, events and seminars. 3. Aligning members with health insurance benefits so they can focus on their business. 4. Advocating for positive change with a focus on reducing taxes. 5. Advancing and supporting economic, workforce and tourism development. Explore the following pages to learn more about how you can put this organization to work for you. You will find that your membership opens the door to many benefits. If you have questions about how to access any of the services outlined in this publication give us a call or send us a note. Thank you for your membership investment. Regards, Todd J. Tranum
Table of Contents A Year of Momentum: 2018 in Review
4
Board of Directors
5
Chamber Services
6
Chamber Membership Handbook
Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce 10785 Bennett Road Dunkirk, NY 14048 phone: (716) 366-6200 fax: (716) 366-4276
512 Falconer Street Jamestown, NY 14701 phone: (716) 484-1101 fax: (716) 487-0785
www.chautauquachamber.org
Five Point Focus
10-11
Community Chambers Dunkirk Fredonia Hanover Jamestown Mayville/Chautauqua Westfield/Barcelona
12-14
Chautauqua Made
16
MAST Board
17
Work & Invest Here
18
Chautauqua Learning
20
Chautauqua Grown
22
Chautauqua Living
23
Chautauqua Leisure
24-25
Famous People from Chautauqua County
26-27
Chamber Gems
While all precautions have been taken in publishing this directory, the Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions. Information supplied is current as of January 31, 2019. Data is believed to be accurate as of the date of compilation and is taken from sources deemed reliable. Unless otherwise noted all images are the photography of Sheila Webster for the Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce. Front cover inset second from top is by MAST intern Kristin Peterson. Additional cover images top-bottom: Dragon Boat Races,Celoron; National Comedy Center grand opening; shopping for local products. Main cover image Dunkirk Harbor. Š 2019 All rights reserved.
7-9
28
A Year of Momentum 2018 in Review The past year was an amazing year for Chautauqua County! 2018 was a year that generated significant momentum. It saw the opening of the National Comedy Center to a world-wide audience. Now the ‘story of comedy lives here’ in Chautauqua County. The Northern Chautauqua Water District turned on the spigot. Today most of Northern Chautauqua County has a clean and reliable water supply which is essential to further economic development. The Chautauqua Harbor Hotel opened in Celoron and is transforming that waterfront community. The Hotel is yet another major destination for visitors to Chautauqua County. And there is more. There were grand openings, ribbon cuttings, ground breakings, and millions of dollars invested by local business people across the County. And often unseen to the public eye were millions of dollars of investment made by local manufacturers in workforce, equipment, and facilities in Chautauqua County. Over the course of the next year and a half, over 266 million dollars will be invested in economic development projects across Chautauqua County.
Grand Opening, National Comedy Center
There are many things to celebrate in our economy: • Tourism spending reached 261.5 million dollars this past year, continuing an annual growth trend. Tourist spending has increased by approximately 15% in the past ten years. • Health Care generated an estimated 623.8 million dollars in revenue in Chautauqua County this past year. • Agriculture remains a major economic force, with 1,500 farms and 236,546 acres that are used for agricultural purposes. The market value agricultural products sold in Chautauqua County is 161.8 million dollars. • Manufacturers shipped out an estimated 5.1 billion dollars in shipments this past year. In 2018 the Chamber made significant progress on a variety of initiatives. In an effort to help businesses increase sales the Chambers Shoptauqua Gift Card program facilitated over 100,000 dollars in sales over 100 percent increase from the prior year. Business participation grew to over 120 businesses a 100 percent increase from the prior year. Across Chautauqua County the Chamber facilitated 35 events and promotions to drive foot traffic into local businesses. The Chamber organized 17 events with attendance by 1,700 people, with a focus on helping foster business to business connections. The Chamber helped over 250 businesses access health insurance. The Chamber hosted three legislative events with elected officials and participated in advocacy activities in Albany.
Ribbon Cutting, Chautauqua Harbor Hotel
The Chamber supported several economic and tourism development initiatives. As workforce development remains a priority among many employers across the County, the Chamber continued its support of the Chautauqua County Education Coalition that is aligning resources and building capabilities in Chautauqua County’s learning system. In addition, the Chamber has supported the Manufacturers Association of the Southern Tier Dream It Do It program that communicated the importance of manufacturing to over 5,000 thousand students and educators. In 2019 the Chamber will build upon the programming and services that matter most to you. We will engage with you in conversation to understand your needs and how we can best allocate resources to support your business. In physics, momentum is defined as the product of the mass and velocity of an object. In Chautauqua County momentum is the sum total of the will and drive of the people in our community. Momentum exists in each of us; in our organizations, in our employees, in our capabilities, in our families and loved ones, and in our tenacity toward building an even better Chautauqua County.
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LECOM Health Challenge, Peek’n Peak
Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors Chair
Brian Bugaj
Nestle Purina PetCare
Vice Chair and Westfield-Barcelona Community Chamber President
Fred Johnson
Johnson Estate Winery Secretary
Neil Frederick Bush Industries
Treasurer
Matt Churchill
Water Street Brass Immediate Past Chair
Curt Anderson
E-Commerce Consultant
Mayville-Chautauqua Community Chamber President
Sally Andriaccio
Andriaccio’s Restaurant Dunkirk Community Chamber President
Elizabeth Booth
Jamestown Community College North County Center
Heather Brown
The Resource Center Fredonia Community Chamber President
David Dengler
Larson-Timko Funeral Home
Virginia Horvath
State University of New York at Fredonia Hanover Community Chamber President
Rick Klisiewicz Ecolab
Kris Maytum
DFT Communications Jamestown Community Chamber President
Vicki McGraw
Elegant Edibles Catering
Michael Pucci
Pucci’s Carpet One Furniture
Emily Reynolds
Cornell Cooperative Extension
Sunset, Celoron
www.chautauquachamber.org
5
Chamber Services The Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce is focused on meeting the most pressing needs of our members. The Chamber and our affiliated organizations provide a diverse set of services designed to meet your needs and provide you value in return for your membership investment. Whether you are seeking to increase your sales, fill open job positions or make connections with other businesses in the community, the Chamber has a solution for you. As a member of the Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce you are part of one of the largest businesses associations in Western New York. The Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce is unique in that it has collaborative county wide presence in partnership with six Community Chambers serving Dunkirk, Fredonia, Hanover, Jamestown, Mayville-Chautauqua, and Westfield-Barcelona. Our Community Chambers have the flexibility to create programming that meets the needs of local businesses, while the County Chamber streamlines operations and focuses on events and projects that serve all businesses countywide. To maximize resources and facilitate strong partnership our team operates the Manufacturers Association of the Southern Tier (MAST) and Dream It Do It Western New York (DIDI). In addition, the Chamber provides support and services to the Chautauqua County Education Coalition. Each of these organizations functions with the oversight of a Board of Directors, while the team serves all of the entities and works with a variety of volunteer groups countywide. The Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce and its affiliated organizations provide a variety of ways for members to participate. More than 100 active volunteers help to shape the direction for our organizations and work to expand services for our members. Our family of organizations is here to serve the business community. For information about any services we provide, please contact our staff.
Chamber/MAST Staff (front L-R): Debby Marsala, Mayville-Chautauqua Community Chamber Coordinator; Holly McBride, Finance Manager; Carly Abbate, Director of Industrial Services; Shannon Biekarck, Member Services Assistant; Becky Voty, Administrative and Marketing Assistant; (back L-R) Justin Hanft, Chautauqua County Education Coalition Director; Tim Piazza, Talent Pipeline and Apprenticeship Coordinator; Guy Ditonto, Director of Member Services; Kevin Sixbey, Director of Insurance Services; Todd Tranum, President and CEO; Sue Poster, Westfield-Barcelona Community Chamber Coordinator; Joanna Dahlbeck, Jamestown Community Chamber Coordinator; Doug Champ, Industrial Energy Program Coordinator; Sheila Webster, Director of Marketing, Communications and Governmental Affairs; and Dave Kleparek, Coordinator for the Dunkirk, Fredonia, and Hanover Community Chambers
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Maximize Your Membership Chamber Membership Handbook To get the most out of your membership in the Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce, we recommend you focus on the programs and projects that may be most meaningful to your business, including communication tools, referrals, events where you can get noticed, and the Shoptauqua Gift Card. Read this section for more information, and see our handy checklist on page 8.
Influence Consumer Perceptions of Your Business
Consumers’ perceptions of your business can play a critical role in your success. Identifying your business as a Chamber member can mean more customers and can have a positive impact on your company.
Chamber Annual Golf Tournament at Peek’n Peak 2018 Chamber Awards Banquet, SUNY Fredonia
We encourage you to let consumers know you are a Chamber member by: • Displaying your membership window cling in your front door or on a company vehicle. • Include the phrase “proud to be a member of the Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce” in your advertising and on your website. • Place the Chamber logo on your website to let potential customers know you’re a Chamber member.
Strengthen Your Internet Presence
The Members Only section of the Chamber web site allows members to log in and keep business information up to date at all times. Immediate updates in our database means immediate updates in our searchable online Business Directory. Since Google mapping is automatically included for every member, it is even easier for potential customers to locate your business through our web site. Even if you don’t have a business web site of your own, your business is always online through the Chamber site and can easily be found through our system of category listings and/or keywords. In fact, as a member of the Chamber of Commerce, your online search optimization is automatically improved due to additional listings and to Google’s recognition that Chamber membership represents authenticity, stability, and professionalism. The Chamber’s business directory is also mobile! Just by visiting our web site through your mobile device you can search our Chamber member list online. Business After Hours at the Fairgrounds,Dunkirk
When you join the Chamber, be sure to add your social media links to your online profile. That is easily accomplished with a simple login to our Members Only portal, where you can keep your business information up to date, pay open invoices, and track referrals from the Chamber. In addition to simple referral numbers for how many times your business was viewed or your website opened through our business directory, you can also view your value on investment with the Chamber. Each time a potential customer views your business in a listing or clicks on your site, we track the dollar value of those referrals, and that can be a substantial return for our members. As we all increasingly compete in a global economy, online access and referrals are more important than ever. Your Chamber of Commerce provides vital tools that help our members connect better with new or current customers.
In both the print and online directories, members receive three free category listings. We also allow for additional category listings when you participate in specific Chamber programs, such as the Shoptauqua Gift Card program or Small Business Saturday, and when a customer calls us looking for a product or service we refer them first to Chamber members. Please see the chart on page 9 for a look at how the Chamber helps its members build referrals.
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Boost Your Sales
Your Chamber membership is also an important communication tool for speaking with the business community countywide. The Chamber provides an online monthly VOICE newsletter, featuring Chamber and business member news items, as well as a weekly email to our members who subscribe (over 2,500 strong) where we can list calendar items for upcoming member events. Please submit your newsletter articles, photos, and event items to us for online publication and marketing. We look forward to hearing from you and always strive to do our best to help our members promote their activities, events, and news. The Shoptauqua Gift Card program is designed to serve small businesses in our county. Gift cards are sold only through the Chamber in any denomination up to $500, and can be redeemed at more than 100 local Chamber member businesses for a variety of products and services. There is no charge to Chamber members for participating, and no additional charge to the consumer beyond the value of the card they purchase. Since its inception, the Shoptauqua Gift Card has been welcomed by both consumers and merchants as a positive step towards increasing local shopping. For more information about this program, please call the Chamber at (716) 366-6200 or (716) 484-1101.
Drive Foot Traffic & Internet Traffic Into Your Business
Included with Membership
Additional Fee
Boost Your Sales with the Shoptauqua Gift Card Gift Card On-Site Setup and Support Services
*
Gift Card Sales and Processing
*
Connect with Promotions to Drive Foot Traffic to Your Business Community Chamber Events
*
Grand Opening Ribbon Cuttings and Milestone Celebrations
*
Small Business Saturday Promotion & Advertising
*
Improve Your Internet Presence Build Coupons & Member to Member Discounts
*
Business Presence in On-Line Business Directory
*
Google Mapping on Chamber On-line Directory Listing
*
Google Page Consultation
*
Search Engine Optimization
*
Web-Based Landing Page
*
Increase Business to Business Connections Increase the Visibility of Your Business Through Advertising Business Builder Directory Advertising
*
E-Marketing through Chautauqua Business Weekly Emails
*
E-Marketing through the VOICE Newsletter Membership renewal Free Web-Based Ad
* *
Web-Based Advertising
*
Increase the Visibility of Your Business Through Sponsorship Community Chamber Events
*
County-Wide Chamber Events
*
Connect with Businesses Through Networking Opportunities
Shoptauqua
Annual Awards Banquet
*
Business After Hours
*
Community Chamber Events
*
County Chamber Annual Meeting
*
Golf Tournament
*
Increase Your Business IQ Business Over Bagels Trainings Small Business Academy through SBDC
* *
*
Engage with Business Peers Through Volunteer Opportunities Community Chamber Boards and Committees
*
Special Project Task Teams
*
Health Insurance That Fits Your Needs So You Can Focus on Your Business Access to a Private Insurance Exchange
*
Access to a Wide Variety of Insurance Plans
*
Access to Ancillary Health Benefits
*
Enrollment Assistance
*
Health Insurance Plan Analysis
*
Advocate for Positive Change with a Focus on Reducing Taxes County Executive Breakfast
*
Federal Congressional Luncheon Public Policy Committee Participation
* *
State Legislative Breakfast
*
Advance and Support Economic, Workforce and Tourism Development Chautauqua County Education Coalition
*
Dream It Do It Events & Programming
*
Stay Informed on Business Issues and Programming
The gift card that supports our local economy. Join the growing list of businesses that accept the Shoptauqua Gift Card. Call the Chamber at 366-6200 or 484-1101
Chamber Mobile Website
*
Event E-Notices
*
Voice - Monthly E-Newsletter
*
Weekly Business News - Email Communication
*
Referral Type Banner Ad Displayed
575
Banner Ad Clicked
339
Member Listing Displayed
303,722
Map Referral
95,147
Personal Referral
494
Social Network Links Clicked
28,691
Sponsor Message Displayed
18,252
Website Clicked
21,990
Total Referral Count
469,235
Calendar year 2018 Statistics Personal referrals include phone, direct email, mailed lists and information, personal referrals, and office visitors. Social network links include Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Google+, Yelp, and others.
Ribbon Cutting, Spain Building , Jamestown
C’ N L D …
e ChautauquaHarborHotel.com
10 Dunham Ave. • Celoron, NY 14720
(716) 489-2800 To learn more about our other Harbor Hotels: HarborHotelCollection.com
• Area attractions: National Comedy Center, Lucille Ball Memorial Park, the Lucille Ball-Desi Arnaz Museum, and the Chautauqua Institution • 135 Deluxe guest rooms and suites - many with patios and lake views • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner at Lake House Tap & Grille • Our lakeside Carousel Bar overlooking beautiful Managed by: Chautauqua Lake • Indoor and Outdoor Pools and State-of-the-art Fitness Center • Pier Ballroom and Conference Center with 450 person capacity • Professional Concierge & Business Center HartHotels.com
Five Point Focus Our mission is to create a business environment in the region where our members can thrive. As we continuousely work towards that mission, we focus on five key points that make a difference for our local business community.
Driving Foot and Internet Traffic to our Member Businesses Our members have asked us to help them increase their sales. To that end we have initiated a variety of strategies to help our members improve their bottom line. Customers are the life blood of any business, and the Chamber works to foster connections between business and customers in a variety of ways. Working in partnership with our six community chambers, we produce events at the community level that provide value to our members and bring customers into our local communities. We coordinate a variety of promotional and advertising opportunities for our members to help them connect with consumers such as our Small Business Saturday promotion and the Shoptauqua Gift Card program, which has resulted in a more than $3-million economic impact. We help our members improve their internet presence. Every member receives a web-based listing as part of their membership, boosting their search engine optimization through Google. Being a Chamber member helps consumers find member businesses, whether your customers are local or from out of town. We foster member referrals with over 40,000 direct and web-based referrals per year. In addition, we offer training opportunities to help our members better utilize social media to help drive sales into their businesses.
Chamber Annual Awards Banquet, SUNY Fredonia
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Shoptauqua Gift Card at Honest John’s, Jamestown
Increasing Business to Business Connections Our members look to us to help them connect with other businesses in the region. Business to business connections are an essential part of operating a successful business. We are here to help facilitate those connections through: • Business After Hour Events • Training Events • Annual Golf Tournament • Annual Awards Banquet • Annual Meeting • Community Chamber Member Meetings • Volunteer Opportunities Through sponsorship and marketing programs we provide our members excellent opportunities to connect with businesses in the region. In addition, advertising opportunities on our web-based platforms are an affordable way to connect with businesses throughout Chautauqua County. Throughout the year we distribute the Chautauqua Business Weekly email to our members, sharing information about Chamber and member events, issues, and policies. Our weekly Chamber Corner column is published 52 times a year by local newspapers highlighting business activities in Chautauqua County and New York State. We also provide an online electronic newsletter monthly, The VOICE, which highlights not only Chamber articles but news from our member businesses as well.
Containing Health Insurance Costs through Pro-Active Solutions Our members have voiced their need to have accessibility to a variety of health insurance and employee benefit products, and assistance in managing their costs. Over the past several years we have re-invented the way we deliver insurance solutions to our membership in an effort to offer choice and contain costs. We are positioned to serve businesses from the sole proprietor to the large self-insured employer. We are constantly looking at and implementing innovative ways to lower costs and provide the most cost effective insurance possible for our members. We offer the private Bright Choices insurance exchange; a platform that offers insurance products and ancillary benefits through multiple carriers. We are certified with the New York State of Health Exchange for individuals and can assist small groups with applying for available tax credits. We work with our members to access a wide variety of plan options and ancillary benefits available through the State exchange, Bright Choices, and direct to carriers. For our medium and large size businesses we partner with Lawley Benefits Group. Through this partnership we are able to offer innovative cost saving solutions to our members as well as help our members address health insurance compliance requirements.
Advocating for Positive Change with a Focus on Reducing Taxes Our members seek to be part of a unified voice that advocates for them with a focus on reducing taxes. We have an active public policy committee composed of a variety of business leaders. Our goal is to create a climate of growth and success for all businesses of Chautauqua County. Our efforts promote a pro-business agenda at all levels of government – local, county, state, and federal. We promote this agenda in partnership with the business community. In addition, we have strategic partnerships with the Business Council of New York State, the Manufacturers Alliance of New York State, Unshackle Upstate, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the National Federation of Independent Businesses, and the Chamber Alliance of New York State that puts our members in a network that channels information to and from all levels of government. To help facilitate strong connections between our membership and our top elected officials in the region we host several legislative events during the year. Through these events we provide direct access to our Congressional Representative, State Senate and Assembly Representatives and our County Executive.
Manufacturing Day, MTI at JCC
Supporting Economic, Workforce and Tourism Development We play a strong support role for economic development efforts in the region. While our priority is to help support our members, we do support new economic development efforts that present opportunities to bring new businesses to the community and create a fertile environment for business expansion. Our members have identified workforce development as a number one priority. To that end we emphasize building relationships with our educational institutions and forming partnerships to train the workforce of the future. We have helped support the development and provided organizational support to the Chautauqua County Education Coalition, which is focused on aligning resources and helping build capabilities within the Chautauqua County learning system. We are also home to the Dream It Do It Western New York program whose mission is to increase the skilled workforce pipeline entering manufacturing careers. Tourism is growing and we are proud to work with our members and partners in the tourism industry to advance Chautauqua County as a national and international draw for visitors.
Chamber State Legislative Breakfast, Lakewood Rod & Gun Club
www.chautauquachamber.org
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Dunkirk Community Chamber of Commerce The City of Dunkirk has a great deal to offer for residents and visitors alike! With miles of public access to Lake Erie, there are public beaches at Wright Park and Point Gratiot, picnic areas at Memorial Park, boating access from the Dunkirk Pier, and a beautiful historic lighthouse. Just 50 miles southwest of Buffalo, Dunkirk is easy to access along the New York State Thruway corridor and features a thriving manufacturing base as well as a downtown waterfront marina. Dunkirk is a community of hardworking, caring people who are proud of their heritage and the city’s history. Dunkirk’s recreational facilities are unsurpassed throughout Western New York for a municipality of its size. An abundance of natural resources as well as financial, workforce and technological support networks provides businesses with competitive opportunities for growth. In addition, Dunkirk offers a variety of accommodations and restaurants, along with small city friendliness. The housing stock is diverse, offering everything from historically renovated homes to a modern apartment or a lake front lifestyle. The Dunkirk City Boardwalk houses eight tourist-friendly commercial and dining establishments, all accessible along a 160 foot long covered boardwalk. Browse the shops for unique gifts and enjoy the eateries, all the while taking in the scenic Chadwick Bay! Dunkirk is also home to the SUNY College at Fredonia Technology Incubator which houses numerous start-up businesses in the technology sector. With a small county airport nearby and the Buffalo Metropolitan Airport just a short car ride away, Dunkirk is easily accessible by air as well as by car. The region offers timely connections to all major metropolitan areas in the eastern United States and Canada. For more information contact Dunkirk Community Chamber Coordinator Dave Kleparek at (716) 366-6200.
Fredonia Community Chamber of Commerce A charming village with a thriving downtown, Fredonia boasts both historic architecture and contemporary convenience. Just minutes from the New York State Thruway, with a variety of commercial and industrial businesses, Fredonia is also home to lovely residential neighborhoods featuring Victorian homes. Laid out in 1825, the twin Barker Commons make up the centerpiece of the village. Two Victorian fountains are showcased by graceful shade trees and floral displays. Adjacent to the Commons is the Fredonia Village Hall and its restored 1891 Opera House, which is an architectural treasure routinely used for public performances and movies. Shop, eat, relax, spend the night and enjoy cultural activities in a village rich in both classic elegance and contemporary delight. The quaint shops, quiet streets, friendly people, and a care for the casual visitor makes this village a perfect day-trip or a vacation destination. Nestled among the vineyards of Northern Chautauqua County, Fredonia is a community deeply rooted and growing. Close by you will find welcoming estate wineries, enchanting artists’ shops, and the beauty of our natural world in Western New York. The village of Fredonia is home to the State University of New York College at Fredonia – a comprehensive residential liberal arts college which has earned recognition several times in the “America’s Best Colleges” listing in US News & World Report. Not only does the school offer an excellent education with a SUNY pricetag, it also shapes much of the cultural and residential life in the surrounding community. For more information contact Fredonia Community Chamber Coordinator Dave Kleparek at (716) 366-6200.
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Grape Expectations, Clarion Hotel, Dunkirk Business After Hours, EBC West, Fredonia
Hanover Community Chamber of Commerce The Town of Hanover makes the most of its prime location along the southern shore of Lake Erie. The sand-covered beaches host summer fun, lakefront dining and clubs, marinas, and camping, as well as the popular Polar Bear swim each January. Beachfront cottages and a popular nightlife scene are summertime favorites in the Sunset Bay area, while the Villages of Silver Creek and Forestville are widely known for the Festival of Grapes and the Fall Festival respectively. Surrounded by beautiful and fruitful vineyards, the area is known for its many wineries. During grape season, you can actually smell grapes just by driving along Routes 5 or 20. With a population of about 3,000 people, the region features the best of country living and picturesque neighborhoods, with all amenities close at hand. Just a short distance away is the nearby Seneca Nation Gaming and Entertainment Facility. Hanover is home to a wide variety of businesses from small specialty shops to major manufacturers and health care, and is served by both the Silver Creek and Forestville School districts. For more information contact Hanover Chamber Coordinator Dave Kleparek at (716) 366-6200.
Sunset Bay Beach, Hanover Cruise-In, Jamestown
Jamestown Community Chamber of Commerce Jamestown is a community on the rise! Located at the southeastern tip of Chautauqua Lake, it is the largest city in Chautauqua County, rich in historic sites and museums such as the Roger Tory Peterson Institute of Natural History, Fenton History Center, and the Reg Lenna Center for the Arts. As Lucille Ball’s hometown, Jamestown boasts the Lucy-Desi Center for Comedy and Lucille Ball Little Theatre of Jamestown, and now home to the National Comedy Center which is already attracting visitors from all over the country! Jamestown is also the home of the Robert H. Jackson Center, promoting the legacy of the hometown lawyer who would become the United States Chief Prosecutor of Nazi War Criminals at Nuremberg, Germany and Supreme Court Justice. The City of Jamestown is a vibrant community serving as the industrial, commercial, financial, and recreational hub of Southwestern New York. As the center of a metropolitan area of more than 70,000 residents and a market area of nearly 175,000 people, Jamestown supports a broad range of industry, modern commercial establishments and financial institutions, and provides a myriad of cultural and recreational opportunities for its residents. Jamestown is the location of the world-class Northwest Arena, a venue for large events and home to hockey and figure skating. There are numerous downtown accommodations, dining opportunities, shopping, and many special events for visitors and residents alike. Jamestown offers higher education opportunities through both Community College, a two-year college in the SUNY system, and Jamestown Business College, a private institution. Both offer degree and certificate programs in many areas of study. For more information contact Jamestown Community Chamber of Commerce Coordinator Joanna Dahlbeck at (716) 484-1101.
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Mayville-Chautauqua Community Chamber of Commerce The Village of Mayville serves as the Chautauqua County seat, rich in county history and government. Situated at the north end of Chautauqua Lake, it is a natural gateway to the lake and is quickly becoming a year-round destination. Mayville is one of the fastest-growing arts, dining, and entertainment communities on Chautauqua Lake. Widely known for boating, fishing, and a summer concert in the park series, it is also home to the largest winter festival in Western New York – featuring construction of a large ice castle each February, family-friendly activities, snowmobiling, and other winter recreational activities. Nearby, the world-renowned Chautauqua Institution provides a nine-week summer program featuring a rich blend of educational, arts, history, and religious programming. Chautauqua becomes a thriving summer colony each year featuring top name entertainment as well as plays, operas, recreation, and a full schedule of educational opportunities, as well as grand hotels and accommodations, a golf course, tennis courts, and more. Chautauqua Lake is also surrounded by rolling hills, rural countryside, and woodlands. Around the lake, there are numerous small villages and communities, including two Amish settlements. For more information contact Mayville-Chautauqua Community Chamber Coordinator Debby Marsala at (716) 753-3113.
Presidents Day Weekend Winter Festival, Mayville
Westfield-Barcelona Community Chamber of Commerce Westfield is a community where 19th century charm meets 21st century technologies and conveniences. Ideal for families with many parks, playgrounds, and other public green spaces, the area has long been attractive for entrepreneurs and manufacturers alike. With direct access to Interstate 90, the community offers exceptional access for today’s businesses, and forward thinking, making it the ideal location for business of all sizes. The hamlet of Barcelona on the shore of Lake Erie offers public beaches, a pier and break walls, a marina, kayak launch, restaurants, smoked fish house, gorgeous sunset views, and the original gas lit lighthouse Barcelona hosts many fishing tournaments. Steelhead trout abound in the Chautauqua Creek gorge and there are charter fishing boats to take you to some of the best Walleye fishing spots. Ripley is the Gateway to New York and home to vineyards, farms, campgrounds, and beautiful Lake Erie views. The Seaway Trail follows Route 5 from Ripley to Barcelona and beyond. Grapes are an important part of the culture here. From the growers, the processing plant, the wineries along the Lake Erie Wine Trail and the acclaimed Grape Discovery Center to the aroma of the concords in the fall the grapes provide a unique experience. The people of the Westfield region are proud of its many churches and art galleries, and a vibrant downtown with exceptional dining and a broad array of services. There is a strong sense of community in Westfield with numerous festivals, an award winning Farmers and Artisan Market, and much more. With a reverence and appreciation for history and natural resources, Westfield is a wonderful place to live, do business and visit. Come for a day or longer, you are sure to have a wonderful time. For more information contact Westfield-Barcelona Community Chamber Coordinator Sue Poster at (248) 830-6058.
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First Friday, Westfield
Chautauqua Made Long embedded in our region and our economy, manufacturing remains the backbone of our community. It has played an integral role in building the foundation of our area. Wealth and opportunity has long been provided to many families in our community through manufacturing. Chautauqua County is home to nearly 200 manufacturing facilities, 10,000 manufacturing employees, nearly $400-million in annual payroll and nearly $5.1-billion in annual manufacturing shipments. We are home to a mix of locally owned manufacturers, domestically owned companies and companies with a global presence such as Cummins, Nestle Purina, SKF, and Truck-Lite. Our diverse manufacturing base in Chautauqua County creates heavy duty engines, engine components for the auto, truck, and aerospace industries, wood furniture, steel cabinetry, architectural doors and windows, specialized and highly engineered components, as well as processed foods and beverages. Chautauqua County boasts a wide range of manufacturing capabilities driven by a highly skilled workforce. Recognizing the importance and value of manufacturing to the area, a group of local manufactures formed a manufacturers association in 1900 to represent their interests. Today, the Manufacturers Association of the Southern Tier (MAST) is a pro-active leader committed to enhancing the economic strength of the region. The Association promotes the common interests of its membership, develops services that benefit its members and is a primary resource for information and assistance to promote manufacturing excellence and innovation in a global economy.
Cummins Engine Paul’s Rocket Stoves
Business in Chautauqua County Sector
Number of establishments
Annual payroll ($1,000)
Receipts ($1,000)
Accommodation and food services
351
73,038
7,069
Administrative and support and waste management and remediation services
106
49,483
8,874
Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
9
542
11,211
71
19,901
6,942
250
83,232
44,054
20
3,968
1,666
Arts, entertainment, and recreation Construction Educational services Finance and insurance
162
35,952
7,134
Health care and social assistance
276
286,753
18,534
Information
53
16,820
1,069
Management of companies and enterprises
11
18,138
n/a
191
396,283
7,036
Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction
Manufacturing
12
4,486
1,778
Other services (except public administration)
392
41,577
23,244
Professional, scientific, and technical services
196
33,552
26,145
Real estate and rental and leasing
84
18,652
35,910
482
149,518
38,471
Transportation and warehousing
82
32,502
15,866
Utilities
12
17,568
460
Retail trade
Wholesale trade Total for all sectors
116
72,153
12,433
2,880
$1,354,145
$267,896
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2016 County Business Patterns and Nonemployer Statistics
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Borsari Foods
Manufacturers Association of the Southern Tier Board of Directors President
Rhonda Johnson
Weber Knapp Company
Immediate Past President
John Zabrodsky
Advanced Manufacturing Technology Senior Vice President
Eric Livengood Ulrich Planfiling
Vice President
John Stahley Dresser-Rand
Treasurer
Cummins, Lakewood
Dale Gier
Producto Corporation
Fancher Chair, Falconer Senior Vice President
Mike Abbate
Cummins, Inc.
Kevin Brombacher M&T Bank
Chase Churchill
Jamestown Electro Plating
Daniel DeMarte
Jamestown Community College
Randy Manitta Hope’s Windows
John Mulryan Scott Rotary Seals
Chris Napoleon
Napoleon Engineering
Richard Turner III
Lakeside Precision, Dunkirk
Blackstone Advanced Technologies
Paul Zebraski
Nestle Purina PetCare
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Work & Invest Here Manufacturing and agriculture are both big business in Chautauqua County, but so are healthcare, education, and tourism. With a variety of local businesses, Dunkirk and Jamestown are home to downtown city centers which house numerous retail, service, non-profit, and hospitality based businesses. Whether you work in healthcare, human services, manufacturing, education, or a service based industry, there are opportunities in Chautauqua County. If you need additional training, resources are available through a number of sources including local schools and higher education facilities which offer a variety of degree and certificate programs. Most local companies post opportunities through major online job sites and many list through traditional sources such as local advertising and college or career centers. If you want to start a business in Chautauqua County or move your business here there are numerous resources ready to help and support you. The Industrial Development Agency of Chautauqua County works to assist businesses with tax incentives, low interest loans, and capital investments. Local development corporations in Jamestown, Dunkirk, and Westfield also work on business development projects and downtown revitalization efforts. The SUNY Fredonia Technology Incubator in downtown Dunkirk provides its client entrepreneurs with the support, infrastructure, resources, and the guidance needed to successfully launch a new business.
Weber Knapp, Jamestown Simone Sellstrom and Monica Simpson receive the Pam Lydic Community Builder Award
The Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce and Manufacturers Association of the Southern Tier offer support, training, information, and resources to help businesses and people throughout Chautauqua County. The Small Business Development Center provides support and training to individuals interested in starting up a business enterprise. The SBDC offers management assistance to current and start-up small business owners free of charge and also offers training programs in social media marketing in conjunction with Jamestown Community College to help get your business off and running or to boost your existing marketing program. JCC also offers a certificate program for budding entrepreneurs.
Top Private Employers in Chautauqua County Employer
Employees
Cummins, Inc.
1400
The Resource Center
1300
State University of New York at Fredonia
849
UPMC Chautauqua
838
Brooks-TLC Hospital System, Inc.
637
Lutheran
600
Fieldbrook Foods Corporation
500
SKF Aeroengine North America
485
Peek'n Peak Resort & Spa
376
Nestle Purina PetCare
365
Truck-Lite Company LLC
334
Jamestown Community College
310
Walmart Stores, Inc., Fredonia
293
Walmart Stores, Inc., Lakewood
255
Bush Industries, Inc.
232
Hope's Windows, Inc.
223
Monofrax, LLC
223
TitanX Engine Cooling, Inc
223
Chautauqua Nursing and Rehabilitation Center
215
Chautauqua Opportunities, Inc.
208
Non-government employers ranked, statistics from Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce
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Ring Precision Components, Ellicott
Elevating Chautauqua County Chautauqua County Department of Planning & Development County of Chautauqua Industrial Development Agency
County of Chautauqua Industrial Development Agency
ccida.com 716.661.8900 201 W. Third St., Suite 115, Jamestown | 214 Central Ave., Suite 124, Dunkirk | 2 South Portage St., Westfield
Chautauqua Learning Higher education facilities in Chautauqua County are teaching thousands of students each year in virtually every field. For many years, State University of New York at Fredonia has been listed on many of the top college lists in the region and was recently named one of the Best Northeast Colleges and Green Colleges by the Princeton Review. Fredonia offers a beautiful residential campus with a variety of undergraduate majors in the arts, humanities, and the natural and social sciences, as well as professional programs, and graduate master’s and advanced certificate programs in many areas. As part of New York’s acclaimed SUNY system, it proudly participates in the Excelsior Scholarship program offering an affordable education to the state’s students. Jamestown Community College was the first community college certified in New York State. With a main campus in Jamestown and additional campuses in Dunkirk and nearby Olean, JCC is committed to humanities and liberal arts programs. 4,000 students are enrolled in nearly forty degree programs, which have been expanded to include vocational education and community service. In addition to traditional classroom settings, JCC offers skilled manufacturing and technical training for students seeking certificate or degree programs. Empire State College is also a part of the SUNY system, catering to adults who are pursuing Associates, Bachelors, or Masters Degrees in a variety of disciplines. In addition, the Communiversity at Jamestown Community College is an alliance of regional colleges and universities making select associate, bachelors, and master’s degrees accessible to individuals in Chautauqua County. Communiversity courses are delivered through a variety of models including traditional classroom settings, live interactive television links and online courses. Bellevue University also provides the convenience of distance learning to help Associate Degree holders attain a Bachelor’s Degree. Jamestown Business College is a private institution focused on a business curriculum. JBC offers students an opportunity to complete an Associate’s Degree in just 18 months, and a Bachelor’s Degree in 39 months. JBC graduates can access lifetime career asssistance services. Eighteen school districts in settings from urban to rural serve public school students from pre-kindergarten through high school graduation, providing a variety of challenging curricula as well as art and athletic opportunities. In addition, Erie2Chautauqua- Cattaraugus BOCES provides two centers for vocational education services. The Cassadaga Job Corps Center is administered through the US Department of Labor and provides technical and career training for 16 to 24-year olds in a variety of fields.
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The Western New York P-TECH Academy offers a project-based learning environment which specializes in training students in a continuum through high school into an Associate’s Degree program in welding or mechanical technology with a concentration in CADD or machine tooling. The Chautauqua County Education Coalition works to align resources and build capabilities to meet the evolving workforce requirements of the community. Structured as a collective impact initiative, it is driven by data and fosters cross communication between education, business, and community leaders. With stakeholders participating from a broad variety of organizations, the Coalition is striving to benchmark and improve kindergarten readiness; identify and develop middle to high school career pathways connected to healthcare and manufacturing; and coordinate and align offerings of cohort training for in-demand occupations in healthcare and manufacturing. Dream It Do It Western New York focuses on promoting STEM education with an eye towards providing manufacturers in the region with a skilled labor force to meet their current and future demands.
STEM Wars, JCC
Partner with us for all of your workforce training needs Janeil Rey, Ph.D. Director of Workforce Development jrey@e2ccb.org (716) 805-3126
www.e2ccb.org @E2CCB
Chautauqua Grown Agriculture is another substantial part of the region’s economy. There are over 1,600 farms in Chautauqua County, with 35% of the county’s total acreage devoted to farmland. The county ranks third in the state for sales of fruits and berries, reflecting our heritage as a major grape growing region in the United States. Dairy production sales from Chautauqua County total over $69-million annually. While grape and dairy production dominate the agriculture industries countywide, there are also substantial sales of cattle, vegetables, other fruits, timber, and maple products. Chautauqua County’s climate is conducive to growing things. Because of our proximity adjacent to Lake Erie, and due to the natural glacier formations of our topography, the region north of the Chautauqua ridge is ideal for grape production, while the rest of the county features rich soil, landscapes, and a stable water table. Each year, about 800 growers produce 150,000 tons or more of grapes, which are processed locally for juice, wine, jellies, and other products that are sold worldwide. It is estimated that the grape industry in the Lake Erie Grape Belt region supports about 2,000 direct jobs and over 5,000 jobs in fruit and vegetable processing, with a total economic impact of over $300-million. Chautauqua County dairy farmers each year produce enough milk to meet the dairy needs of nearly 700,000 people. While much of New York’s excess milk production moves east to meet the demands of New York City, Boston, and other east coast cities, more than two-thirds of Chautauqua County’s milk moves westward to processing plants in Erie, Cleveland, Pittsburgh, and other facilities. Milk is one of Chautauqua County’s export products, bringing millions of dollars into the county’s economy. Farm-to-table initiatives are plentiful in Chautauqua County. From restaurants focused on using fresh, seasonal produce to a variety of farmers markets and farm stands, locally grown and produced products are plentiful and delicious. Cornell Cooperative Extension in Chautauqua County and the Chautauqua County Farm Bureau work year round to provide information and resources for the agriculture community. (Data from Cornell Cooperative Extension in Chautauqua County)
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Chautauqua Living Living in Chautauqua County is both affordable and enjoyable. The median home value is just $85,500 and a variety of housing options are available from historic Victorian and Colonial architecture to new suburban housing developments and downtown apartment and loft-style facilities. Residents enjoy picturesque landscapes and quaint villages, as well as the nearby amenities of big city life. From any point in Chautauqua County you are never far from a body of water. There is easy access to many waterways including recreation and lake front living along Lake Erie, Chautauqua Lake, Findley Lake, and the Cassadaga Lakes as well as a number of other inland streams and rivers. Seasonal housing options range from upscale condominiums to quaint cottages. Whether you’re looking for a small city lifestyle, a suburban neighborhood, village ambiance, or country living, you will find just the right home here in Chautauqua County. With four hospitals and a strong network of human service organizations, Chautauqua County residents and visitors have ready access to first class health care. UPMC Chautauqua in Jamestown is the largest hospital in Chautauqua County and the first in New York State to become affiliated with the world-class University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, with a broad array of services from emergency care to maternity, imaging, robotic surgery, and more. Brooks-TLC Hospital System provides excellent care in Dunkirk and offers emergency and other services in Irving. As an affiliate of Saint Vincent Health System in Erie, PA, Westfield Memorial Hospital is connected to a network of the highest quality regional physician specialists, advanced technologies, and highly skilled compassionate caregivers. Caring and skilled physicians and other medical practitioners are readily available through private offices and urgent care facilities, allowing patients to receive personalized and high quality care when they need it, including urgent care facilities. In addition, a number of facilities throughout Chautauqua County provide multiple levels of care for the elderly. Programs include everything from independent living for seniors to assisted living, to nursing home care and specialized treatment for dementia patients. Adult day programs and respite care are available as well. Chautauqua County is also home to a wide array of human service programs which assist local residents who may be seeking quality childcare, youth development programs, in-home care for adults, and a range of day and residential services for the developmentally disabled.
Living in Chautauqua County Population, 2017 estimate Mean travel time to work Housing units Homeownership rate Median rent Owner-occupied housing units Median value of owner-occupied housing units Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2017 American Community Survey 1-Year Estimate
Chautauqua Belle, Lakeside Park, Mayville
130,846 17.7 minutes 67,590 70% $644 37,098 $85,800
Chautauqua Leisure Whether you’re seeking a place to relax and learn something new, or a purely recreational vacation experience, Chautauqua County has plenty to offer. Chautauqua County: The World’s Learning Center, provides unique experiences for visitors and residents alike with a focus on leisure and lifelong learning. A magnet for writers, artists, scientists, business people, politicians, and teachers of all disciplines to share their expertise in a relaxing vacation setting at the world-renowned Chautauqua Institution. For nine weeks each summer, this spectacular historic Victorian village on Chautauqua Lake comes alive with opportunities for all ages and interests from arts and education to religion and recreation. Each day bustles with activity from worship services and lectures to classes, camp activities, and performances. Music, golf, and sailing are all parts of this destination experience. The brand new National Comedy Center opened its doors in the summer of 2018 and is already drawing visitors from around the country. The only nationalscale visitor experience in the United States dedicated to comedy, the center celebrates the comedic arts in all forms and provides visitors with a high-tech personally tailored experience guaranteed to leave them laughing.
Snowmobiles at the Ice Castle, Mayville
With 50 miles of Lake Erie shoreline plus Chautauqua Lake, the Cassadaga Lakes, Findley Lake, and numerous creeks and waterways, Chautauqua County is a fisherman’s and boater’s paradise. With golf courses for all levels of play, ski resorts, and trails for hiking, horseback riding and snowmobiling, Chautauqua County is a four-season recreational playground. Opportunities abound for tennis, sailing, rowing, and more. Learn the basics with sailing courses or simply rent a boat and spend a day on the beautiful waters of Chautauqua Lake. In the winter snowmobilers enjoy over 200 miles of scenic well-maintained trails. Downhill and cross country skiing and snowshoeing are favorite winter pastimes. The Northwest Arena features hockey and figure skating, and hosts a number of events throughout the year. Year-round events range from concerts and Lucy-Fest in the summer to the wildly popular Mayville Winter Festival featuring construction of a large ice castle. While visiting America’s Grape Country, guests can experience farm tours, farmers markets, winery tours, or one of the many agriculture and food oriented events held each year. With over 30,000 acres of vineyards, Chautauqua County is the oldest and largest Concord grape growing region in the world; celebrated by the Grape Discovery Center. If other beverages suit you more, you may enjoy a tour and tasting at the Southern Tier Brewing Company or at New York State’s first combination winery, distillery and brewery at Five & 20 Spirits and Brewing. Chautauqua County is also home to a variety of restaurants from sidewalk cafes to home-style diners to fine dining experiences.
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www.chautauquachamber.org
National Comedy Center
Downtown Jamestown
From summer camps and interpretive trails to bird migration flyways, Chautauqua County’s four seasons offer plenty of opportunities for exploring nature. Witness spectacular views of field, forest, and pond and meet many of wildlife’s wonders at the Audubon Center and Sanctuary. You can hike over five miles of trails on this 600-acre wetland preserve. Dedicated to the life and works of a key pioneer in the environmental movement and the father of birding, the Roger Tory Peterson Institute promotes the teaching and study of nature. The center is the home of Peterson’s collected works from a long and fruitful life as a naturalist and nature artist. History comes alive in Chautauqua County through gatherings at lakeside assemblies including Lily Dale, the world’s largest center for Spiritualism which features a summerlong program schedule. You can learn about Chautauqua Lake and its history with a tour aboard the Chautauqua Belle, a replica 19th Century paddlewheel steamer, or on the Summer Wind dinner cruiser. Learn about the life and work of Lucille Ball, or former Supreme Court Justice Robert H. Jackson; visit the Fenton History Center, the McClurg Museum, or take a cemetery tour for glimpses into Chautauqua County’s past. Learn about Abraham Lincoln’s connection to Chautauqua County. Take a drive through Amish country or visit historic Lake Erie lighthouses at Dunkirk and Barcelona.
Fireworks, Lakewood
Famous People from Chautauqua County Brad Anderson (1924-2015)
Born in Jamestown and a graduate of Brocton Central School, he served in the US Navy and later graduated from Syracuse University. He began a career in advertising before he created the comic strip Marmaduke in 1954, which he continued to draw until his death.
Lucille Ball (1911-1989)
Born in Jamestown and raised in Celoron, she was a model, actress, and star of stage, radio, film, and television including the beloved I Love Lucy show which continues to air in reruns worldwide. She was also the first woman to head a television production company, Desilu, which she founded with her first husband, Desi Arnaz.
Hugh C. Bedient (1889-1965)
Born in Gerry, he was a starting pitcher for the Boston Red Sox and the Buffalo Blues. He gained notoriety when he struck out 42 batters in a 23-inning game while pitching for a semi-pro team.
Alonzo H. Cushing (1841-1863)
Born in Wisconsin and raised in Fredonia, he was appointed to the US Military Academy at West Point and was commissioned a first lieutenant in the US Army, helping to lead most battles of the Army of the Potomac before he was killed in action during the third day of the Battle of Gettysburg. He was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor in 2014.
Howard J. Ehmke (1894-1959)
Born in Silver Creek, he was a major league baseball pitcher, having played for the Buffalo Blues, the Detroit Tigers, the Boston Red Sox, and the Philadelphia Athletics. He later founded the Ehmke Manufacturing Company, the first company to produce large tarps to spread over the infield when it rains to keep the water off the baseball diamond.
Reuben E. Fenton (1819-1885)
Born in the Town of Carroll, he was elected to the US House of Representatives, serving from 1853-1855, and then again from 1857-1864 when he resigned to serve his newly elected office as the 22nd Governor of New York State. He held that office until 1869 when he was elected to the US Senate and held that office until 1875.
Charles E. Goodell (1926-1987)
Born in Jamestown, he was an attorney and then congressional liaison assistant for the US Department of Justice, when he was elected in a special election to serve in Congress in 1959. He served three succeeding terms, and then was appointed to the U.S. Senate in 1968 to the unexpired term of the late Senator Robert F. Kennedy, where he served until 1970.
Roger S. Goodell (b. 1959)
Born in Jamestown, he is currently Commissioner of the National Football League (NFL). The son of the late U.S. Senator Charles Goodell, his career began as an intern with the league office. He filled a variety of roles in the NFL administration, culminating with his appointment as NFL Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer in 2001 and then his appointment as Commissioner in 2006.
Benjamin Franklin Goodrich (1841-1888)
Born in Ripley, he became a doctor and served in the Union Army in the American Civil War. He later practiced medicine in Jamestown, and then worked in the oil industry and in real estate, before founding the B. F. Goodrich rubber company.
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Robert H. Jackson (1892-1954)
Raised in Frewsburg, he was the United States Attorney General from 1940-1941 and an Associate Justice of the United States Supreme Court from 1941-1954. He was the chief prosecutor of the surviving Nazi leaders at the Nuremberg War Crimes Trial.
Stanley N. Lundine (b. 1939)
Born in Jamestown, he served as the city’s mayor for six years and received national attention for his labor/management strategies before he was elected to the U. S. House of Representatives in 1976. He served in Congress for ten years before running on a successful ticket with Mario Cuomo to become the 71st Lieutenant Governor of New York.
Natalie Merchant (b. 1963)
Born in Jamestown, she was lead singer and primary lyricist for the alternative rock band 10,000 Maniacs, which was founded in Jamestown in 1981. She fronted the band for twelve years then left it in 1993 to launch a successful solo career.
Karl Peterson (1866-1949)
Born in Sweden, he immigrated to Jamestown at the age of 20. An avid inventor, he is credited with perfecting the adjustable wrench and was co-founder of the Crescent Tool Company in Jamestown. His invention is still known today as the Crescent wrench and you can almost certainly find one in every good toolbox.
Roger Tory Peterson (1908-1996)
Born in Jamestown, he was a naturalist, ornithologist and artist. His Guide to the Birds, published in 1934, is considered to be the first modern field guide and is known for its clear illustrations and delineation of relevant field marks. He developed the Peterson Identification System and edited or wrote many volumes in the Peterson Field Guide series.
George M. Pullman (1831-1897)
Born in Brocton, he was an inventor and industrialist known for inventing the Pullman sleeping car for the railroad industry. Endowment funding left after his death eventually led to establishment of the George M. Pullman Education Foundation which has awarded over $30-million in scholarships to more than 11,000 students in its more than 60-year history.
Don Reinhoudt (b. 1945)
A native of Brocton, he won the title of World’s Strongest Man in 1979. He was the first and only person to win the World Powerlifting Superheavyweight Championship four times in a row from 1973-1976 and was the first man to break the 2,400 pound total record in powerlifting. He is still considered one of the best powerlifters of all time.
John M. Schofield (1831-1906)
Born in Gerry, he was an American soldier who held major commands during the American Civil War. He later served as U.S. Secretary of War and Commanding General of the United States Army.
George Stoneman, Jr. (1822-1894)
Born in the Town of Busti, he was a career United States Army officer, a Union cavalry general in the American Civil War, and the 15th Governor of California between 1883 and 1887.
Jenn (Stuczynski) Suhr (b. 1982)
Born in Fredonia, she played softball, basketball, soccer, and track and field in her early years. She was introduced to the pole vault as a sophomore at Roberts Wesleyan College, and began competing in the event just weeks later. She won the silver medal in women’s pole vault at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing and then the gold medal in the 2012 Olympic Games in London.
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Chamber Gem Sponsors Diamond Level
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Town of Chautauqua
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Division of Advancement, Engagement & Economic Development
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