Wells Ice Cream

CCIDA and CCPEG-Related Projects Exceed $300 million in InvestmentsJAMESTOWN, NY -- At its February 25, 2025 meeting, the County of Chautauqua Industrial Development Agency (CCIDA) Board of Directors reviewed the Choose CHQ 2024 Annual Report, highlighting accomplishments for the past year. The report not only provided year-in-review details for the CCIDA, but also the 2024 accomplishments of the Chautauqua County Partnership for Economic Growth (CCPEG), an initiative under the CCIDA’s component agency, the Chautauqua Region Economic Development Corporation (CREDC). READ/DOWNLOAD THE FULL REPORT During the meeting, Mark Geise, Deputy County Executive for Economic Development, CCIDA CEO, and CCPEG Co-Chair, shared the CCIDA’s Top 10 Accomplishments for the year, along with its top 10 goals for 2025. Geise noted that the CCIDA was involved in 18 separate development project that will provide, if fully realized, an investment of over $311 million in the County. These projects would also result in the retention of 771 jobs, the creation of 166 new permanent jobs, and also provide 561 construction jobs. Projects that involve PILOTs (payments in lieu of taxes) will result in $4.9 million in new revenue for taxing jurisdictions over the terms of the PILOTs, which wouldn’t have been realized had these projects not moved forward. Some of the key 2024 accomplishments include: Wells Ice Cream Phase III Expansion ($175 million) (pictured); Southern Tier Environments for Living Gateway Lofts project ($67 million); Silver Creek Apartments LLC project ($20.2 million); Dahlstrom Rollform’s purchase by local ownership ($9 million); and the opening of Wicked Warren’s ($2.3 million). In total, the CCIDA board approved 12 loans to local business totaling $4.5 million. CCIDA also continued its focus on creating a $16+ million Shovel-Ready Industrial Site in Ripley and the development of a Talent Attraction/Retention Campaign, which launched as “Live CHQ” in April of this year. CCIDA and its affiliate agencies, including CCPEG, were also rebranded through the launch of the “Choose CHQ” brand and website. Another key accomplishment for CREDC was securing more than $1.5 million in funding from the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation to extend and enhance the impact CCPEG has had on the county. The annual report also included the Top 10 economic development goals for the involved agencies. These aspirations included aggressive proactive business retention and expansion; completing the shovel-ready sites in both Ripley and Ellicott; reactivating properties of community importance, including the Furniture Mart Building in Jamestown, the former Silver Creek High School, Lakeshore Hospital in Irving, the mothballed NRG Plant in Dunkirk, and the former Truck-Lite plant in Ellicott; assisting both ImmunityBio (Dunkirk) and Electrovaya (Ellicott) to ramp up operations; and continuing to focus on implementing recommendations from the County’s Economic Development Strategy through CREDC and CCPEG. “Through all of the uncertainty posed by a dynamic political and economic climate, the CCIDA team has once again delivered on its mission of attracting new businesses while promoting the retention and expansion of existing businesses,” Geise said. “While we no doubt see ebbs and flows in our organization and in our local, regional, state, and federal economies, the CCIDA and Chautauqua continue to evolve toward a better future.” In addition to the CCIDA and CREDC accomplishments and goals, the 2024 Annual Report also provided an update on various projects and activities involving CCPEG. According to Nathan Aldrich, County Economic Development Coordinator and CCPEG Manager, over $2.4 million in grant funding was secured by CCPEG to assist with its effort to advance 35 different projects focusing on economic development and placemaking initiatives across the county. These projects included the completion and launch of the Live CHQ Talent Attraction and Retention initiative (pictured); the completion of a county-wide Housing Market Assessment and Development Strategy; the launch of CHQTrails.org, the Chautauqua County Interactive Trails Map; continued upgrades and remediation to the Chautauqua County Overland Trails; and the successful launch of the Chautauqua County Grape & Grain Trail marketing initiative. CCPEG also provided nearly $250,000 in funding to 14 different partner-led economic development projects located across the county – which helped to leverage an additional $1.6 million from other sources to ensure those projects could move forward. Those projects included: the Hartley Park Waterfront Revitalization & Improvement Project in Lakewood; Theater Seats & Auditorium Improvements at the Reg Lenna Center for the Arts and the Key Market Growth Project for the National Comedy Center, both in Jamestown; the Advanced Manufacturing Program at Dream It, Do It Western New York; and a Strategic Growth Master Plan in Bemus Point. “CCPEG has lived up to its mission of serving as the catalyst and broker of resources for advancing economic development and placemaking efforts across the county,” Aldrich said. “It was gratifying to see so many of our projects cross the finish line in 2024, but thanks to renewed support from the Wilson Foundation and other funders, our work is only getting started.” “I am really proud of the work we are doing in assisting our partners, including municipalities, in undertaking transformative and meaningful projects,” Geise added. “Between the work we do at the CCIDA and through CCPEG, we have an extremely dynamic and gifted team. This has been illustrated through all the work we did in 2024, and we look forward to keeping the momentum going to help strengthen the economy in Chautauqua County in 2025 and in the years to come.” The complete Choose CHQ 2024 Annual Report, featuring information for both the CCIDA and CCPEG, is available on the Annual Report page at ChooseCHQ.com. 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. It facilitates 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 ChooseCHQ.com. 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.

Assistance will help company with effort to build a new, state-of-the-art complex to produce ice cream and frozen novelty products; will create approximately 270 new jobsDUNKIRK, NY -- At its November 19, 2024 meeting, the County of Chautauqua Industrial Development Agency (CCIDA) Board of Directors approved incentives to Wells Enterprises, Inc. The incentives, which include a Payment In Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) agreement and Sales Tax Exemption, will assist the company with the construction of its new, state-of-the-art facility in Dunkirk. This latest round of CCIDA incentives (Phase III) for the company follows two previous rounds of incentives (Phase I in 2019 and Phase II in 2023). When combined, all three phases result in Wells adding 270 new jobs and retaining approximately 380 full-time jobs. In August 2023, Wells Enterprises, owned by The Ferrero Group, announced plans for the full redevelopment of its existing Dunkirk manufacturing facility, located at 1 Ice Cream Drive. The facility plays an important role in the company’s expansion plans for its national manufacturing network of Blue Bunny, Halo Top, Bomb Pop, and Blue Ribbon Classics brands. This Phase II project was anticipated to more than double the facility's current production output and help support their continued plans for growth in novelty and packaged ice cream, while enabling future innovation. The estimated total cost of the Phase II project was $250 million and will create an estimated 250 new jobs by 2028. Earlier this year, Wells announced that in addition to the previously announced redevelopment effort, it would also build a new state-of-the-art, 133,000 square-foot Segregated Compound Facility ("SCF") which will serve as a new chocolate plant and increased production space. The SCF would be the first of its kind in ice cream in the US, with the ability to run a 15-line plant by 2028. This Phase III project is estimated to cost $175 million and will create 20 new jobs by 2030. An estimated 150 temporary construction jobs would also be created by the project. To help ensure Phase III can move forward, the CCIDA on Tuesday provided a 10-year PILOT for the project and will result in payments to the affected taxing jurisdictions (City of Dunkirk, Dunkirk School District, and Chautauqua County) totaling $2,241,980. In July, New York State Governor Kathy Hochul was in Dunkirk to announce the state is also supporting the project with up to $12 million in Excelsior Jobs Program tax credits and a $6 million grant from Empire State Development in exchange for job creation and capital investment commitments. The new facility increases the total project cost to $425 million between Phase II and Phase III. The Phase I portion of the project, announced in 2019, involved $87 million in capital investments to the existing Wells facility, which included the addition of new property to accommodate a $7 million power substation.  “We couldn’t be more excited about the future of Wells and the role this expansion in Dunkirk will play in our ambition to be the U.S. ice cream category leader. We are extremely grateful to the State of New York, Chautauqua County, and the community of Dunkirk for their unwavering support of our growth. Most importantly, this is testament to the leadership and commitment of every one of our team members in Dunkirk. Their passion, drive, and excellence in operations are truly what makes this possible,” said Liam Killeen, Wells Enterprises CEO.  “Over the past five years, Wells has committed to investing more than $500 million in our county, illustrating a tremendous commitment to the Dunkirk community and the local workforce for years and decades to come,” said Mark Geise, Deputy Chautauqua County Executive for Economic Development and CCIDA CEO. “I am proud of the support the CCIDA has been able to provide to Wells to help make all three phases a reality and ensure we not only help to retain jobs in northern Chautauqua County, but also see a significant increase in the coming years.” “Wells Enterprises' commitment to our community's prosperity is truly commendable, and we are proud to support this transformative project. This expansion goes beyond ice cream production; it represents a promising future for Dunkirk and Chautauqua County. We are grateful for Wells and the Ferrero Group's dedication to our region, and we extend our heartfelt thanks to the CCIDA and the State of New York for their invaluable funding and support in making this project possible,” said Paul “PJ” Wendel, Chautauqua County Executive.  “This expansion not only signifies Wells’ commitment to the community but also promises a brighter future by creating 270 new jobs. Together, we will pave the way for economic growth and prosperity, ensuring that Dunkirk and Chautauqua County continue to thrive and shine,” said Dunkirk Mayor Kate Wdowiasz. Both The Ferrero Group and Wells have a strong history of success. Ferrero, which was founded in 1946, has grown to become a global leader in sweet-packaged foods, including confectionary, ice cream, biscuits, and snacks. Wells has become the world’s largest family owned and managed ice cream company since it was founded in 1913 as a dairy delivery business. Artone Receives Loan for Equipment Purchase In other action during the November CCIDA board meeting, a low interest loan of $240,000 was approved for Artone LLC, located at 1089 Allen St., Jamestown, NY. The loan will be used to assist the company with the purchase of new equipment, with a total cost of $600,000. The rate and term for the loan was 4% for six years. Artone manufactures furniture for the hospitality industry and earlier this year the company celebrated 50 years in business. “Artone is a family owned-and-operated business in Jamestown with a successful track record of providing quality furniture for the hotel and hospitality industry,” Geise said. “We are happy to assist them with the purchase of new equipment that will help the company keep a competitive edge by creating more efficiency in their operation to help expand capacity and capability.” # # # About Wells Enterprises - Wells Enterprises, Inc. is the largest privately held ice cream manufacturer in the United States. Founded in 1913 by Fred H. Wells and run by the Wells family for generations, the company is an independent operating company of the Ferrero Group, one of the global leaders in sweet, packaged foods. Wells produces more than 200 million gallons of ice cream per year and distributes products in all 50 states. Wells manufactures its signature brand Blue Bunny®, lower-calorie Halo Top®, the iconic Bomb Pop®, and Blue Ribbon Classics®. Wells employs nearly 4,000 ice cream aficionados across the country. The company is headquartered in Le Mars, Iowa, where Wells has made Le Mars the “Ice Cream Capital of the World” as the largest manufacturer of ice cream in one location. Wells operates two manufacturing plants in Le Mars, a manufacturing plant in Dunkirk, New York, and a manufacturing facility in Henderson, Nevada. Learn more at wellsenterprisesinc.com. 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.

Project value in 2023 totaling $842 million makes Chautauqua County no. 1 in regionMark Geise, County of Chautauqua Industrial Development Agency CEO, led the agency to unprecedented activity in 2023, resulting in $842 million in total project value, first among all economic development agencies in Western New York. JAMESTOWN, NY -- The County of Chautauqua Industrial Development Agency (CCIDA) was the top ranking economic development agency in Western New York State for 2023. That’s according to Buffalo Business First, which provided a list of the region’s top economic development agencies in its July 12, 2024 issue. According to Business First, it’s the first time the CCIDA has landed in the No. 1 spot (out of seven) on the publication’s ranking of the economic development agencies in Buffalo and Western New York. At the end of 2023, the CCIDA reported a total of $842 million worth of deals brokered. Not only was it the largest total of any agency in Western New York, but also the largest single-year total ever reported by CCIDA in its 51 years of operation. In addition, the CCIDA was involved with 34 different projects in 2023, more than any other economic development agency operating out of the Western New York region.    “2023 was unprecedented in terms of the breadth and size of projects assisted by the CCIDA, as well as job retention and creation,” said Mark Geise, Deputy Chautauqua County Executive for Economic Development and Chief Executive Officer of the CCIDA. “It is my opinion that our economic development team, which includes the County Department of Planning & Development, the Chautauqua County Partnership for Economic Growth, and community partners, is unparalleled not just in Western New York, but across New York State. I am grateful that Buffalo Business First has recognized the CCIDA in this fashion, and I’m grateful to our staff, board, consultants, and other partners for everything they do.” As first reported in January in its 2023 Annual Report, some of the key projects the CCIDA assisted included: $452 million Cummins Engine Internal Expansion; $250 million Wells Ice Cream Plant Expansion; Weber Knapp Purchase by Local Ownership ($21.4 million); Purchase and Development of lithium-ion Battery Manufacturer Electrovaya ($42.5 million); and the acquisition of the Conagra/CCIDA Facility in Dunkirk by Refresco to create a Northeastern US Distribution Center ($13 million). In all, a total of 34 different projects benefited from support by the CCIDA. “I am thrilled with the work being undertaken by the CCIDA and the extended economic development team, which includes the Partnership for Economic Growth and the County Department of Planning & Development,” said Chautauqua County Executive Paul “PJ” Wendel. “I commend Mark Geise and the County/CCIDA team for their laser focus on Chautauqua County’s upward trajectory.  As I’ve said many times since the pandemic hit us, our comeback will be greater than our setback, and the CCIDA’s 2023 tally of accomplishments has proven this sentiment to be true. This is truly an amazing achievement, considering the population of Chautauqua County compared to our larger neighbors.” The CCIDA’s top-ranking dollar amount is a 59% increase from the $500 million reported in 2022, when it ranked second on the Business First list. The other top five Western New York economic development agencies in 2023 were Invest Buffalo Niagara, Erie County IDA, Genesee County Economic Development Center, and County of Cattaraugus IDA. “Once again, our collective development team was able to knock it out of the park, which is due to the unwavering dedication of an extremely capable staff, volunteer board members, community stakeholders, and volunteers. I vow that we will continue to be aggressive and intentional as we advance the ball as it relates to economic development, thereby creating and retaining good jobs for families throughout the County,” Geise said. 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. It facilitates 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 ChooseCHQ.com.