With a long history of combining agriculture and manufacturing, Chautauqua County is experienced in creating an economic climate where agri-business thrives. We are very pleased to see the results of the new countywide hops and grains study, which confirms that our region is ripe for providing agricultural capacity and processing facilities to provide materials for the growing brewing, distilling, and baking industries.

Announced by county officials and an agricultural entrepreneur this past week, the results of the study show that the project is viable. County Executive George Borrello, the County of Chautauqua Industrial Development Agency, and Grow Chautauqua developer Chris LaCorata announced the results. The study evaluated the concept, the market in the region, the technical capacity, and financial support available to incentivize grain growing and establish a processing facility.

Much of the current production of hops and grains used in the beverage industry currently comes from the northwest United States. The results of this study demonstrate that Chautauqua County can become an east coast anchor region for brewery ingredients, providing a supply chain for hops and barley. In addition, under state law, by 2024 no less than 90% of the hops and other ingredients must be grown in New York State to receive a NYS Farm Brewery license. That makes it all the more important that local and regional growers participate in the process.

With the burgeoning brewing and distilling industries in the region and a continuing focus on local products, the comprehensive approach is innovative and exciting. The study demonstrates that Grow Chautauqua will create upwards of 400 jobs. The developer estimates $14-million in investments will be required to make this project happen.

The study was funded by Chautauqua County, the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation, Northern Chautauqua Community Foundation, and the Gebbie Foundation.

We are encouraged about this unique project. Our long history in grape growing and processing as well as other agricultural products in Chautauqua County is expanding. It’s an exciting prospect and we look forward to this new endeavor.

Opportunities for Interns and Apprentices

The Small Business Development Center at Jamestown Community College is once again seeking to place social media interns with local businesses during the fall semester. Students involved in the program gain skills and earn college credits, while the businesses develop and implement social media strategies that are carried on even after the internships expire.

These internships are primarily focused, but not limited to, local manufacturing businesses with a goal of finding new customers and markets beyond their current sales efforts. The SBDC has worked with more than 50 businesses in this way for several years and has a track record of providing meaningful experiences to both the interns and the businesses. For more information about the social media internship program, contact Courtney Curatolo at the SBDC 716-338-1024 or email courtneycuratolo@mail.sunyjcc.edu.

There are opportunities as well for apprenticeships in manufacturing. The New York State Manufacturing Intermediary Apprenticeship Program (NYSMIAP) is an employer-led, public-private pilot program for registered apprentices in manufacturing occupations. The NYSMIAP is a unique business-lead approach targeted at raising the skill levels of incumbent manufacturing workers and creating distinctive career pathways, while filling a crucial need within the industry.

The MIAP program is coordinated regionally through the Manufacturers Association of The Southern Tier. Through this initiative MAST handles much of the administrative work involved in managing an apprentice program, making it easier for businesses to start and manage a program. If you are interested in starting an apprentice program at your company contact Tim Piazza at 716-483-1833 or at tpiazza@mast-wny.com.

Mayville-Chautauqua Entertainment Series Continues

The next performance in the Mayville-Chautauqua Community Chamber of Commerce summer Entertainment in the Park concert series will feature Come Back Patsy Cline, a Patsy Cline Tribute by Pat Cook. The concert is Thursday, Aug. 29 at 6:30 p.m. on the floating stage in Mayville. This popular Thursday night series features free concerts. Performances are generously supported by the Village of Mayville and Town of Chautauqua. The Mayville Fire Department offers popcorn and water for donations, and the Maple Springs Fire Department sells barbecue dinners at each performance as well. Enjoy live music by the lake each Thursday evening through the summer season.

First Friday is Sept. 6

First Friday happens on the first Friday of each month during the summer in the Village of Westfield. These popular events are organized by the Westfield-Barcelona Community Chamber of Commerce and create a street fair each month on Main Street in Westfield, featuring live music, kid’s games, wine, food, vendors, and much more. You can also see the wide variety of Westfield Wine Bottles, uniquely decorated and scattered throughout the town. The event runs from 5-8 p.m. and all are welcome!