Senator Young Announces $150,000 To Promote The LECOM Health Challenge and Chautauqua County

CLYMER – The return of professional golf to Chautauqua County via the LECOM Health Challenge will be an economic boon for the region, promoting tourism and highlighting the region’s natural beauty.

The LECOM Health Challenge, a PGA/Web.com Tour event, will be hosted at Peek’n Peak Resort’s Upper Course from July 4-10, 2016. The tournament includes a Pro-Am on Wednesday, July 6, followed by four official rounds of tournament competition on July 7-10. It is expected to draw 156 professional golfers and 20,000 to 30,000 spectators.

Yesterday, Senator Catharine Young (R,C,I – 57th District) joined Chautauqua County Executive Vince Horrigan, Chautauqua County IDA Chief Executive Officer Kevin Sanvidge, and Nick Scott, Sr., President and Owner of Scott Enterprises, who owns Peek’n Peak Resort, to announce $150,000 in New York State support to promote the upcoming tournament.

“The LECOM Health Challenge is a magnificent economic driver and it is exciting to have the tournament back at Peek’n Peak’s beautiful facility. Golfers across our region know how great the courses are in Chautauqua County, and now we have the chance to market our region to a worldwide audience,” Senator Young said.

“I was pleased to be able to secure this funding, because the tournament will highlight Chautauqua County’s assets, including our world class wineries and craft breweries, incredible dining, pristine lakes and waterways, and, of course, our recreational activities. Tourism is the state’s fourth largest employer and it is important that we build on that success. The boost local businesses will see during the tournament, and as a result of the worldwide audience, will help create even more good paying jobs,” said Senator Young.

In 2014, the most recent year for which data is available, tourism in the Chautauqua-Allegheny region was a $548 million industry, sustaining 5,600 jobs in Chautauqua County. The county represents 48 percent of the region’s tourism sales with $263 million in traveler spending. Direct and indirect income from area residents involved in the tourism industry totaled over $238,000.

Chautauqua County Executive Vince Horrigan said, “Professional Golf is one of the most respected sporting events in the world.  Bringing the LECOM Health Challenge to Western New York and the surrounding region will supercharge our growing hospitality and tourism industry bringing visitors from across the nation to Chautauqua County and surrounding areas.  I am especially thankful to LECOM; New York State Senator Catharine Young; Mr. Nick Scott, owner of Peek’n Peak Resort; our Chautauqua County Legislature; Kevin Sanvidge and the entire IDA team; and the numerous sponsors of this great event who have brought the PGA back to Chautauqua County.”

Kevin Sanvidge, Chief Executive Officer, Chautauqua County IDA, said, “Chautauqua County is on the move and it is with great appreciation to Senator Young for her continued support to Chautauqua County that the PGA tour is coming back to Western New York. The LECOM Health Challenge will be viewed live around the world all four days of the competition and this has been made possible due to the commitment to Chautauqua County by Senator Young."

“The state’s participation and financial support of the LECOM Health Challenge is a vital component in what will surely be a significant economic driver for Chautauqua County,” said Nick Scott, Sr., President and Owner of Scott Enterprises, who owns Peek’n Peak Resort.​ “The LECOM Health Challenge will revitalize tourism in Western New York and add to the list of exciting attractions in the area.”

The PGA Tour played at Peek’n Peak from 2002 to 2007. Its return will bring national and international exposure to Chautauqua County and the surrounding region, via a four-day telecast on the Golf Channel.  The tournament itself is projected to have a positive direct economic impact of $5 to $6 million on the area.

Proceeds from the tournament will benefit the LECOM Student Scholarship Fund, as well as several other local charities including the United Way of Chautauqua County, Mikey’s Way Foundation, the Jamestown Community College Scholarship Funds and the First Tee of Western New York. In 2013-14, LECOM scholarships totaled more than $3.7 million for students.

Tickets to see the tournament are still available by visiting: www.LECOMHealthChallenge.com/.