Wyoming County Industrial Development Agency

06/12/2024

🎉 Celebrating 50 Years of Economic Development Excellence 🎉

Since 1974, the Wyoming County Industrial Development Agency (WCIDA) has been at the forefront of fostering economic growth and prosperity for Wyoming County and its residents. Yesterday, Wyoming County Board of Supervisors marked the 50th anniversary, reflecting on a legacy of vision, empowerment, and growth.

🏭 Roots of Progress: Founded by the Wyoming County Board of Supervisors, WCIDA was born from the foresight of individuals who recognized the potential for growth and prosperity in our community.

🌟 Driving Economic Progress: WCIDA has been guided by visionary leaders and dedicated volunteers who have propelled the mission forward by attracting new industries and supporting existing ones. Over the decades, the commitment to job creation, retention, and economic vitality has remained steadfast, guided by a dedicated seven-member volunteer Board of Directors and lead today by Executive Director & CEO, James Pierce.

💼 Empowering Entrepreneurs: Through comprehensive educational programs and strategic partnerships, WCIDA empowers budding entrepreneurs to plan, launch, and sustain successful businesses, driving innovation and prosperity.

💰 Incentives for Growth: WCIDA offers specialized financing and incentives to fuel business expansion, ensuring Wyoming County remains a vibrant hub of opportunity.

📈 Impressive Impact: Over the past two decades, WCIDA has facilitated over $1.4 billion in investments, catalyzing growth across various sectors including manufacturing, tourism, agriculture, and renewable energy.

👏 Community Collaboration: The WCIDA extends heartfelt appreciation to all past and present board members, staff, and partners who have contributed to WCIDA's success. Together, building more than just businesses - building a community united in its pursuit of prosperity and progress.

🌟 Looking Ahead: With optimism and determination, the WCIDA embarks on the next 50 years, united in commitment to building a brighter tomorrow for Wyoming County.

🎉 Cheers to 50 Years of Economic Excellence! 🎉

10/14/2021

NEW YORK STATE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL ANNOUNCES THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPER OF THE YEAR

NYSEDC recognized nearly 900 members as “Economic Developer of the Year” for the substantial impact they made in their communities during the COVID-19 Pandemic

The New York State Economic Development Council (NYSEDC) recognized its entire membership with the Robert T Dormer Economic Developer of the Year award at its Annual Meeting on September 28, 2021 in Cooperstown, New York. The NYSEDC is the state’s principal, nonprofit membership organization representing public, private, and nonprofit economic development professionals from throughout the state of New York.

The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted lives, economies, supply chains, and created a global economic crisis that impacted every community in New York State. Every one of our members played a critical leadership role in their community. They were met with the challenge of supporting their business community and workforce during the worst economic crisis of the century. They continue to work hard to reposition, repurpose, and rebuild their communities and economies and make them stronger, and more resilient. For this reason, they all deserve special recognition.

The Robert T Dormer Developer of the Year Award was established to honor an economic development professional who has made a substantial impact on his or her community and the economic development industry. Those selected for the award need to demonstrate:
• Outstanding performance in developing and administering economic development programs.
• Provide distinguished service to one’s community by providing leadership in stimulating local economic development.
• Demonstrate a commitment to NYSEDC, its programs and its policies.
• Demonstrate an interest in assisting colleagues within the economic development profession.
• Show distinction in providing leadership in respect to a problem or situation of significant interest and impact in the practice of economic development.
• Demonstrate a commitment to economic education and training.

“The last year has been filled with unprecedented challenges faced by all economic developers. The pandemic disrupted every aspect of the economic landscape and economic developers were on the front line supporting the needs of their business community and residents,” said Jaime Johnson, incoming Chairman of NYSEDC.

“Our entire Wyoming County economic development team and volunteer board members need to be applauded for the efforts that were put forward last year. As an organization, we worked diligently to assist our business community in weathering the pandemic storm to keep them afloat, and created new programs and services that helped many of them to grow,” said Jim Pierce, Executive Director of the Wyoming County IDA. “In fact, from an economic development project standpoint, we had the highest growth of new projects ever assisted in a one-year period, documented in the IDA’s Annual Report which was approved by the Board in September. Many thanks to the NYSEDC for recognizing the vital role that economic developers played throughout the pandemic and recovery to date.”

“The NYSEDC was proud to honor and recognize all our members for the critical role they play supporting their communities and economy. We congratulate the Wyoming County IDA and thank them for their leadership in Wyoming County and moving the New York State economy forward.” said NYSEDC Executive Director Ryan Silva.

For more than 30 years, NYSEDC has been the state’s principal organization representing economic development professionals, colleges and universities, and public-sector enterprises. Its members include IDAs, local development corporations (LDCs), banks, underwriters, bond counsels, utilities, chambers of commerce, real estate developers, business incubators, workforce organizations, and private corporations. The NYSEDC Economic Development Awards program recognizes the state’s best economic development programs and partnerships, marketing materials, influential leaders, and rising stars. These awards honor organizations and individuals for their efforts in creating positive change in urban, suburban, and rural communities.

The Wyoming County IDA's mission is to encourage and increase private investment that creates new job opportunities, retains and stabilizes the existing employment base, and generates added tax revenues through increased economic activity in Wyoming County. The Wyoming County Industrial Development Agency (WCIDA) is a public benefit corporation that works alongside county agencies, organizations, and affiliates to act as the lead entity in providing economic development services and acts as a coordinating agency for a variety of corporate financing and incentive programs offered by local, regional, state and federal agencies. www.wycoida.org

06/25/2020

WARSAW — In any other situation, it might just be a hotel opening.

06/25/2020

At long last! Micrtel is now open in Warsaw, N.Y.

05/24/2020

“Hooray”! Hidden Valley Animal Adventure is now re-opened!!

❗️Attention❗️We are excited to announce that we are opening and with a twist!

You can now visit with the animals from the comfort and safety of your own vehicle!

Here are a few simple things to know prior to arriving!

- DRIVE-THRU ONLY
- Check our social media daily for operating hours as they will change based on weather and road conditions.
- NO pets allowed!
- you must remain in your vehicle at all times!
- Cash only; for the time being
- $13 for adults, $10 for children, 2 & under free! $2 per feed container!

We look forward to seeing you soon!

TODAYS HOURS: 12 - 4 pm

05/08/2020

WYOMING COUNTY BUSINESS CENTER ANNOUNCES RE-START WYOMING LOAN PROGRAM
(Warsaw, NY) The Wyoming County Business Center announced on Wednesday, May 6, 2020, that it has created the Re-Start Wyoming Loan Program, which makes available $200,000 in loan assistance to small businesses in Wyoming County, New York that have been negatively impacted by the pandemic and the resulting business shutdowns.
“In response to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic’s financial impact on our small business community, the Wyoming County Business Center created the Re-Start Wyoming Loan Program. We recognized that some of the federal financing programs were not going to be the right answer for businesses, especially those that need capital to prepare to re-start,” said Rick Fish, Chairman of the Wyoming County Business Center Board of Directors.
“Our mission is focused on listening and responding to the important needs of Wyoming Businesses. When the COVID-19 crisis first hit, the Wyoming County IDA and Business Center both took proactive and immediate steps to minimize financial hardships that were anticipated for our small business borrowers by deferring principal and interest payments,” said Jim Pierce, Executive Director of the Wyoming County Industrial Development Agency and President of the Wyoming County Business Center. “We have also collaborated closely with the Wyoming County Chamber of Commerce to share resources and information with the business community and provided answers to a high volume of questions we receive on a daily basis.”
The primary use of funds from this program are to:
• Provide funding to modify the current business operation to adapt to business restrictions resulting from shut-down orders imposed by New York State.
• Provide a source of funds to assist in the re-opening of the business within 30 days once mandatory closure orders have been lifted.
• Provide payroll support, rent assistance, payment of utilities, replenishment of inventory, employee health care, and accounts payable assistance.
Borrowers interested in the Re-Start Wyoming Loan Program can apply for a minimum amount of $1,000 up to $10,000 in funds. Applicants can apply for a low-interest loan that is zero percent for the first 12 months, then the rate is 2.00% until the end of the loan term, and payment is deferred for the first 6 months of the loan.
Eligibility guidelines stipulate that a business must be located in Wyoming County, NY, able to document injury to the business as a result of COVID-19, and not have received assistance from the Federal Paycheck Protection Program or an Economic Disaster Relief Loan. For complete eligibility and detailed program information, visit www.wycoida.org.
Applications will be accepted from May 8 until July 31, 2020, and reviewed in the order received. They will continue to be processed until July 31, 2020, or until the funds are depleted. Applications can be downloaded on the website www.wycoida.org under the Small Business Assistance tab, or by contacting Jim Pierce at (585) 786-3764 or by email at [email protected].
The Wyoming County Business Center’s (WCBC) mission is to provide opportunities for business growth by promoting and assisting economic development projects that result in capital investments and job creation and retention in Wyoming County. The Wyoming County Business Center is a certified and designated affiliate of the Kauffman FastTrac® Program, a professional entrepreneurship development program. The WCBC also administers a low interest fixed rate micro-loan program available to qualified startup and existing businesses. Micro-loans range from a minimum of $10,000 to a maximum of $50,000. www.wycoida.org
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05/07/2020

Wyoming County - home of beautiful Letchworth State Park, Arcade & Attica Railroad, Hidden Valley Animal Adventure, and the perfect place to enjoy a year-round adventure! Plan your trip today!

04/27/2020

WYOMING COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS DECLARES ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT WEEK - MAY 4-9, 2020

Wyoming County joins communities nationwide to increase awareness of the positive work economic developers and professionals do to enhance local economic impact

WARSAW, NY - Wyoming County is marking National Economic Development Week from May 4-9, 2020 to celebrate the contributions of positive economic development and explain the role of the profession in our local community, including stewardship of:
• Policies that government undertakes to meet broad economic objectives including inflation control, workforce development, employment, and sustainable growth.
• Policies and programs explicitly directed at improving the business climate through specific efforts, business finance, marketing, community development, business retention and expansion, technical assistance, education, real estate development and others.

The Wyoming County Board of Supervisors recognized the County’s economic development team and their work by passing a proclamation on Tuesday, April 14, 2020, in advance of economic development week. The proclamation recognizes the economic development work in Wyoming County which is led by the Wyoming County Industrial Development Agency, the Wyoming County Business Center, and the Wyoming County Chamber of Commerce and Tourism office.

“Wyoming County’s economic development organizations promote economic well-being and quality of life for our communities by creating, retaining, and expanding jobs that facilitate growth, enhance wealth, and provide a stable tax base,” said Chairman of the Wyoming County Board of Supervisors, Jerry Davis. “Now more than ever, the Wyoming County Board of Supervisors recognizes the critical importance of economic development in Wyoming County and supports the positive work of its economic development professionals and organizations and urges all our citizens to join in observing this recognition which supports the expansion of economic opportunities and improving quality of life for the people of the county.”

“Wyoming County’s economic development organizations collectively encourage and facilitate increased private investment creating new job opportunities, retaining and stabilizing the existing employment base, and generating added tax revenues through increased economic activity countywide,” said Jim Pierce, Executive Director of the Wyoming County IDA.

“Our economic development team, representing public and private partnerships, works closely together every day on behalf of Wyoming County as resources to businesses by encouraging capital investment, expansion through cost-saving incentives, marketing opportunities, leadership development, technical training, support, entrepreneurial growth and more,” said Scott Gardner, President and CEO of the Wyoming County Chamber of Commerce.

Now in its fifth year, National Economic Development Week was created by the International Economic Development Council, the largest professional membership organization for economic developers, in 2016 to recognize the unique role that economic development has in creating vibrant communities with strong economies. Over the span of four years, more than 450 campaigns have been created throughout the United States and Canada, creating millions of impressions, hundreds of news stories, blog entries, videos, events and other activities. Cities, counties and states recognized the week in past years through official proclamations, local community events, and informational campaigns online and through social media. The United States Economic Development Administration (EDA) has also issued a statement commemorating Economic Development Week in past years.

The Wyoming County IDA's mission is to encourage and increase private investment that creates new job opportunities, retains and stabilizes the existing employment base, and generates added tax revenues through increased economic activity in Wyoming County. The Wyoming County Industrial Development Agency (WCIDA) is a public benefit corporation that works alongside county agencies, organizations, and affiliates to act as the lead entity in providing economic development services and acts as a coordinating agency for a variety of corporate financing and incentive programs offered by local, regional, state and federal agencies. www.wycoida.org

The Wyoming County Chamber & Tourism is the leading membership organization for local and regional growth, advocacy, and connection for Wyoming County’s business community. The Chamber & Tourism’s mission is to serve the members and community; promote and grow the area’s economic and tourism assets; and work collaboratively to create an environment that leads to the success and economic prosperity of Wyoming County. The key programs and services of the organization are educational seminars; leadership development; business assistance and guidance; cost-saving opportunities; advocacy; recognition, networking, exposure, and promotional opportunities. www.wycochamber.org

The Wyoming County Business Center’s (WCBC) mission is to provide opportunities for business growth by promoting and assisting economic development projects that result in capital investments and job creation and retention in Wyoming County. The Wyoming County Business Center, is a certified and designated affiliate of the Kauffman FastTrac® Program, a professional entrepreneurship development program. The WCBC also administers a low interest fixed rate micro-loan program available to qualified startup and existing businesses. Micro-loans range from a minimum of $10,000 to a maximum of $50,000. www.wycoida.org

The International Economic Development Council is the leading international association for professional economic developers. IEDC supports the work of more than 5,000 economic developers to create high-quality jobs, develop vibrant communities, and improve the quality of life in their regions. Their members are employed in a wide variety of settings including local, state, provincial, and federal governments, public-private partnerships, universities and a variety of other institutions.

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Media Contact:
Jim Pierce, Executive Director, Wyoming County IDA
President, Wyoming County Business Center
Phone: 585-786-3764, Email: [email protected]
Scott Gardner, Presidnet/CEO, Wyoming County Chamber & Tourism
Phone: 585-786-0307, Email: [email protected]

04/16/2020

The Wyoming County IDA has great concern for the well being of our County Businesses of all sizes and industry. The current Covid-19 crisis is unpresendented and has created many questions and concerns for all. Although we do not have all the answers we are here to help you navigate through the many programs and resources which have become available for NYS businesses. To find a list of programs and guidances you may find helpful for your business please visit the Wyoming County IDA website page: Guidance During Coronavirus (Covid-19) Pandemic https://wycoida.org/303/Guidance-During-Coronavirus-COVID-19-Pan

We will get through this together and stronger than ever!