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Two recipients of the Chautauqua County Partnership for Economic Growth (CCPEG) grants will use the funds to help expand their growth.
Dream It Do It Advance Manufacturing Program (Dream It Do It WNY) was awarded a $25,000 grant, and The National Comedy Center was awarded a $20,000 grant.
Dream it Do It WNY President Todd Tranum said funding will help with STEM Wars.
"The continued support of the Chautauqua County Partnership for Economic Growth of the Dream It Do It initiative is greatly appreciated," Tranum said. "Funding will be used for implantation of the Dream It Do It Advanced Manufacturing Program and help cover costs associated with this STEM Wars 2024 which will be a two-day competition among area schools, career fair and technology exposition at Northwest Arena."
STEM Wars 2024 is a Technology Competition, Career Fair and Tech Expo that will be held over a two-day period on May 22 and 23. The event brings together manufacturers, schools, suppliers, colleges and community organizations in support of connecting students with career pathways and opportunities in the manufacturing sector. The event features a grade school STEM Wars event, a middle/high school STEM Wars event, a two-day career fair and a two-day technology exposition.
Manufacturers from throughout the area will be at the event to speak to students about manufacturing careers. Technology suppliers will be bringing the latest state-of-the-art technologies to demonstrate to students and manufacturers. Post-secondary institutions and training providers will be present at the event to share information regarding specific programming designed to prepare students for careers in manufacturing. The event organizers expect well more than 1,000 students in attendance across the two-day period.
Gary Hahn, Vice President, Marketing and Communications, NCC, said the funds will help NCC expand its marketing outreach.
"We were pleased to receive a Chautauqua County Partnership for Economic Growth economic development grant for 2024, which will help fulfill a key strategic initiative in the CCPEG's strategic plan: tourist and destination development. This grant will enable the National Comedy Center to expand its marketing outreach with a focused promotional and PR campaign in Pittsburgh and Cleveland - two key drive markets where we've already seen strong results and an opportunity for tremendous growth. By drawing more visitors to the Comedy Center from these cities, we will drive economic impact throughout the county - including local restaurants, retailers, hotels and neighboring attractions," Hahn said.
The CCPEG funding is also used to support economic development projects that focus on revitalization and long-term strategic investment throughout Chautauqua County, consistent with the county's economic development strategic plan. In 2024, 14 different projects across the county will have received a total $242,000 in grant support from CCPEG. The total value of all 14 projects is estimated to be $1.88 million.
The village of Lakewood was awarded the largest grant -- $30,000 for the Hartley Park Waterfront Revitalization and Improvement Project.
Lakewood Community Development Corporation Vice President Ted McCague said the money will be used to update the shoreline and other landscaping possibilities. McCague also said that the new playground will be tied in with the existing beach which will help Chautauqua Lake.
Funding from the projects comes from a variety of sources, including Chautauqua County ARPA funding and funding from a multi-year grant from the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation. The next round of CCPEG Support for Economic Development Projects will open in the fall of 2024.