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As Chautauqua County continues to seek restoration of its Essential Air Service, the Chamber of Commerce and Manufacturers Association of the Southern Tier are asking local business people and residents to make their voices heard. At a time when tourism is increasing in our region and manufacturing is thriving, it seems to be in everyone’s best interest to provide a variety of transportation resources, including air travel. Tourism spending in Chautauqua County exceeded $262-million last year: the same year that the National Comedy Center opened for business bringing visitors from all over the world to our communities. In addition, attractions such as Chautauqua Institution, Lake Erie Wine Country, and natural features that make this area attractive for all types of recreation from fishing to boating to skiing and golf, bring a wide variety of visitors from all over to our county. As for other business sectors, manufacturing remains a key source of employment representing 19% of our workforce. Our manufacturing economy here relies on trade from all over the world with international companies as well as smaller local firms that sell products to broad markets. Manufacturers in Chautauqua County produce $5.1-billion in shipments annually, and those companies are doing business far and wide. The public and private sectors have joined together to propose a plan that would once again provide passenger air service to and from the County Airport at Jamestown. Chautauqua County and Boutique Airlines filed the proposal with the US Department of Transportation in September. The comment period on that proposal remains open, but so far the comments have been few. We strongly encourage local business people from all economic sectors to make their voices heard on this proposal. You can do so through the federal regulation website at www.regulations.gov and search for the proposal under the docket number DOT-OST-2003-14950-0131. Admittedly, it is not the most user-friendly website, but it’s important never the less. In addition, those who would expect to make use of the service through business air travel or tourism are encouraged to consider a sponsorship commitment that would help to ensure the success of renewed air travel to and from Jamestown. For more information, contact County Airport Manager Ron Almeter at (716) 661-8930.