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(WNY News Now) – New York State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli commended Chautauqua County’s economic resilience in job development, cautioned on fiscal responsibility, and emphasized collaborative efforts during his address at the Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting.
Jamestown, N.Y. – New York State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli delivered an address at the Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting, acknowledging the county’s commendable progress in job development and decreasing unemployment rates over the past two years. While noting the substantial recovery in the hospitality and manufacturing sectors, which have rebounded to pre-pandemic levels, DiNapoli highlighted that government, including public education, remains below early 2020 employment levels.
Despite significant state investments in critical areas such as childcare, mental health, and education, DiNapoli, serving as the state’s fiscal watchdog, issued a cautionary note on the upcoming year’s budget. He pointed out a decline in monthly tax revenue for the current fiscal year, urging state lawmakers and the Governor to exercise restraint in budgetary decisions for the upcoming year.
“Chambers are natural conveners,” stated DiNapoli, acknowledging the assets of Chautauqua County, including natural resources, world-class institutions, and strong anchors in state education. He encouraged continued collaboration between businesses, government entities, and nonprofits to maintain New York State and its communities on a solid financial footing.
During the meeting, the Chamber presented the 2023 Pam Lydic Coalition Builder Award to Bishop Leecroft Clarke, recognizing his leadership as the project director of the I.D.E.A. Coalition (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility). Under Clarke’s guidance, the Coalition has significantly expanded its membership and facilitated six listening sessions in Dunkirk and Jamestown, addressing the priorities of historically marginalized communities: Education, Business/Jobs, and Community/Social Activities.
The Chamber also conducted its annual business meeting, electing new officers and board members for the upcoming year. Heather Brown of The Resource Center will serve as the Chair in 2024, supported by Vice Chair Emily Reynolds, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Chautauqua County; Treasurer John Felton, Southern Chautauqua Federal Credit Union; Secretary Courtney Curatolo, Small Business Development Center, and Immediate Past Chair Fred Johnson, Johnson Estate Winery. Newly elected board members are Robert Mazza, Mazza Chautauqua Cellars/5 & 20 Spirits and Brewing, and Arthur Pearson, Roger Tory Peterson Institute. Several At Large Board positions were retained by existing members, ensuring continued representation from various community chambers.
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