JAMESTOWN, N.Y. – The County of Chautauqua Industrial Development Agency (CCIDA) is pleased to announce the addition of Jason Sample to the position of Communications & Marketing Coordinator.
As Communications & Marketing Coordinator, Sample will be responsible for the implementation of strategic marketing initiatives and general communications of the CCIDA and the Chautauqua County Region Economic Development Corporation (CREDC). He will lead both agency’s marketing and communication efforts related highlighting various projects launched by both organizations, showcasing the county’s economic development opportunities and promoting the services offered by both economic development agencies.
“I’m excited to be joining the CCIDA and CREDC team, working to promote our county’s economic development success stories, along with championing the business development opportunities and quality of life enhancements within our county,” Sample said.
While the Marketing & Communications Coordinator is housed under the CCIDA, Sample will actually serve a split role, working with both the CCIDA and the Chautauqua County Partnership for Economic Growth (CCPEG), managing specific communication tasks related to the promotion of each entity and its services. In addition to coordinating organizational communications of these agencies, Sample will also lead countywide marketing efforts and special projects to promote Chautauqua County as a great place to live, work, play, and conduct business, in close coordination with outside partner agencies.
“We’re very pleased to have Jason joining our team,” said Mark Geise, CCIDA Chief Executive Officer and Deputy County Executive for Economic Development. “He has a strong understanding of what the CCIDA does, as well as great familiarity with the people and communities across Chautauqua County.”
Sample has worked in regional media for the past two decades, most recently as General Manager of WRFA-LP in Jamestown, where he was responsible for the management and programming of Jamestown's Low Power, FM radio station, licensed to Reg Lenna Center for the Arts. He also served as the station’s Public Affairs Director from 2011 to 2021, covering issues and news stories involving the Jamestown community and Chautauqua County. Prior to his work at WRFA, Sample served as editor of the weekly Chautauqua Star newspaper, a county-wide publication showcasing the people and businesses of Chautauqua County. Sample also worked as a news reporter and sports anchor for over seven years on WJTN radio in Jamestown.
In the past, Sample has served as a trustee with the Chautauqua County Historical Society, based in Westfield, NY, from 2011 to 2021, and was chair of the organization’s program committee. He was also a board member of Infinity Visual & Performing Arts in Jamestown from 2010 to 2018, serving as board president and marketing committee chair.
Sample is a Jamestown-area native, and graduated from Falconer High School and Jamestown Community College. He holds a B.A. in Broadcast Journalism from West Virginia University.
“I’ve spent a great deal of time over the years living and working in various communities across Chautauqua County, not only covering local news but also getting to know its people, places, and businesses,” Sample said. “I’m looking forward to using my knowledge and experience to help promote our county’s economic achievements and also promoting why it’s such a special and unique place to live, work, and play.”
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. They facilitate 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 www.ccida.com.
