Home >> Why Cattaraugus County

Why Cattaraugus County

A field in spring in the Enchanted Mountains (2014)

Cattaraugus County has many unique assets and strong points. Significant advantages for companies considering relocating to or expanding in Cattaraugus County include: strategic location, high quality of life, low percentage of unemployment, highly productive workforce, part of the ceramics corridor, rich history of metal working, a large investment in telecommunications, financing and tax incentives, energy supplies, and an abundance of natural resources. The ground water supply in the Allegheny River Basin and its major tributaries is virtually inexhaustible. New York Empire Zone and IDA incentives are also available.

Skilled Labor Force

The skilled labor force is one of the most productive in the nation, ranking high in added value per manufacturing man-hour. A wide range of available basic raw materials and a positive attitude toward business and industry at all government levels contributes to the strategy for growth offered by Cattaraugus County.

Cutco's Headquarters, cutlery-making facilities and Visitors Center are in Olean, NY
Streetscape view of Downtown Olean, NY

The City of Olean is Cattaraugus County's industrial and retail hub. The Olean-Allegany area's vast range of employers run the gamut from the CUTCO Cutlery International Headquarters to the St. Bonaventure University Campus.

Four Seasons of Outdoor Activities

The natural beauty and abundance of four season outdoor activities that the County enjoys, offers employees and families a fantastic quality of life. The Tourism Industry ranks second in Cattaraugus County. The attributes that attract visitors also attract industry, professionals and employees that fuel the local job market. Allegany State Park, New York State's largest, is located within our County boundaries and over 1.5 million visitors pay to enjoy the beauty that we have in our backyards. The "Aspen of the East", Ellicottville, New York, has two ski resorts that have evolved to offer more-than-winter trails but into year-round trail destinations that connect with miles of mountain biking and hiking trails.

Family looking out over Red House Lake at Allegany State Park in Autumn
Greg at HoliMont's mountain bike lift
Golf at Holiday Valley Resort's Double Black Diamond golf course

Seneca Nation of Indians & City of Salamanca

Front of Cultural Center & Seneca-Iroquois National Museum in Salamanca, NY
Seneca-Allegany Resort & Casino in Salamanca, NY

The Seneca Nation of Indians Allegany Reservation includes 96% of the City of Salamanca. The (Historically Underutilized Business) HUB Zone incentive is available to manufacturers that locate on the reservation. The City of Salamanca offers low cost electricity to both businesses and residents. Salamanca is the home of the Seneca Allegany Casino Resort and new Seneca Iroquois National Museum and Cultural Center.

Enchanted Mountains of New York

New York State is wonderful to experience as both a visitor and a resident. The Enchanted Mountains of Western New York (Cattaraugus County) can be yours to enjoy, too.

#