Business & Industry

Focus Group Meetings

Southern Tier West held three focus groups that contributed to the Business & Industry section: the Business, Industry and Human Capital focus group, the Higher Education focus group, and the Local Commerce, Community Destinations and Tourism focus group. All groups indicated that regulatory and tax burdens at the state level and rising transportation and health care costs are negatively impacting businesses. While not all of these can be addressed on the regional planning level, there are steps to take regionally that can create a more supportive business environment. Interest in new business formation and small business assistance is rapidly increasing, and the region must share resources to support that growth.
Strengths
geography and beauty of our natural environment, caring business community, outdoor recreation, abundant natural resources
Weaknesses
lack of shovel-ready sites, lack of MWBE-certified businesses, lack of capital, poor housing stock, limited public transit, businesses' hesitation to try new approaches, failure to collaborate regionally,
distance between rural areas
Opportunities
new momentum for tech hubs and industrial incubators, increased interest in rural outdoor tourism, attractive residential location for those who work remotely, increased collaboration opportunities
Threats
state government regulations and barriers to business, lack of financial resources, business owners aging out without a succession plan in place
Objectives
  • Objective #1 Support companies in attracting and retaining employees and becoming employers of choice
  • Objective #2 Create a welcoming business environment with shovel-ready sites and brownfield redevelopment plans
  • ​Objective #3 Develop a regional strategy for BRE (business retention and expansion), data collection, and business succession
  •  ​Objective #4 Develop an entrepreneurial ecosystem that fosters innovation and creativity
SOUTHERN TIER WEST
​Center for Regional Excellence
4039 Route 219, Suite 200
Salamanca, NY 14779

716-945-5301  
​Fax 716-945-5550

STW"s mission is to help coordinate and enhance planning and development activities in Allegany, Cattaraugus, and Chautauqua Counties so as to promote social, physical, and economic development in these counties.  Southern Tier West seeks to improve the quality of life for the region's people and assure that the "people of the Southern Tier West region have access to adequate occupational, educational, and recreational opportunities; environment; health care services; housing; public safety; and transportation.
SOCIAL
Southern Tier West
Fresh Local WNY