Chautauqua County Manufacturers Learn About NY SMART I-Corridor Opportunities

CCIDA, CCPEG host two dozen businesses at recent luncheon

IMAGE CAPTION: Organizers and presenters of the CCIDA/CCPEG Semiconductor Luncheon on Oct. 1 included (from left to right): Josiah Lamp, CCPEG; Michael Zasowski, University at Buffalo Center of Excellence in Materials Informatics; Peter Coleman, Insyte Consulting; Jennifer Flagg, University at Buffalo Center for Supply Chain Analytics; Mark Geise, CCID and CCPEG; Cassidy Malough, Invest Buffalo Niagara; Chelsea McCann, Buffalo Niagara Partnership; Monica Simpson, CCPEG; and Rob Leteste, Invest Buffalo Niagara. (Submitted photo)

LAKEWOOD, N.Y. — More than 20 local manufacturers were represented at a special luncheon hosted on Thursday, October 1, 2026, by the County of Chautauqua Industrial Development Agency (CCIDA) and Chautauqua County Partnership for Economic Growth (CCPEG) at the Southern Chautauqua County Federal Credit Union Training Center in Lakewood, N.Y. The event provided information and resources to help businesses explore opportunities connected to the growing NY SMART I-Corridor and regional semiconductor supply chain.

Presented through the CCPEG Workforce Development work group, the luncheon brought together business leaders, economic development partners, and industry representatives to discuss how specified Chautauqua County companies may be able to participate in future supplier, contracting, and business development opportunities connected to the NY SMART I-Corridor Tech Hub.

“An important part of our role is making sure Chautauqua County businesses are connected to the major economic opportunities taking shape across our region,” said Mark Geise, Chautauqua County Deputy County Executive for Economic Development, CCIDA CEO, and CCPEG Advisory Board Co-Chair. “The NY SMART I-Corridor has the potential to create new opportunities throughout the semiconductor and advanced manufacturing supply chain, and we want our local manufacturers to understand where they may fit and what resources are available to them. Bringing these resources and experts directly to Chautauqua County gives our companies an opportunity to ask questions, make connections, and begin considering what steps they may need to take to compete for future business as it relates to semiconductors.”

The program assembled representatives from several organizations directly involved in regional business development, workforce development, supply chain activation, research, and commercialization efforts associated with the NY SMART I-Corridor. Speakers included representatives from Invest Buffalo Niagara, the Buffalo Niagara Partnership, Insyte Consulting, the University at Buffalo Center for Supply Chain Analytics, and the University at Buffalo Center of Excellence in Materials Informatics.

Their presentations provided local businesses with perspectives on several components of the initiative. Invest Buffalo Niagara is helping connect semiconductor and advanced manufacturers with regional resources and supply chain opportunities, while the Buffalo Niagara Partnership is working with employers and workforce training organizations to strengthen the semiconductor talent pipeline. The University at Buffalo Center for Supply Chain Analytics is leading the Supply Chain Activation Network component of the NY SMART I-Corridor, which is focused on helping regional firms evaluate opportunities to pivot or expand into the semiconductor supply chain. UB’s Center of Excellence in Materials Informatics also helps connect companies with university expertise, research capabilities, funding, and commercialization resources.

The luncheon followed CCIDA’s announcement earlier this year that Chautauqua County was selected to be included in the NY SMART I-Corridor. “SMART” stands for Semiconductor Manufacturing and Research Technology.

The statewide initiative is designed to strengthen semiconductor manufacturing, research, commercialization, workforce development, and supply chain capacity across Upstate New York. The corridor spans the Buffalo, Rochester, Ithaca, and Syracuse metropolitan statistical areas, along with the Auburn and Batavia micropolitan statistical areas, covering 11 core counties across Upstate New York. Outreach associated with the initiative also extends into neighboring counties, including Chautauqua County, to help businesses understand how they may be able to participate in the growing semiconductor and advanced manufacturing ecosystem.

For existing Chautauqua County manufacturers, potential participation could include evaluating whether current products, processes, or capabilities can serve semiconductor companies and their suppliers, pursuing new certifications, investing in specialized equipment, or adapting production to meet emerging industry needs. The initiative also creates opportunities for businesses to connect with regional experts who can help them better understand supply chain, workforce, research, and commercialization resources.

“Chautauqua County has a long manufacturing history, and we have companies here with tremendous expertise and capabilities,” Geise added. “Our goal is to make sure these businesses are connected to the people and resources involved in this growing regional sector. Events like this allow us to bring these connections directly to our manufacturers, help them better understand where opportunities may exist, and give them a starting point for determining what it may take to become part of this supply chain.”

The event also served as an opportunity to kick off Manufacturing Month in Chautauqua County with the Manufacturers Association of the Southern Tier, highlighting the importance of manufacturing to the local economy and the potential for established companies to participate in emerging industries.

Connecting local businesses to the NY SMART I-Corridor also aligns with Chautauqua County’s broader economic development strategy. The updated CCPEG Economic Development Strategy identifies continued engagement with the NY SMART I-Corridor Tech Hub, stronger relationships with regional innovation leaders, and positioning Chautauqua County as a trusted supply chain partner and growth location among the county’s business development priorities.

Manufacturers that were unable to attend the luncheon but are interested in learning more about opportunities connected to the NY SMART I-Corridor are encouraged to contact the CCIDA at [email protected] or 716-661-8900.

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.