Ortt Retains Jobs by Keeping Private Business in Niagara County

State Senator Rob Ortt (R,C,I – North Tonawanda) today announced Niagara County’s Infrastructure Committee has agreed to lease space to Bogdon Associates, moving it forward in the process to keep the long-standing Wheatfield-based company in the county. The move retains six jobs for Niagara County while preventing the privately owned specialty engineering business from relocating to another county.  

“The Committee’s approval of this lease is a small, but vital piece of the puzzle in keeping Bogdon in Niagara County where the owners, employees, and residents want it to be,” said Senator Ortt. “A loss of six jobs in the county could have resulted in a negative economic impact, potentially causing a ripple effect for other industries. By keeping Bogdon in Niagara, we’re supporting local business, tax revenue and the local economy.”

For nearly two decades, Bogdon Associates, which provides software support to the Department of Defense, has operated out of the Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station. However, as the air base was finalizing plans to make room for the incoming C-130 simulator project, Bogdon was faced with finding a new home in a secure location with a guard force and other requirements mandated by the federal government.

Niagara County Legislator Randy R. Bradt (R-North Tonawanda) praised the quick actions by state and county officials. 
  
“From the time we became aware that we could lose Bogdon Associates and good, local jobs due to the company's very challenging security needs, Sen. Ortt, Commissioner of Economic Development Sam Ferraro, and County Manager Jeffrey M. Glatz were in constant communication with me, working to find a viable solution in Niagara County,” Bradt said. “The solution became obvious: our county's Public Safety and Training Facility in Lockport. Our county Emergency Services staff has been very helpful in making this work.” 
  
“We're not in the business of losing Niagara County jobs without putting up a fight,” Bradt added. 

Bogdon’s co-owner Marge Rude said, “After 18 years in Niagara County, we were advised that we would have to vacate our current location. With special location requirements, it appeared Bogdon Associates would have to leave Niagara County and possibly move to Erie County. This was disconcerting as the majority of the employees reside in Niagara County. Senator Rob Ortt heard about our situation and was instrumental in connecting us with Legislator Randy Bradt and Commissioner Sam Ferraro who then helped us find a new, suitable location in Niagara County. It is gratifying to know there are so many talented and enthusiastic people working for the residents of Niagara County. We thank Senator Ortt, Legislator Bradt and Commissioner Ferraro for their strong commitment to this area.”

Niagara County Department of Economic Development Commissioner Sam Ferraro said, “It was a pleasure to assist Bogdon Associates and to retain such a valued business in Niagara County. The small, but unique business is an asset to our community and has a great deal of economic importance to the county.”

The lease for the new space will go before the full legislature on November 17 for final approval.