Submitted Photo Community Bank Gowanda Branch Manager Ralph Swanson, village of Gowanda Trustee Carol Sheibley, Farmers Market Director Melinda Spire, Gowanda Area Chamber of Commerce President Nick Crassi, and Gowanda Area Chamber of Commerce Board Member Jim Enser.

GOWANDA — Community Bank recently supported the Gowanda Chamber of Commerce with a $25,000 grant in support of its endeavor – the Gowanda Area Farmers and Artisans Market. The Farmers Market was created to support Gowanda’s vision for growth and revitalization by providing a central hub for local vendors and artisans to highlight and sell their products.

The $25,000 grant will be presented in five annual installments of $5,000. The grant will help expand the market to operate more frequently, increase the number of participating vendors, increase education and awareness throughout the area and strengthen the connection with the Seneca Nation, highlighting their artisans and agricultural wisdom.

“We’re proud to support the Gowanda Chamber of Commerce and their incredible work in making the Farmers Market a success,” Community Bank Regional Manager Lisa Allenson said. “Gowanda provides a key connection between farmers and residents of the area, allowing them to purchase whole and healthy foods directly from the source–something that was not possible prior to the market, and we’re honored to be part of this incredible event in our local community.”

In 2022, 16 vendors participated in the Gowanda Area Farmers and Artisans Market, 9 of which sold mainly local food products. The Gowanda Chamber of Commerce expects to expand this to a total of 32 vendors in 2023, 18 of which will sell mainly local food products.

Gowanda is a small community that is strategically located at the convergence of three counties–Cattaraugus, Erie and Chautauqua, in Western NY. The surrounding area is largely rural and boasts a strong agricultural base.