(Chautauqua County Executive Paul M. Wendel Jr officially proclaims this week as "Small Business Week”)
JAMESTOWN, NY –In a spirited declaration, Chautauqua County Executive Paul M. Wendel Jr. Monday officially proclaimed this week as "Small Business Week" within the county. With a resounding call to action, the proclamation urges residents to honor and support the indispensable contributions of local enterprises to the county's economic tapestry.
Since 1963, National Small Business Week has since served as a platform to spotlight the invaluable programs and resources tailored to entrepreneurs, courtesy of the U.S. Small Business Administration and allied government entities.
"At the heart of our communities lie the vibrant small businesses that infuse our local economy with innovation, diversity, and resilience," remarked Wendel. "Their unwavering dedication sustains the very fabric of our county, ensuring prosperity for generations to come."
The official kickoff for the 2024 Small Business Week in Chautauqua County took place at Brigiotta's Farmland Produce and Garden Center in Jamestown, NY. The event doubled as a celebration of Brigiotta's century-long commitment to serving the community, exemplifying the endurance and resilience emblematic of local businesses.
Adding to the festivities, the Jamestown Small Business Development Center bestowed honors upon Entrepreneurs of the Year: Reishore Clothing in Jamestown, She Sings Cafe in Mayville, and HAWC Physical Therapy in Jamestown. These distinguished recipients epitomize the spirit of innovation and excellence driving small business success in Chautauqua County.
“Through their perseverance and ingenuity, small businesses fuel our economy, create jobs, and enrich the fabric of our county,” continued Wendel. “I am proud to stand alongside these remarkable individuals and organizations, and I encourage all residents to join me in supporting and celebrating their invaluable contributions during this special week and beyond.”
As the designated week unfolds—from April 28 to May 4, 2024—residents are encouraged to embrace the spirit of solidarity by patronizing local establishments and championing the indomitable spirit of entrepreneurship. By rallying behind small businesses, residents can play an instrumental role in fortifying the economic bedrock of Chautauqua County.
Data from the New York State Census underscores the magnitude of small business influence, with over 2,700 establishments in Chautauqua County employing more than 41,000 individuals and boasting an annual payroll exceeding $1.3 billion. Moreover, recent years have witnessed a burgeoning entrepreneurial spirit, with hundreds of new startups springing forth annually, underscoring the dynamic nature of the local business landscape.
Spanning a diverse array of industries—from manufacturing and healthcare to retail, agriculture, and beyond—small businesses in Chautauqua County represent a tapestry of innovation and opportunity. Their collective impact resonates far beyond mere commerce, permeating the social and cultural fabric of the region.
In extending appreciation to the myriad organizations dedicated to bolstering small business endeavors, including the Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce, the County of Chautauqua Industrial Development Agency, and the Small Business Development Center at Jamestown Community College, Wendel underscores the collaborative ethos underpinning economic development initiatives.
With his signature affixed and the seal of the county duly embossed, Paul M. Wendel Jr. reaffirms his commitment to championing the cause of small businesses, envisioning a future where enterprise thrives and communities flourish.
