(WNY News Now) – The County of Chautauqua Industrial Development Agency (CCIDA) has achieved an unprecedented milestone, ranking as the top economic development agency in Western New York for 2023, according to Buffalo Business First.
In a notable achievement, the County of Chautauqua Industrial Development Agency (CCIDA) has been named the leading economic development agency in Western New York for 2023. This recognition, reported in Buffalo Business First’s July 12, 2024 issue, marks the CCIDA’s debut at the top of the publication’s rankings, a significant leap from its previous second-place standing in 2022.
The CCIDA’s success is highlighted by a record-breaking $842 million in deals brokered throughout 2023, surpassing its own historical highest total and the totals reported by other agencies in the region. Additionally, the agency played a pivotal role in 34 projects during the year, the highest number among its peers.
Mark Geise, Deputy Chautauqua County Executive for Economic Development and CEO of the CCIDA, expressed his gratitude for the recognition. “2023 was unprecedented in terms of the breadth and size of projects assisted by the CCIDA, as well as job retention and creation,” he stated. “It is my opinion that our economic development team, which includes the County Department of Planning & Development, the Chautauqua County Partnership for Economic Growth, and community partners, is unparalleled not just in Western New York, but across New York State. I am grateful that Buffalo Business First has recognized the CCIDA in this fashion, and I’m grateful to our staff, board, consultants, and other partners for everything they do.”
The CCIDA’s key projects in 2023 included major expansions and investments such as the $452 million Cummins Engine expansion, a $250 million Wells Ice Cream Plant upgrade, and several other significant developments, including the $42.5 million acquisition of Electrovaya and the $13 million Refresco distribution center in Dunkirk.
Chautauqua County Executive Paul “PJ” Wendel praised the CCIDA’s achievements, stating, “I commend Mark Geise and the County/CCIDA team for their laser focus on Chautauqua County’s upward trajectory. As I’ve said many times since the pandemic hit us, our comeback will be greater than our setback, and the CCIDA’s 2023 tally of accomplishments has proven this sentiment to be true. This is truly an amazing achievement, considering the population of Chautauqua County compared to our larger neighbors.”
The CCIDA’s top ranking represents a 59% increase from the $500 million reported in 2022. The other top economic development agencies in the region included Invest Buffalo Niagara, Erie County IDA, Genesee County Economic Development Center, and the County of Cattaraugus IDA.
Looking ahead, Geise emphasized the agency’s commitment to continued excellence. “Once again, our collective development team was able to knock it out of the park, which is due to the unwavering dedication of an extremely capable staff, volunteer board members, community stakeholders, and volunteers. I vow that we will continue to be aggressive and intentional as we advance the ball as it relates to economic development, thereby creating and retaining good jobs for families throughout the County,” he concluded.
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