Trading the sun-kissed state of Florida for the snowy hills of Chautauqua County, Courtney Curatolo said she has fallen in love with the area. Courtney serves as the director of the Small Business Development Center at Jamestown Community College. Originally from Naples, Florida, Courtney’s decision to relocate here was based on many special summers spent with family in Chautauqua County.

Courtney’s connection to the local area stretches back many decades. For five generations, her family has spent summers at the Chautauqua Institution, creating a treasure trove of cherished memories. From playing on the lake and attending the Boys and Girls Club to enjoying carefree days with her brother and cousins, Courtney’s childhood experiences forged an enduring bond with the area.

In November 2018, Courtney made the leap to call Chautauqua County home. Arriving just before the first snowfall of the season—a far cry from Florida’s balmy weather. Despite the chilly weather, she embraced her role at the Small Business Development Center and made connections throughout the community.

“The people here make this place special,” she said. “Everyone is so welcoming and ready to lend a hand.” Courtney fondly recalls how, upon her arrival, State Sen. George Borrello, then Chautauqua County Executive, spent two hours visiting her office, and then-Assemblyman Andy Goodell gave her a private tour of Albany’s Capitol building—gestures she says are unique to this community.

Courtney has also lived in Rome, Italy. She loves each place she has lived for different reasons and sees the value in each individually.

“No place compares to the other… I love them all,” she said. “For some reason, the air just seems fresher in Chautauqua County.”

Exploring the area has allowed Courtney to discover many attractions and destinations across the county. Among her favorite destinations are the Bell Tower at Chautauqua Institution, the vibrant National Comedy Center in Jamestown, the Bemus Point Golf and Tap House, and the beautiful shores of Barcelona Beach, located in the Town of Westfield. She also has a particular appreciation for the diverse architecture scattered throughout the county.

As a lifelong Buffalo Bills fan, Courtney loves being surrounded by fellow fans who share her passion for the team.

“It’s interesting to see the mood of the region shift depending on who wins on Sunday,” she said. “It’s comforting to know everyone feels the same way I do on Monday morning.”

She shares her home with Collier, her beloved cat, and enjoys the tranquil beauty of Bemus Point. For Courtney, Chautauqua County is more than a place to live—it’s a community filled with history, warmth, and opportunities to create new memories.

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