Cummins Engine Plant

Public Television Program to be distributed to 170+ Stations in Mid-October CHAUTAUQUA COUNTY, N.Y. – Chautauqua County is ready to hit the national stage, thanks to an upcoming new segment of "Viewpoint with Dennis Quaid," a public television (PTV) program distributed to more than 170 PTV stations across the country. The County of Chautauqua Industrial Development Agency (CCIDA), in conjunction with the Chautauqua County Partnership for Economic Growth (CCPEG) and Chautauqua County government, is partnering with the long-running program to highlight the Choose CHQ and Live CHQ initiatives, which explore the benefits that come with living, working, and doing business in the western-most county of New York State. Hosted by acclaimed actor, Dennis Quaid, “Viewpoint with Dennis Quaid” engages its audience by cultivating each segment with an approach of educating viewers and inspiring them to take action. The upcoming Chautauqua County segment of "Viewpoint with Dennis Quaid" will run approximately five minutes and will offer PTV audiences an insightful look into the County, an area of New York State that features a wide variety of outdoor recreational opportunities, nationally recognized museums and cultural attractions, and a business development team that works to help employers of all types and sizes find success on the regional, national, and international stage. Filmed in early June 2025, produced over the summer, and scheduled for national distribution on Oct. 14, the program features commentary from several community leaders, including Paul “PJ” Wendel, Chautauqua County Executive; Mark Geise, Deputy County Executive for Economic Development and CCIDA CEO; Shawn Hricko, General Manager of Cummins Jamestown Engine Plant; and Journey Gunderson, Executive Director of the National Comedy Center. Together, the four help to explain how the county is not only a viable place to only visit, but also a great place to live and invest. The program also uses footage to spotlight many areas of Chautauqua County, including Jamestown, Dunkirk, Westfield, Bemus Point, and Celoron. It also highlights the abundant outdoor recreational resources that are found in proximity to the County’s five lakes as well as the 250-plus miles of recreational trails, providing residents and visitors alike with a wide variety of outdoor opportunities, regardless of the season. Additionally, the segment helps to demonstrate how Chautauqua County is a prime location for those seeking career opportunities, affordable living, and an appealing quality of life – all of which are highlighted in the Live CHQ talent attraction and retention initiative. In conjunction with the Choose CHQ branding effort – which encompasses both the CCIDA and CCPEG Economic Development efforts – the program also communicates how Chautauqua County is preparing for new industries through the development of shovel-ready sites, while also helping existing businesses to thrive, such as Cummins and Wells Enterprises. “We are very excited to partner with the Viewpoint team, who helped us tell our story to a national audience,” said Geise. “It’s no secret that our county has seen a population decrease during the past 50 years. Our hope is that through this project, along with other Live CHQ and Choose CHQ marketing efforts, we can help educate outsiders about the positive aspects of living and doing business in Chautauqua County, thereby reversing our population decline while filling open job positions.” Beyond the distribution of the “Viewpoint with Dennis Quaid” PTV program, the producers of the program have also created a 30-second commercial, which is being shown on network television stations in 100 different major markets during the month of October. Additionally, an extended profile video on Chautauqua County has been provided to the CCIDA/CCPEG for their own marketing efforts. The video will be prominently displayed on both the Choose CHQ and Live CHQ websites, and will also be available for viewing on all related social media platforms. Finally, an email campaign is being coordinated by the program’s producers, featuring key details about Choose CHQ and Live CHQ. This campaign will involve distributing the content to an estimated 1 million recipients, also on Oct. 14. Funding for the “Viewpoint with Dennis Quaid” project was provided through the CCIDA’s 2024 Chautauqua County Business Development, Assistance, and Promotion fund. More information about the CCIDA and CCPEG can be found at ChooseCHQ.com. For information about living in Chautauqua County, visit LiveCHQ.org. A videographer from “Viewpoint with Dennis Quaid” films employees at Cummins Jamestown Engine Plant during a video shoot in June 2024. Cummins, along with many other aspects associated with Chautauqua County, will be featured in an upcoming segment of the program, which is distributed to more than 170 public television stations across the country. (Submitted Photo) About Viewpoint with Dennis Quaid - "Viewpoint with Dennis Quaid" is a Public Television program that offers viewers insightful stories about innovative developments and their impact on various industries. Hosted by Dennis Quaid, the program aims to educate and inspire audiences by exploring the ingenuity and dedication behind organizations shaping our world. Learn more at: www.viewpointproject.com About CCIDA - The CCIDA is an economic development organization authorized and empowered by the State of New York to make Chautauqua County a better place to work, live, and visit. It facilitates development by attracting new businesses, while promoting the retention and expansion of existing businesses. Assistance in the form of incentives – tax abatements, low interest loans, and bond financing – enhances the opportunities for job creation and retention by our businesses. For more information visit ChooseCHQ.com.

Long-time Project Manager to Retire after 24 years of Working at County Development AgencyThe CCIDA board and staff recognized retiring Business Development Manager Carol Rasmussen during the January CCIDA board meeting on Tuesday, January 28. 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. JAMESTOWN, NY – The County of Chautauqua Industrial Development Agency (CCIDA) is saying goodbye to one of its longest-serving employees. On Tuesday, 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 February 1, 2025. 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 key 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., Weber Knapp, and many more. “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.” “Carol is respected by the business community, her coworkers and colleagues, and our municipalities. She’s been a consummate professional and has represented the CCIDA well during her many years of service. She will be difficult if not impossible to replace,” added Rich Dixon, CCIDA CFO. “It’s been an absolute pleasure to work with Carol, both as a business owner and later during my time on the CCIDA board,” said Gary Henry, CEO of Fancher Chair and chair of the CCIDA board of directors. “Carol has shown to be an invaluable asset to the agency and to economic development in our county for nearly three decades. We all wish her well on her well-deserved retirement following her years of hard work at the CCIDA.” 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 colleges. 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. About CCIDA - The CCIDA is an economic development organization authorized and empowered by the State of New York to make Chautauqua County a better place to work, live, and visit. It facilitates development by attracting new businesses, while promoting the retention and expansion of existing businesses. Assistance in the form of incentives – tax abatements, low interest loans, and bond financing – enhances the opportunities for job creation and retention by our businesses. For more information visit ChooseCHQ.com.

Project value in 2023 totaling $842 million makes Chautauqua County no. 1 in regionMark Geise, County of Chautauqua Industrial Development Agency CEO, led the agency to unprecedented activity in 2023, resulting in $842 million in total project value, first among all economic development agencies in Western New York. JAMESTOWN, NY -- The County of Chautauqua Industrial Development Agency (CCIDA) was the top ranking economic development agency in Western New York State for 2023. That’s according to Buffalo Business First, which provided a list of the region’s top economic development agencies in its July 12, 2024 issue. According to Business First, it’s the first time the CCIDA has landed in the No. 1 spot (out of seven) on the publication’s ranking of the economic development agencies in Buffalo and Western New York. At the end of 2023, the CCIDA reported a total of $842 million worth of deals brokered. Not only was it the largest total of any agency in Western New York, but also the largest single-year total ever reported by CCIDA in its 51 years of operation. In addition, the CCIDA was involved with 34 different projects in 2023, more than any other economic development agency operating out of the Western New York region.    “2023 was unprecedented in terms of the breadth and size of projects assisted by the CCIDA, as well as job retention and creation,” said Mark Geise, Deputy Chautauqua County Executive for Economic Development and Chief Executive Officer of the CCIDA. “It is my opinion that our economic development team, which includes the County Department of Planning & Development, the Chautauqua County Partnership for Economic Growth, and community partners, is unparalleled not just in Western New York, but across New York State. I am grateful that Buffalo Business First has recognized the CCIDA in this fashion, and I’m grateful to our staff, board, consultants, and other partners for everything they do.” As first reported in January in its 2023 Annual Report, some of the key projects the CCIDA assisted included: $452 million Cummins Engine Internal Expansion; $250 million Wells Ice Cream Plant Expansion; Weber Knapp Purchase by Local Ownership ($21.4 million); Purchase and Development of lithium-ion Battery Manufacturer Electrovaya ($42.5 million); and the acquisition of the Conagra/CCIDA Facility in Dunkirk by Refresco to create a Northeastern US Distribution Center ($13 million). In all, a total of 34 different projects benefited from support by the CCIDA. “I am thrilled with the work being undertaken by the CCIDA and the extended economic development team, which includes the Partnership for Economic Growth and the County Department of Planning & Development,” said Chautauqua County Executive Paul “PJ” Wendel. “I commend Mark Geise and the County/CCIDA team for their laser focus on Chautauqua County’s upward trajectory.  As I’ve said many times since the pandemic hit us, our comeback will be greater than our setback, and the CCIDA’s 2023 tally of accomplishments has proven this sentiment to be true. This is truly an amazing achievement, considering the population of Chautauqua County compared to our larger neighbors.” The CCIDA’s top-ranking dollar amount is a 59% increase from the $500 million reported in 2022, when it ranked second on the Business First list. The other top five Western New York economic development agencies in 2023 were Invest Buffalo Niagara, Erie County IDA, Genesee County Economic Development Center, and County of Cattaraugus IDA. “Once again, our collective development team was able to knock it out of the park, which is due to the unwavering dedication of an extremely capable staff, volunteer board members, community stakeholders, and volunteers. I vow that we will continue to be aggressive and intentional as we advance the ball as it relates to economic development, thereby creating and retaining good jobs for families throughout the County,” Geise said. About CCIDA - The CCIDA is an economic development organization authorized and empowered by the State of New York to make Chautauqua County a better place to work, live, and visit. It facilitates development by attracting new businesses, while promoting the retention and expansion of existing businesses. Assistance in the form of incentives – tax abatements, low interest loans, and bond financing – enhances the opportunities for job creation and retention by our businesses. For more information visit ChooseCHQ.com.