Trending
CASSADAGA -- The Cassadaga Village Board has announced its Discover Cassadaga economic agenda, including a new campaign name and theme to encompass its current and future development activities.
Discover Cassadaga, "Four Seasons connecting nature, tourism and prosperity in a hallmark community," is focused fostering realistic and sustainable economic opportunities, supporting local entrepreneurship, preserving the village's unique cultural heritage and investing in community well-being.
"Our economic mission and campaign are intended to demonstrate to community residents and businesses, development partners and potential funders that we have the desire, willingness and ability to support strategic economic growth," said Cassadaga Mayor Rudy Abersold. "We are blessed to be located within a geographic setting of natural seasonal assets and on the most traveled highway in Chautauqua County. The campaign generates awareness, educates target audiences, and creates momentum for building a year-round economy with a vibrant future."
A newly formed NY Forward Grant Committee was established to take on development of a comprehensive grant submission for this year. The committee consisting of local business owners and residents is led by chairman Nathan Pownall. Working with the village's elected trustees, the committee is developing the priority development projects to support its eco-tourism economy.
"For our rural community we have a vision centered on economic development, four-season recreation, business development, workforce development, housing, and quality of life," Pownall said. "We want our residents to live well and encourage vacationers to visit often."
The NY Forward Planning Committee includes Pownall, Laura Pownall, AJ Witkowski, Dave Rowley, Susan Asquith, Teri Seibert, Sean Seibert, Chris Cooke, Rob Lederman, Jake Toy, BJ Monacelli, Emma Cook and Tammie Wichlacz.
NY Forward 2026 is just one of many grant initiatives the village is pursuing to accomplish its economic development goals. With the support of the Chautauqua County Planning Department, it recently applied to the New York State Market NY Program for funding to implement a comprehensive branding, marketing and wayfinding signage initiative. Additional grant work is being planned.