(Representatives from the Manufacturers Association of the Southern Tier, DIDI WNY, County of Chautauqua Industrial Development Agency, and Chautauqua County Partnership for Economic Growth were in Lakewood, N.Y. on Oct. 1 to host and attend a luncheon focusing on the NY SMART I-Corridor and how local manufacturers can leverage the initiative to expand and grow their local operations. The event also provided an opportunity to kick off Manufacturing Month in Chautauqua County and the Southern Tier.)
Submitted by the Chautauqua County Industrial Development Agency:
JAMESTOWN, N.Y. — Dream It Do It Western New York (DIDIWNY), the Manufacturers Association of the Southern Tier (MAST), the Chautauqua County Industrial Development Agency (CCIDA), and the Chautauqua County Partnership for Economic Growth (CCPEG) are joining manufacturers, schools, workforce partners, and communities across the region in celebrating Manufacturing Month throughout October. The monthlong observance highlights the critical role manufacturing plays in Western New York’s economy and the career opportunities available to the next generation.
In Chautauqua County alone, manufacturers generate approximately $5.1 billion in annual shipments, and manufacturing represents approximately 18% of the county’s workforce—more than twice the national share. New York State also identifies manufacturing as a foundational sector of Chautauqua County’s economy.
The impact of manufacturing is significant across the Southern Tier. The three-county region of Allegany, Cattaraugus, and Chautauqua, served by MAST, employs more than 18,000 people in manufacturing and generates approximately $7.5 billion in annual manufacturing shipments. Manufacturing represents approximately 15% of the three-county workforce, demonstrating the sector’s outsized importance to the regional economy.
Manufacturing continues to be one of the economic foundations of Western New York. Across the five-county region of Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, and Niagara counties, more than 1,600 manufacturers employ approximately 70,000 people and generate $26.8 billion in annual manufacturing shipments. Manufacturing accounts for approximately 12% of the region’s workforce, compared with about 8% nationally.
“Manufacturing Month gives us an opportunity to recognize manufacturers of all sizes and the people who make things every day and contribute so much to the strength of our communities,” stated Chase Churchill, President of the Manufacturers Association of the Southern Tier. “Manufacturers are investing in new technology, developing their people, and creating career opportunities right here in our region. As manufacturers, we also have a responsibility to open our doors and help students, parents, and educators understand the opportunities that exist within our industry. Building the next generation of our workforce starts by giving people the opportunity to see manufacturing firsthand.”
The challenge facing manufacturers is not simply creating jobs; it is ensuring that young people understand the opportunities that already exist and have clear pathways to pursue them.
“The future of manufacturing depends on the young people in our region’s classrooms today,” stated Chris Lanski, Chair of Dream It Do It Western New York. “Manufacturing Month gives us an opportunity to introduce those students to careers they may never have considered and to show them that manufacturing today is about technology, creativity, problem-solving, and innovation. Dream It Do It is about creating those connections early and giving students meaningful experiences that can help them discover a pathway to a successful future right here in Western New York.”
Modern manufacturing increasingly requires employees with skills in machining, welding and fabrication, industrial maintenance, automation, robotics, engineering, quality, advanced production, and other technical fields. Dream It Do It identifies welding, machining, electro-mechanical technology, mechanics, quality assurance, and production operations among the region’s priority skilled occupations.
That is where Dream It Do It Western New York plays a critical role. DIDIWNY is building an early talent pipeline across Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, and Niagara counties by connecting middle and high school students with hands-on learning, manufacturing career exploration, employer experiences, industry-recognized credentials, and pathways into education, training, and employment.
“One of the most rewarding parts of Manufacturing Month is watching students experience manufacturing rather than simply hearing about it,” stated Cindy Aronson, Director of Dream It Do It Western New York, Chautauqua County. “When students tour a company, operate equipment, build something with their own hands, and talk directly with people working in the industry, manufacturing becomes real to them. Those experiences build confidence, spark curiosity, and help students recognize talents they may not have known they had. Sometimes one experience is all it takes for a young person to begin imagining a completely different future for themselves.”
Throughout the year, and with an intensified focus during Manufacturing Month, Dream It Do It works with schools and manufacturers to move students beyond simply hearing about manufacturing careers to actually experiencing them.
Through Manufacturing Technology Tours, Girls in Manufacturing, Create Your Future, Manufacturing Mayhem, STEM/TECH Wars, and other hands-on career exploration experiences, students have opportunities to meet people working in manufacturing, enter manufacturing facilities, experience technology firsthand, and understand the education and skills required for different career pathways.
“Manufacturing is part of the identity of Western New York,” stated Todd Tranum, Executive Director of MAST and President of DIDIWNY. “These companies provide good careers, support families, invest in our communities, and sell products throughout the country and around the world. Building the next generation manufacturing workforce is not simply a workforce development issue; it is an economic development priority for our entire region.”
Manufacturing Month also provides an opportunity for manufacturers, educators, parents, and community organizations to consider the role they can play in strengthening Western New York’s future workforce.
“Manufacturing has long been a cornerstone of Chautauqua County’s economy, and the CCIDA has a long history of working alongside our manufacturers to help them invest, expand, modernize, and remain competitive,” stated Mark Geise, Chautauqua County Deputy County Executive for Economic Development and CCIDA CEO. “These companies create good-paying jobs, make significant investments in our communities, and are essential to growing our local economy. Just as important, we need to make sure they have access to the skilled workforce they need to succeed. That means connecting young people with the tremendous career opportunities that exist right here in Chautauqua County and building a strong talent pipeline for the future.”
Manufacturers can open their doors to students, participate in career exploration activities, provide job-shadowing and work-based learning experiences, and help young people understand the wide range of careers available within their companies. Educators and counselors can help students connect classroom learning with career opportunities and expose young people to multiple pathways after high school, including college, technical education, apprenticeships, and direct entry into the workforce.
Throughout October, Dream It Do It Western New York and its partners will highlight manufacturers, manufacturing careers, and opportunities for students to experience the industry firsthand.
For information about Dream It Do It Western New York, Manufacturing Month activities, or opportunities for schools and manufacturers to participate, visit DIDIWNY.org, email info@didiwny.com, or call 716-483-1833.
To learn more about incentives and support provided to manufacturers looking to expand or relocate to Chautauqua County, visit ChooseCHQ.com or call the CCIDA at 716-661-8900
About MAST - The Manufacturers Association is a proactive leader committed to enhancing the economic strength of the region. The Association promotes the common interests of its membership, develops services that benefit its members and is a primary resource for information and assisting in the promotion in manufacturing excellence and innovation in a global economy.
About Dream It Do It Western New York - Dream It Do It Western New York is a workforce development initiative dedicated to strengthening the region’s advanced manufacturing workforce by serving as the trusted bridge between industry and education. DIDIWNY connects manufacturers with students, educators, counselors, administrators, and school districts to inspire career exploration, expand work-based learning opportunities, and build meaningful pathways from the classroom to rewarding careers. Through hands-on experiences, industry engagement, and strategic partnerships, DIDIWNY helps students discover their potential while providing manufacturers with opportunities to cultivate the next generation of skilled talent. By aligning education with workforce needs, Dream It Do It Western New York is strengthening the early talent pipeline and helping to ensure a strong, sustainable manufacturing economy for Western New York.
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.
