Partner Spotlight- Andrew Nixon

Partner Spotlight: Andrew Nixon, President & CEO of the Chautauqua Chamber Visitors Bureau

Each newsletter, we are going to highlight a partner or community organization that is doing great things in our county! This month, we are highlighting Andrew Nixon, the President & CEO of the Chautauqua Chamber Visitors Bureau (CCVB).

As the President & CEO of the Chautauqua Chamber Visitors Bureau (CCVB), why do you do what you do every day? What drives you?

CCVB’s purpose is to help local businesses derive economic benefit from visitors coming to and enjoying the area. Our organization simultaneously works to help these businesses while guiding tourists in their journey of learning about and experiencing the joys of the Chautauqua County area. This process is continual and involves developing and implementing advertising campaigns, producing and updating trip-planning information resources, assisting group function planners, and often personally helping visitors with the recommendations and information that they need to enjoy our destination. 

And, the processes vary somewhat as the area moves through different seasons. Part of what we do focuses on assisting visitors with things to do in the current season, while another part is focused on the season(s) ahead. Throughout this process, our staff is continually learning about the unique and compelling things to do and the reasons for visitors to come and enjoy Chautauqua County.

As the Co-Chair of the CCPEG Placemaking Work Group what opportunities do you see for continued collaboration in further development of tourism assets?

Because the Partnership for Economic Growth offers a platform for communication and collaboration, it is a great resource for municipal planning initiatives to work together, especially as sub-regions of the county. It is important for areas, municipalities, and project planners to be very aware of what their neighbors are visioning and planning so that they can work symbiotically when possible. This helps to avoid duplication in projects. It also enables areas to develop their own strengths and experiences while also leveraging interest in nearby attractions and experiences. This results in a greater overall appeal of our total area as a multi-faceted destination.

What Partnership projects do you consider to be the most exciting and/or impactful and why? 

Among the many exciting projects being spearheaded by the Partnership and/or Partnership members, those with a lot of apparent potential are the projects designed to improve the experience and the public’s access to Chautauqua County’s outdoor recreation amenities. This includes trail improvements and digital trail mapping, improved access points for boats, and the use of parks and open spaces on or near waterfronts. Waterfront development high-points range from spots along the Lake Erie shoreline in Dunkirk to stretches of the Chadakoin River in Jamestown. This growth and enhancement also includes several of Chautauqua County’s trail assets located in forested areas, which offer easy-to-moderate trail challenge experiences.

What is something most people don’t know about you or CCVB?

CCVB was formed in 1958 by the Chautauqua County Board of Supervisors (predecessor of the County Legislature) to promote the area as a tourism destination. CCVB’s original name was Chautauqua County Vacationland Association. It is one of the longest standing tourism promotion agencies in New York state. CCVB has a lean but very capable staff of 4 full-time employees and 4 part-time employees.

List of affiliations/organizations:

• NYS Tourism Industry Association 

• Member of American Bus Association, Ontario Motor Coach Association, Pennsylvania Bus Association.

• Member of Empire State Society of Association Executives (ESSAE) and Meeting Planners International (MPI).

What are some exciting things people can look forward to this fall

Visitors love fall time in the Chautauqua-Lake Erie Region of western New York. Not adhering exactly to official calendar dates, fall in the region begins just after Labor Day with the plethora of harvest season events and festivals, and continues through until the end of October. The weather is generally mild, the mornings are cool, and the changing leaves are spectacular. Every weekend brings a special event that focuses on the area’s agricultural stock, including grapes, wine, craft beers, and apples.

Recreational opportunities abound and include golf, hiking and cycling trails, camping, as well as Peek’n Peak’s Mountain Adventure course and zip lines and Panama Rocks rugged rock formations. And, the area’s five lakes are amazingly available and enjoyable in the fall season be it for canoeing and kayaking, zipping around in a power boat, or for a fishing expedition. Lake levels do begin to lower beginning October 20th.

Though fall in the Chautauqua-Lake Erie Region is a great time to enjoy an extension on outdoor activities, it is also a great time to visit the area’s many history-based attractions and museums. Options include the National Comedy Center, Lucy-Desi Museum, Dunkirk Lighthouse, Fenton History Center, Robert H. Jackson Center, and the Roger Tory Peterson Institute. And many fall visitors enjoy the scenery, shops, and restaurants of villages like Westfield, Fredonia, Bemus Point, Lakewood, Chautauqua Institution, and the small cities of Jamestown and Dunkirk.

There is so much more and the best place to find out about things to do as well as events is https://www.tourchautauqua.com/