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MAYVILLE, N.Y. \u2014\u00a0Chautauqua County is connecting its manufacturers, workforce, entrepreneurs, and educational institutions to the NY SMART I-Corridor, a federally supported initiative positioning Upstate New York as a global leader in semiconductor manufacturing, innovation, and workforce development.<\/p>\n
In the NY SMART I-Corridor, \u201cSMART\u201d stands for \u201cSemiconductor Manufacturing and Research Technology.\u201d It is a federal tech hub consortium spanning Buffalo, Rochester, and Syracuse dedicated to expanding domestic chip manufacturing, research, and workforce development. Backed by the federal CHIPS and Science Act, the recently formed corridor unites the Buffalo-Rochester-Syracuse super-region through a coalition of businesses, higher education institutions, economic development organizations, and community-based partners. The initiative is co-convened by the Buffalo Niagara Partnership, CenterState CEO, and OneROC.<\/p>\n
\u201cBeing part of the NY SMART I-Corridor connects our community to one of the most significant advanced manufacturing initiatives in the nation,\u201d said Chautauqua County Executive Paul \u201cPJ\u201d Wendel, Jr. \u201cOur county has a skilled workforce, a strong manufacturing heritage, and innovative businesses that are well positioned to contribute to this growing industry. This initiative can help us attract investment, create career opportunities, and strengthen our economy for years to come.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Tech Hub designation presents an important opportunity for existing Chautauqua County manufacturers whose equipment, expertise, or production capabilities could be adapted to meet the needs of semiconductor companies and their suppliers. Businesses may be able to modify product lines, pursue new certifications, invest in specialized equipment, or adjust their output to serve emerging needs throughout the semiconductor supply chain.<\/p>\n
It also strengthens Chautauqua County\u2019s ability to attract startups, expanding companies, and new business ventures seeking to establish a foothold in New York State. Companies locating in the county may benefit from access to a skilled manufacturing workforce, available development sites, and applicable state and local incentives, technical assistance, and business-development programs.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis creates two distinct paths for economic growth,\u201d said Mark Geise, Deputy County Executive for Economic Development and CEO of the County of Chautauqua Industrial Development Agency (CCIDA). \u201cWe can help established manufacturers evaluate how their capabilities may translate into semiconductor supply-chain opportunities, while also positioning Chautauqua County as a competitive location for new ventures that want to enter the New York market and take advantage of the resources associated with the NY SMART I-Corridor. This is especially important when marketing our shovel-ready sites.\u201d<\/p>\n
Geise said the County\u2019s 148-acre I-90 Veterans Memorial Commerce Park in Ripley could be especially attractive to semiconductor-related developers because of its location along Interstate 90 and its position between semiconductor assets in Central Ohio, Western New York, and the Syracuse area. The shovel-ready site is tentatively scheduled for completion by the first quarter of 2027.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Ripley site is already generating interest because of its central location between Midwest, Northeast, and Canadian markets,\u201d Geise said. \u201cChautauqua County\u2019s connection to the NY SMART I-Corridor provides another compelling advantage as we market the site to outside developers.\u201d<\/p>\n
Later this summer, the CCIDA will organize an informational meeting with select local manufacturers. The session will provide an overview of the NY SMART I-Corridor, explain how companies may participate, and help businesses evaluate whether their capabilities could meet needs within the semiconductor and advanced manufacturing supply chain.<\/p>\n
Through the initiative, businesses can connect with three tailored services:<\/p>\n
Supply Chain Activation Network, or SCAN, helps manufacturers enter, expand, or strengthen their roles within the semiconductor supply chain.Semiconductor Talent and Employer Partnership Upstate New York, or STEP UP, connects employers with workforce training and talent pipelines.Commercialization and Collaboration Center, or C3, connects startups, manufacturers, and researchers with specialized facilities, expertise, and capital.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe especially want to thank our partners at Invest Buffalo Niagara and the Buffalo Niagara Partnership for their continued advocacy and for helping to connect Chautauqua County businesses and development opportunities to the corridor,\u201d Geise said.<\/p>\n