Submitted by the Chautauqua County Industrial Development Agency:
FREDONIA, N.Y. -- More than 100 attendees, including 50 developers from across Western New York and Northwestern Pennsylvania, gathered at SUNY Fredonia on Thursday, October 8, 2026, for a Chautauqua County Developers Forum, hosted by the County of Chautauqua Industrial Development Agency (CCIDA) and Chautauqua County Partnership for Economic Growth (CCPEG).
Held at the SUNY Fredonia Williams Center, the event brought together developers, investors, property owners, economic development professionals, and community leaders from throughout the region to explore development opportunities across Chautauqua County and learn about the incentives, funding programs, and resources available to help advance projects.
The forum also provided an opportunity to showcase a dozen key development sites from communities across the county, with representatives available to discuss each property's potential and connect with interested developers.
"Our goal with this forum was to bring the development community together, showcase the opportunities that exist throughout Chautauqua County, and demonstrate that we have the partnerships, resources, and tools in place to help turn development ideas into reality," said Mark Geise, Deputy County Executive for Economic Development, CCIDA CEO, and CCPEG Advisory Board Chair. "The strong turnout, particularly from developers throughout Western New York and Northwestern Pennsylvania, demonstrates the level of interest in our region. We want developers to know that Chautauqua County is open for business, and our team is ready to help them move projects forward."
The program began with welcoming remarks from SUNY Fredonia President Dr. Stephen Kolison, Jr., and Chautauqua County Executive Paul "PJ" Wendel, followed by a presentation from Geise highlighting the advantages of investing and developing in Chautauqua County.
"Economic development in Chautauqua County is truly a team effort, and our success comes from working together toward a common goal rather than focusing on individual recognition," said Wendel. "I'm proud of what our economic development team and community partners have accomplished, and I'm even more excited about what lies ahead. We appreciate the developers and investors who took the time to join us for this forum and, most importantly, for their interest in investing and reinvesting right here in Chautauqua County."
CCPEG Program Manager Josiah Lamp provided an overview of available development sites, followed by a networking session that allowed attendees to meet directly with project representatives and learn more about specific properties and redevelopment opportunities.
The forum also featured a panel discussion, moderated by CHQ Chamber President Dan Heitzenrater, focusing on local resources and opportunities available to support development projects. Topics included economic development incentives, funding assistance, brownfield redevelopment, workforce development, housing, and other initiatives that contribute to a strong business and investment environment.
A featured presentation was delivered by Christian Mercurio, Senior Director of Site Development with Empire State Development (ESD), who discussed development tools and site readiness programs available through New York State. His presentation highlighted how ESD works with communities, economic development organizations, private-sector partners, and other agencies to prepare properties for future investment and accelerate sites toward industry-ready status.
New DevelopCHQ.com Platform Launched
A major highlight of the forum was the introduction of DevelopCHQ.com, a new online platform designed to connect developers and investors with available development opportunities throughout Chautauqua County.
The website initially features the dozen development sites showcased during the forum, providing a centralized resource for developers interested in learning more about properties and potential projects.
CCIDA and CCPEG plan to continue expanding the platform in the coming months, adding additional sites and information to establish a comprehensive, one-stop resource for development opportunities across the county.
"One of our goals with DevelopCHQ.com is to make it easier for developers and investors to identify opportunities and access the information they need to move projects forward," said Josiah Lamp, CCPEG Program Manager, who helped oversee the development and launch of the website. "We're starting with the sites highlighted at the forum, but this is just the beginning. We plan to continue building out the platform to showcase additional properties and opportunities throughout Chautauqua County, creating a valuable resource for anyone interested in investing and developing here."
Beyond showcasing individual properties, the forum emphasized the importance of collaboration among local governments, economic development agencies, property owners, and private-sector partners in moving projects from concept to completion.
Geise said the strong turnout and positive feedback from attendees demonstrated the value of the forum and reinforced the county's commitment to attracting new development and investment.
"We couldn't be more pleased with the turnout and the overwhelmingly positive feedback we've received from those who attended," Geise said. "It was encouraging to see so many developers and investors from across the region taking an interest in the opportunities we have here in Chautauqua County. Events like this are an important part of our ongoing efforts to build relationships, attract new investment, and bring meaningful development projects to our communities. Ultimately, it's about creating opportunities that strengthen our local economy and improve the quality of life for the people who live and work here."
The event was organized by CCIDA and CCPEG, with support from the Chautauqua County Department of Planning and Development and Chautauqua County Government.
Developers, investors, and property owners interested in exploring opportunities in Chautauqua County are encouraged to visit ChooseCHQ.com or contact the CCIDA at 716-661-8900.
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.
