FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 15, 2019
Contact: Mark Geise, (716) 661-8902
MAYVILLE, N.Y.: — Chautauqua County Executive George Borrello and Deputy County Executive for Economic Development/County of Chautauqua Industrial Development Agency (CCIDA) Chief Executive Officer, Mark Geise, are excited to announce the release of a new recruitment/visitors brochure for Chautauqua County.
The Chautauqua County Division of Economic Development and the CCIDA jointly financed the development and production of this marketing tool, which tells the story of the County’s world class attractions and four-season entertainment. The brochure includes information about Chautauqua County’s year-round destinations, naturally diverse assets, and its historically significant attributes; the dominate business sectors and premier examples of key companies, including tourism, manufacturing, and the agribusiness sectors; its low-cost housing; the educational opportunities that abound throughout the County; and its strategic locational advantages.
The creation of the brochure is part of a broader marketing and recruiting initiative that is a direct result of Borrello’s visits with more than 100 businesses in his first 100 days in office. A significant number of businesses communicated the need for a marketing tool that would help them in their employee recruiting efforts by telling the story of the quality work/life balance that’s achievable here in Chautauqua County. At the same time, it was deemed important to broaden the brochure’s content to also serve as a tool for existing and potential visitors by telling the story of Chautauqua County’s natural and man-made assets, historical resources, educational and tourism opportunities, and other amenities that are key attributes for increasing tourism.
During the County Executive’s initiative to visit 100 businesses in his first few months in office, it became immediately apparent that businesses are having a difficult time filling job vacancies. In addition to other ongoing workforce development initiatives to address this issue, the County has led efforts in the creation of a marketing plan, which includes the new brochure, to serve as a recruitment tool that will be shared with potential employees.
The County and CCIDA were assisted by Sue Kellogg, Kellogg Design; and Stephanie Burdo, Kerswood Publishing and several other local partner agencies. Additionally, a local website design firm was engaged to develop a “One-Stop” resources website, which dovetails with the marketing brochure, and is a key tenet of the County Executive’s proposed economic development alliance. The soon to be launched alliance, to be known as the Chautauqua County Partnership for Economic Growth (CCPEG), is another County and CCIDA developed initiative which will bring economic development-related partners together to work toward a common goal and vision for County-wide economic development efforts moving forward.
“This brochure is an important part of our marketing project for the county and region,” said Borrello. “It demonstrates the proactive and collaborative approach we are taking as it pertains to the needs of our business and tourism sectors. We listened to the needs of the community, and responded with this incredible piece of work that highlights all we have to offer.”
Mark Geise echoed many of the County Executive’s sentiments, adding, “The County and CCIDA have been working diligently for over a year on this brochure, and we are very proud of the result. Our next step is to get it out to the community, both the business and the tourism-related sectors – and anyone else that is interested in receiving copies. Because quality of life is a key determinant in where people choose to live, conduct business, and visit, it essential that we have a marketing tool that conveys our story and peaks their interest.”
Borrello and Geise are grateful to the many partners who contributed to this project, including the Chautauqua County Visitors Bureau, Workforce Investment Board, Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce, Jamestown Community College Small Business Development Center, and many others.
The brochure can be viewed electronically by going to the Partnership for Economic Growth website: CHQpartnership.org. Hard copies are also available by contacting the CCIDA at 716-661-8900.
Any comments or questions regarding this announcement should be addressed to Mark Geise, Deputy County Executive for Economic Development/CCIDA Chief Executive Officer, at geisem@co.chautauqua.ny.us.
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