Summary and Analyses of small group discussions

Economic development
Led by Richard Alexander

The 1999 summits produced a strong array of citizen priorities around issues of economic development, including the need to attract and generate "quality jobs" in general, to invest in key physical infrastructure such as utilities, roads, and other transportation, to help small and local businesses to grow, and to support development in tourism and agriculture sectors. Some of the specific initiatives in response include:

Shovel ready sites made possible through key infrastructure investments at Chadwick Bay, Airport, Mason, and Stoneman industrial parks, with work toward "turnkey" facilities at these locations.

Improved rail service provided through creation of the Southern Tier West Rail Authority.

Expanded airport service with addition of more flights to Pittsburgh and Philadelphia, and expansion of the airport maintenance facility.

North County Water/ Sewer Agreement involving Dunkirk and Fredonia, including rate study and engineering study.

Workforce Investment Board working in cooperation with private sector entities to match jobs to need, and building ties between business, local government and schools.

Interagency cooperation on county marketing, workforce development, job recruitment targeted to Chautauqua County college students, and more.

Micro-loan program to provide additional financial tools for creating and expanding small businesses.

Chautauqua County Visitors Board expanding communication and outreach with informational summits, improved signage, "TIPS" book, improved press relations, cooperation with towns and village.

Downtown and waterfront development initiatives in several communities.

Farm product marketing programs including "Harvest of Chautauqua" and "Made in Chautauqua" campaigns, and promoting the county through attention to agriculture.

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