Shawn Hricko

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.