Geise Named To Buffalo Business First’s 2024 Power 250 List

CCPEG founder, advisory board co-chair recognized for economic development successes in chautauqua county

MAYVILLE, NY - Mark Geise, Chautauqua County’s Deputy County Executive for Economic Development, County of Chautauqua Industrial Development Agency (CCIDA) CEO, and founder and advisory board co-chair of the Chautauqua County Partnership for Economic Growth, has been named to the 2024 edition of Buffalo Business First’s prestigious “Power 250” listing, published January 10, 2024.

The “Power 250” is an annual list of the 250 people whom, after three months of research, reporting, and debate, the full news staff at Business First regards as the most influential and powerful people in the eight counties (Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, Genesee, Niagara, Orleans, and Wyoming) that make up Western New York.

Geise was first appointed in his role of Deputy County Executive for Economic Development and CCIDA CEO in March 2018. Since then, he’s spearheaded the effort to grow and expand business opportunities in Chautauqua County, including overseeing the agency’s efforts to help employers during COVID 19. In 2023 under Geise’s leadership, the CCIDA saw unprecedented economic development activity, assisting with over $840 million in capital investment in the county.

Geise has also played a pivotal role in the creation and subsequent oversight of CCPEG, an initiative of CCIDA’s component organization, Chautauqua Region Economic Development Corporation (CREDC). In 2023, CCEPG was successful in obtaining and granting millions of dollars in economic development resources to advance 47 different public-private economic development projects across Chautauqua County. Also in 2023, the Partnership provided nearly $460,000 in direct grant funding to 26 different projects. Geise also founded the Chautauqua County Land Bank Corporation, which has been serving the community for over 10 years.

“It’s wonderful to see Mark being recognized for his hard work in growing and building our economy here in Chautauqua County. We’ve known for years just how dedicated and committed Mark is to helping make the county a better place to live, work, and conduct business, but it’s truly gratifying to have his work being recognized on a regional level and seeing his name among some of the most notable business leaders from across the Western New York Region,” said Chautauqua County Executive Paul “PJ” Wendel.

“Mark has been a great asset for Chautauqua County and its economic development agencies,” said CCIDA and CREDC Board President Gary Henry. “Joining the CCIDA board at the same time Mark was appointed CEO has given me a first-hand look at the progress he’s made on the economic development front here in Chautauqua County. I am deeply impressed with his vision and tireless commitment to helping businesses succeed in our county, in spite of the numerous challenges they face, which are totally out of the control of our local leaders.”

“I am honored and humbled to receive this recognition; however, this certainly wouldn’t be possible without the dedicated commitment of our entire CCIDA and county development team, including, but certainly not limited to, County Executive Wendel; Rich Dixon, CCIDA CFO; and Nate Aldrich, County Economic Development Coordinator and CCPEG Manager,” Geise said. “While Chautauqua County has made notable progress on the economic development front for several years, 2023 was unprecedented. That being said, I believe the best is yet to come.”

Geise currently lives in Fredonia with his wife Katie Geise, Executive Director of the Chautauqua County Workforce Investment Board. They have three grown children; Mark, Aidan, and Keely.

According to Buffalo Business First, the 2024 Power 250 List was released in January as a preview of the people on the list alphabetically and unranked. Look for the complete ranking in early March, along with more information describing the power that each person holds.

About CCPEG - The Chautauqua County Partnership for Economic Growth (CCPEG) serves as the main convener of economic development partners and resources to advance key projects that achieve economic prosperity in Chautauqua County. It also serves as the catalyst and broker of resources for advancing economic prosperity efforts and is the central coordinating entity for the formation, retention, development, and attraction of quality jobs and advancements to the quality of life. It is an initiative of the Chautauqua Region Economic Development Corporation (CREDC). For more information, please visit CHQPartnership.org.