Submitted by the County of Chautauqua Industrial Development Agency
MAYVILLE, N.Y. — Chautauqua County is connecting its manufacturers, workforce, entrepreneurs, and educational institutions to the NY SMART I-Corridor, a federally supported initiative positioning Upstate New York as a global leader in semiconductor manufacturing, innovation, and workforce development.
In the NY SMART I-Corridor, “SMART” stands for “Semiconductor Manufacturing and Research Technology.” It is a federal tech hub consortium spanning Buffalo, Rochester, and Syracuse dedicated to expanding domestic chip manufacturing, research, and workforce development. Backed by the federal CHIPS and Science Act, the recently formed corridor unites the Buffalo-Rochester-Syracuse super-region through a coalition of businesses, higher education institutions, economic development organizations, and community-based partners. The initiative is co-convened by the Buffalo Niagara Partnership, CenterState CEO, and OneROC.
“Being part of the NY SMART I-Corridor connects our community to one of the most significant advanced manufacturing initiatives in the nation,” said Chautauqua County Executive Paul “PJ” Wendel, Jr. “Our county has a skilled workforce, a strong manufacturing heritage, and innovative businesses that are well positioned to contribute to this growing industry. This initiative can help us attract investment, create career opportunities, and strengthen our economy for years to come.”
The Tech Hub designation presents an important opportunity for existing Chautauqua County manufacturers whose equipment, expertise, or production capabilities could be adapted to meet the needs of semiconductor companies and their suppliers. Businesses may be able to modify product lines, pursue new certifications, invest in specialized equipment, or adjust their output to serve emerging needs throughout the semiconductor supply chain.
It also strengthens Chautauqua County’s ability to attract startups, expanding companies, and new business ventures seeking to establish a foothold in New York State. Companies locating in the county may benefit from access to a skilled manufacturing workforce, available development sites, and applicable state and local incentives, technical assistance, and business-development programs.
“This creates two distinct paths for economic growth,” said Mark Geise, Deputy County Executive for Economic Development and CEO of the County of Chautauqua Industrial Development Agency (CCIDA). “We can help established manufacturers evaluate how their capabilities may translate into semiconductor supply-chain opportunities, while also positioning Chautauqua County as a competitive location for new ventures that want to enter the New York market and take advantage of the resources associated with the NY SMART I-Corridor. This is especially important when marketing our shovel-ready sites.”
Geise said the County’s 148-acre I-90 Veterans Memorial Commerce Park in Ripley could be especially attractive to semiconductor-related developers because of its location along Interstate 90 and its position between semiconductor assets in Central Ohio, Western New York, and the Syracuse area. The shovel-ready site is tentatively scheduled for completion by the first quarter of 2027.
“The Ripley site is already generating interest because of its central location between Midwest, Northeast, and Canadian markets,” Geise said. “Chautauqua County’s connection to the NY SMART I-Corridor provides another compelling advantage as we market the site to outside developers.”
Later this summer, the CCIDA will organize an informational meeting with select local manufacturers. The session will provide an overview of the NY SMART I-Corridor, explain how companies may participate, and help businesses evaluate whether their capabilities could meet needs within the semiconductor and advanced manufacturing supply chain.
Through the initiative, businesses can connect with three tailored services:
- Supply Chain Activation Network, or SCAN, helps manufacturers enter, expand, or strengthen their roles within the semiconductor supply chain.
- Semiconductor Talent and Employer Partnership Upstate New York, or STEP UP, connects employers with workforce training and talent pipelines.
- Commercialization and Collaboration Center, or C3, connects startups, manufacturers, and researchers with specialized facilities, expertise, and capital.
“We especially want to thank our partners at Invest Buffalo Niagara and the Buffalo Niagara Partnership for their continued advocacy and for helping to connect Chautauqua County businesses and development opportunities to the corridor,” Geise said.
Businesses and organizations interested in learning more may contact the CCIDA at (716) 661-8900 or visit NYSmartICorridor.com.
About CCIDA - The CCIDA is an economic development organization authorized and empowered by the State of New York to make Chautauqua County a better place to work, live, and visit. It facilitates development by attracting new businesses, while promoting the retention and expansion of existing businesses. Assistance in the form of incentives – tax abatements, low interest loans, and bond financing – enhances the opportunities for job creation and retention by our businesses. For more information visit ChooseCHQ.com.
