By Kate Bartlett
Gregory Peterson has been named Chautauqua County Chamber’s Person of the Year and will be recognized at the Annual Awards Banquet on Thursday, October 5. As a Jamestown native, Greg has made a remarkable community impact in his career and with countless civic, charitable, and professional organizations. He currently resides in Lakewood with his wife, Cindy, and has 3 children (Amy, Megan and Brent), and 5 grandchildren.
Greg grew up in Jamestown and graduated from Jamestown High School. With an interest in business, he attended Allegheny College studying Economics and decided to continue to Law School. Greg sought for a career to make a difference in the community and to serve and help others in this way. He graduated from Dickinson College in Carlisle, PA with JD Degree. His first job after college was with Cadwell & Sharpe as a lawyer. This company merged with Phillips Lytle where Greg is still working as an attorney 42 years later.
He has held various leadership roles in the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation and The Resource Center. He is co-founder of The Robert H. Jackson Center, which was founded in 2001 to enhance the legacy of Supreme Court Justice Robert H. Jackson. The organization has brought Chief Justices William Rehnquist and John Roberts to the area together with Sandra Day O’Connor and Ruth Bader Ginsburg. “Over the past 22 years, we’re proud to have been able to bring various prosecutors and politically and constitutionally interesting individuals to the area. Recently, all the International Chief Prosecutors came to the Jamestown area through the efforts of this organization.”
As a life-long lover of baseball, Greg co-founded Jamestown Community Baseball , LLC 5 years ago which plays in the Perfect Game Collegiate League Team as the Jamestown Tarp Skunks. proud winners of 8 Championships. Baseball has deep roots in Jamestown, dating back to the late 1930’s, and Greg has helped this legacy continue.
Additionally, Greg has acted as general counsel to the County of Chautauqua Industrial Development agency for 35 years.
“My overriding philosophy is to give back to the community that supports you and your family. Find something that is your passion and do it well. This has been my guiding light.” He plans to continue on his journey with these established organizations, making sure they maintain sustainability and stay strong.
Greg notes that his success is built on teamwork. “It takes a village sounds trite, but true,” remarks Greg. He is grateful for family, old friends and new, who have supported The Jackson Center, Tarp Skunks and other county organizations with countless volunteer hours, encouragement and enthusiasm that has helped to make them so successful.
“Chautauqua County is one of the best kept secrets in New York State. We have so many assets available and many that continue to be discovered. The area is rich in history, and there’s great potential for future growth here.”
For more information regarding the Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce Awards Banquet and to register visit https://chautauquanycoc.weblinkconnect.com/events/.