Assemblyman Joseph M. Giglio (R,C,I-Gowanda) presented a Certificate of Designation as a Historic Business to Cutco Corporation President & CEO James Stitt today. Jay Bailey, Regional Director for the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation also attended the brief ceremony.

The New York State Historic Business Preservation Registry was established by Chapter 241 of the Laws of 2020 and is administered by the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. Cutco is one of the first 100 historic businesses across the state listed in the Registry.

“Cutco has been a cornerstone of the community since 1949 when they first began manufacturing knives in Olean. It is an honor to be here today to present the Certificate of Designation as a Historic Business to Jim Stitt,” Giglio said. “Cutco has been, and remains, dedicated to staying in Olean and keeping jobs local, providing an exceptionally high-quality product that is made in the USA, while so many others outsource overseas.”

In a letter accompanying the Certificate of Designation, NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation Commissioner Erik Kulleseid wrote, “Businesses like yours are the backbone of our communities and have helped to shape our state’s cultural identity. We admire and appreciate all you have done to contribute to New York’s economic and cultural heritage and wish you continued success.”

Cutco Corporation President and CEO Jim Stitt said, “We are very honored by this recognition - we would like to thank Assemblyman Giglio for nominating us. We are very proud of the 73 years of success that our business has had. Our achievement is directly tied to all of our employees, past and present, who have been loyal and committed to the long-term success of our business. Long-term, sustainable success is a core commitment of ours and this recognition ties to that commitment.”

Each state legislator was invited to nominate two businesses in his or her Senate or Assembly District. In addition to Cutco Corporation, Giglio successfully nominated Bank of Cattaraugus, which has been in existence since 1882 and has been known as the smallest bank in New York state.

“It was extremely gratifying, but honestly not a complete surprise, that two businesses in my Assembly District were chosen to be listed in the Registry. Our region is rich in resources and filled with entrepreneurs. I’m proud of the success of both Cutco Corporation and the Bank of Cattaraugus and their ability to remain strong for so many years. It was an honor to nominate them as New York State Historic Businesses,” said Giglio.